Prestige Property Group

French Property

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Over 20 years experience in the area.

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We offer access to 99.9% of the local property market including off-market options

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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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Refurbished 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Val d'Isere, Rhone-Alpes

Ideally located in the prestigious resort of Val d'Isere, right on the snow front and close to all amenities, this bright 82m2 apartment, which has been tastefully renovated, comprises of: entrance......

2,100,000 EURREF: 244255

Refurbished 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in Val Claret, Tignes, Rhone-Alpes

Completely refurbished and ideally located in Tignes Val Claret, which is a quiet setting yet close to the main avenue and its shops,this 2 bedroom apartment + alcove, can accommodate 6 people and ......

754,000 EURREF: 244254

Unique house for sale with lake or river view in Allemans du Dropt, Aquitaine

In need of renovating, this simply stunning riverside former water-mill is ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet within walking distance to a popular village. This historic hydraulic water mill......

424,000 EURREF: 244235

Character 5 bedroom B and B for sale with countryside view in Rieupeyroux, Midi-Pyrenees

Full of character and charm, this beautiful and totally restored 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home is located in a quiet hamlet with wonderful countryside views, and is set on 1.2 hectares of land with a ......

636,000 EURREF: 244234

Lovingly Maintained 2 bedroom Duplex for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Palm Beach, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally situated within the highly sought-after Palm Beach area of Cannes, on the sea front opposite the Moure Rouge beaches, this beautiful 120m2 duplex apartment, which also has a pleasant and sp......

Enquire For PriceREF: 244232

Inviting 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Nice, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Rare on the market in this area of Nice, this superb 2 bedroom apartment has a private balcony, terrace and roof terrace with outstanding panoramic views of the city, the sea and all the way to Sai......

1,150,000 EURREF: 244228

Lovingly Maintained 5 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in La Croix Valmer, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Luxurious 5 bedroom sea view villa, situated in a quiet setting, yet close to La Croix Valmer village's and beaches. Set on a large wooded plot of 2,600 m2, features include: Ground floor: drivew......

1,995,000 EURREF: 244224

Income Producing 8 bedroom Gite for sale in Saint Marcel d'Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon

Tastefully renovated 3 storey, 8 bedroom historical house set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, ideally located near all amenities in Saint Marcel d'Aude. Situated just 10 minutes from Na......

860,000 EURREF: 244219

Quiet 4 bedroom Duplex for sale in Morzine, Rhone-Alpes

On the south west facing side of Morzine, just a short walk from the Super Morzine ski lift and the village centre, perfect for easy access to skiing or biking, and a good position for generating r......

850,000 EURREF: 244217

Luxury 5 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Mougins, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Enjoying panoramic views of the village, is this stylishly renovated 5 bedroom luxury villa nestling in nearly an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, located near all ameniti......

4,450,000 EURREF: 244194

Luxury 9 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Roquebrune Cap Martin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Outstanding, luxurious and elegant 3 storey, 9 bedroom villa nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool and Jacuzzi, while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its prestigious location near......

4,450,000 EURREF: 244189

3 bedroom Complex for sale with Income Potential in Ria Sirach, Languedoc-Roussillon

Unique opportunity to acquire a hamlet of 5 charming houses, nestling in over 2 hectares of glorious land and outbuildings, while enjoying outstanding countryside and mountain views from its peacef......

670,000 EURREF: 244157

Lovingly Maintained 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Vallauris, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming 5 bedroom Provençal style villa with lovely sea views, situated in a quiet setting in Vallauris, set within a large mature plot of 2,400m2 with a swimming pool and lovely sea views. There......

2,100,000 EURREF: 244130

Lovingly Maintained 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Les Arcs, Rhone-Alpes

Inviting 1 bedroom apartment located in the residence Refuge du Montagnard and free of lease. In very good condition throughout and with a living area of 39m2, this property consists of a fully e......

410,000 EURREF: 244123

Cosy 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Charming 1 bedroom apartment located in Val Thorens, with a living area of 38m2, which features an entrance hall with storage space, as well as a mountain corner ideal for welcoming family or frien......

460,000 EURREF: 244079

Bright 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Courchevel, Rhone-Alpes

Stylish and beautifully presented 3 bedroom apartment, situated within a luxury residence which is ideally placed for the ski slopes and all amenities in central Courchevel. With a living area of......

2,900,000 EURREF: 244036

Elegant 6 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Petit Juas, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally situated in the quiet residential area of Petite Juas, yet close to shops and amenities, this luxury villa, which was built in 1920 (listed as French Cultural Heritage), has a living area o......

