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French law · Prepare your case, step by step

French property sale agreements compared

A French promesse unilatérale gives the beneficiary a purchase option, while a compromis records reciprocal commitments to buy and sell. For an existing home, compare who is bound, any option, financing conditions and notification requirements before signing. These French instruments do not map directly onto UK exchange of contracts. Read the operative clauses as well as the document title.

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DISTINGUISH THE QUESTIONS

Who is bound by a unilateral promise?

A unilateral promise binds the seller and gives the beneficiary a time-limited purchase option.

Unilateral promise

Seller commitment and buyer’s option

Option period and exercise requirements

Compromis

Reciprocal sale and purchase commitments

Conditions precedent and notices

Source 1Source 2

Which distinctions change the document review?

French property sale agreements compared · situations to distinguish
SituationPurposeRecord to examine
Unilateral promiseSeller commitment and buyer’s optionOption period and exercise requirements
CompromisReciprocal sale and purchase commitmentsConditions precedent and notices
Source 1Source 2

Who is bound by a unilateral promise?

A unilateral promise binds the seller and gives the beneficiary a time-limited purchase option.

Source 1

What does a compromis record?

A compromis records reciprocal commitments to buy and sell.

Source 1

Are withdrawal and financing conditions the same?

Withdrawal, exercising the option and satisfying conditions precedent are different mechanisms.

Source 1Source 2

Which schedules belong with the preliminary agreement?

Locate and reconcile these records: Draft preliminary contract ; Schedules and surveys ; Financing clause and notification evidence. Mark missing or uncertain records explicitly.

  • Draft preliminary contract
  • Schedules and surveys
  • Financing clause and notification evidence
Fictional example · adapt to your facts

How are the option and financing separated in the example?

A buyer receives a promesse with an option date and a financing condition. They want to understand the two events before signing.

The resulting sheet
Document
Draft preliminary contract
Question
What does a compromis record?
Next check
Separate exercising the option from satisfying the loan condition and ask for the draft’s effects to be explained.

Separate exercising the option from satisfying the loan condition and ask for the draft’s effects to be explained.

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The point to check

A unilateral promise binds the seller and gives the beneficiary a time-limited purchase option. Record the relevant passage and any missing information.

JULIE / QUESTIONS

What should I know before acting?

Who is bound by a unilateral promise?

A unilateral promise binds the seller and gives the beneficiary a time-limited purchase option.

Source 1

What does a compromis record?

A compromis records reciprocal commitments to buy and sell.

Source 1

Are withdrawal and financing conditions the same?

Withdrawal, exercising the option and satisfying conditions precedent are different mechanisms.

Source 1Source 2

Which schedules belong with the preliminary agreement?

Locate and reconcile these records: Draft preliminary contract ; Schedules and surveys ; Financing clause and notification evidence. Mark missing or uncertain records explicitly.

Source 1Source 2

How are the option and financing separated in the example?

Fictional example. A buyer receives a promesse with an option date and a financing condition. They want to understand the two events before signing. Separate exercising the option from satisfying the loan condition and ask for the draft’s effects to be explained.

Why not calculate a deadline without verified notice?

Avoid these shortcuts: Call every preliminary agreement a compromis ; Calculate deadlines without checking notice and buyer status.

Source 1Source 2

What does the pre-signature comparison show?

The organiser retains the selected issue, available records and your notes. It submits nothing to an authority and makes no legal eligibility decision. Separate exercising the option from satisfying the loan condition and ask for the draft’s effects to be explained.

What can Julie help examine in the draft clauses?

Julie can explain the cited French-law sources and help examine the selected document issue. Bring this specific question: What does a compromis record? Keep uncertain facts marked and obtain professional review of consequential decisions.

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French law only. Sources consulted on 21 September 2026.

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General information about French law. This organiser does not file or send an application. Have consequential choices checked by the relevant professional.