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Est irrecevable, indépendamment du
Droit Immobilier

Est irrecevable, indépendamment du

📅 Decision of 03 August 2026🔄 Updated on 12 October 2026⚖️ Cour de cassation👁️ 37 views📖 2 min read

Is inadmissible, irrespective of the judgment on the merits, the appeal of a decision the operative part of which merely orders an expert investigation, without any dispositive provision on the main issue, since this appeal has not been authorised on serious grounds by the First President.

Reference decision: cc • N° 75-14.696 • 1978-03-08 • Consult the decision →

This decision sheds important light on your property law. Here is what it changes for you.

The situation

Is inadmissible, irrespective of the judgment on the merits, the appeal of a decision the operative part of which merely orders an expert investigation, without any dispositive provision on the main issue, since this appeal has not been authorised on serious grounds by the First President.

What the law says

This decision confirms the fundamental principles of property law.

Key points

  • Strictly comply with legal time limits for appeals
  • Keep all your supporting documents (title deeds, deeds, letters)
  • Plan ahead: preventive advice always costs less than a dispute

For an analysis of your situation: 30-min consultation at €45 with Maître Zakine.

📌 Does this apply to your situation? Maître Cécile Zakine, French real estate lawyer, practises throughout France.
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Legal information

  • Number: 75-14.696
  • Court: Cour de cassation

Keywords

droit immobilierappelexpertiseprocedure civileirrecevabilite

Practical use cases

1

Seller challenges expert order in defect dispute

After selling a flat in Lyon for €280,000, the buyer claims hidden water damage. The court orders an expert investigation, but no ruling on liability. The seller wants to appeal immediately.

Practical application:

This decision confirms that a mere expert investigation order cannot be appealed as of right. To challenge it, the seller must request permission from the First President of the Court of Appeal, demonstrating serious grounds (e.g., manifest error or excess of power). Otherwise, the appeal will be declared inadmissible. The seller should consult a lawyer to assess if such grounds exist before filing.

2

First-time buyer contests defect investigation order

A young couple bought a renovated house in Bordeaux. After discovering structural cracks, they sued the seller. The judge appointed an expert to assess the damage but did not decide on compensation. The buyers wish to appeal the order, believing it delays justice.

Practical application:

Under this case law, the order for an expert investigation is not a final judgment on the main issue, so it cannot be appealed without prior authorisation from the First President. The buyers must first seek leave to appeal, showing serious grounds (e.g., the expertise is unnecessary or violates their rights). They should keep all documents (purchase deed, expert reports) and obtain legal advice promptly to avoid missing deadlines.

3

Co-owner disputes building defect expert appointment

In a co-ownership in Marseille, water leaks from the roof affect several apartments. The tribunal orders a judicial expert to determine the cause and cost of repairs (estimated at €60,000). One co-owner, dissatisfied with the expert's profile, wants to appeal the order.

Practical application:

The appeal of an expert investigation order is inadmissible unless the First President authorises it on serious grounds. The co-owner cannot simply appeal because they disagree with the expert selected. They must file a request for authorisation, arguing, for example, that the expert lacks impartiality or competence. Preventive legal advice can help assess the viability of such a challenge and avoid wasting time and costs.

Maître Cécile Zakine

About the author

Maître Cécile Zakine — Lawyer at the Alpes-Maritimes Bar, Doctor of Law. Every article in this magazine is based on the analysis of a real court decision, commented and put into perspective by Maître Zakine’s team.

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Disclaimer: The analysis presented on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalised legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation, contact a qualified lawyer.

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