In France it is a hard requirement. Also you cannot pay directly, the money goes through the notary (and a special account handled by the government). This is

In France it is a hard requirement. Also you cannot pay directly, the money goes through the notary (and a special account handled by the government). This is actually a two-step process. You sign a first contract that entirely engages both parties - the only exception is if the buyer cannot get a credit. They have a month (or something like that) to secure it. Then once the funds are there the final contract is signed.