Arras, a city of art and history in northern France, isattracting more and more property buyers. Whether you’re a young couple looking for your first home, or a family looking to settle down in a peaceful, historic environment, buying a home in Arras can be an excellent decision. However, the process of buying real estate can be complex and requires careful preparation. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps involved in buying a home in Arras, and give you some practical advice on how to make your purchase a success.
Define your budget and criteria for setting up your home address in Arras
The first step in buying a house in Arras is to define your budget precisely. This step is not limited to determining the amount you are willing to invest in the purchase of the property. In fact, the overall budget must include a number of additional items that can quickly increase the final bill. It’s essential to consider the notary’s fees, which generally vary between 7% and 8% of the sale price for an older property. Then there are the agency fees, if you decide to use a real estate agency to help you with your purchase. These fees can vary between 3% and 10% of the sale price, depending on the agency and the nature of the service provided. And don’t forget to factor in the potential costs of renovating or bringing the property up to standard. A precise assessment of your borrowing capacity is therefore essential to ensure that your project remains realistic, while allowing for a safety margin to deal with unforeseen circumstances, such as additional work or interest rate fluctuations.
Get a simulation from your financial institution, bank or broker, before you make an offer !
Once you’ve established your overall budget, it’s time to define your search criteria. These must be adapted not only to your current needs, but also to your future plans. Think about the size of the property, expressed in square meters, which corresponds to your requirements in terms of living space. The number of rooms is also a key criterion, especially if you’re planning to expand your family or set up a home office. At the same time, proximity to amenities such as schools, shops and public transport is an aspect not to be overlooked, especially if you plan to live in Arras for an extended period. This last point is all the more important in a city where quality of life is directly linked to the accessibility of local services.
In Arras, townhouses with character are particularly sought-after, especially those that combine the charm of the past with the comfort of modern facilities. Properties located in the city center or in historic districts are particularly sought-after because of their privileged location and the unique atmosphere they offer. For example, this 79 m² house for sale on Rue d’Amiens is a perfect example of this type of property. Nestled right in the heart of Arras, in the immediate vicinity of the city’s major institutions, this home offers not only easy access to amenities, but also a peaceful living environment, far from the hustle and bustle of the main roads – all with no agency fees. The type of neighborhood you choose to buy in will also determine your future quality of life. Arras offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own character and specific advantages. If you’re looking for a quiet, family-friendly environment, residential neighborhoods on the outskirts of town may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you want to live in the heart of the action, close to restaurants, stores and cultural activities, downtown is a wise choice.
The house on Rue d’Amiens, for example, is located in a neighborhood where history and modernity coexist harmoniously, making it an ideal choice for those who want to soak up the unique atmosphere of Arras while enjoying modern conveniences. Finally, it’s important to think about resale, even if this is not your short-term objective.
Choosing a home in a sought-after neighborhood, close to amenities and important institutions, can be a wise long-term investment. A property’s unique features, such as a historic façade or exceptional location, can considerably increase its value on the real estate market. So, by precisely defining your budget and search criteria, you can ensure that you make an informed choice, not only to meet your current needs, but also to secure a long-term investment.
Buying a single-family home in Arras 62000
Administrative and legal procedures for buying a house in Arras
Once you’ve found the house of your dreams in Arras, it’s essential to understand the administrative and legal procedures that await you. Buying real estate is a process governed by law, and each stage requires careful attention to ensure that the transaction runs smoothly. The first formal step is the signing of the compromis de vente. This document, also known as a promesse synallagmatique de vente, is a preliminary contract that commits both seller and buyer to conclude the sale, subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions precedent, such as obtaining a mortgage.
It is crucial to read this document carefully, as it defines the terms and conditions of the sale, including the sale price, the deadline for signing the final deed and any specific clauses agreed between the parties. To avoid any surprises, we strongly recommend that you call on the services of a notary, who will be able to verify the conformity of the compromis and ensure that your interests are protected.
At the same time as signing the compromis de vente, you’ll need to put together your mortgage application if you need financing for the purchase. This file is an essential part of your project, as it determines your ability to obtain the necessary financing. You’ll need to provide detailed information on your income, your personal contribution, your fixed and variable charges, and your professional and financial situation. These details enable the bank to assess your creditworthiness and determine the amount of the loan it is prepared to grant you, as well as the associated conditions (interest rate, loan term, insurance). It’s often a good idea to compare offers from several banks, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and financial profile.
Once your loan has been approved, the bank will issue a loan offer which you will need to accept in order to proceed. The signing of the deed of sale, also known as the acte authentique, is the final stage in the real estate transaction. This deed, drawn up and signed in the presence of the notary, formalizes the transfer of ownership of the house from the seller to the buyer. Before signing, the notary will have carried out a number of essential checks, such as the authenticity of documents, the regularity of mandatory diagnostics, the absence of mortgages on the property, and the conformity of payments (sale price, notary fees, etc.).
On the day of signing, you will be required to pay the balance of the purchase price and the notary’s fees. The notary will then hand over the keys to the house, and you will officially become the owner of the property. Please note that the deed of sale will then be registered with the land registry, guaranteeing your right of ownership. An often overlooked but fundamental aspect of buying real estate is the completion of mandatory technical diagnostics. These diagnostics, required by law, are designed to inform the buyer about the general condition of the property and any risks or work to be carried out.
Among the most common diagnostics are the energy performance diagnostic (DPE), which evaluates the property’s energy consumption and environmental impact, and the risks and pollution diagnostic (ERP), which provides information on the natural, mining or technological risks present in the area where the house is located. In the case of the charming house in Arras mentioned above, other diagnostics are also required, such as electrical and gas installation diagnostics, which check that installations comply with current standards. These diagnostics are essential to ensure that the house has no hidden defects, and to assess any work that may need to be undertaken.
If the DPE is compulsory, you should also be aware that it is difficult to obtain bank financing for a project if the energy performance is rated below E (F & G).
Finally, it’s essential to understand that certain formalities must be completed even after the purchase to finalize the process. Once the deed of sale has been signed, the notary has around two to three months to publish the sale with the land registry, which makes the transfer of ownership enforceable against third parties. During this period, the notary will also settle all administrative formalities linked to the transaction, such as the payment of local taxes or the division of charges between the old and new owners. What’s more, as the new owner, you’ll also need to take steps to transfer energy, water and other service contracts into your name, as well as taking out home insurance. These steps, although technical, are essential to securing your investment and ensuring a smooth transition to your new life in Arras.
Negotiate well and settle in peacefully
Negotiation is a key stage in buying real estate. Don’t hesitate to discuss the price with the seller, taking into account any work to be carried out or the advantages of the property. For example, the house on Rue d’Amiens in Arras has a convertible attic which could be an additional asset, but which can also be a negotiating lever if renovation work is required. Once the sale is closed, it’s time to prepare your move. Plan your move, take the necessary steps to change your address and contact your energy and service providers. Don’t forget to take out home insurance to cover your new property against common risks.
One of Arras’ special features is its rich historical and cultural heritage. Moving to this town will enable you to enjoy a pleasant living environment, where modern conveniences blend with the authenticity of cobbled streets and ancient houses. You can explore Arras’ famous squares, visit the museums or simply enjoy the gentle pace of life in this human-sized town.
To conclude about buying a house in Arras
Buying a home in Arras is an exciting adventure, but one that requires preparation and organization. By carefully defining your criteria and budget, informing yourself about legal requirements and negotiating effectively, you’ll put all the chances on your side for a successful purchase. Arras, with its historic charm and quality of life, offers an ideal setting for those looking to settle in northern France.
R.C.
