An Immobilier’s View: Locked-Down but Property Enquiries Up

For the latest in our series on how Covid-19 is affecting the life and work of estate agents and property buyers in France, we head to Lower Normandy to hear from FrenchEntrée partner immobilier Suzanne in France.

Despite exceptional circumstances due to the world health crisis and the lockdown measures put in place, I am pleased to say that I am seeing a continued, or even slightly increased, level of enquiries from potential French property purchasers.

I am working with my local Notaire to find workable solutions for signing Power of Attorney documents electronically, with the Notaire then signing the promesse de vente and even a completion or two.

I have also updated all my systems, including renewing mandates and discussing pricing and marketing with the owners. I am also getting on top of my Social Media accounts – I post regular updates on my Suzanne in France Facebook page regarding the situation here in France – and continuing with my obligatory annual Professional Training, as well as working and responding to emails daily as usual.

Reassuring my clients

I have been able to re-assure vendors and purchasers of my ongoing sales and only one purchaser has found themselves, through a combination of events, unable to proceed for the moment. I have also negotiated a couple of new sales for clients who had viewed properties previously, and have been back in contact as they wish to move forward with their plans.

I have also been able to put new properties on to the market – places I had already visited in order to advise vendors about marketing, to measure up and take photos, etc. before the lockdown. A great number of purchasers have more time to browse on the website whilst they are furloughed, etc. Easter and springtime are great periods to start marketing properties so we have worked to put his in place.

Expecting a busy period post-lockdown

My feeling is that once the virus has been overcome and restrictions on travel have been lifted, it is going to be very busy with purchasers wanting to buy during the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement period, so I am doing everything possible to ensure that I am well placed to carry out all the viewing and instruction appointments requested. These are being booked in already!

I hope that you, your families and loved ones are all keeping safe and well and look forward to seeing you in Normandy when life returns to “normal”.

Here are three of Suzanne’s new properties that have been receiving a lot of attention:

Manche

€192,500

A detached property with pretty valley and distant sea views, set within a small friendly village.

Calvados

€139,500

Delightful renovated Normandy Farmhouse for sale with two en-suite bedrooms and just under 4.5 acres with stabling.

Manche

€65,000

Detached farmhouse with outbuildings in quiet position in Normandy, standing on its own surrounded by fields and with no close neighbours.

If you’re planning on owning property in Normandy when the lockdown comes to an end, our French Property team would love to hear from you here.