COMPULSARY BUILDING SURVEY
During a building survey, a professional assesses a property for certain criteria (presence of asbestos, termites…).
WHEN IS A SURVEY NECESSARY?
If you are a property owner wishing to sell or let out there are 3 scenarios when a survey is necessary:
- Selling
- Letting out for domestic use
- Letting out for mixed domestic and business use.
WHO CARRIES OUT THE SURVEY?
Each building survey must be compiled by a registered professional accredited by the French Accreditatation Committee, COFRAC (Comité Français d’Accréditation).
To simplify the steps involved, see our summary table below.
WHAT IS TESTED AND HOW LONG ARE THEY VALID FOR?
| TEST | PROPERTIES CONCERNED | LENGTH OF VALIDITY (if no modification made) |
| Official surface area | All properties under co-ownership | Unlimited |
| Asbestos | Planning permission prior to 01.07.1997 | Unlimited if asbestos not present, every 3 years if present. |
| Lead | Planning permission prior to 01.01.1949 | Unlimited if lead not present, every year if present |
| Energy Performance Diagnostics | All buildings enclosed, covered and heated | 10 years |
| Assessment of natural, technical & mining risks | All property situation in a zone declared at risk | 6 months |
| Gas | Installations older than 15 years | 3 years |
| Electricity | Installations older than 15 years | 3 years |
| Drains | All types of off-mains properties | 3 years |
| Termites | In infested zones designated by an order of the prefect | 6 months |