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Home
About us
Our Annual Packages
Our On-demand Services
Governance and Transparency
Contact

Your expert in copropriété

“Investing in France as a property owner in a Copropriété apartment building, condominium or housing development is buying trouble…”

“Under French Copropriété rules, you’ll always pay for more service charges without knowing why…”

“Property Management companies tell us what they want and it’s not always clear…”

EXCEPT when you are at
PAUL & CLARKE Consultants!

We specialize in Copropriété
(co-ownership in France)!

Find out how we can help you!

TO COVER

Your property in a development or apartment building

Property acquisition plan

Invest with a clear mind

Analysis of administrative, accounting, and financial aspects before any purchase commitment of an apartment, gated-community villa or professional premises.

Off-plan property delivery (new-build)

Take possession with peace of mind

Support throughout the developer-purchaser legal handover process, identification, report and escalation of non-compliance, monitoring and management of snag lists.

Private renovations and refurbishments

Undertake any work projects on your own property, hassle-free

Technical and timely preparation and lodging of permit requests to relevant authorities, support for your project at AGMs, filing of planning permission applications

TO LEVERAGE

Your property in co-ownership

Co-owner/service charge account auditing

“Putting wrongs right”

Analysis of quarterly capital assessments, annual breakdown of service charges, any entry debited to your account, making official adjustment and regularization requests to the “syndic”.

AGM representation

Best represent your interests

Scrutinising and explanation of AGM agenda items, voting intention strategy, in-person (or via video-link) representation at the AGM and verification of AGM minutes.

Analysis of service charges

Save money

Examination of management, maintenance and communal area contracts, service relevance assessment, renegotiations, calls for tenders, and search for financial leverage.

TO SAFEGUARDE

Your property in a development or apartment building

Property emergencies

Count on us - every day, all year

Handling of plumbing issues, electrical failures, heating breakdowns or jammed locks, 7 days a week 365 days a year, overseeing contractor call-outs and interventions.

Defects and poor workmanship

Focus on out-of-court “amicable” settlements

Investigating causes, assessment of damage, legal warranty claim filing, support during expert appraisal procedures, and overseeing of corrective works.

Property damage

Taking the right approach

Filing accurate insurance claims, appointing an independent loss adjuster if needed, and support during legal appraisal and assessment procedures.

Package or on-demand service?
Find the perfect solution for your property!

OUR ANNUAL PACKAGES

Don’t wait until it’s too late!

OUR ON-DEMAND SERVICES

Trust us.

Protect your interests!

Pick the option that suits best and simplify
property management today!

OUR ANNUAL PACKAGES

Find out about our packages from €34,90 per month (VAT inclusive)

Opt for peace of mind with our packages – a proactive and preventive approach we highly recommend.

Choose from three levels of year-round support designed to make property management stress-free.

CONSULTING
Package

€ 34,90 (INCL. VAT / Month)

Property emergencies Handling
Correspondence
Property Management Consulting

Find out more

AUDIT
Package

€ 49,90 (INCL. VAT / Month)

Property emergencies Handling
Correspondence
Property Management Consulting
Annual property co-owner accounts analysis

Find out more

EXPERTISE
Package

€ 64,90 (INCL. VAT / Month)

Property emergencies Handling
Correspondence
Property Management Consulting
Annual property co-owner accounts analysis
Professional Representation at the A.G.M. of co-owners

Find out more

OUR ON-DEMAND SERVICES

Need a one-time solution? Our on-demand services handle urgent and specific needs. With nine targeted services, we turn challenges into opportunities for property owners.

Co-ownership service charges, capital assessments and account analysis

« To save you money »

As a co-owner, you are responsible for covering various expenses. The “syndic” (Property Management Company) issues quarterly capital assessments (“appels de fonds” – notice of increased capital requirements from all owners) and a breakdown of service charges (“décompte de charges” or “compte individuel de charges”) at the end of each AGM.

Disputed charges, errors, misunderstandings, bank issues, or financial difficulties can lead to frequent reminders from the syndic. If you feel unheard or misunderstood, you are not alone.

Unless you are an experienced accountant, understanding and analysing your accounts, and asserting your rights regarding a debt claim, can be challenging. However, this step is crucial and can help you save money. Let us handle this task for you.

Representation and the importance of AGMs

« To best represent your interests »

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the sole decision-making body of any co-ownership. Convening all co-owners at least once a year, it approves the accounts, adopts the projected budget, decides on the execution and financing of various works, the termination or signing of new maintenance and service contracts, or the renewal of the “syndic”’s (Property Management Company) contract.

As you can see, the AGM is of utmost importance, and decisions taken can have significant legal and financial consequences for you. Taking the time to prepare, understanding the intricacies of co-ownership, adopting the right strategy, and being persuasive and skilled with fellow co-owners will positively impact your financial interests.

