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.

2789 properties

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Absolutely stunning 4 bedroom villa nestling in 3/4 acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic views from its elevated location near golf courses and all amenities in ......

2,400,000 EURREF: 251634

Rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional 3 bedroom luxury apartment with communal pool and beautiful landscaped gardens, enjoying panoramic sea views from its sought after location in Cannes. T......

2,400,000 EURREF: 251765

Very well presented 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury chalet with garden, enjoying magical mountain views from its sought after location near the slopes and all amenities in Saint Nicols de Veroce. This......

2,400,000 EURREF: 250475

Ideally located near the slopes and all amenities in Rochebrune, is this luxurious 3 storey, 5 bedroom chalet with communal wellness area, enjoying breathtaking mountain views. Set in a recently b......

2,400,000 EURREF: 250047

Superbly located 3 bedroom duplex apartment in the 16th Attondissement in Paris, just 100m from the Etoile - Arc de Triomphe. The spacious 180m2 property is suitable for a family and is situated......

2,400,000 EURREF: 248974

Superb 3 bedroom apartment situated right in the heart of Cap d'Antibes, close to the beaches and creeks of La Garoupe, within a small and prestigious residence which is surrounded by magnificent w......

2,400,000 EURREF: 248204

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

Truly elegant 3 bedroom apartment situated between l'Etoile and the Avenue Victor Hugo This stunning apartment of 176 m2 is in excellent condition. It is located in a former high standard mansio......

2,400,000 EURREF: 220171

Quiet 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view and countryside view views in Grimaud, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Located right in the heart of a closed estate and in a dominant position, surrounded by greenery, this beautiful and charming villa offers splendid views over the sea and the surrounding countrysid......

Enquire For PriceREF: 244867

Beautifully preserved 22 bedroom chateau/manor house with various old farm buildings, nestling in nearly 8 acres of glorious land, while enjoying far reaching 360 degree countryside views from its ......

2,390,000 EURREF: 251792

5 bedroom Apartment for sale in Les Gets, Rhone-Alpes

Newly built bright and spacious 5 bedroom apartment, which is ideally situated right in the heart of the village of Les Gets, perfectly integrated into a residential environment within a strategic ......

2,388,000 EURREF: 234683

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

Superb 2 bedroom apartment on an upper floor of a prestigious residence on the Croisette, enjoying great panoramic views of the sea and the Bay of Cannes. This stylish 66m2 property is found on t......

2,380,000 EURREF: 240047

Renovated 3 bedroom House for sale in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Beautifully renovated 3 bedroom luxury house with garden, ideally located in a peaceful area near all amenities in the heart of Cannes. Bathed in light, it offers 130m2 of living space comprising ......

2,380,000 EURREF: 240838

Immaculate 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in La Croisette, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Sumptuous 2 bedroom beach front apartment, which has been completely renovated using quality materials, situated on the 5th floor of a prestigious residence with a caretaker on La Croisette. With......

2,380,000 EURREF: 244959

Highly desirable 3 bedroom apartment located in the prestigious Californie district of Cannes, within a secure residence with a caretaker, parkland, pool, and private driver shuttle service. Thi......

2,380,000 EURREF: 250572

Unique opportunity to acquire an exceptional 2 bedroom luxury apartment with beautiful communal garden and pool, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its sought after location in Californie, Cannes......

2,380,000 EURREF: 251494

Renovated 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Lyon, Rhone-Alpes

A rare and unique opportunity to buy two individual high-end, fully renovated flats located in the most sought after area of Lyon, the 2nd district. The 2nd is famous for its boutiques, restaurants......

2,375,000 EURREF: 230017

Located in the Californie area of Cannes and just a 10 minute walk from the Croisette, this bright, spacious and beautifully presented 4 bedroom penthouse apartment, is set within a residence with ......

2,360,000 EURREF: 246597

Spacious and versatile property made up of two houses and an apartment, newly and tastefully renovated in a great location in Lege Cap ferret, within walking distance of the beach and shops. Wit......

2,360,000 EURREF: 251944

Ideally located near the slopes and all amenities in Les Saisies, is this stunning 5 bedroom luxury duplex apartment with communal indoor pool, gym and sauna, while enjoying scenic mountain views f......

2,350,000 EURREF: 252089

Luxuriously renovated 4 bedroom Provencal style villa nestling in nearly half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its peaceful location in Mou......

2,350,000 EURREF: 252564

Absolutely exceptional 2 bedroom top floor luxury apartment enjoying scenic mountain views from its sought after location near the slopes and all amenities in Courchevel. Set in a small prestigiou......

