Buying a Property in France

Areas Suggested Searches Legal Process Latest Properties

Areas of France

The Rhone Alpes is a diverse land of mountains, vineyards, rivers and prosperous cities.

Annecy is a popular and chic town with highly sought-after properties, especially those with lake frontage.

The beautiful region of Aquitaine lies to the southwest of France, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Pyrenees Mountains to the south, along the border with Spain.

France's capital is a global centre for food, art and culture.

Long the playground of the rich and famous.

One of the most popular areas, the Dordogne has history and beauty in abundance.

In the French Alps, the magnificent Three Valleys area consists of major ski resorts: Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens.

Legal Process

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.

Latest Properties in France

Character 5 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Fayence, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254433
Charming old bastide set in over 3 acres with countryside views, just 5 minutes from the village of Fayence. The property of approximately 200 m2 is located on a plot of 1.3 hectares in a quiet a...
840,000 EUR
Beautiful Apartment for sale with sea and panoramic views in Cagnes sur Mer, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254432
Located on the top floors of a well-known residence, this excellent duplex penthouse stands out with fabulous views through almost 360 degrees, taking in the Mediterranean, the surrounding hill...
1,350,000 EUR
Beautiful 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Mougins, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254431
Bright and spacious top floor apartment in a select residence with pool, with exceptional ceiling height, mezzanine level, and large south-facing terrace offering open views over lush greenery. Ju...
690,000 EUR
Modern 3 bedroom Villa for sale in Grimaud, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254428
Beautifully presented and modern semi-detached villa in a small, secure estate built in 2022, in a quiet location near the village and just 3km from the beach. The charming 90m2 villa is spread ...
560,000 EUR
7 bedroom House for sale with Income Potential in Corgnac sur L'isle, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 254424
Beautifully renovated 7 bedroom property in a beautiful waterfront setting, with income potential and generous living space. The spacious property is ideal for a large family/multigenerational liv...
545,000 EUR
Beautiful 6 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Lisieux, Normandy
Ref 254423
Charming Eighteenth Century chateau for sale in Normandy, set in a beautiful estate of over 25 acres with gite and outbuildings. Built in 1742 with 19th-century additions, the stone and brick p...
1,400,000 EUR
Immaculate 4 bedroom House for sale in Valbonne, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254422
Stunning new 4 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, located near all amenities in Valbonne. This stylish property captivates with its contemporary architecture and meticulous finishes. Set...
2,200,000 EUR
Authentic 4 bedroom Apartment for sale in Jean Medecin, Nice, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254421
Ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the Jean Medecin area of Nice is this charming 4 bedroom apartment. Set on the 4th floor with elevator in a nice residence, this spacious 180 m...
1,050,000 EUR
Authentic 3 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with panoramic and countryside views in Fayence, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254420
Authentic stone farmhouse dating back to 1896 and partially renovated in 2013, set in almost 2 acres of land with many century-old olive trees in a peaceful area with lovely panoramic views over th...
765,000 EUR
Immaculate 1 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic and sea views in Cannes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254419
Luxuriously renovated one bedroom apartment enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location near the beach and all amenities in the Croisette, Cannes. This magnificent property is just...
1,590,000 EUR
Wow factor 7 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic and sea views in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254416
Absolutely sensational 7 bedroom luxurious villa with indoor pool, nestling in over one acre of glorious mature gardens with outdoor pool, while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its prestigious...
45,000,000 EUR
Immaculate 6 bedroom House for sale with panoramic and sea views in Antibes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254415
Enjoying panoramic views from its peaceful location on the heights of Antibes, is this luxuriously renovated 6 bedroom Provencal villa with separate studios, nestling in over half an acre of beauti...
2,750,000 EUR
Luxury 4 bedroom House for sale with panoramic and sea views in Vence, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254414
Nestling in nearly half an acre of beautiful Mediterranean gardens with pool, is this magnificent 4 bedroom luxury villa enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location in Vence. Situa...
2,475,000 EUR
Immaculate 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Cannes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254413
Unique 2 bedroom luxury duplex apartment enjoying panoramic sea views from the roof terrace, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the heart of the sought-after Montfleury area of Can...
1,190,000 EUR
Wow factor 6 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Tourrettes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254412
Nesstling in one hectare of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool, is this exceptional 4 bedroom luxury villa with separate guest house, enjoying panoramic views from its prestigious loca...
9,800,000 EUR
Waterfront 4 bedroom House for sale with panoramic and sea views in Le Lavandou, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254411
Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its unique waterfront location in Le Lavandou, is this luxuriously renovated 4 bedroom villa set in nearly half an acre of beautiful lush gardens with pool and...
7,280,000 EUR
Wow factor 7 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic and sea views in Ramatuelle, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254410
Absolutely exceptional 7 bedroom luxury villa nestling in nearly 2.5 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious and sought af...
16,500,000 EUR
Prestige 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic and sea views in Cannes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254409
Rare opportunity to acquire a stunning 2 bedroom luxury apartment with communal gardens and pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location near all amenities in the sought-after C...
1,620,000 EUR
Immaculate 5 bedroom House for sale in Cannes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254408
In excellent condition is this stunning 5 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, ideally located near all amenities in the heart of Cannes. Offering a generous 170 m2 of refined living space,...
998,000 EUR
Immaculate 4 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Saint Paul de Vence, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254407
Exceptional modern and contemporary 4 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, ideally located in a peaceful area near all amenities in Saint Paul de Vence. Built in 2020, this stunning proper...
1,349,000 EUR