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VLT Notaires, Notaires de France

Our approach

How a file unfolds with us

A notarial deed is not a black box. It is a series of stages, each with its own documents to gather and its own timescale. Here is how we make them visible.

The principle

You see what we see.

As soon as your file is opened, we draw up the complete list of the documents required. You know which have been gathered, which are missing and whom to ask for them. You do not have to guess, and we do not have to chase you three times.

In practice, you receive a dashboard of your documents: in green those that have been gathered, in red those still missing, with your percentage of progress. We send you this dashboard throughout the file, so you do not have to call to find out how things stand.

The typical stages

From the first meeting to the handover of the title deeds.

The timescales below are indicative and vary with the type of deed.

  1. First meeting

    D-Day

    We understand your situation and tell you what is possible, what it involves and what it costs.

  2. Opening the file

    D+1

    Your contact person is appointed. You receive the complete list of documents to gather.

  3. Gathering the documents

    D+5 to D+45

    You submit your documents. We contact the authorities, the town hall, the managing agent and the property inspectors.

  4. Drafting the deed

    D+50

    We draft the deed and send it to you for review. You ask your questions before the signing.

  5. Signing

    D+60 to D+90

    At our offices or remotely, by electronic signature.

  6. Formalities

    D+90 to D+125

    Publication, registration, handover of the title deeds.

What we ask of you

Three things on your side.

  1. 1

    Your documents, as early as possible.

    A file moves no faster than its slowest document.

  2. 2

    Check the validity dates.

    A termite report more than six months old has lapsed and will have to be redone. We will point it out to you, but it is better to plan ahead.

  3. 3

    Ask your questions before the signing.

    That is what the draft deed is sent to you for.

The questions we are asked

Frequently asked questions.

How long does a property sale take?

On average 2 to 3 months between the preliminary contract and the authentic deed, the time needed for the statutory periods to expire and to gather the documents.

Why do we have to wait for the town hall’s reply?

The municipality has a set period in which to exercise its right of pre-emption and provide the planning documents. The signing depends on this period.

Can I sign if I am abroad?

Yes, by power of attorney or by remote electronic signature. We arrange the signing accordingly.

What happens if a document is missing on the day of signing?

The signing is postponed until the document is obtained. This is precisely what our tracking helps you avoid.

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