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

Authentic 4 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Linazay, Ruffec, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 254174
Absolutely enchanting 4 bedroom Chateau nestling in nearly 19 acres of glorious land with outbuildings, equestrian facilities, gardens, pool and fruit trees, while enjoying far reaching countryside...
695,000 EUR
Income Producing 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Alaigne, Occitanie
Ref 254170
Stylishly renovated 3 bedroom house with separate 2 bedroom annex, pool and garden, nestling in 27 hectares of vineyards and land near Alaigne. Situated among the scenic vineyards of the Aude regi...
970,000 EUR
Authentic 7 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Lignol, Brittany
Ref 254169
Nestling in 26 hectares of glorious land with equestrian facilities is this charming 4 bedroom house with separate 3 bedroom cottage with pool and garden, ideally located near Lignol. Situated in ...
901,000 EUR
Luxury 3 bedroom House for sale with panoramic and sea views in Roquebrune Cap Martin, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254160
Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its prestigious location in Roquebrune Cap Martin, is this exceptional historic villa with separate guest house, pool and garden. Nestled in a haven of greene...
3,300,000 EUR
Immaculate 5 bedroom Villa for sale in Antibes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254159
Stylishly renovated 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, ideally located in a peaceful area near the beach and all amenities in Antibes. Situated in a so...
2,175,000 EUR
Luxury 5 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic and sea views in Villefranche sur Mer, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254158
Absolutely exceptional 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic views of the Cap-Ferrat, the bay of Villefranche and the Mont-Boron f...
7,400,000 EUR
Luxury 6 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Grasse, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254157
Exceptional 6 bedroom Bastide with separate 2 bedroom guest house, nestling in 7.5 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peacef...
3,700,000 EUR
Unique 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in Cannes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254156
Enjoying panoramic sea views from the roof terrace is this luxurious Penthouse apartment with independent studio and communal pool, ideally located in the area of Montrose. Situated just a 12 min...
1,750,000 EUR
Immaculate 5 bedroom House for sale with sea view in Californie, Cannes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254154
Luxuriously renovated 5 bedroom villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool while enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious and secure location in the sought-after Californie distri...
5,300,000 EUR
Unique 7 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Mougins, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254153
Absolutely exceptional 6 bedroom luxury villa with guest house, nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, ideally located in one of the most prestigious and ultra-secure private estates i...
6,890,000 EUR
Income Producing 40 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Tours, Centre Val de Loire
Ref 254147
Unique opportunity to acquire a majestic Napoleonic Chateau with professional activity nestling in 10 acres of glorious land with pool, while enjoying scenic countryside views from its peaceful loc...
2,955,000 EUR
Wow factor 6 bedroom Maison for sale in Megeve, Auvergne Rhone Alpes
Ref 254145
Absolutely exceptional 6 bedroom luxury chalet with garden and indoor pool, enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of Megeve. T...
8,950,000 EUR
Immaculate 6 bedroom Maison for sale in Rochebrune, Megeve, Auvergne Rhone Alpes
Ref 254144
Absolutely exceptional 3 storey, 6 bedroom luxury new chalet with garden, Jacuzzi and gym, enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal ski in/ski out location in the heart of Rochebrune. Situate...
8,400,000 EUR
Spacious 3 bedroom Appartement for sale in Megeve, Auvergne Rhone Alpes
Ref 254143
Spacious and bright 3 bedroom duplex apartment ideally located near the slopes and all amenities in Megeve. The large cathedral-style living room, featuring a fireplace, opens onto a south-east fa...
840,000 EUR
Stunning 4 bedroom Appartement for sale in Megeve, Auvergne Rhone Alpes
Ref 254142
Enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal location near the ski lifts and golf course in Mont d'Arbois, is this luxurious 4 bedroom duplex apartment. The apartment includes a living room/dinin...
2,750,000 EUR
Immaculate 5 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Cap Ferret, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 254141
Stylishly renovated 5 bedroom luxury villa with garden, ideally located near all amenities in the heart of the village of Cap-Ferret. This magnificent property of 257m2 is close to everything yet...
3,675,000 EUR
Project Land for sale with lake or river view in Sevrier, Auvergne Rhone Alpes
Ref 254140
Wonderful opportunity to acquire a magnificent 1,619 m2 building plot in Sevrier, offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Annecy. The plot's privileged location allows ...
945,000 EUR
Wow factor 10 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Valbonne, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254139
Absolutely exceptional estate comprising of a luxurious 6 bedroom villa with separate 2 bedroom guest house and 3 bedroom house, all nestling in 5 hectares of glorious land with gardens and expansi...
17,900,000 EUR
Bright 4 bedroom House for sale in Cannes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254138
Stylishly renovated 4 bedroom house with pool and garden, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the Croisette area of Cannes. This adorable Bourgeois house, has been entirely renova...
2,550,000 EUR
Immaculate 4 bedroom House for sale with panoramic and sea views in Gassin, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254137
Located in a prestigious area of Gassin is this architectural gem of a property with pool and beautiful landscaped gardens, enjoying sea views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Situated in a peaceful...
5,990,000 EUR