Pool drainage, septic tank, boundaries!.. to name a few…
It was 3m or built to the edge of your property, something I never understood but we acted on anyway when building a pool but gaining permission was always the owners job not ours.
As far as I can tell it seems quite clear that there can’t be an order to demolish in this case as more than 10 years have passed. However, if the pool or structures are destroyed we cannot rebuild. As for when they’re considered destroyed versus damaged, that’s one of the many things we’re trying to figure out. Like I said, leaning heavily towards just walking away from the whole thing, but there’s no real cost in trying to figure it out fully. Would also be useful to understand for other potential houses in the future.
Have you actually spoken with someone at the Mairie about this property?
Not yet. This was literally unknown to us until late Friday. Will do in due course.
I think there’s probably a good reason for that, and you’ve found it out. Run away.
Additionally, the ten year rule doesn’t regularise an illegal structure, it just stops the state from ordering it’s demolition. The structure is still illegal and all the consequences of that illegality (except ordered demolition) still remain.
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It may also be possible that the fisc may come after you for all the years the pool has been there and not declared by the current owners especially now with every tax they can find to sling at the public. Its not unknown for them to go back over years if they feel money is due by someone
As was the case for my BIL and his conversion 25 years ago. However it did sell, under the normal asking price. (Eventually) took 5 years and many applicants.
and, of course, every situation is different… which is why anyone seriously considering such a purchase.. should discuss with the Mairie (and follow any advice given by the Mairie).
On occasion, a person asks for and receives all the advice, yet chooses to ignore it and “go their own way”. I’ve known it happen and I’ve also been asked to help such a person “get out of the mire”… aaaargh. 
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Indeed, buying such a property and living in it until you die thereby its someone elses issue is one thing, what if you want to sell up before then? Are you willing to wait 5 years for a buyer who doesnt mind?
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