Prestige Property Group

French Property

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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.

2789 properties

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Exceptional beautifully restored historical French Chateau, nestling in over 10 hectares of glorious land with majestic gardens and pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peac......

3,850,000 EURREF: 249222

Outstanding new 5 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location in Sainte Maxime. This stunning pr......

4,200,000 EURREF: 248871

Immaculate 6 bedroom Chalet for sale in Le Raffort, Meribel, Rhone-Alpes

Superb 6 bedroom ski chalet with a vast total living area of 336m2, ideally located in a prestigious area alongside the ski tracks of Lieu Dit Le Raffort and just 50m from the gondola of Olympe. -......

3,820,000 EURREF: 215993

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

Beautifully renovated, outstanding 4 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, enjoying views of the sea and Italian coast from its peaceful location near the beach and all amenities in Roquebrune......

3,800,000 EURREF: 231811

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

A most desirable neo- Provencale character villa with 5 bedrooms in Mougins, situated in the heart of a prestigious gated domain, with a pleasing open view of the countryside. The property com......

3,800,000 EURREF: 187419

Refurbished 6 bedroom Chalet for sale with panoramic view in Les Houches, Rhone-Alpes

Superb totally refurbished 6 bedroom ski chalet, which is ideally situated in an elevated setting in a quiet area of Les Houches, close to the ski slopes and with stunning panoramic views of the Mo......

3,800,000 EURREF: 241241

In excellent condition is this exceptional 4 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful gardens with pool, located near all amenities in Antibes. This outstanding bourgeois style property of approxima......

3,800,000 EURREF: 248183

Located in Roquebrune Cap Martin, close to Monaco, this magnificent newly built 4 bedroom villa is set in 1,000m2 of gardens with a swimming pool, which provides the ideal setting for relaxing and ......

3,800,000 EURREF: 246386

Remarkable 5 bedroom estate, which is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Saint Cassien, with stunning panoramic lake and hill views. Set on a large wooded plot spanning 20,529m2, this prop......

3,800,000 EURREF: 247619

Refurbished 5 bedroom Apartment for sale in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Grand, spacious and beautifully presented 5 bedroom apartment situated within a prestigious enclosed domain with a swimming pool and stunning sea views. Situated right in the heart of a highly so......

3,800,000 EURREF: 211714

- 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Ile Saint Louis, Hotel de Ville, Paris-Ile-de-France

Ile Saint Louis - 150m2 apartment located on the 3rd floor of a Haussmann building : Entrance hall, reception and dining room facing south with views of the Seine, open kitchen, 3 bedrooms, bathroo......

3,800,000 EURREF: 160093

In excellent condition is this luxuriously renovated 6 bedroom villa nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its peaceful location near all ameni......

3,790,000 EURREF: 251005

10 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Le Plan de la Tour, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Superb and beautifully presented bastide, with a spacious total living area of 680m2, set within 7 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens with a swimming pool, located in between Sainte-Maxime ......

Enquire For PriceREF: 202965

- 4 bedroom Penthouse for sale in Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Great opportunity to purchase a spacious 4 bedroom apartment located just a 3 minute walk from the village main square and the Chamois ski lifts. This magnificent newly built penthouse apartment h......

Enquire For PriceREF: 208648

Inviting 4 bedroom Villa for sale in Fayence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming 4 bedroom villa situated in the select Domaine de Terre Blanche, with views of the ancient hilltop villages near Fayence. Only 30 minutes by car from Cannes and 10 minutes from Fayence, ......

3,750,000 EURREF: 240872

Magnificent 4 bedroom villa located in Cap d'Antibes, set on a manicured plot of 902m2 with a swimming pool and stunning breathtaking sea views. In excellent condition throughout and nestled in a ......

3,750,000 EURREF: 246339

Full of charm and character is this exceptional 4 storey, 9 bedroom historical French Chateau with private Chapel, nestling in nearly 6 acres of glorious land and gardens, while enjoying far reachi......

3,750,000 EURREF: 251739

Impressive and spacious 4 bedroom villa set in the prestigious private estate of the Terre Blanche golf course, close to the charming village of Tourrettes in the Var, with panoramic views of the s......

3,750,000 EURREF: 251047

Surrounded by 4 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool, is this outstanding 5 bedroom fully renovated luxury house, enjoying panoramic countryside views from its peaceful location......

3,750,000 EURREF: 249076

Beautiful Provencal villa in a great situation on the heights of Eze, overlooking the Mediterranean in a green setting with one of the most beautiful panoramas on the Cote d'Azur, between the medie......

3,750,000 EURREF: 253219

Exceptional 6 bedroom luxurious and elegant villa surrounded by over one acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying countryside views from its private and secure location near M......

3,750,000 EURREF: 251191

Inviting 6 bedroom Chalet for sale in Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

Immaculately presented 6 bedroom ski chalet, which is ideally situated right in the heart of the privileged and highly sought after area of Les Bois. Built in 1998, this superb and traditional ski......

3,700,000 EURREF: 241046

Unique opportunity to acquire an exceptional 4 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its sought after waterfront location in Sainte Maxime. Built on two ......

3,700,000 EURREF: 252181

Immaculate 4 bedroom Penthouse for sale with sea view in Villefranche sur Mer, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Superb 4 bedroom penthouse apartment which is ideally situated within one of the world's most enchanting settings with stunning sea views from its spacious terraces. Ideally situated within a resi......

