The French system of buying property and subsequently building and developing is a little different from most other countries and requires a deal of familiarisation. Anyone who assumes that at least the principles must be similar could find themselves very quickly in deep water.

France has long been classed one of the most bureaucratic countries in the world and although this is generally true in building and construction it does not necessarily provide the expected level of consumer protection.

There is, for example, no control, inspection or spot-checks of building work either before, during or after construction. Planning permission itself does not require any details of the building's construction and the only statutory process is to verify that the finished building is superficially the same as the original plans.

Furthermore, there is no French equivalent to a surveyor. Therefore it is virtually impossible to get independent professional advice on, or legal protection against, any hidden defects. The French system relies, almost entirely, on the services of the architect and the insurance company. Few, if any, architects have been trained in the surveying of buildings and, in any case, are not legally liable for any malpractice arising from their advice. Insurance companies, generally, bear the burden of hidden vices providing that the correct insurance cover is taken out and that reasonable care was taken to avoid unforeseen pitfalls.

It is not all bad news, however - the previous owner remains liable for any known problems which were not brought to the purchaser's attention including, interestingly, any unresolved disputes concerning the property. If buying through an estate agent, the same obligations apply to his representations concerning the property.

It pays, however, to be cautious and you should ask advice from the estate agent and also use the services of a good local builder to check out your impending purchase - at least he will know what to look for and will probably also know some of the history of the house and its construction.