Selling a property with outdoor space
A balcony, terrace or garden has to be measured, documented and shown. Here are the steps of a sale and what is specific to a property with outdoor space.
At a glance
A sale runs in six steps: valuation, signing a mandate, gathering the diagnostics and co-ownership documents, presenting the property, negotiating and signing the preliminary contract, then the final deed at the notary’s. For a property with outdoor space, the file must establish three things: the size of the outdoor space, the right to use it and the state of the waterproofing.
The steps
1. Valuation. The valuation compares your property with nearby sales and listings, then adjusts for the outdoor space: size, aspect, view, access. The valuation page explains the method and takes your request.
2. Signing a mandate. The mandate is written and entered in the agency’s register of mandates. It sets the price, the duration, the fees and who pays them. Read the clauses on duration and termination.
3. Gathering the file. The mandatory diagnostics, the title deed and, for a co-owned lot, the rules, the general meeting minutes of the last three years, the maintenance log and the dated statement. The list of diagnostics is in article L271-4 of the Code de la construction et de l’habitation.
4. Presenting the property. Photograph the outdoor space in full light, furnished and uncluttered. Give its size, aspect, view and legal status.
5. Negotiating and signing the preliminary contract. The buyer then has ten days to withdraw.
6. Signing the final deed at the notary’s, about two to three months later.
What buyers ask about an outdoor space
Its size measured separately, the right of use written in the rules, the date and guarantee of the last waterproofing works, works voted, the rules of use and overlooking. Gathering these answers before the property goes on sale avoids last-minute haggling. The terrace, balcony and garden pages give the points the buyer will check.
Tax on the sale
The sale of your main home is exempt from capital gains tax. For any other property, the gain is subject to income tax and social charges, with reliefs according to the length of ownership. The notary calculates the tax at the deed. Confirm your position with the notary or the tax authority before setting a price. Non-residents and foreign owners should ask the notary about their own situation.
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Frequently asked questions
Which diagnostics do I need to sell?
The energy performance diagnostic and the risk statement in every case, the Carrez surface for a co-owned lot, and, depending on the age of the property, asbestos, lead, gas, electricity and private drainage. For a house rated E, F or G, an energy audit is required in some cases.
Should I measure the terrace or balcony?
The law requires only the Carrez private surface to be measured. Measuring the outdoor space separately is advisable: buyers ask for it, and a checkable figure prevents a disagreement at the viewing.
How long does a sale take?
Add to the marketing period, which depends on the price and the property, about two to three months between the preliminary contract and the final deed.
Who pays the agency fees?
It depends on the mandate. For the properties in this selection, the fees are paid by the buyer and appear in the listing. The amount and who pays are written in the mandate.
Does the outdoor space raise the sale price?
It counts in the valuation, but no rule sets its value. It depends on size, aspect, view and use. A documented outdoor space sells better than one whose status is unclear.
What if the right of use is not written down?
Find the title that gives it to you, in your purchase deed or the co-ownership rules, and ask the notary for advice before the property goes on sale.
Updated 14 October 2026. Sources: Légifrance, article L271-4 of the CCH, Légifrance, law of 10 July 1965.
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Related reading
Other areas
Same group: luxury-real-estate-paris.com (luxury properties in Paris) deferla.com (the agency network, valuations and buying) choisirsonagence14e.com (how to choose an agency in the 14th).