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France, famed for its boulevards, fashion and food, is one of the most popular areas of Europe in which to buy a second home, and offers a great range of typically French property for sale such as pleasant townhouses, rustic farmhouses and magnificent French chateaux. Its location between the temperate climes of Britain and sun-drenched Spain ensure a variety of climates to match your lifestyle. You are bound to find the ideal French property for sale, whether you long for balmy days on a Cote d'Azur terrace, the sparkling clean air of the mountains or the seasonal ebb and flow of Normandy life played out amongst bustling markets and sleepy country lanes.

France is still a largely agricultural country and, away from the towns, the population density is still one of the lowest in Europe. With a long history of countryfolk leaving for a more cosmopolitan urban life, the potential of much French property lies unexploited and waiting for a new owner with ideas and enthusiasm. With prices rising steadily for both non-renovated and renovated properties, now is the time to look for that hidden gem that is both affordable and a great investment for the future.

Buying French Property

A notaire (public notary) is an integral part of buying a property in France. They represent neither buyer nor seller, but the French Government - and their impartiality is an obligation taken seriously. The notaire oversees many legal aspects of the sale, such as whether the seller is legally entitled to sell what he is offering, whether any future nuisance is likely to impinge on the use and enjoyment of the property and the drawing up of contracts. However, as many notaires speak little English, it may be worthwhile engaging the services of an English-speaking legal consultant who is qualified in French law and who has experience in the area of French property sales.

The notaire can also offer advice on how to buy your French property to reduce the tax implication when you sell or will your property.

You will be expected to organise connection to utilities - gas, electricity, water - and to provide a translator (if required) to help you to understand the documentation. A good French-qualified legal consultant may be able to help with these tasks.

Where to buy property in France

We market over 1500 examples of French property situated in most of the departments, from plots of land to the most exclusive chateaux and villas. We work closely with a number of professional local agents, carefully chosen for their service and after-sales support.

Like many countries, France has some distinctive regional building styles that reflect the materials available, the history and wealth of the population and the age of the local settlement. Many older French properties are built from local stone, quarried and brought the few miles to the site. Other more prominent buildings may be built from more durable or more beautiful stone, quarried many miles away, such as the famous, golden Caen stone from the Normandy region.

Whether your dream French property is a little riverside cottage or a farmhouse surrounded by acres of land, our large database of French property will undoubtedly provide a number of options to consider.

The Poitou Charentes region, incorporating the Charente, Charente-Maritime and Vienne, is an enormously popular location to buy a second home benefitting from one of the highest sunshine indexes in France, a beautiful coastline, forests, lakes and gorgeous villages just waiting to be explored. The rural way of life stills grips the Poitou Charentes, with weekly petanque in the village square, fresh produce at the local market and friendly bistros from which to watch the world go by.

Provence and Cote d'Azur is well known as the capital of sunshine and sunflowers, lavender and luxurious villas and includes the departments of Alpes Maritimes, Var and Bouches du Rhone. The region includes glamorous hotspots such as Nice, Cannes, Monaco and St Tropez where beautiful residences cling to the hillsides amid shimmering azure seascapes.

The Loire and its famous valley, full of stunning manors and chateau estates, offers some of the biggest bang per buck of any area of France as well as a down-to-earth but modern French lifestyle.

The Languedoc Roussillon is an area in the south of France, between Provence and the Spanish border, with a coastal plain that is mainly flat and greatly influenced by the Rhone delta. It includes such famous towns as Montpellier and Carcassonne, stunning gorges, lovely nature parks and many beautiful sandy beaches. The departments of Herault, Gard, Pyrenees Orientales, Aude and Lozere are included in the Languedoc.

Income from your French property

While the gite market has slowed as demand begins to be sated by supply, potential for generating income from French properties is still good. As the world's top destination with an average of over 60 million visitors per year, France's position and variety of coastal, rural and city backdrops gives it an enviable holiday and cultural fascination amongst the tourists of the world, particularly in the UK, Germany, Netherlands and the US. Many buyers are now looking for French properties suited to providing activity breaks to generate a summer income, rather than just basic accommodation. We have many such properties in France, from country cottages to a fully-functioning Parisian hotel.