2,350,000 EURREF: 244032

Bright 5 bedroom Chalet for sale in Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

Superb 5 bedroom ski chalet, situated in a quiet and sunny area of Chamonix. This semi-detached chalet offers a beautiful open-plan living space on a flat south facing plot of 1,100m2. With a li......

3,200,000 EURREF: 244029

Turn Key 4 bedroom Chalet for sale in Montvalezan, Rhone-Alpes

Ideally situated within a quiet and highly sought-after hamlet at an altitude of 1,300m, just 10 minutes from the ski resort of La Rosiere 1850, 20 minutes from Sainte Foy Tarentaise and 30 minutes......

1,050,000 EURREF: 244028

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

Exceptional and totally refurbished alpine apartment located in Val Thorens. With a living area of 49m2, this superb apartment has been renovated with top-of-the-range materials and offers 2 peac......

760,000 EURREF: 244027

7 bedroom Manor House for sale with Income Potential in Salles d'Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon

Outstanding Maison de Maitre with pool and additional accommodation, beautifully renovated and ideally located just 15 minutes from Narbonne and its beaches. This exceptional complex of building......

1,300,000 EURREF: 244019

Character 4 bedroom Farmhouse for sale in Bages, Languedoc-Roussillon

Beautiful rural property, ideally located at less than 10 minutes walk from the Bages and Peyriac de Mer lagoon and set in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature. This former wine estate provide......

749,000 EURREF: 244017

Character 6 bedroom Chateau for sale in Bernay Saint Martin, Surgeres, Poitou-Charentes

Located in a quiet setting in Bernay Saint Martin, yet close to Surgeres with its weekly market and TGV train station, this beautiful 18th Century residence has been tastefully renovated whilst man......

798,000 EURREF: 244006

Bright 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Bright and luxurious 3 bedroom apartment, situated within a small high standing residence with a caretaker and swimming pool and benefiting from panoramic sea views. With a living area of 123m2, t......

2,490,000 EURREF: 243991

Bright 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Located right in the heart of Val Thorens, this charming 1 bedroom apartment offers a welcoming functional living space of 40.42m2, which comprises of: entrance hall with storage space and a mounta......

500,000 EURREF: 243985

Cosy 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Bright 1 bedroom apartment situated right in the heart of Val Thorens, with a balcony and ski locker and ideal as a rental investment. With a living area of 30m2, features include an entrance hal......

350,000 EURREF: 243984

Open Plan Studio for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Exclusive studio apartment of 24m2, which can accommodate 4 people, located in a quiet setting in Val Thorens. Features include: kitchenette open to the living room, mountain corner, bathroom with......

235,000 EURREF: 243983

Exclusive 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Rare on the market and ideally situated within one of the most highly sought-after areas of Cannes, La Californie, this exceptional property is ideally located right in the heart of a gated and gua......

7,880,000 EURREF: 243961

Refurbished 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Montriond, Rhone-Alpes

Very bright and spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment, situated on the first floor of a small building, located in a quiet no through road, yet just a few minutes from the centre of Morzine. Th......

545,000 EURREF: 243956

New Build 3 bedroom Chalet for sale in Morzine, Rhone-Alpes

Beautifully presented newly built chalet in Morzine, close to a free ski-bus stop, giving access to the resort centre and the Super-Morzine and Pleney ski lifts. Built last year, this chalet has ......

875,000 EURREF: 243948

Character 9 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Le Fleix, Aquitaine

Beautifully refurbished 9 bedroom stone built farmhouse, which is ideally situated in a beautifully quiet hamlet yet just 2km from Saint Meard de Gurcon that has shops, restaurants, bars, post offi......

645,000 EURREF: 243937

Character 4 bedroom house for sale with panoramic view in Najac, Midi-Pyrenees

Situated right in the heart of a beautiful medieval village, this lovely stone built property, which was once the home of the local Notaire, has spacious and light rooms with high ceilings and stun......

385,000 EURREF: 243934

Unique 8 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Laroque Timbaut, Aquitaine

With a superb blend of stone and a contemporary design, this spacious, bright and airy architect-designed 8 bedroom house is ideally situated close to all amenities in Laroque Timbaut. There is a......

572,000 EURREF: 243932

Luxury 7 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Wonderful modern and spacious 7 bedroom villa with a mirror swimming pool and stunning panoramic sea views towards the bay of Cannes and the Esterel. With a vast living area of 700m2 and set with......

Enquire For PriceREF: 243929

Impressive 17th Century property in the heart of a small village with 10 bedrooms, swimming pool and and offering versatile living style and income opportunities in a desirable location. Situated ......

997,000 EURREF: 243895

Luxury 6 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Mougins, Cote d

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French Property

Full Personal Service

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Buying French Property

Where to buy property in France

Income from your French property

1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)

2. Paying the Deposit

3. On Completion

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