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A Projet de Compromis de Vente is your preliminary property purchase agreement under French law that creates legally binding obligations between you as the buyer and the seller. This synallagmatic promise establishes the framework for your real estate transaction while providing essential legal protections through conditional clauses and statutory safeguards.

When do you need this document?

You need a Projet de Compromis de Vente when purchasing any real estate property in France, whether residential, commercial, or investment property. This document is essential when you want to secure a property while arranging financing, as it typically includes conditional clauses for mortgage approval. You'll also need it when selling property as it protects your interests by ensuring the buyer's commitment through a deposit. The document is particularly important for new construction purchases where completion dates are uncertain, and for any transaction involving co-ownership properties that require specific measurements under Loi Carrez.

Key legal considerations

Your Projet de Compromis de Vente must include precise property identification with cadastral references and accurate surface measurements as required by Loi Carrez for co-ownership properties. The price and payment terms must be clearly specified, including any deposit requirements and allocation of transaction costs. Conditional clauses (conditions suspensives) are crucial elements that protect your interests, commonly including mortgage approval, urban planning permits, and satisfactory property diagnostics. You must ensure all mandatory property diagnostics are attached, covering energy performance, asbestos, lead, and other technical assessments required under the Code de la Construction et de l'Habitation. The document should also address any existing tenancies, easements, or charges affecting the property.

Legal requirements in France

Under French law, your Projet de Compromis de Vente must comply with Code Civil Articles 1582-1701 governing sales contracts and include all essential elements for a valid agreement. You benefit from a mandatory 10-day cooling-off period during which you can withdraw without penalty, as established by consumer protection legislation. The document requires notarization for final completion, and the notaire will verify all legal requirements and conduct necessary searches. For co-ownership properties, you must comply with Loi Carrez surface measurement requirements and provide the co-ownership regulations and financial statements. The agreement must respect Loi ALUR provisions regarding information disclosure and transaction transparency. All parties must be properly identified with full civil status details, and any foreign buyers must comply with additional administrative requirements for property acquisition in France.