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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.

2974 properties

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Immaculate 5 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Bergerac, Aquitaine

Situated in quiet countryside setting, yet just a few minutes drive from Bergerac, this recently completed and spacious home has 4 bedrooms, a huge living room with a high quality kitchen and a lar......

1,263,685 EURREF: 242965

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

Bright and inviting 1 bedroom apartment, situated within a well maintained residence located right in the heart of the resort and just a short walk from the ski slopes. This superb 40m2 apartment ......

480,000 EURREF: 242952

High Specification 3 bedroom Penthouse for sale in Morzine, Rhone-Alpes

Excellent brand new 3 bedroom apartment located in Morzine, right on the ski bus route and only a short walk from all amenities. The exterior of the residence is perfectly Savoyard style and mode......

951,000 EURREF: 242951

Character 12 bedroom French Chateau for sale in Madiran, Gers, Midi-Pyrenees

Situated in a quiet setting in Madiran, right in the heart of the Gers area and surrounded by vineyards, this superb Gascon property offers an enchanting setting just 5 minutes from all amenities a......

2,500,000 EURREF: 242901

Luxurious newly built 4 bedroom villa with apartment, ideally situated within a quiet and dominant/elevated setting in Le Cannet and with simply stunning panoramic sea views. This contemporary vil......

28,000,000 EURREF: 242899

Lovingly Maintained Income Potential , Sea View Villa with 5 bedrooms French Riviera Mougins

With stunning panoramic sea views towards the Esterel and the hills of Mougins, this lovely south facing villa benefits from natural light as well as magnificent sunsets and sunrises. With a livi......

1,480,000 EURREF: 242897

Quiet Stylish , Sea View 4 bedroom Villa La Croix Valmer French Riviera

Ideally situated right in the heart of one of the most highly sought after addresses in La Croix Valmer and just 10 minutes from the beach, this superb property has stunning views towards the sea, ......

6,825,000 EURREF: 242893

Quiet Refurbished , 6 bedroom Villa Ramatuelle French Riviera Countryside View

Absolutely exceptional 6 bedroom Provencal property, which is located in a quiet setting in Ramatuelle, close to the village of Saint Tropez and the beaches of Pampelonne, an ideal place to live a ......

10,800,000 EURREF: 242886

Bright Income Potential , Apartment with 3 bedrooms Megeve Mountain View

Beautiful 3 bedroom duplex apartment located in Megeve, with a total living area of 90m2, which features a pleasant and bright living room with a fireplace, large direct openings onto a south/west ......

750,000 EURREF: 242883

Stunning Luxury , 4 bedroom Villa Seillans Countryside View

Nestling in over an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens is this stunning 4 bedroom luxury villa with indoor pool, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near all amenit......

1,149,000 EURREF: 242875

Immaculate Luxury , 4 bedroom Villa Grimaud French Riviera Garden View

Immaculate single storey, 4 bedroom luxury South facing villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, ideally located in a peaceful area near all amenities in Grimaud. This contem......

2,050,000 EURREF: 242873

New Build Luxury , 4 bedroom Chalet Saint Martin de Belleville Three Valleys Ski Mountain View

Stunning new 3 storey, 4 bedroom luxury chalet with garden enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Saint Martin de Belleville. Situated i......

2,600,000 EURREF: 242860

Waterfront 4 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Port Grimaud, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Outstanding luxuriously renovated 3 storey, 4 bedroom turnkey house with garden and mooring, enjoying panoramic canal views from its idyllic waterfront location in Port Grimaud. This stunning doub......

3,500,000 EURREF: 242852

Character 10 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Le Bugue, Dordogne, Aquitaine

Excellent opportunity to purchase a charming 17th/18th Century hamlet, which is ideally situated within a quiet rural setting in the Dordogne Valley. The estate comprises of an exceptional Chartr......

1,590,000 EURREF: 242825

3 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view with Established Rental in La Roque Gageac, Aquitaine

This beautifully and sympathetically restored home sits on the heights of La Roque Gageac, which is one of the prettiest villages in France and with simply breathtaking views of the Dordogne river ......

495,000 EURREF: 242822

New Build 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Roquebrune Cap Martin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

In absolute calm and in a private and secure estate, this superb villa is set within a dominant plot of 2,500m2 with a swimming pool and enchanting views of the sea from Cap Martin to Menton. Rece......

