2. Types of Property Auctions in France

There are two types of auctions:

1. 2.1. Voluntary Auctions
2. 2.2. Judicial Auctions

2.1. Voluntary Auctions (Ajudications Volontaires)

Voluntary auctions are public auctions held through the auspices of a notaire.

Those selling at a voluntary auction may be either private owners, executors of an estate, or public bodies who wish to dispose of surplus property. The latter are called ventes des domaines.

They may also arise as a result of the inheritance laws in France, when family members decide to sell in a completely transparent manner through an auction in order to avoid disputes.