Pre-Inspection and Property Delivery

The Complete Guide to the Pre-Inspection & Delivery of a New Build Property in France

Everything International Buyers Need to Know Before Collecting the Keys of Their New Build Property

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1 of 9 - Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Your Property is Nearly Ready… What Happens Next?

There are few moments more exciting than receiving confirmation that your new home in France is almost ready for completion. After months or perhaps years of watching the development progress, your purchase is entering its final stage. While construction may be nearing completion, there are still several important steps before you can collect the keys and begin enjoying your new property.

Many international buyers assume that once the building work is finished, they simply arrange a date to collect the keys. In reality, the final phase of a French new-build purchase is a carefully managed process involving inspections, legal documentation, final payments and formal handover procedures. Understanding what happens during this period will help ensure a smooth transition from buyer to homeowner.

Whether you are purchasing a luxury apartment on the French Riviera, a ski chalet in the Alps or a contemporary villa elsewhere in France, the process generally follows the same sequence under French property law.

The Final Stage of Your Purchase

As construction approaches completion, the developer begins preparing each property for handover. Every apartment or house undergoes a series of internal quality inspections, technical testing and finishing works before buyers are invited to visit.

Although your property may appear complete, the developer's teams are often carrying out final adjustments such as:

• Decorating and finishing touches

• Installing appliances and sanitary ware

• Testing electrical and plumbing systems

• Programming heating or cooling systems

• Cleaning the property

• Completing communal areas

• Landscaping external spaces

• Testing lifts, security systems and building access controls

  
  

It is perfectly normal for contractors to still be present on site during this period. Large developments are often completed in phases, meaning certain communal facilities or landscaping may still be underway while individual homes are ready for inspection.

The Developer's Completion Notice

Once the developer is satisfied that your property is approaching completion, you will usually receive formal communication inviting you to prepare for the final stages of your purchase.

Depending on the developer, this may include:

• Confirmation that construction is nearing completion

• Proposed dates for your Pré-Livraison (Pre-Inspection)

• Estimated date for the official Livraison (Delivery)

• Information regarding the final payment

• Instructions for arranging travel if you intend to attend in person

• Documentation that will be required during the handover

The exact timing varies from one development to another, but buyers are generally contacted several weeks before the official delivery date.

For overseas purchasers, this advance notice provides valuable time to organise travel, accommodation and where necessary, arrange representation if attending in person is not possible.

Understanding the Two Separate Appointments

One aspect of the French system that often surprises international buyers is that there are typically two distinct appointments before ownership is fully handed over.

These appointments serve different purposes and should not be confused.

1. The Pré-Livraison (Pre-Inspection)

The Pré-Livraison is an opportunity to inspect your new property before the formal handover takes place.

Its purpose is to identify any visible defects, incomplete finishes or items requiring adjustment before delivery.

This is not the legal transfer of the property, nor do you normally receive the keys at this stage.

Instead, it is an opportunity to work collaboratively with the developer to ensure the property meets the agreed specification before the official delivery.

2. The Livraison (Official Delivery)

The Livraison is the formal handover of your property.

During this appointment:

• The property is officially delivered to you,

• The final inspection takes place,

• Any remaining observations are recorded,

• Legal documents are signed,

• Keys are handed over,

• and you officially take possession of your new home.

This appointment has legal significance under French property law and marks the beginning of several statutory warranties that protect your investment.

Why the Two-Stage Process Benefits Buyers

Some overseas buyers initially question why two appointments are necessary.

In reality, separating the inspection from the official delivery offers significant advantages.

The Pre-Inspection gives the developer an opportunity to correct any issues identified before the final handover, reducing the likelihood that you will move into a property with unfinished work or minor defects.

Rather than discovering problems after receiving the keys, both parties have the opportunity to resolve them beforehand.

This collaborative approach generally leads to a smoother delivery experience and a higher standard of finish.

Preparing for the Final Payment

Before the official delivery, the developer will normally request payment of the final balance due under your purchase contract.

For most VEFA purchases, payments have already been made progressively throughout construction in accordance with the agreed payment schedule. The final instalment is typically payable shortly before or at delivery, depending on the terms of your contract.

Before transferring funds, you should always ensure that:

• you understand the amount due,

• you have received the developer's payment instructions,

• your bank has sufficient time to process an international transfer if applicable,

• any currency exchange has been arranged,

• and your notaire has confirmed that all legal requirements have been satisfied.

If you are financing the purchase with a French mortgage, your lender will also coordinate the release of the final loan funds according to the agreed completion schedule.

Planning Your Visit to France

If you intend to attend both appointments in person, it is advisable to make travel arrangements as soon as the dates are confirmed.

Allow sufficient flexibility in your schedule, as inspection appointments can occasionally be adjusted due to weather conditions, final construction works or administrative requirements.

Many buyers also take advantage of this visit to:

• Meet the building manager,

• Familiarise themselves with the local area,

• Arrange utilities or internet services,

• Purchase furniture,

• Meet interior designers,

• Organise property management,

• Or simply begin enjoying their new home.

Planning an extra day or two after delivery can often prove beneficial, particularly if additional documentation needs to be completed or you wish to oversee the first stages of furnishing your property.

If You Cannot Travel to France

Not every buyer is able to travel to France for the final stages of the purchase.

Fortunately, French developers are accustomed to working with international clients and several practical solutions are available.

Depending on the circumstances, you may choose to appoint:

• A trusted family member,

• A legal representative,

• Your estate agent,

• An independent property inspection specialist,

• Or another authorised representative through a formal Power of Attorney.

Many overseas buyers also request live video inspections, allowing them to participate remotely while their representative conducts the inspection on site.

We explore these options in detail later in this guide.

What Happens Next?

Once your appointment has been confirmed, it is time to prepare for one of the most important visits of your entire property purchase.

The Pré-Livraison is far more than a simple walkthrough. It is your opportunity to inspect every aspect of your new home, confirm that it has been completed to the agreed specification, identify any items requiring attention and gain a full understanding of how your property operates before taking ownership.

In the next chapter, we'll explain how to prepare for the Pre-Inspection, what to bring, what to expect, and how to ensure you get the very best from this important appointment.

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