Wherever you decide to buy, you will have to produce documentation about yourself and your family, so it’s a good idea to assemble the paperwork before you leave home. If you take original documents, many French administrators will be happy to make their own photocopy. If they request a document to be sent later, they are quite likely to asked for a certified copy (and possibly a translation, too). They may also be less flexible about what documents they will accept.
 

A useful dossier, to prove your civil status and financial standing would include passport, birth and marriage certificate, final decree from previous divorce, proof of residence in the UK (such as a driving licence or Council Tax bill). It can also be useful to take along a utility bill as proof of address, as this is commonly accepted in France, and recent bank statements, showing income and outgoings.
 

If you need to confirm your income, recent pay or pension slips and P60 are the best documents for employed people and the retired. Self-employed people should have a copy of their accounts and tax returns.
 

The signing of the contract to purchase requires a deposit (about 5% for new properties and 10% for older properties), so you will need to make sure sufficient funds are available for the Estate Agent or Notaire to hold to completion. Most professional agents are happy for you to telex funds to their client account, once you have returned to the UK. Collect details of their account while you are with them.
 
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