Compromis is not always final step in France

A compromis is a pre-contract that is signed before the acte de vente définitif but recognises there are several reasons why a sale can fall through and leaves room for either side to exit.

The first way is via the 10-day délai de rétractation reflection period for buyers where they can stop the sale without giving a reason by sending a registered letter lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception.

Clauses suspensives (‘get-out clauses’) can be written in by either side to halt a sale such as if the buyer fails to find a mortgage within a set time (notaires can request proof of refusal).

If circumstances regarding the property have changed from when a compromis was signed – such as a ‘quiet’ neighbourhood has become noisy – this can also be reason to pull out as correct information was not given, the devoir d’information.