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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Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location in St Saturnin les Apt, is this exceptional 8 bedroom luxury house with separate guest house and outbuilding, all nestling in nea......

2,690,000 EURREF: 251722

Superb 3 bedroom apartment with breathtaking sea views in Cannes. This stunning 4-room apartment of 97m2 has been fully renovated with high-quality materials. It comprises a spacious, bright livin......

2,690,000 EURREF: 251750

Beautiful and spacious Provencal villa nestling in a peaceful green setting with breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding hills to the sea, situated at the gateway to Mougins in the neighb......

2,690,000 EURREF: 251396

Absolutely stunning 3 bedroom luxury duplex apartment enjoying wonderful mountain and valley views from its sought after location near the slopes and all amenities in Meribel. This superb propert......

2,690,000 EURREF: 249949

Absolutely stunning 2 bedroom luxury apartment with separate basement apartment, beautiful communal gardens and expansive pool, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its ideal location in Cannes. ......

2,690,000 EURREF: 248802

Bright 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in La Croisette, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Exceptional 3 bedroom 5th floor apartment, situated in a prestigious residence on La Croisette, with a spacious living area of 100m2, plus a south facing terrace with spectacular views of the sea, ......

2,680,000 EURREF: 244901

Immaculate 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view and panoramic view views in La Croisette, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated on a high floor in a luxury residence situated on the Croisette and with stunning views of the sea and Port Canto, this beautifully presented and bright 3 bedroom apartment, with a surface......

2,680,000 EURREF: 244964

Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location in Menerbes, is this exceptional 4 bedroom neo Provencal villa nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive......

2,660,000 EURREF: 252791

A stylish 4 bedroom villa for sale in a great location in a gated domain, in a quiet area and within walking distance of beaches and shops in Antibes. This modern villa which was entirely renovat......

2,660,000 EURREF: 248848

In excellent condition is this exquisite 4 bedroom house with separate 2 bedroom guest house, nestling in nearly 1.5 acres of beautiful landscaped terraced gardens with expansive pool, while enjoyi......

2,650,000 EURREF: 247820

Luxury 5 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Le Tignet, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Nestling in 1.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool, is this exceptional 5 bedroom villa enjoying breathtaking panoramic sea views from its peaceful, elevated location in Le Ti......

2,650,000 EURREF: 243285

Lovingly Maintained 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Cap d'Ail, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming and bright 3 bedroom garden apartment, with a total spacious living area of 120m2 located in Cap d'Ail and with lovely sea views. Situated within a prestigious and well maintained proper......

2,650,000 EURREF: 214025

Listed as a Historic Monument is this spacious and elegant French Chateau, nestling in 4.5 hectares of glorious land, located in Dunkirk. Situated in the North of France, close to the sea, this s......

2,650,000 EURREF: 251597

Ideally located close to amenities and schools in Chateauneuf, this beautiful 4 bedroom modern villa, with a living area of around 281m2, features high quality fixtures and fittings, is bright and ......

2,650,000 EURREF: 249324

Elegant early 20th Century villa in a great location close to the old village of Mougins and all its restaurants, and just a stone's throw from the shops in the Val de Mougins, with magnificent pan......

2,650,000 EURREF: 247839

Absolutely exceptional 5 bedroom traditional style chalet with garden, enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Morzine. Situated in a sunny par......

2,650,000 EURREF: 250608

Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its sought after location near the beach and all amenities in Theoule sur Mer, is this bright and spacious 4 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful gardens with......

2,650,000 EURREF: 252023

A unique and charming residence in the heart of the picturesque village of La Colle-sur-Loup with pool and sunny terraces. This exceptional property of 354 m2 spans four levels and includes a 100......

2,650,000 EURREF: 253214

Stylish 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Cap d'Ail, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Spacious and bright 3 bedroom ground floor apartment, with a total living area of 120m2 plus a large 150m2 terrace area enjoying lovely sea views. Situated within a luxurious residence in Cap d'A......

2,650,000 EURREF: 227231

Rare opportunity to acquire a vineyard with 2 bedroom house nestling in nearly 9 hectares of land near Saint Emilion. This estate on the outskirts of the town, comprises a main house in need of u......

2,645,550 EURREF: 251869

14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Le Mans, Pays-de-la-Loire

Currently undergoing restoration, this exquisite French chateau offers 680m2 of habitable space plus an additional house and outbuildings sitting on 25 hectares of land with beautiful gardens, eque......

2,640,000 EURREF: 240977

Stylishly renovated 5 bedroom luxury South facing house with garden and pool, ideally located near all amenities and the golf course in a peaceful area of Mougins. Situated in a closed domaine in......

2,640,000 EURREF: 248702

Superb 3 bedroom apartment set within a former historic hotel in Cannes, which was built in 1876 by the architect Laurent Vianay. The residence has a communal garden planted with palm trees and e......

2,630,000 EURREF: 252648

Absolutely gorgeous 5 bedroom authentic Provencal farmhouse nestling in nearly 5 acres of glorious mature wooded gardens with olive trees and pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views acr......

2,630,000 EURREF: 252969

Totally renovated and in excellent condition throughout, this superb 5 bedroom house is situated just a few minutes' walk from Place de Verdun, the market and the Old Port of La Rochelle. Dating f......

2,625,000 EURREF: 250298

Set on nearly half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, is this stunning 3 bedroom luxury villa enjoying panoramic sea views from its location in Cannes. The 230m 2 consists of 2 le......

2,625,000 EURREF: 252402

An exceptional and prestigious mansion house, located in the heart of the Bordeaux region, just a stone's throw from the world-famous Saint-Emilion vineyards and the popular beaches of the Arcach......

