Setting the right price: data, not intuition
The valuation draws on three sources: actual recorded transactions (DVF database), comparable properties currently for sale, and qualitative adjustments (views, aspect, condition, features and nuisances). An online valuation provides an initial range; only a visit can narrow it down.
Beware of the bias created by competing asking prices: a property advertised at 900 000 € for eleven months establishes no market value. The benchmark is the agreed sale price.
Choosing your mandate
A non-exclusive mandate allows you to appoint several agencies to sell the property. In practice, it dilutes responsibility, creates multiple listings for the same property, sometimes at different prices, and undermines its perceived appeal.
An exclusive mandate commits the agency to specific resources and a timetable: HDR photography, drone footage, cinematic video, a 360° virtual tour, virtual home staging, priority promotion and regular reporting to the seller. This approach delivers the best results for character properties.
- Non-exclusive mandate: wide exposure, limited commitment
- Exclusive mandate: premium marketing resources and reporting
- Irrevocable period: generally 3 months
- Agency fees: available in our published fee schedule
Prepare the technical documentation
The technical property report pack (DDT) must include the energy performance certificate (DPE) as soon as the property is put up for sale, and the other reports no later than the preliminary sale agreement. Preparing early avoids last-minute renegotiations.
In Corsica, always also include: title deed and ownership history, boundary survey, drainage compliance, planning permissions for completed extensions, and — for jointly owned properties — written agreement from all joint owners.
- Energy performance certificate (DPE) and energy audit for an energy-inefficient property
- Asbestos, lead, electricity, gas and termites, depending on age and location
- Risk and pollution report (ERP): wildfire, earthquake, clay shrinkage and swelling
- SPANC compliance for private drainage systems
Marketing and negotiation
The property must be launched simultaneously across all channels: portals, the agency website, the qualified buyer database and social media, with targeted off-market circulation only for confidential properties.
In negotiations, a prepared seller knows their minimum price, acceptable timeframe and the non-financial concessions they can make (vacant possession date, furniture included). This avoids giving in under pressure on price alone.
Capital gains tax
A main residence is exempt from tax on capital gains. For a second home or rental investment, the capital gain is taxed at 19 % for income tax and 17.2 % for social charges, with ownership-period allowances leading to full exemption after 22 years (income tax) and 30 years (social charges).
Works supported by invoices and acquisition costs are added to the purchase price used in the calculation: keep your supporting documents, as they directly reduce the taxable amount.