Buying a property in the Bordeaux metropolitan area — Bordeaux, Mérignac, Blanquefort and the neighbouring towns — is a major decision. This guide walks you through every stage so you can buy with confidence, at the right price and without unpleasant surprises.
Every step of buying a property
1. Define your project
Before you start searching, get clear on your project: main residence or buy-to-let, house or flat, floor area, area of town, move-in timescale. The more precise your project, the more effective your search.
2. Confirm your borrowing capacity
Speak to your bank or a mortgage broker for a financing simulation. Knowing your real budget saves you from viewing properties out of reach, and puts you in a strong position when making an offer.
3. Set the right criteria
Separate your must-haves (area, proximity to the tram or ring road, minimum floor area) from your nice-to-haves (garage, outdoor space, energy rating). That ranking will help you decide quickly during viewings.
4. Search and view properties
Browse online listings and set up alerts. But the best opportunities often come through the local network. As an eXp France adviser, I tell you first about properties that match your project.
5. Assess the property before making an offer
During viewings, pay attention to the state of the roof, damp, the electrical installation, the energy performance certificate (DPE), service charges and any works voted by the co-ownership. Come back a second time if you are seriously interested, ideally at a different time of day.
6. Make an offer
Your offer should be realistic for the Bordeaux market. It can be at the asking price, or slightly below if works are needed. Put it in writing and state your conditions (financing, timescale).
Tip: an offer backed by a mortgage pre-approval letter is more credible and often preferred over offers with no supporting document.
7. Sign the preliminary agreement
The preliminary sale agreement (compromis de vente) binds both parties. You have a 10-day cooling-off period after signing. Read it carefully, in particular the conditions precedent and the appendices.
8. Obtain your mortgage
After the preliminary agreement you generally have 45 days to obtain your mortgage offer. Submit your applications quickly to several lenders, or through a broker, to compare rates.
9. Sign the final deed
Signing at the notary transfers ownership. Have the balance of the price and the notary fees ready (around 7–8% of the price for an existing property). You receive the keys the same day.
Buyer’s checklist
- ✓ Budget set (deposit + borrowing capacity)
- ✓ Mortgage pre-approval obtained
- ✓ Criteria ranked (must-have / nice-to-have)
- ✓ Alerts set up on property portals
- ✓ Adviser contacted to hear about new listings first
- ✓ Viewings arranged (at least twice for a serious candidate)
- ✓ Energy certificate and surveys reviewed
- ✓ Service charges and co-ownership works checked
- ✓ Offer drafted and sent
- ✓ Preliminary agreement signed (10-day cooling-off period)
- ✓ Mortgage application filed within 45 days
- ✓ Mortgage offer accepted
- ✓ Final deed signed, keys collected
Can’t find the right property?
Tell me about your project: I can flag properties matching your criteria as soon as they come up in Bordeaux, Mérignac, Blanquefort and the neighbouring towns.
Frequently asked questions about buying
What is the first step to buying a property?
Work out your real budget with your bank or a broker. There is no point viewing properties without knowing your borrowing capacity.
Do I need financing in place before viewing?
Not compulsory, but strongly advised. A pre-approval letter reassures the seller and lets you make a credible offer straight away.
How do I know whether the price is fair?
Compare it with recent sales in the same area (same floor area, same condition, same type). Notarial data and a local adviser’s valuation are the best references.
Is the price negotiable?
Yes, but the room for negotiation depends on the local market and how long the property has been listed. In the Bordeaux area the market remains active: correctly priced properties sell close to the asking price.
What costs come on top of the purchase price?
Notary fees (7–8% for an existing property, 2–3% for new build), any agency fees, and the cost of the mortgage guarantee (surety or mortgage charge).
Do you search for properties on my behalf?
Yes, I can run a tailored search based on your criteria and alert you first about matching properties across the Bordeaux area.