Prestige Property Group

French Property

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Over 20 years experience in the area.

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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.

2791 properties

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Fabulous 3 bedroom apartment in one of the most prestigious residences of the Pointe Croisette in Cannes, entirely renovated by a renowned architect. This corner property is a rare opportunity in......

3,190,000 EURREF: 248427

Luxuriously renovated 4 bedroom spacious and fully furnished villa with separate 2 bedroom apartment, nestling in nearly half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, ideally located near......

3,190,000 EURREF: 246797

Located in a quiet residential area in Sainte Maxime, this beautiful new modern 4 bedroom villa offers high-end services throughout. With a living area of 198m2, features include: large living ro......

3,190,000 EURREF: 249766

Immaculately presented throughout, this one of a kind penthouse apartment is set within one of the most emblematic historic buildings on the hill of La Croix des Gardes and is just a stone's throw ......

3,190,000 EURREF: 250198

Totally refurbished, this modern Provençal style villa is ideally situated right in the heart of the highly sought after residential area of Super Cannes. Set in a dominant position with stunning ......

3,190,000 EURREF: 249857

Newly built 3 bedroom apartment, which is ideally situated within one of the most prestigious residences of the Croisette, just a few steps from restaurants, beaches and luxury shops. This apartme......

3,190,000 EURREF: 249885

Nestling in over an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool and fruit trees, is this exceptional 6 bedroom luxury house enjoying panoramic sea views from its private and peaceful l......

3,190,000 EURREF: 250625

In excellent condition is this outstanding 2 bedroom luxury apartment, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its prestigious location near all amenities on the Croisette, Cannes. This magnificent ......

3,190,000 EURREF: 252542

Enjoying panoramic sea views from its South facing location near all amenities in Bormes les Mimosas, is this majestic 6 bedroom villa set in beautiful gardens with pool. Situated within walking d......

3,190,000 EURREF: 251936

Ideally situated in an exceptional location in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, within a small residence with a swimming pool and caretaker and just a short walk from the beaches, this bright apartment has a......

3,180,000 EURREF: 248278

Ideally located near the beach, golf course and all amenities in Grimaud, is this exceptional 6 bedroom luxury villa nestling in more than half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool whi......

3,160,000 EURREF: 252796

Surrounded by 5 hectares of glorious land with beautiful gardens and pool, is this exceptional 7 bedroom property with guest house and outbuildings, enjoying breathtaking 360 degree views from its ......

3,150,000 EURREF: 253031

Spectacular townhouse with luxury finishes in an exceptional setting with panoramic views over the bay. The superbly renovated property of 170m2 includes an open, fully equipped kitchen that exte......

3,150,000 EURREF: 251434

Sumptuous 2 bedroom apartment situated within one of the finest addresses in Nice and just a few steps from the waterfront, Set within a completely restored and luxuriously renovated 17th Century......

3,150,000 EURREF: 247426

Located on Cours Saleya, this elegant 100m2 apartment enjoys a prime location within a beautiful Nicois building, just steps away from the Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena, Cours Saleya, and it......

3,150,000 EURREF: 250346

Superb bright and spacious 3 bedroom apartment, which is ideally located on Cours Saleya, just a few steps away from the Promenade des Anglais. This elegant 130m2 apartment enjoys a prime location......

3,150,000 EURREF: 250301

5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view with Income Potential in Eze, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Rare opportunity to acquire a stunning 5 storey, 4 bedroom luxury villa with separate one bedroom studio and roof top pool, enjoying breathtaking sea views from every room, ideally located in a sou......

3,450,000 EURREF: 243230

Beautiful 4 bedroom Chalet for sale in Rochebrune, Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Beautiful traditional-style chalet in the heights of Rochebrune, Megeve, set in half an acre of grounds in a peaceful situation with superb panoramic mountain views. The bright 4 bedroom property......

3,150,000 EURREF: 239988

3 bedroom Penthouse for sale with sea view in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

This two floor penthouse apartment comes with fabulous roof terrace, wonderful sea views along the Riviera to Italy, Cap d'Antibes, Lerins Island, Bay of Cannes and Esterel. Part of an exclusive c......

3,150,000 EURREF: 205282

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

Magnificent villa set within a large and beautifully landscaped plot of 7,490m2 with a swimming pool and various terraces, ideally located in an exclusive and private guarded domain in Mougins, wit......

3,140,000 EURREF: 236795

Ideally located near golf courses, and all amenities in Mougins, is this exceptional 7 bedroom luxury house nestling in nearly 2 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with fruit trees and pool. I......

3,140,000 EURREF: 250521

Beachfront Villa for sale with sea view in Saint Aygulf, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated in Saint Aygulf on the outskirts of the Gulf of Saint Tropez, this property, which dates from the early 20th Century, occupies a vast wooded plot of 5,696m2 and is ideally situated right b......

3,120,000 EURREF: 243483

New Build 2 bedroom Penthouse for sale with sea view in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Brand new, exceptional and luxurious 2 bedroom Penthouse apartment with garden, enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the Croisette and the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. Set ......

3,100,000 EURREF: 234167

Beautiful 4 bedroom apartment, with a bright and welcoming living area of 115m2, ideally situated within a quiet area in a sought-after hamlet in Val d'Isere. With a warm atmosphere and high-qual......

3,100,000 EURREF: 246086

Nestling in 3/4 acre of lush mature gardens with pool, is this beautifully maintained 3 bedroom luxury Provencal villa enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location in the heart of Gig......

