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

Spacious 4 bedroom House for sale in Annecy Le Vieux, Annecy, Auvergne Rhone Alpes
Ref 255076
Rare opportunity to acquire a spacious 4 bedroom property in one of Annecy-le-Vieux's most sought-after neighbourhoods, offering charm, potential and a privileged location. The traditional-style...
1,370,000 EUR
Stylish 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Cannes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255075
Beautifully presented 2 bedroom apartment with balcony in the heart of Cannes at the foot of Rue d'Antibes, offering excellent rental potential. Situated on the 3rd floor, the bright and stylish...
695,000 EUR
Character 4 bedroom House for sale in Perpignan, Occitanie
Ref 255074
Charming townhouse from the Belle Epoque era, in a lush green setting in the heart of a peaceful district in Perpignan, close to the Quai Nobel, Place Catalogne, and the train station. This early...
579,000 EUR
Beachfront 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea and panoramic views in Sainte Maxime, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255069
Charming 3 bedroom duplex apartment in a desirable residence with communal pool, just 100 metres from the sea, with fabulous panoramic sea views. The 83m2 property includes an entrance hall, an o...
600,000 EUR
Renovated 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Saint Jean d'Angely, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 255063
Fabulous and beautifully renovated French chateau on the edge of a tranquil village just minutes from the picturesque market town of St Jean d'Angely, offering a rare blend of grandeur, comfort, a...
1,250,000 EUR
Character 3 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with panoramic view in Pau, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 255062
Charming Eighteenth Century Bearnaise stone farmhouse with outbuildings set in 14 acres of land in the countryside near Pau and with lovely panoramic views with the Pyrenees on the horizon. Built...
595,000 EUR
Spacious 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Grasse, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255061
Spacious 4 bedroom villa with swimming pool in a peaceful situation in Grasse St Antoine, with easy access to Cannes. The 220m2 villa features a bright living room opening onto the garden, a larg...
1,150,000 EUR
Beachfront 1 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea and panoramic views in Antibes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255060
Rare opportunity with this lovely apartment facing the Salis beach in Antibes, providing a remarkable panoramic view of the sea, the Old Town and the mountains from its spacious balcony. Located o...
850,000 EUR
Bright 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in Villeneuve Loubet, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255059
Modern 2 bedroom apartment in the prestigious Domaine des Hauts de Vaugrenier, with a sunny and spacious south-facing terrace. With a living area of approximately 62 m2, the apartment features ...
550,000 EUR
4 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Saint Paul en Foret, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255058
Exciting lifestyle and income opportunity with this charming old farmhouse in need of renovation with apartments, set in 2.5 acres of land just a few minutes from medieval villages and the Pays de ...
731,400 EUR
Character 10 bedroom House for sale in Saint Martin de Re, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 255054
Rare opportunity with this historic stone property in Saint-Martin-de-Re, offering character, charm and room for development and renovation. Ideal for lovers of old stone or those looking for ren...
2,850,000 EUR
Luxury 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic and sea views in Cannes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255053
Spacious 3 bedroom apartment in one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods of Cannes, providing luxurious modern comfort with amenities and fabulous panoramic sea views. This 180m2 property sits...
3,990,000 EUR
Renovated 5 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Eygalieres, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255052
Beautifully renovated former hunting lodge boasting high-end finishes and timeless charm in a peaceful haven in the heart of the Alpilles. Tucked away in the hills of Eygalieres, this spacious 5...
3,750,000 EUR
Stylish 3 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in La Colle Sur Loup, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255051
Stylish contemporary property with panoramic views over the charming village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Built in 2023, this modern villa offers 135m2 of living space, distinguished by high-quality m...
1,199,000 EUR
Renovated 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea and panoramic views in Beaulieu sur Mer, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255050
Charming and stylish two bedroom apartment in a prestigious residence in Beaulieu-sur-Mer,on the penultimate floor, offering an exceptional living environment between the sea and the mountains wit...
1,450,000 EUR
Beautiful 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Fayence, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255049
Spacious 3 bedroom villa with gite and swimming pool in a tranquil and desirable setting close to the charming village of Fayence. Surrounded by lush greenery, this desirable property sits in a ...
1,290,000 EUR
Beautiful 4 bedroom House for sale in Grasse, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255048
Delightful fully renovated former bergerie in a sought-after residential setting, in a cul-de-sac within a gated estate in Grasse, blending authentic charm with contemporary comforts. The living ...
920,000 EUR
Beautiful 6 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with panoramic view in Saint Saturnin les Apt, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255047
Spacious 6 bedroom Provencal farmhouse with gites in a fabulous setting located between vineyards, lavender fields and hills, set at the foot of an authentic village, with panoramic views and stron...
2,345,000 EUR
Character 5 bedroom House for sale in Antibes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255046
Charming character villa with pool and 5 bedrooms, in a tranquil situation yet close to the sea and amenities in Cap d'Antibes. This impressive property combines charm and elegance. With total sur...
2,120,000 EUR
Stylish 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic and sea views in Golfe Juan, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 255045
Stylish and elegant 4 bedroom villa in the hills of Golfe-Juan in a residential neighbourhood, with pool and lovely sea views. The 152m2 interior includes a beautiful living room with an open ki...
1,595,000 EUR