The 7 day cooling-off period (Loi SRU)

Starting from the day after the attempted delivery of the preliminary contract (usually speaking the 'compromis de vente' or 'contrat de reservation')  to your home,  you  are given by French law a seven day cooling-off period before the agreement becomes binding. During this 7 days you can change your mind and withdraw from the purchase without any penalties (the vendor does not have the same privilege!).

You must however, make sure that you notify the estate agent and the vendor of your decision  in writing before the seven day cooling off period comes to an end. This law is known as France's 7 day law, or the 'Loi SRU'. If you have already transferred your deposit money then this will be refunded to you in full, within 21 days of your withdrawal notification should you decide not to go ahead with the purchase.