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SCCV: a guide to understanding and creating a Société Civile de Construction Vente (non-trading construction and sales company)

An SCCV, or société civile de construction vente, enables you to build and sell buildings. Unlike an SCI, which focuses on asset management, the SCCV concentrates on resale to generate capital gains. This article explains how an SCCV works, its advantages and the steps involved in setting it up.
Legal forms
Reading time: 16min
Updated January 7, 2025
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Definition of SCCV

The Société Civile de Construction Vente (SCCV) is a type of real-estate non-trading company specially designed for the construction and sale of SCCV properties. Unlike other types of SCI, the SCCV is one of a number of non-trading companies whose main objective is to generate capital gains through the sale of built properties.

 

The main activities of an SCCV include the construction of buildings, whether for residential, commercial or mixed use, and their resale in whole or in lots. This model makes it possible to capitalize on the value of real estate assets, offering lucrative opportunities for investors.

 

In short, the SCCV is distinguished by the temporary nature of property ownership, making it particularly attractive for those wishing to invest for the short term and maximize their profits.

This model thus offers flexibility that other forms of real estate company cannot always provide.

The advantages of SCCV

One of the main advantages of the SCCV is its management flexibility. The partners are free to define the company's management procedures, making it easy to adapt to the specific needs of each project. This flexibility is a major asset for property developers seeking to optimize the management of their operations and generate rapid added value through the construction and immediate resale of real estate assets.

What's more, the SCCV requires no minimum share capital to set up, making it accessible to a wide range of investors. This lack of an initial financial barrier makes it easier to set up an SCCV, enabling projects of various sizes to come to fruition.

Last but not least, the SCCV benefits from tax advantages. Associates can take advantage of a range of beneficial tax schemes, making investment in an SCCV even more attractive. Combining management flexibility, affordability and tax advantages, the SCCV is an ideal solution for those seeking to profit from the real estate sector.

Who can set up an SCCV?

The creation of a SCCV requires at least two partners, with no maximum limit, which opens up a wide range of partnership possibilities. These partners can be individuals or legal entities, offering great flexibility in terms of the company's composition.

What's more, the associates can be of different nationalities, without any restrictions, enabling international collaboration and the contribution of different expertise to the project. Finally, the SCCV can be set up with symbolic capital, making it financially accessible to all. The owner plays a crucial role in managing and commissioning construction projects, in collaboration with the general contractor.

Steps in creating an SCCV

Creating a SCCV involves several key steps, including :

  1. Drafting by-laws
  2. Deposit of share capital
  3. Publication of a notice in a legal gazette
  4. Registering the company with the court clerk's office

These steps are essential to ensure the company's legal compliance.

Each of these steps is important for the legal incorporation of the SCCV, and will be detailed in the following subsections. Regular updating of this information is crucial to ensure its relevance and accuracy.

 

Drafting by-laws

Drafting the articles of association is a fundamental step in creating an SCCV. These bylaws must include essential elements such as :

  • company name
  • share capital
  • the corporate purpose, which must clearly indicate that the company is dedicated to the construction of goods for sale

A precise definition of the corporate purpose is essential, as it determines the activities that the SCCV will be able to carry out.

It's a good idea to consult a specialist lawyer when drafting the articles of association. This will ensure that the articles comply with all legal requirements, and avoid potential errors that could jeopardize the creation of the SCCV.

Filing of share capital

Depositing the share capital is an essential step in setting up an SCCV. This deposit must be made with an authorized depositary, such as a bank or notary.

Once the capital has been deposited, a certificate of deposit of share capital is issued, which is required for subsequent formalities.

Publication in a legal gazette

Publication of a notice of creation in a legal gazette is an obligatory formality to inform third parties of the formation of the SCCV. This publication must be made in a newspaper authorized to publish legal notices in the département where the SCCV's registered office is located.

Calling on a lawyer at this stage can be a wise move. He or she can bring his or her expertise to bear on the administrative formalities, minimizing the risk of errors that could jeopardize the creation of the SCCV.

SCCV registration

Registering the SCCV with the court clerk's office is the final stage in its creation. The registration file must include several documents, such as a copy of the articles of association, the certificate of capital deposit and the certificate of publication in a legal gazette.

These steps are crucial to ensure that the company is legally established and known to the public. Once registered, the SCCV obtains its legal personality and can begin its activities.

How a SCCV works

SCCVs are managed by one or more managing directors, who are responsible for the company's affairs.

These managers are appointed by the partners and must act in the company's best interests, in accordance with the terms and conditions defined in the bylaws.

Major decisions, such as the purchase of land, construction and resale of property, are taken at general meetings of associates. In general, these decisions require unanimous approval, although the articles of association may provide for other arrangements.

It is important to note that SCCV associates are indefinitely and jointly and severally liable for the company's debts, according to their shares. They may not use the built assets for their own personal use, and must meet all calls for funds required to achieve the company's purpose.