4,200,000 EURREF: 242815

Character 8 bedroom Manor House for sale in Chatellerault, Poitou-Charentes

Lovely character 'maison de maitre' in an old small town, set in over half an acre with main house, 2 gites, swimming pool and attractive outdoor space. Built in 1833, this spacious stone propert......

866,250 EURREF: 242787

Bright 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Saint Paul de Vence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

In a quiet, leafy residential environment, this attractive 4 bedroom villa has a total spacious built area of 350m2, (including 181m2 Loi Carrez), which is set out over 3 levels, and which is set w......

1,450,000 EURREF: 242772

Bright 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Callian, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

With beautiful views and ideally located in a quiet setting yet just a few steps from the picturesque village of Callian, its shops and restaurants. Built in 2002, features include an entrance lea......

697,000 EURREF: 242768

Bright 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Mandelieu la Napoule, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming 4 bedroom villa, with its origins dating from the 1970s, set out over 2 floors and with stunning views of Mandelieu la Napoule, the oldest golf course in southern France and the bay of Can......

1,200,000 EURREF: 242765

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

Ideally located in a private estate with direct access to a hidden cove (Calanque), this sumptuous 5 bedroom villa offers stunning panoramic sea views. Entirely redesigned by a renowned local arc......

5,500,000 EURREF: 242764

Lovingly Maintained 5 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in La Colle Sur Loup, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Rare 5 bedroom villa, which is idealy located on the immediate outskirts of the charming village of la Colle sur Loup, with stunning open panoramic views and situated in a quiet area, yet less than......

1,830,000 EURREF: 242734

2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea and panoramic views in Mandelieu la Napoule, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Bright and spacious open plan 2 bedroom apartment with communal gardens, pool and tennis courts, enjoying panoramic sea views from its location in Mandelieu la Napoule. This stylish property of ar......

595,000 EURREF: 242745

Renovated 8 bedroom House for sale in Violes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Beautifully restored 19th century property with guest house and apartment, nestling in nearly 1.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool, ideally located amongst the vineyards nea......

1,123,000 EURREF: 242740

Furnished 5 bedroom Duplex for sale in Les Arcs, Rhone-Alpes

Totally refurbished 5 bedroom duplex apartment, with a bright living area of 134m2, located in the nice area of Courbaton, close to the ski slopes of ARC 1600. Features include: entrance hall, fu......

1,130,000 EURREF: 242731

New Build 4 bedroom Duplex for sale with panoramic view in Huez, Rhone-Alpes

Immaculately presented 4 bedroom duplex apartment, with a spacious living area of 164m2, nestled right in the heart of the authentic village of Huez, linked to the resort by the Huez Express cable ......

1,150,000 EURREF: 242730

Stunning 6 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Perpignan, Languedoc-Roussillon

Absolutely outstanding 5 bedroom villa with separate one bedroom Studio, nestling in nearly 3 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying panoramic countryside views f......

2,500,000 EURREF: 242690

Modern 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

Enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its top floor position, is this bright new one bedroom apartment ideally located near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of Chamonix. This is the w......

779,000 EURREF: 242664

14 bedroom Chateau for sale with Income Potential in Saumur, Pays-de-la-Loire

Rare Nineteenth century property full of character and charm set in over 2 acres, located within easy walking distance of all shops and amenities in the heart of Saumur, within easy reach by car of......

1,050,000 EURREF: 242659

Refurbished 6 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Roquecor, Midi-Pyrenees

Stunning estate which is beautifully nestled right in the heart of nature in Quercy Blanc, just 2km from a village with shops and restaurants. This truly enchanting retreat has been beautifully re......

584,000 EURREF: 242640

5 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Fayence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Superb 5 bedroom Provencal style villa, which is ideally situated within a green and quiet environment, just 5 minutes from the village of Fayence, with a living area of around 182 m2 and set on a ......

1,250,000 EURREF: 242633

Character 4 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Monbahus, Aquitaine

Character 4 bedroom stone built property, which is set back 200m from the road, in a tranquil area, with no near neighbours, yet only a very short drive from the local village with schools, shop, b......

475,000 EURREF: 242608

Historical 15 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Loches, Centre

Rare Sixteenth Century Chateau with exceptional historical character, superb condition and full of preserved features, in a beautiful location with panoramic countryside views, set in over 56 a......

1,680,000 EURREF: 242603

Character 10 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Villefranche du Perigord, Aquitaine

This fabulous country estate offers many possibilities including revenue potential. It sits in a beautiful part of the Perigord, surrounded by lush green countryside, 40 minutes from Sarlat and an ......

