The search mandate explained

The search mandate is the official contract that binds you to your property hunter. Required by the Hoguet law, it sets out the search criteria, the fees, the duration and each party's commitments.

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avg. negotiation

clients assisted

4,8/5

Google

Tell us about your search

avg. nego.

clients

4,8/5

Google

Tell us about your search

What is a search mandate?

A search mandate is a contract under which you, the buyer, engage a property hunter to find a property matching your brief.

This document is mandatory: under the Hoguet law, a hunter cannot receive any fee without a prior written mandate. It is your principal legal protection.

Required mandate contents

Identity of the parties

Full contact details of the client (you) and the agent (the hunter).

Object of the search

Property type, floor area, number of rooms, location and budget.

Duration of the mandate

Period of validity, typically three to six months, with renewal terms.

Fees

Amount or percentage, with payment terms (paid only on success at Home Select).

Type of mandate

Exclusive or non-exclusive, with the obligations attached to each.

Means deployed

A description of what the hunter undertakes to do.

Professional card number

The hunter's 'T' professional card and the relevant guarantees.

Cancellation terms

The conditions under which the mandate may be ended before its term.

Exclusive or non-exclusive mandate?

Exclusive mandate

You entrust the search to a single hunter. In return, they commit the full weight of their network and resources to your search.

Maximum commitment from your hunter
Priority access to off-market opportunities
A single dedicated point of contact

Non-exclusive mandate

You remain free to search in parallel. The hunter is naturally less committed, knowing they may not be paid for the work they put in.

Freedom to search in parallel
A lighter commitment from your hunter
More complex coordination

At Home Select, we recommend the exclusive mandate for a focused search and the full commitment of your hunter.

The steps of a property purchase in Paris

How long does the mandate last?

The standard duration for a search mandate is three to six months.

Activate their network and identify off-market properties
Cover the entire visible market
Organise pre-viewings and shortlist the strongest properties
Negotiate calmly, with proper comparables

At Home Select: an average search of 45 days. The mandate can be renewed by amendment if your search needs more time.

Can you cancel a mandate?

Cancellation at expiry

The mandate ends naturally on the date set in the contract, with no formalities required.

Early cancellation

Possible with notice (typically 15 days), by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.

Financial consequences

Under our success-only model, no fee is due if the mandate is cancelled before a property is found.

Frequently asked questions

Is the mandate compulsory?

Yes. The Hoguet law requires a written mandate before any work is carried out. It is your protection: without a mandate, a hunter cannot lawfully be paid.

What if I find a property myself during the mandate?

It depends on the type of mandate. With a non-exclusive mandate, you can buy a property you found on your own without paying the hunter. With an exclusive mandate, the precise terms should be checked in the contract.

Can I change my criteria during the mandate?

Yes. Criteria often evolve as the search progresses. An amendment to the mandate captures any changes (budget, area, floor area). This is entirely normal and very common.

When are the fees due?

At Home Select, fees are paid only on success. They are due only at completion at the notary's office, when you officially become the owner.

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