French property with gites are still strong favourites among our clients, who look to casual renting as a means to help pay off the mortgage rather than as a main source of income. Of course, demand has not dropped for gite accommodation among tourists. One cautionary note, however, is that some mortgage lenders are now refusing to offer quotes for gite and leaseback properties due to their perceived risk if this income is relied upon to cover repayment.

1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)

On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner.

The next step, once you are in agreement, is to sign the preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente). This is a legal document and after ten days will be binding on both parties. Rules change frequently in France and it is best to consult with your notary about when this period starts. Generally the compris will be signed in France with the Agent.

Variants can be included in the compris, for example an Acte (clause) can be added if the name or names to go on the title deed have not been finalised. If a mortgage will be required to purchase the property, the details for this, including the name of the mortgage company, must be on the compris.

2. Paying the Deposit

Generally the deposit will be 10% of the agreed purchase price. This will normally be paid to the notaire. There are exceptions to this, if the agent holds a carte professionelle, is bonded and fully registered then you may pay them, but do not hand over the deposit to anyone else. If for some reason the purchase does not go through, for example, if you write to the notaire and the agent that you do not wish to go continue with the purchase before the contract is binding (within seven days of signing the compris), then your deposit would be repaid. This would also apply if a condition had not been met, or the mayor or S.A.F.E.R. (a government agency that has the right of first purchase on most rural property that comes onto the market in France) could oblige the purchaser to give way. If you decide after the seven days 'cooling off' period that you do not wish to complete the purchase and pull out of the sale you would lose your deposit. If however the vendor pulls out of the sale then you will receive your deposit back plus the same amount from the vendor.

3. On Completion

Generally it will take around two or three months to complete the purchase.

During this time the balance of the purchase money must be paid into the account of the notaire, this must be done well ahead of the completion date. The notaire will prepare the documents, check that the deed of sale (Acte de Vente) is in order and have the legal title ready to be signed over. It is possible to have someone sign on your behalf if you give them power of attorney. An interpreter may be of use at this point if your French is not very good and many Notaires will suggest (or insist) that an interpreter is with you.

IMPORTANT - Disclaimer :
All information provided is believed to be current and provided free of charge. No liability can be accepted for the reliability of the information and statements made as this is obtained from 3rd parties. We always recommend you take legal advice from a fully qualified Lawyer or Notary before buying a property overseas.

2943 properties

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Stylishly renovated Contemporary property completely renovated south-west facing enjoying a sea view located in a quiet and residential area of Cap-Ferrat near the Grand Hotel. In a flat garden w......

17,850,000 EURREF: 245758

Beautifully presented new 2 bedroom apartment with terrace in a select residence in Val d'Isere in a traditional Savoyard style with modern comfort and convenience. This beautiful 3 room property......

1,853,000 EURREF: 245780

Desirable four bedroom property located in a quiet, south-facing and mature plot in a closed domain on the heights of Villefranche-sur-Mer with a large swimming pool and shaded terraces. The be......

4,515,000 EURREF: 245777

Luxuriously renovated, fully furnished 3 bedroom apartment with beautiful communal gardens, tennis court and pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from ideal location in the California sector of Canne......

1,850,000 EURREF: 245773

Ideally located near the beaches and the heart of the village of Saint-Tropez, is this stylish 2 bedroom house with garden, garage and communal pool. This charming property offers exceptional pot......

1,250,000 EURREF: 245770

Outstanding fully renovated luxury 5 bedroom Provencal villa nestling in half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside and sea views from its peace......

4,980,000 EURREF: 245768

New luxury Penthouse apartment with 4 bedrooms in the heart of Courchevel Moriond, with easy access to its many shops and prestigious restaurants, as well as direct access to the slopes of Les Troi......

