18/06/2026
🏡 Thinking of Selling Your Home in France? Here's What to Do First!
Before your property goes on the market, a little preparation can make the process smoother and help avoid delays later on.
✅ Gather your paperwork
Try to locate any documents relating to the property, including planning permissions, guarantees, invoices for major works, and information about your heating system or septic tank.
✅ Check your diagnostics
When selling in France, you'll need a number of property diagnostics (known as the DDT), including the DPE (energy rating) and, depending on the property, checks for electricity, gas, asbestos, lead, termites and more.
✅ If you have a fosse septique...
It may need to be inspected before the sale. Having this arranged early can help avoid delays later in the process.
✅ Finish those small jobs
Loose handles, peeling paint, broken light fittings and other minor repairs can make a bigger difference than you might think.
✅ Tidy outdoor spaces
First impressions count! A mown lawn, trimmed hedges and a tidy entrance can help buyers imagine themselves living there.
✅ Think about presentation
A decluttered, well-lit home often photographs better and can make rooms feel larger and more inviting.
✅ Speak to an agent early
Even if you're not ready to list immediately, an experienced agent can advise on pricing, presentation and any preparations worth making before going to market.
Every property is different, but a little preparation now can make the selling process much easier later on.
Have you ever sold a property in France? What's one thing you wish you'd known beforehand?
