A
Acte authentique
The official deed signed at the notary's office that transfers property ownership. This is the final signature, after which you receive the keys.
Apport personnel (Deposit)
The sum you invest from your own funds, without borrowing. Banks typically require 10-20% deposit.
Assemblée générale (AG)
Annual meeting of co-owners that votes on important décisions: works, budget, building manager. AG minutes reveal the building's health.
C
Carnet d'entretien
Mandatory building maintenance log that records works done and equipment condition. Useful for anticipating future expenses.
Charges de copropriété
Common building expenses: maintenance, concierge, lift, collective heating. Check amounts before buying.
Chasseur immobilier (Property Hunter)
A professional who searches for property on behalf of a buyer. They exclusively defend the buyer's interests, unlike estate agents.
Compromis de vente
Preliminary contract signed between seller and buyer that commits both parties. It precedes the final deed by 2-3 months.
Conditions suspensives
Contract clauses that allow cancellation without penalty if not fulfilled (e.g., obtaining a mortgage).
Copropriété
Legal regime of a building divided into units belonging to différent owners. Each co-owner holds a share of common areas.
D
Délai de rétractation
10-day period after signing the preliminary contract during which the buyer can withdraw without reason or penalty.
Diagnostics immobiliers
Mandatory property surveys: DPE, asbestos, lead, electricity, gas, etc. Paid by the seller and attached to the contract.
DPE (Energy Performance Certificate)
Rating from A to G evaluating energy consumption. Poor ratings (F, G) impact value and rental possibilities.
Droit de préemption
Right granted to certain entities (city, tenant) to buy a property first. The notary checks if it applies.
F
Fonds de travaux
Mandatory building reserve fund (since 2017) to finance major future works. Minimum 5% of annual budget.
Frais de notaire (Notary fees)
Sum paid to the notary at purchase, including transfer taxes, notary fees and various costs. About 7-8% in existing properties.
H
Honoraires (Fees)
Property hunter's or agent's compensation. At Home Select: 2.5% of price, 100% on success.
L
Loi Carrez
Private floor area of a co-ownership unit, measured according to precise rules (height > 1.80m). Mandatory to mention in sales.
Loi Hoguet
Law regulating property professions: professional card, mandatory written mandate, financial guarantee, professional liability insurance.
LMNP (Furnished Rental)
Tax-advantageous status for owners who rent furnished. Allows depreciation and reduced taxation.
M
Mandat de recherche (Search Mandate)
Contract between property hunter and client, defining search criteria, duration and fees. Mandatory and regulated by law.
Marge de négociation
Gap between asking price and actual sale price. In Paris, currently 5-8% on average.
N
Notaire (Notary)
Public official responsible for drafting and authenticating sale deeds. Buyers can choose their own notary at no extra cost.
O
Off-market
Properties sold privately, without advertising. We receive 100+ off-market properties daily through our 10,000 partner network.
Offre d'achat (Purchase offer)
Written proposal from buyer to seller, specifying price and conditions. Morally binds the buyer but not legally until the preliminary contract.
P
Parties communes (Common areas)
Building elements belonging to all co-owners: lobby, stairs, roof, facade, lift...
Parties privatives (Private areas)
Elements exclusively belonging to each co-owner: the apartment itself, possibly cellar, parking...
Prêt immobilier (Mortgage)
Bank loan to finance property purchase. The suspensive condition protects the buyer if the loan is refused.
Primo-accédant (First-time buyer)
Person buying property for the first time. Some aids (PTZ) are reserved for first-time buyers.
PTZ (Zero-interest loan)
Interest-free loan for first-time buyers under income conditions. Amount and conditions vary by zone.
Q
Quote-part (Share)
Each co-owner's share of common areas, expressed in thousandths. Determines contribution to charges and voting weight.
R
Règlement de copropriété
Document defining building rules: use of common areas, authorized works, charge distribution...
Rendement locatif (Rental yield)
Ratio between annual rent and purchase price. Gross: rent / price. Net: after charges and taxes.
S
Séquestre (Escrow)
Sum paid at preliminary contract signing (5-10% of price), held until final signing. Applied to the sale price.
Surface habitable (Living area)
Built floor area, after deducting walls, partitions, and areas where height is < 1.80m. Different from Carrez area.
Syndic (Building manager)
Professional or volunteer who manages the co-ownership: maintenance, accounting, AG organization. Elected by co-owners.
T
Tantièmes (Shares)
Units measuring each unit's share in the co-ownership. Example: 150/10,000 shares.
Taxe foncière (Property tax)
Annual tax paid by the owner, based on the property's cadastral rental value.
V
Viager (Life annuity sale)
Sale where buyer pays an initial lump sum then rent to the seller until death. Uncommon but can offer opportunities.
Vice caché (Hidden defect)
Defect not apparent at purchase, making property unfit for use or significantly reducing value. Can lead to cancellation or price réduction.