4,895,000 EURREF: 245764

Charming 3 storey, 6 bedroom house with garden and Studio, enjoying sea views from its location near the beach and all amenities in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. The house is built on three levels with a......

3,675,000 EURREF: 245761

Wow factor 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Saint Paul de Vence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Outstanding 5 bedroom lnew luxury villa nestling in one acre of glorious landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, while enjoying uninterrupted panoramic sea views from its sought after locati......

5,975,000 EURREF: 245755

Authentic 2 bedroom House for sale in Saint Laurent du Var, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally located near all amenities in the heart of Saint Laurent du Var, is this charming 2 bedroom house nestling in mature landscaped gardens, while enjoying scenic mountain views from the roof t......

690,000 EURREF: 245753

Authentic 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Les Arc 1800, Bourg Saint Maurice, Rhone-Alpes

Full of charm and character is this 3 bedroom apartment with communal pool and gym, enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Les Arc 1800. This m......

635,000 EURREF: 245752

Immaculate 6 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Aix en Provence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Wonderful 19th Century country house, situated in a quiet setting close to Aix en Provence. Totally and beautifully restored using traditional materials and with a living area of 333m2, feature in......

2,300,000 EURREF: 245733

Quiet 5 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Golfe Juan, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated on the outskirts of Cannes in Golfe Juan and within a private gated estate, this luxurious 5 bedroom villa boasts magnificent sea views. Built on a magnificent flat plot of 1,679m2, whic......

4,500,000 EURREF: 245726

Immaculate 6 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view and panoramic view views in Vence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Immaculately presented 6 bedroom home, which is situated in a quiet dominant setting with superb views over the old town of Vence, the village of Saint Paul de Vence, the surrounding hills and the ......

2,295,000 EURREF: 245719

Open Plan 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Inviting 2 bedroom 2nd floor apartment, with a living area of 82.81m2, situated within a residence just a few metres from the centre of the village of Megeve. With stunning uninterrupted views of......

1,310,000 EURREF: 245716

Open Plan 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Charming 2 bedroom apartment, with a living area of 57.18m2, ideally situated within a quiet small residence in a quiet area, yet just a few metres from Val Thorens ski slopes. Features include a ......

815,000 EURREF: 245715

Authentic 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in Val d'Isere, Rhone-Alpes

Beautifully nestled in a quiet green setting in Val d'Isere, this delightful 143.5m2, 3 bedroom apartment is situated on the second floor of a beautiful residence. This traditional property is fi......

4,790,000 EURREF: 245714

Income Potential 3 bedroom House for sale with panoramic and countryside views in Gras, Rhone-Alpes

An exceptional house, built in traditional stone of unrivalled quality, nestled in the heart of a generous plot in the south of Ardeche, a region recognized for its unspoiled natural beauty and its......

610,000 EURREF: 245708

Income Potential 6 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Valence, Rhone-Alpes

Attractive stone farmhouse, gite and outbuildings in a pretty situation in the Drome Valley, 20 minutes from Valence and 30 minutes from the TGV station, set in almost 3 acres of land with lovely c......

680,000 EURREF: 245707

Income Potential 10 bedroom Commercial for sale in Le Chaffal, Rhone-Alpes

Exciting lifestyle and income opportunity with this former holiday camp, steeped in history, beautifully located in the heart of the Vercors massif and 45 minutes from the TGV station. Set in over......

689,000 EURREF: 245706

Renovated 3 bedroom Farmhouse for sale in Marsanne, Rhone-Alpes

Newly renovated farmhouse offering a lovely blend of old charm with modern style and comfort set in over an acre of land with swimming pool on the the plain of Marsanne. Renovated in 2020, the 19......

699,000 EURREF: 245705

Inviting 6 bedroom House for sale in Valence, Rhone-Alpes

Delightful and spacious 6 bedroom house, just 15 minutes from the TGV station and in a dominant position set in a magnificent 5,000 m2 of natural parkland with private tennis court. The 280m2 prop......