SCCV tax system

SCCVs are generally subject to income tax, which means that associates pay taxes according to their share of profits. Although this legal form is a commercial activity, it is liable for income tax rather than corporation tax, making it fiscally transparent for its associates. However, it is important to note that the SCCV may be subject to corporate income tax if certain conditions are not met. This approach avoids double taxation and offers investors tax flexibility.

What's more, SCCVs are subject to VAT on property sales, with a standard rate of 20% for properties less than five years old. It is therefore essential to understand these tax implications to optimize the profitability of the SCCV.

Contractor and project management contracts

A key element in the creation of an SCCV is the contractor's and project manager's contract. It defines the relationship between the owner and the contractor or architect responsible for building the property. Understanding the terms of this contract is crucial to avoid any disputes or problems during construction.

This contract must be drafted clearly and precisely, taking into account the specific features of the société civile de construction vente. In particular, it must define the obligations of each party, construction deadlines, costs and payment terms. Precise definition of these elements helps to guarantee proper execution of the work and prevent disputes.

It is also important to note that contracts for work and services may be subject to specific rules of construction law. It is therefore advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in construction law to ensure that the contract complies with current laws and regulations. This will ensure the legal security of the project and protect the interests of the SCCV.

Insurance and liability

The SCCV is subject to specific insurance and liability rules. The SCCV is responsible for damage caused to third parties during the construction of the property. It is therefore essential to take out liability insurance to cover these risks.

In addition, the SCCV can take out other types of insurance, such as construction insurance or decennial insurance, to cover the risks associated with the construction of the property. This insurance protects the company against any construction defects or damage that may occur after delivery of the property.

It is also important to note that the SCCV may be liable for damage caused to partners or third parties in the event of fault or negligence in the management of the company. It is therefore crucial to take steps to minimize these risks, and to take out insurance to cover any damage. Proper management of insurance and liabilities helps to secure the project and protect the interests of all partners.

Expertise and preventive summary proceedings

Expert appraisals and preventive injunctions are important tools for the SCCV. They help prevent disputes and problems during construction of the property. Expertise involves calling in an independent expert to assess the situation and propose solutions to resolve problems. This approach provides an impartial, professional opinion on any construction defects or delays in delivery.

Preventive injunctions, on the other hand, are a procedure for asking a judge to take measures to prevent disputes and problems. This procedure is particularly useful for anticipating conflicts and providing legal certainty for the construction project. It enables precautionary measures to be taken to protect the interests of the SCCV and its partners.

It is important to note that expert appraisals and preventive injunctions can be used to resolve problems linked to the construction of a property, such as construction defects or late delivery. These tools help to secure the project and guarantee proper execution of the work.

Construction work and defects

Construction work and defects are major risks for SCCV. Construction work can be complex, and defects can cause significant damage. It is therefore crucial to take steps to minimize these risks.

To this end, it is advisable to take out specific insurance policies, such as construction insurance and decennial insurance, which cover the risks associated with construction defects and damage occurring after delivery of the property. In addition, the implementation of quality control procedures ensures that work is carried out in compliance with technical standards and specifications.

It's also important to use qualified professionals to carry out the construction work. Defects can be caused by construction faults, poor quality materials or design errors. That's why it's essential to select competent service providers and carefully monitor the work being carried out.

By taking these measures, the SCCV can minimize the risk of poor workmanship and guarantee the quality of its constructions, thus ensuring the satisfaction of its associates and future purchasers.

Dissolution of the SCCV

The dissolution of a SCCV can occur for a variety of reasons, including disagreement between associates or non-fulfillment of obligations by a partner. In some cases, a judge may order dissolution to resolve internal conflicts.

If a partner holds all the shares, he must regularize this situation within one year to avoid dissolution. In the event of judicial liquidation, the SCCV is automatically dissolved when the liquidation is closed.

In a nutshell

In short, the SCCV offers a flexible and advantageous structure for real estate investors wishing to start building and selling properties.

From management flexibility to favorable tax treatment and the steps involved in setting up, every aspect of the SCCV is designed to maximize profits while minimizing constraints.

Understanding the mechanics of the SCCV will help you make the most of its advantages and succeed in the real estate business. Whether you're an experienced investor or just starting out, the SCCV represents an opportunity worth exploring.

Written by our expert Evan
December 19, 2024
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Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a SCCV and a SCI?
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The main difference between an SCCV and an SCI lies in their purpose: the SCCV is formed to acquire and resell real estate temporarily, whereas the SCI aims to manage real estate assets on a permanent basis.
What are the tax advantages of an SCCV?
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The SCCV offers significant tax advantages, in particular the fact that it is subject to income tax, thereby avoiding double taxation. This structure is therefore attractive for investors wishing to optimize their tax situation.
What is the minimum share capital required to create a SCCV?
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There is no minimum share capital required to create a Société Civile de Construction Vente (SCCV). This gives investors greater flexibility
Who can become a partner in an SCCV?
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Any individual or legal entity with the capacity to contract can become a partner in an SCCV. This includes both individuals and companies.