Individuals looking into buying property in France have been informed they will not be given a completion date for the purchase on the contract.

According to Justin Postlethwaite, editor of information source FrenchEntree.com, the date on the document is not fixed as it is in the UK and can be moved.

He explained one of the most important factors to remember when buying a home across the Channel is to insert a condition relating to finance into the initial contract.

Mr Postlethwaite pointed out this means the buyer would be able to pull out of the deal if their application for a mortgage falls through during the process.

He added: "In all cases, the notaire should check that the seller is the legal owner of the property, review property plans and whether any previous building works had the right planning consent."

Niclas Dowlatshahi, managing director at Leapfrog-properties.com, recently said it is vital to take legal advice when purchasing French property, due to recent regulation changes.