3,700,000 EURREF: 212579

Absolutely exceptional 3 storey, 6 bedroom luxury villa nestling in over an acre of beautiful mature gardens with amazing infinity pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peace......

3,700,000 EURREF: 251929

Located in a prestigious residence in the California area of Cannes and just a stone's throw from the sea, this luxurious 2 bedroom apartment offers breathtaking sea views from its spacious 54m2 t......

3,690,000 EURREF: 249528

Enjoying panoramic lake views from its ideal location in Veyrier-du-Lac, is this exceptional 4 bedroom house with pool and garden. This beautiful property with approximately 247 m2 living space ......

3,680,000 EURREF: 252297

In excellent condition is this outstanding new 4 bedroom luxury villa nestling in over 3/4 acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, while enjoying breathtaking sea views fro......

3,680,000 EURREF: 252401

Excellent opportunity to develop a dream home in a favourable location in the centre of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, just a two-minute walk from the beach, restaurants, shops, and the port. This 210 m2 ......

3,675,000 EURREF: 250374

Charming 3 storey, 6 bedroom house with garden and Studio, enjoying sea views from its location near the beach and all amenities in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. The house is built on three levels with a......

3,675,000 EURREF: 245761

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an estate of 4 properties nestling in 2 hectares of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool and tennis court, while enjoying scenic countryside views from their ide......

3,650,000 EURREF: 247459

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

Attractive new villa with swimming pool and luxurious finishings, in a peaceful location on level ground in Cap Martin. The spacious 245m2 property sits in flat landscaped garden of 945 m2. The ......

3,650,000 EURREF: 238299

Absolutely stunning 3 storey, 6 bedroom luxurious chalet nestling in nearly one acre of beautiful gardens while enjoying breathtaking views of Mont Blanc from its elevated location in Combloux. Th......

3,650,000 EURREF: 250587

Enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location at the foot of La Croix des Gardes, is this spacious 7 bedroom luxury villa set in lush mature gardens with pool. Ideally located 200 met......

3,600,000 EURREF: 252319

Ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the heart of Cannes, is this magnificent 8 bedroom Belle Epoque style villa set in lush mature gardens with pool. Dating from the 1890s offerin......

3,600,000 EURREF: 251841

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented, this superb 9 bedroom property is ideally situated right in the heart of Lavandou, surrounded by nature and just a few minutes from a magnific......

3,600,000 EURREF: 248082

Luxury 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in 1850, Courchevel, Rhone-Alpes

Luxurious 3 bedroom apartment, which is in perfect condition throughout and tastefully furnished, whilst combining a traditional and contemporary spirit. The apartment has triple exposure, which ......

3,600,000 EURREF: 245535

Absolutely exceptional 5 bedroom luxury villa with separate guest house, nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestig......

3,600,000 EURREF: 250468

Nestling in nearly 6.5 hectares of glorious land with beautiful gardens, expansive pool and woodland, is this fabulous historical estate comprising of 3 separate charming properties, located in Gra......

3,600,000 EURREF: 248332

Beautiful vineyard estate with impressive chateau, overlooking the river with panoramic terrace and making a great income generating opportunity. This exciting prospect features approximately 35 ......

3,600,000 EURREF: 247834

Spacious South facing 7 bedroom beautifully renovated villa with pool and garden, enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the beaches of Heraclee and Gigaro, and all amenities in ......

3,600,000 EURREF: 248472

Set within a prestigious residence right in the heart of the Croisette, with a security guard and CCTV, this exceptional apartment offers stunning panoramic views of the sea and the magnificent Bay......

3,600,000 EURREF: 249165

Superb 5 bedroom Provençal style family home, which is ideally situated in the prestigious Les Hauts de Saint-Paul area of La Colle Sur Loup. Offering absolute peace and quiet and boasting superb ......

3,600,000 EURREF: 249667

Belle Epoque 8 bedroom Villa for sale in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Majestic 8 bedroom belle epoque residence,which was built in 1890, ideally located just a few minutes walk from the beaches and centre of Cannes, at the end of a quiet street overlooking the sea. ......

3,600,000 EURREF: 242219

In excellent condition is this stunning new 3 storey, 4 bedroom architect designed chalet, enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal location near all amenities in the heart of Chamonix. Desig......

3,590,000 EURREF: 252223

A rare opportunity to acquire a remarkable Ski chalet for sale in the sought after High Altitude Ski resort of Tignes. Located in the Les Boisses, 1,850m sector the chalet benefits from being Ski......

3,580,000 EURREF: 249691

Charming 5 bedroom villa located in a peaceful residential area overlooking the sea and city, combining comfort, modernity, proximity, and nature. The spacious villa of almost 200m2 offers direc......

3,550,000 EURREF: 252919

Absolutely exceptional 5 bedroom luxurious modern villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic views from its prestigious location in Antibes. In a peaceful and so......

3,500,000 EURREF: 253174

Absolutely exceptional 4 bedroom luxury villa with separate one bedroom studio, nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its soug......

3,950,000 EURREF: 247402

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

With stunning sea views, this superb completely refurbished 5 bedroom villa is ideally situated within the safe and secure closed domain of Vallauris, right in the heart of a highly sought-after pr......

3,500,000 EURREF: 220392

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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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