3,100,000 EURREF: 252142

Rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional 3 storey, 4 bedroom house with apartment set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying breathtaking lake views from its ideal location in ......

3,100,000 EURREF: 252298

Stylish 4 bedroom Villa for sale in Saint Tropez, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Luxury 4 bedroom Provencal style villa with pool and garden, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Saint Tropez. Situated in a secure domain a few minutes from the beaches of la Boui......

3,050,000 EURREF: 240665

- 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Elysee, Paris-Ile-de-France

Avenue Foch - Fully south-facing apartment and enjoying stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, a 162 sqm 5-room apartment with wide balconies and a parking space. On the 6th floor of a luxurious rec......

3,030,000 EURREF: 160127

12 bedroom Villa for sale with sea and panoramic views in Croix des Gardes, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Residence offering an exciting opportunity for development and income potential with this 3 floor villa with swimming pool and panoramic view in the Croix des Gardes area of Cannes. This 360m2 pr......

3,000,000 EURREF: 203621

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

This stunning new 9 bedroom luxury villa is located close to Cannes in a sought after secure domain on the heights of Antibes, enjoying glorious panoramic views of the coast. The spacious and bri......

3,000,000 EURREF: 239122

Located in the heart of Saint-Tropez, this completely renovated village house is located on a small, intimate and charming square. Built on 3 levels, this 100m2 property subtly combines elegant a......

3,000,000 EURREF: 252247

Superb and spacious country property nestled in exceptional grounds of a hundred acres of forests, olive groves and orchards. Ideally located just a few minutes from Lac de Saint-Cassien and only......

3,000,000 EURREF: 251892

Immaculate 3 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Eze, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Totally refurbished 3 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated within a quiet and peaceful residential area on the heights of Eze. Set on an elevated plot of 600m2 with a swimming pool, terraces a......

3,200,000 EURREF: 245380

Exceptional Renaissance-style chateau built between the 15th and 17th centuries, set in an estate of over 220 acres. Listed as a Historic Monument, the property comes with a classified chapel on ......

2,999,000 EURREF: 252493

In excellent condition is this luxuriously renovated 5 bedroom villa set in nearly half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its elevated locat......

2,995,000 EURREF: 251791

Set in beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, is this stunning new 4 bedroom luxury villa enjoying panoramic sea views from its peaceful location in villefranche sur Mer. Offerin......

2,995,000 EURREF: 246319

New program of 2 luxurious individual ski chalets, which area nestled in the heights of Les Gets, in the heart of a quiet and preserved environment and with stunning mountain views. Built by a re......

2,990,000 EURREF: 246333

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

Superb 5 bedroom home, which is ideally situated within a quiet and peaceful setting close to a fine sandy beach in Cavalaire sur Mer. Recently built and with stunning unobstructed views of the bl......

2,990,000 EURREF: 245592

Unique opportunity to acquire a fabulous wine estate with a charming 3 bedroom Provencal house, nestling in 8 hectares of glorious land with gardens and vineyards, enjoying uninterrupted countrysid......

2,990,000 EURREF: 246773

Lovely 5 bedroom Provencal style villa, which is located in the Gigaro area of La Croix Valmer, with a living area of 220m2 and set on a private mature plot of 2,600m2 with a swimming pool and in a......

2,990,000 EURREF: 247964

Stylish contemporary architect's house in a quiet area on the heights above Annecy and enjoying a beautiful view of the lake and the mountains. The property comes with 280m2 of living space wit......

2,990,000 EURREF: 250657

Superb, newly-renovated villa with 4 bedrooms and infinity pool in a highly desirable location on the heights of Golfe-Juan, with fabulous sea views. The desirable villa includes a spacious rece......

2,990,000 EURREF: 250482

Delightful 5 bedroom villa, a real gem, a hidden hinterland treasure where timeless design meets a Provence atmosphere infused with a Scandinavian twist. This charming 300m2 villa, is nicely pl......

2,990,000 EURREF: 252604

Nestling in beautiful wooded gardens with pool, is this exceptional 4 bedroom luxury villa enjoying panoramic sea views from its elevated location in the sought after area of Le Cannet, Cannes. Th......

2,990,000 EURREF: 252704

In excellent condition is this stunning new 4 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, enjoying panoramic views from its elevated location on the heights of Le Cannet village, Situated in a sou......

2,990,000 EURREF: 252723

Luxuriously renovated 5 bedroom stone farmhouse surrounded by nearly 2 hectares of glorious land with beautiful gardens, pool and Jacuzzi, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its sought after loca......

2,990,000 EURREF: 253064

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

Spacious and modern newly built villa, situated within a quiet and peaceful area in Mougins, in a dominant setting with open views. - Living area of 320m2 + 150m2 of annexes - Spacious reception ......

2,990,000 EURREF: 187285

- 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Avenue de Wagram, Batignolles Monceau, Paris-Ile-de-France

Most impressive 2 bedroom apartment in the area of Avenue de Wagram in a prestigious Hausmann residence with parking and luxury features. This 251m2 apartment is located in 17th arrondissement of......

2,980,000 EURREF: 208323

Superb income and lifestyle opportunity in a desirable and popular area of Southern Ardeche, an old hamlet which has been completely renovated and set in an estate of over 30 acres. The propert......

2,980,000 EURREF: 252001

Spacious and stylish 4 bedroom villa in a sought-after and peaceful location, combining refined features with a layout designed to optimise comfort and well-being. The 241m2 property has an airy ......

2,980,000 EURREF: 251707

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French Property

Full Personal Service

Entire Market

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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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