What does VEFA mean in real estate?

You often hear about off-plan when looking for a new apartment, but this term is still unclear for many. What does it correspond to exactly? What are the advantages, the steps to know, the precautions to take? In this article, we simply explain to you what it means to buy a home “off-plan” and how it really works.

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🏗️ What is VEFA?

VEFA means Sale in Future Completion State. This legal term refers to a contract by which you buy a property. before or during construction. You become the owner of the land upon signature, then of the housing as the work progresses.‍. This arrangement makes it possible to buy a new home, directly from the developer, often on plan.

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🧾 How does it work in practice?

Here are the main steps to understand this type of purchase:

1. Booking

You show your interest via a reservation contract, accompanied by a security deposit (5 to 10%) stuck at the notary or the bank.

2. Signature at the notary

The authentic VEFA act is signed. You start paying the price gradually, depending on the progress of the work.

3. Payment in installments

Here's how payments are planned:

• 35% at the end of the foundations
• 70% when the building is above water
• 95% to 95% progress
• 100% upon delivery

4. Key handover

Once completion is established, a reception visit, a protocol is signed, and you become full owner.

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Read our full article on how to buy a new home.

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🛡️ Why choose VEFA?

Buying new via VEFA offers several concrete advantages for the purchaser :

- New housing and up to the latest standards

Your walls will comply with the RE2020 standard, with efficient insulation, quality ventilation and better energy performance.

- Reduced notary fees

You save: approximately 2 to 3% of fees instead of the 7 to 8% in the old one, which represents several thousand euros in savings.

- Solid legal guarantees

You benefit from the guarantee of perfect completion, of the biennale And of the Decennial, to be protected in case of faulty workmanship or damage.

- Financial security

La Financial Completion Guarantee (GFA) allows construction to continue if the developer goes bankrupt‍. Without it, you may never see your home delivered.

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⚠️ What are the points to check?

Even secure, VEFA requires vigilance and follow-up :

1. Quality of the promoter

See if his projects were delivered on time and check out the online reviews. Ask for proof of GFA.

2. Stages and schedule

Keep an eye on key steps and potential delays. Make sure that penalties are provided in case of overrun.

3. Nature of the contract

Read the descriptive notice, the suspensive clauses (loan, schedule), and check that everything is well noted.

4. Reception of the accommodation

Never sign a report without having checked everything, including finishes, doors, plasterboard, electricity... In case of defects, mention them clearly.

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Discover our article on the pitfalls to avoid when buying new.

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✅ Conclusion

The VEFA, or Purchase on plan, is a way to safely access new housing. You benefit from recent energy performances, attractive costs and solid guarantees. But this model requires Anticipation and vigilance. Always check the seriousness of the promoter, the content of the contracts, the schedule of the works and the condition upon delivery.

If you are feeling lost, you are not alone. Chez MeCaza, we support buyers every day in their Looking for new housing everywhere in France. Thanks to our Pierre Invest partner, a recognized specialist in new construction, we have access to All current programs, all promoters combined.

🎯 Our mission: to help you find your ideal property in less than 3 weeks, while saving you time, clarity and peace of mind.
And above all: our services are 100% free for you, since we are paid by the promoter you choose.

👉 Call on MeCaza to be well accompanied, from the first plan to the delivery of the keys. Learn more about our new home purchase support service.

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❓ FAQ

Can we cancel after signing?‍

Yes: you have 10 days of withdrawal after the signing of the authentic instrument, without justification.

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What happens if there is a delay?‍

If your VEFA includes a penalty clause, the promoter will have to compensate you in case of delay.

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Can we make changes?‍

Yes! Via the TMA (modification work purchaser), you can customize finishes, partitions, floors... according to the developer's options.