735,000 EURREF: 245704

Grand 8 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Ceyzerieu, Rhone-Alpes

Delightful and spacious character property with origins dating back to the Eighteenth Century in a dominant position with wonderful views, just an hour from Lyon and Geneva close to Lake Bourget. ......

740,000 EURREF: 245703

Character 14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Breteuil sur Iton, Normandy

Full of character and charm and with a total of 14 bedrooms and bathrooms, this magnificent estate includes a 17th Century Chateau and is ideally situated in a quiet setting in Breteuil sur Iton, a......

1,470,000 EURREF: 245699

Character 4 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Mirambeau, Poitou-Charentes

Full of character and charm, this beautiful stone built architect inspired detached property boasts substantial accommodation in excess of 350m2, with a flexible layout arranged over 3 floors, mixi......

477,000 EURREF: 245697

Spacious 6 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Cognac, Poitou-Charentes

Ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet just a short drive from the historic town of Cognac, this very large country house is set on over an acre of land and comes with a swimming pool. Ideal as ......

549,000 EURREF: 245696

Immaculate 7 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Faye l'Abbesse, Poitou-Charentes

Beautifully presented throughout and set in a quiet setting within around 1 hectare of land with a swimming pool and stunning views towards the village of Faye l'Abbesse, where there are shops and ......

424,000 EURREF: 245693

Bright 2 bedroom Duplex for sale in Bourg Saint Maurice, Rhone-Alpes

Totally refurbished 2 bedroom duplex apartment, situated in a residence in the south slope district of Bourg Saint Maurice. With panoramic view from North to South, facing Les Arcs, features inclu......

300,000 EURREF: 245685

Elegant 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Roquebrune Cap Martin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Exceptional Belle Epoque 4 bedroom villa, which was built in 1900, with stunning panoramic views of Monaco, Cap Martin and the Mediterranean Sea. In a splendid setting and a spacious living area o......

7,990,000 EURREF: 245681

New Build 3 bedroom Villa for sale in Sainte Maxime, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Attractive new development of 8 villas in a secure residence in a great location, just a few steps from Nartelle beach in Sainte Maxime. The well-designed villas open onto beautiful terraces fac......

899,000 EURREF: 245679

Bright 6 bedroom Apartment for sale in Les Menuires, Rhone-Alpes

Superb 6 bedroom duplex apartment, with a living area of 155m2 (including 11.49m2 which is less than 1.8m high), located in a popular area of Les Menuires, in a prime location at the foot of the sk......

1,769,000 EURREF: 245677

Contemporary 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view and panoramic view views in Super Cannes, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Visually and architectural beautiful, this stunning newly built villa is ideally situated right in the heart of the most exclusive parts of the Super Cannes area and just a 10 minute drive from Can......

12,900,000 EURREF: 245660

Immaculate 4 bedroom Chalet for sale with panoramic view in Meribel, Rhone-Alpes

Magnificent 4 bedroom ski chalet, which is beautifully nestled right in the hert of the countryside, set on a plot of 3,800m2 and located very close to the gondola and shops. With a living area o......

3,750,000 EURREF: 245650

Cosy 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Les Villards, Les Arcs, Rhone-Alpes

On the heights of Arc 1800, this very pretty 1 bedroom apartment is located in a Les Souverains tourist residence in the popular village of Eden Arc. With a living area of 41 m2, features include......

265,000 EURREF: 245648

Cosy 1 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in 1850, Courchevel, Rhone-Alpes

Bright and inviting 1 bedroom ski-in/ski-out apartment, which is ideally situated in a highly a sought-after residence in the exclusive 1850 area of Courchevel. With a living area of 53.15m2 (whi......

850,000 EURREF: 245640

Bright 4 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in Val d'Isere, Rhone-Alpes

Beautifully refurbished 4 bedroom apartment, ideally situated close to shops and ski slopes, and just a 5 minute walk from the centre of Val d'Isere. With a living area of 110.96m2, this recently ......

