Buying Property Off-Plan in France: The VEFA Advantage

If you love the idea of a brand-new, energy-efficient home in France—but dread hidden defects and runaway timelines—buying off-plan can sound risky. In reality, France’s framework for Vente en l’État Futur d’Achèvement (VEFA) is one of the most protective in Europe. With the right checks, it’s a smart way to secure a modern home in a location you truly want.

What “VEFA” really means

VEFA is a commitment to purchase a property before or during construction. You reserve a specific apartment or house, lock in a price (often with limited indexation), and pay in regulated stages as the building progresses. Legal title transfers progressively; you receive the keys at delivery once the home is complete and certified.

A typical payment schedule (illustrative):

• Reservation deposit (capped by law, depending on timing)

• Up to 35% at foundations

• Up to 70% when the structure is weather-tight

• Up to 95% at technical completion

• Balance at delivery (you may consign 5% if you note defects)

Because the cadence is prescribed, your cash flow is predictable—and if you’re financing, your bank releases funds in step with the works.

The French safety net

Three pillars make VEFA robust:

1) Completion guarantee (GFA).
Before signing the deed, the developer must provide a garantie financière d’achèvement—a bank or insurer’s promise that your home will be finished even if the developer fails. No GFA, no deal.

2) Cooling-off and capped deposits.
Once the reservation contract is served, you have 10 days to withdraw without penalty. Reservation deposits are strictly limited by law, protecting buyers from over-exposure well before foundations are poured.

3) Post-delivery warranties.
France layers protections after handover:

• Parfait achèvement (1 year): all defects you report must be fixed.

• Biennale (2 years): equipment (e.g., shutters, heating units) is covered.

• Décennale (10 years): serious/structural issues are insured.

At delivery you conduct a detailed inspection (état des lieux / procès-verbal de livraison). If needed, you can withhold 5% in escrow until listed defects are remedied.

Why many buyers choose off-plan

Lower purchase costs. Notary fees on new-build are generally around 2–3% of the price (versus ~7–8% for older property). That’s money you can keep for furnishing or options.

Energy and comfort. New homes meet current standards—better insulation, ventilation, glazing, and often superior acoustics. Running costs and DPE ratings tend to be kinder to your wallet (and to tenants, if you’re investing).

Tailored living. Within deadlines you can select finishes and, sometimes, request TMA (plan tweaks). It’s not a blank cheque—but it is a chance to make the space work for you from day one.

Predictable maintenance. With new equipment and building systems, the early years are typically light on repair surprises—ideal if you’re balancing work, family, and a move across borders.

The fine print to read—properly

Delivery dates and penalties. Understand the contractual date, tolerated delays (weather, strikes, supply), and what compensation applies. Keep a pragmatic buffer for your move.

Price indexation. Some deeds reference the BT01 construction index. Clarify whether your price is fixed or revisable, how caps operate, and that indexation is symmetrical (both ways).

Spec sheet = reality. The notice descriptive governs materials, equipment, and layout. Verify storage, sockets, heating type, lift, parking, cellar, bike rooms, and what counts as “standard” vs “option.” Don’t rely on show-flat gloss.

Co-ownership costs. Ask for the draft règlement de copropriété and projected charges. Pools, landscaped areas, and collective heating are lovely—budget for them.

Developer track record. Past deliveries, after-sales service, financial health. A great scheme in a great postcode still needs a great builder.

VEFA vs. existing property

• Upfront costs: VEFA usually wins (reduced notary fees).

• Time to occupy: Existing wins (immediate). VEFA requires patience.

• Works: VEFA minimal; older homes may need energy upgrades or renovations.

• Certainty: Existing is “see and touch”; VEFA requires trust—balanced by legal guarantees and methodical due diligence.

How to de-risk your purchase

1. Paper first, brochure second. Review the reservation contract, GFA certificate, draft deed, spec sheet, and co-ownership rules before emotions take over.

2. Lock your finance to the build. Align mortgage drawdowns with the legal stages; keep a contingency for options or indexation.

3. Diary the warranty windows. Note the 1-, 2-, and 10-year landmarks; report issues in writing and follow up.

4. Snag like a pro. At delivery, take your time. Photograph, list, and describe issues. If needed, retain 5% in escrow until fixes are complete.

5. Think life, not just launch. Evaluate transport, schools, local shops, cycling paths, and future urban plans—the daily fabric that makes a home “work.”

Quick glossary

VEFA: Off-plan purchase with staged payments and strong buyer protections.
GFA: Bank/insurer guarantee that ensures completion.
BT01: French index tracking construction costs; sometimes used to adjust price.
DPE: France’s energy-performance rating for homes.
Procès-verbal de livraison: Delivery report listing any defects (“reservations”).

By Eleanor Moore — French property consultant