Exercising your right to voice your opinion is one of your most important co-ownership prerogatives. Make the most of it, and rely on our expertise!

Property emergencies

« To be able to count on someone at any time »

Electrical failures, plumbing issues, heating breakdowns, ventilation faults, or a jammed lock always seem to strike at the worst times – late at night, on weekends, or during holidays, when help feels out of reach. Who hasn’t experienced the frustration and stress of such events?

Even more exasperating is dealing with these problems during regular hours, when assistance should be available, yet no one responds.

Who should you call? Is it a private issue or the responsibility of the property management? Who bears the cost – you, your neighbour, or the homeowners’ association?

No matter the scenario, we’re here to provide clarity, coordinate with qualified professionals, and engage the appropriate parties. You’ll be kept informed every step of the way, without the stress of handling it alone.

Rely on a trusted, responsive expert. Contact us – we can handle it all for you.

Management and maintenance contracts

« To optimise and reduce charges »

The management, maintenance and upkeep of co-owned properties involve numerous contracts:

On one hand, there are agreements entered into by the syndicate of co-owners (utilities, property management fees, common areas upkeep, collective installations maintenance). On the other hand, there are contracts specific to you as a property owner (rental management, concierge services, individual boiler inspections, utility supply, or maintenance of pools, air conditioning, and heat pumps).

Scrutinising costs and service relevance, and entering into renegotiations form part of a crucial financial lever – especially in light of the sharp increases in co-ownership charges in recent years. Let us help you find opportunities for savings while safeguarding your property’s quality and value.

Renovations and refurbishments

« To be be able to carry out your projects, hassle-free »

In wishing to alter your property to better suit your preferences, you are generally free to carry out works within your private areas.

However, caution is essential for some works such as replacing windows, doors, or shutters; installing air conditioning, heat pumps, awnings, or pergolas; creating an electric vehicle charging point; altering load-bearing or non-load-bearing walls; landscaping terraces or gardens, etc.

Proceeding without prior authorisation from the co-ownership could lead to legal liability. Obtaining the AGM’s approval in advance is indeed a prudent and necessary step. Preparing a robust request dossier is vital to avoid costly disputes later. We are here to guide you through the process, ensure your application is legally sound, draft the appropriate resolution and annexes for the agenda, and advocate for your project at the AGM.

Property damage

« To be accompanied at challenging times »

Water leaks, vandalism, extreme weather, or fire can cause significant damage to your property. In such difficult situations, navigating the maze of parties involved – property managers, tenants, neighbours, insurers, experts, contractors – and procedures can leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Success depends on a structured and diligent approach to safeguarding your interests, securing fair compensation, and expediting necessary repairs. We can handle the complexities so you can retain peace of mind and focus on moving forward!

Defects and poor workmanship covered by warranty

« To come to amicable agreements »

You are an owner of a recently built property (under 10 years old). Unfortunately, you have to abide damage and construction defects to a greater or lesser extent and you don’t know what to do (leak in your plumbing or pool, water or air-tightness issues within the building, structural cracks, or malfunctioning heating systems, windows, or doors).

Before embarking on costly and lengthy legal procedures or deciding to cover the repairs at your own expense, alternative solutions are available. While caution is required, these claims must be pursued with careful analysis, precision, and urgency.

Let us help – we will protect your interests.

Compliance, conformity defects and snags Off-plan property purchase

« To monitor and rectify non-compliance »

You have purchased an off-plan property (also known as a sale of future completed construction). Upon the completion of construction, the developer will invite you to a handover meeting, where you will take possession of the property.

Caution! This formal act is legally significant. In the excitement of the moment and the frequent hurry of the developer swift pace, the handover is often rushed and superficial, potentially forfeiting your future claims.

Ensuring you are accompanied by an independent professional with a keen eye will save you future complications and costs.

Property acquisition under the co-ownership scheme

« To make clear-minded investments »

Whether it’s a lifestyle choice to spend all or part of your time there, or a buy-to-let investment, purchasing a property within a co-ownership scheme involves far more than a simple handshake between seller and agent. An agent will often paint a far rosier picture than reality.

The true extent of service charges and their forecast increases, arrears rates that could have a serious impact on your finances, costly communal works either approved or on the horizon – these are just a few potential pitfalls.

Investing in property should be a strategic step towards enhancing your assets. Don’t let this milestone turn into a time-consuming misstep or financial drain – trust our expertise and safeguard your interests!

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Reaching out to us

+33 772 230 655
contact@paul-clarke.fr
PAUL & CLARKE Consultants
9 Avenue d'Italie, 68110 ILLZACH

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