1,360,000 EURREF: 245639

Lovingly Maintained 4 bedroom Apartment for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Beautifully presented 4 bedroom triplex apartment, which is ideally located close to all amenities and just a stone's throw from the slopes and ski lifts. Presented in a chalet atmosphere and ide......

1,075,000 EURREF: 245638

Character 7 bedroom Chalet for sale in Crest Voland, Rhone-Alpes

Ideally located at the edge of the slopes of the Espace Diamant, this charming 7 bedroom ski chalet, which was built in 1962, has a living area of 144.2m2 (Carrez law), and is set in a privileged l......

1,350,000 EURREF: 245637

8 bedroom Farm Estate for sale with Income Potential in L'Isle Jourdain, Poitou-Charentes

Fantastic opportunity to acquire a spacious 4 bedroom villa, two 2 bedroom gites, a fully licensed bar and restaurant and outbuildings, all nestling in 40 hectares of glorious land with an 84 acre ......

2,205,000 EURREF: 245626

5 bedroom House for sale with sea view with Income Potential in Grasse, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Nestling in over an acre of glorious gardens with fruit trees and pool, is this charming 5 bedroom house with outbuildings, located near all amenities in Grasse. The house comprises of two apartm......

900,000 EURREF: 245624

Waterfront 8 bedroom Property for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Saint Raphael, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its sought after frontline location near the heart of Saint Raphael, is this exceptional 8 bedroom luxury villa with separate apartment, nestling in over half a......

5,750,000 EURREF: 245622

9 bedroom House for sale with Income Potential in St Laurent du Var, Nice, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Stylishly renovated 3 storey, 9 bedroom house made up of three apartments, set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool and Jacuzzi, located in a peaceful area of St Laurent du Var. This charming......

1,590,000 EURREF: 245619

Wow factor 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Villefranche sur Mer, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, is this exceptional 4 bedroom luxury villa with separate guest house, enjoying uninterrupted sea and countryside views from its ......

5,950,000 EURREF: 245616

Luxury 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Mont d'Arbois, Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Ideally located near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of Mont d'Arbois, is this stunning 3 bedroom luxury apartment enjoying far reaching views across the golf course to mountains beyond. ......

1,520,000 EURREF: 245613

Wow factor 5 bedroom Triplex for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Palm Beach, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its idyllic location in Palm Beach, Cannes, is this exceptional 5 bedroom luxurious triplex Penthouse apartment with pool and roof terrace. Offering outstandi......

13,780,000 EURREF: 245607

Immaculate 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in Biot, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Luxurious new 3 bedroom architect designed apartment with garden and communal pool, enjoying panoramic countryside and sea views from its location in Biot. This intimate residence, with a contempo......

585,000 EURREF: 245602

Immaculate 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Auron, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Enjoying wonderful mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Auron, is this stunning new one bedroom apartment with communal Spa and pool. The renowned ski resort......

814,968 EURREF: 245600

Immaculate 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view and panoramic view views in Cavalaire sur Mer, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Superb 5 bedroom home, which is ideally situated within a quiet and peaceful setting close to a fine sandy beach in Cavalaire sur Mer. Recently built and with stunning unobstructed views of the bl......

2,990,000 EURREF: 245592

Cosy 1 bedroom Apartment for sale with countryside view in Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Charming 1 bedroom apartment, situated in a lovely residence and ideally located just a few minutes walk from Megeve village centre. With a cosy living area of 35.71m2 (under carrez law), this apa......

520,000 EURREF: 245577

Immaculate 4 bedroom Triplex for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Immaculately presented 4 bedroom apartment, which is ideally situated close to Val Thorens centre and the shops. Set out over 3 floors, features include a fitted and equipped kitchen opening onto......

1,318,000 EURREF: 245576

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Buying French Property

Where to buy property in France

Income from your French property

1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)

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3. On Completion

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