2,625,000 EURREF: 252761

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a magnificent 5 bedroom Aix bastide, nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with olive trees and pool, while enjoying panoramic views from it......

2,600,000 EURREF: 251185

New Build Luxury , 4 bedroom Chalet Saint Martin de Belleville Three Valleys Ski Mountain View

Stunning new 3 storey, 4 bedroom luxury chalet with garden enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Saint Martin de Belleville. Situated i......

2,600,000 EURREF: 242860

Luxurious new 4 bedroom chalet with sauna and garden, enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Morzine. Situated a short walk from the Super Morz......

2,600,000 EURREF: 248494

Lovingly Maintained 3 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Saint Tropez, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

This charming 3 bedroom house with pool and garden offers great potential, ideally located near all amenities in the heart of Saint-Tropez, while enjoying wonderful views across the vineyards. Si......

2,600,000 EURREF: 240662

Income Producing 5 bedroom Complex for sale with countryside view in Narbonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Nestling in 27 acres of glorious land with lake, beautiful gardens and expansive pool, is this stylishly renovated 3 storey, 5 bedroom house plus 3 gites, a guest house and outbuildings, enjoying f......

2,600,000 EURREF: 243393

In excellent condition is this luxuriously renovated 5 bedroom villa with pool and terracing, enjoying panoramic sea views from its elevated location near Nice. Situated in a sought-after area, th......

2,600,000 EURREF: 253000

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

Luxurious 5 bedroom neo-Provencal style villa, plus a 2 bedroom apartment, with a combined total living area of 285m2. Situated within a quiet and intimate estate with just 3 villas, in a dominant......

2,592,000 EURREF: 238300

Charming Provencal villa in perfect condition located in the countryside halfway between the villages of Gassin and Saint-Tropez. Built on a beautiful, level plot of 2,000m2, it offers a bright li......

2,590,000 EURREF: 253061

Fabulous 3 bedroom duplex penthouse apartment in Cannes, facing the Old Port and extending to the Croisette, with private lift. This highly desirable property comes with living space of almost 10......

2,590,000 EURREF: 249628

Outstanding 3 bedroom luxury Penthouse apartment with beautiful communal gardens, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its peaceful location near all amenities in Villefranche sur Mer. Set in a sp......

2,590,000 EURREF: 247868

Nestling in nearly 2 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool and olive trees, is this spacious 6 bedroom luxury villa enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location in ......

2,590,000 EURREF: 250828

Beautifully renovated 6 bedroom luxury villa nestling in glorious landscaped gardens with pool, ideally located in a peaceful area in the heart of Cap d'Antibes. This exquisite property of 235 m2......

2,590,000 EURREF: 252958

Impressive 6 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated right in the heart of a quiet, peaceful and highly sought-after residential area of Grasse. With its generous 400m2 of living space, features ......

2,590,000 EURREF: 249524

Nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool is this bright and spacious 3 storey, 6 bedroom luxury villa ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the heart of Cap d'Antibes. This......

2,590,000 EURREF: 252823

Bright 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

This superb apartment, of around 180m2, consists of an entrance hall, guest WC, spacious and bright living room, dining room open to a pleasant terrace facing south with beautiful sea views, a sepa......

2,580,000 EURREF: 243312

Perfect 4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Puyricard, Aix en Provence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

PRICE REDUCED - Perfectly Located in a beautiful Provence countryside setting, just a few minutes' drive north from the heart of Aix-en-Provence, close to the village of Puyricard and historic P......

2,575,000 EURREF: 210275

In excellent condition is this luxurious 4 storey, 6 bedroom chalet with garden, enjoying scenic mountain views from its elevated location near the slopes in Montriond. Situated a few minutes dri......

2,550,000 EURREF: 252098

Fantastic opportunity to acquire a new luxury 2 bedroom 'ski in/ski out' apartment enjoying scenic mountain views from its sought after location near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of Me......

2,550,000 EURREF: 246929

Spacious and stylish modern Provencal-style villa in perfect condition, completely and recently renovated to the highest standards, with swimming pool and offering luxury features. The 280m2 prope......

2,500,000 EURREF: 250573

Stylish and spacious contemporary villa offering generous living space and fabulous panoramic views, stretching from the hills to the sea. On the ground floor this property features a vast living......

2,500,000 EURREF: 251045

Stunning 6 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Perpignan, Languedoc-Roussillon

Absolutely outstanding 5 bedroom villa with separate one bedroom Studio, nestling in nearly 3 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying panoramic countryside views f......

2,500,000 EURREF: 242690

Pretty Provencal-style villa in Gassin, in a secure development and with a southerly aspect. Its modern Provencal style provides a comfortable living environment. with generous space of 240m2. ......

2,500,000 EURREF: 248963

Magnificent 5 bedroom property, which is set within a beautiful mature plot of 2,000m2 with a swimming pool and stunning views towards the sea. Situated in a quiet setting in Vallauris and with a......

2,500,000 EURREF: 247791

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French Property

Full Personal Service

Entire Market

Free Service

Included Extras

Contact Us

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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

Search Options

Bright 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in La Croisette, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Immaculate 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view and panoramic view views in La Croisette, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Luxury 5 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Le Tignet, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Lovingly Maintained 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Cap d'Ail, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Stylish 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Cap d'Ail, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Le Mans, Pays-de-la-Loire

New Build Luxury , 4 bedroom Chalet Saint Martin de Belleville Three Valleys Ski Mountain View

Lovingly Maintained 3 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Saint Tropez, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Income Producing 5 bedroom Complex for sale with countryside view in Narbonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

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

Bright 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Perfect 4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Puyricard, Aix en Provence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Stunning 6 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Perpignan, Languedoc-Roussillon

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