739,500 EURREF: 242605

Refurbished 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Sainte Maxime, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming and recently refurbished 4 bedroom villa situated in a quiet setting in Sainte Maxime, set within a mature elevated plot of 1,100m2 with an infinity swimming pool and beautiful sea views. ......

1,595,000 EURREF: 242595

Architect Designed 4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Saint Remy de Provence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Remarkable 4 bedroom traditional Mas, which is ideally situated within a quiet setting in Saint Remy de Provence. Beautifully designed by a renowned Provencal architect in 2007, this superb villa ......

2,850,000 EURREF: 242590

Lovingly Maintained 5 bedroom Chalet for sale in La Rosiere, Montvalezan, Rhone-Alpes

Superb and authentic 5 bedroom ski chalet, which is ideally situated within a privileged location in La Rosiere 1850, close to the ski lifts, on the edge of the forest and facing south with magnifi......

1,550,000 EURREF: 242585

New Build 5 bedroom Apartment for sale in Huez, Rhone-Alpes

Lovely 5 bedroom apartment, which is ideally nestled right in the heart of Huez, which is a peaceful mountain village. Set within a charming, recently built alpine chalet, this inviting apartment ......

1,540,000 EURREF: 242584

Bright 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Demi Quartier, Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Superb 1 bedroom apartment with a total living area of 34m2, ideally located just a few minutes from Megeve, at La Princesse and close to the ski lifts, which will enable you to take full advantage......

295,000 EURREF: 242582

Quiet 5 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Cogolin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Full of charm and authenticity is this superb 5 bedroom villa with outbuildings, set in beautiful landscaped gardens while enjoying uninterrupted views of the vineyards and hills from its peaceful ......

890,000 EURREF: 242572

Character 7 bedroom House for sale in Libourne, Aquitaine

Full of character and charm, this tastefully modernised stone built house, with a guest annexe and swimming pool, is set in a quiet and secluded location overlooking a river with its own pontoon. ......

1,053,000 EURREF: 242562

Character 4 bedroom Mill for sale in Lizant, Poitou-Charentes

Full of character and charm, this magnificent residence, which was once an old mill, offers a bucolic setting and a unique charm. The spacious and light-filled rooms showcase quality materials an......

445,200 EURREF: 242561

Bright 1 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Bright and spacious one bedroom apartment with cellar, enjoying panoramic sea views from its location in a peaceful area near all amenities in Basse Californie, Cannes. Situated on the second floo......

499,000 EURREF: 242555

Immaculate 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Morzine, Rhone-Alpes

Elegant 3 bedroom apartment of 141m2, located in the main shopping street of Morzine village. It consists of 3 beautiful en-suite bedrooms, 1 of which is a family suite (double bed and bunk bed).......

1,200,000 EURREF: 242536

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

Great investment opportunity and situated in a ski-in/ski-out residence close to all facilities, this 26m2 apartment comprises of a bedroom, bathroom, separate WC and kitchenette opening onto a liv......

300,000 EURREF: 242534

Lovingly Maintained 3 bedroom House for sale in Francin, Porte de Savoie, Rhone-Alpes

Charming 3 bedroom house with garden located near all amenities in Porte de Savoie, Francin. This delightful property of 160m2 consists in the basement of a very large summer kitchen (38m2) openin......

369,000 EURREF: 242524

5 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside and sea views in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Outstanding 5 bedroom luxury villa nestling in half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from its peaceful South facing location in Super Cannes. This su......

5,490,000 EURREF: 242521

Immaculate 4 bedroom Duplex for sale in Val d'Isere, Rhone-Alpes

Absolutely outstanding 4 bedroom luxury duplex apartment enjoying spectacular mountain views from its sought after location near the slopes and all amenities in Val d'Isere. Here, amid wonderful ......

6,700,000 EURREF: 242517

5 bedroom house for sale in MontaigudeQuercy, Midi-Pyrenees

Large and beautiful house partly in stone benefiting from numerous extensions and enlargements giving a contemporary, bright and pleasant air, located just a few minutes from Montaigu de Quercy, Ta......

598,500 EURREF: 242485

4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea and panoramic views in Corbara, Corsica

Situated in a quiet setting in Corbara, this 230m2 property comprises of, on the ground floor: entrance hall 7m2, reception area 53m2, kitchen/pantry 8m2, 3 en-suite bedrooms of 17, 15 & 14m2 and a......

3,250,000 EURREF: 242483

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French Property

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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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