2,350,000 EURREF: 251129

Elegant 6 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Petit Juas, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally situated in the quiet residential area of Petite Juas, yet close to shops and amenities, this luxury villa, which was built in 1920 (listed as French Cultural Heritage), has a living area o......

2,350,000 EURREF: 244032

Lovingly Maintained 4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Mougins, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Full of character and charm, this lovely 4 bedroom villa is ideally situated within a closed domain in Mougins. With a total spacious living area of 360m2, which is set out mostly on a single lev......

2,350,000 EURREF: 235350

Fabulous and stylish villa in a dominant position views of the Mediterranean and the entire coastline of the Cote d'Azur as well as the mountains. Located on a large terraced plot of land of appr......

2,350,000 EURREF: 250543

Stunning new 3 bedroom architect designed villa with pool and garden, ideally located near all amenities in the heart of Mougins. Situated in a sublime private and secure domaine of 8 villas with......

2,350,000 EURREF: 249372

Nestling in 1.75 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool and outbuildings, is this exquisite 6 bedroom luxury house with separate accommodation, enjoying far reaching countryside views from......

2,340,000 EURREF: 252233

Enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious South facing location near all amenities in the heart of Cannes, is this exceptional 3 bedroom luxury apartment with garage. Situated just steps a......

2,335,000 EURREF: 252033

Magnificent equestrian estate with beautiful manor house and superb facilities in Normandy, set in over 150 acres and just 10 minutes from the famous Haras du Pin and the town of Argentan. This e......

2,332,000 EURREF: 252347

Beautiful manor house in the Grande Champagne area, located just 15 minutes from Cognac, offering income potential in a beautiful setting. The residential area includes : • a 19th century manoire......

2,332,000 EURREF: 252910

Charming 5 bedroom property with potential for improvement in Veyrier du Lac, with fabulous views over the lake. The 178m2 house (226 m2 usable space) sits in a lovely mature plot of over half a......

2,330,000 EURREF: 252245

Rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional 4 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, enjoying breathtaking sea views and direct access to the beach from its idyllic location in Angoulins. Ideal......

2,310,000 EURREF: 252624

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a 6 bedroom villa with garden, enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location in Villefranche sur Mer. Offeering views of the Bay of Villefranche and ......

2,310,000 EURREF: 252782

Bright and luxurious 4 bedroom traditional French house set in 1/4 acre of lush mature gardens with pool and fruit trees, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its sought after location near all ......

2,300,000 EURREF: 252631

Absolutely exceptional 3 bedroom luxury top floor apartment enjoying breathtaking sea views from its sought after location in Cannes, Banane. Situated between the Croisette and the rue d'Antibes, ......

2,300,000 EURREF: 252447

In excellent condition is this spacious 4 bedroom luxurious villa set in nearly half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its peaceful elevated......

2,300,000 EURREF: 251836

Attractive and furnished 4 bedroom villa in a sought-after gated estate, set in over an acres of mature grounds with swimming pool and panoramic views to the sea. The 150m2 property is tastefully......

2,300,000 EURREF: 249735

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautiful 4 bedroom luxury chalet nestling in nearly 15 acres of glorious land with gardens and pool, while enjoying scenic mountain views from its location iin L......

2,300,000 EURREF: 250474

Superb 3 bedroom apartment located in Park du Cap, which is a beautiful new living complex in Cap d'Antibes, which provides a high quality lifestyle with a spa, both indoor and outdoor swimming poo......

2,300,000 EURREF: 247912

Ideally situated in a quiet setting in Roquebrune Cap Martin,within a small private domain right in the heart of the superb district of Torraca. With stunning sea views and a total spacious living......

2,400,000 EURREF: 247434

11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Montastruc la Conseillere, Midi-Pyrenees

This superb estate, complete with stunning chateau and outbuildings, is located close to Montastruc la Conseillere in a strategic location only 15 minutes from the airport, and from the important c......

2,300,000 EURREF: 207083

Renovated 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Newly renovated 3 bedroom first floor apartment with large terrace, in a great location in Megeve, just 100m from the pedestrian area and a 3 minute walk from the village main square and Chamois sk......

2,300,000 EURREF: 239995

Quiet 6 bedroom Chalet for sale in Saint Gervais les Bains, Rhone-Alpes

Located in a quiet setting between Megeve and Chamonix, right in the heart of a sought-after residential area and within easy reach of the village centre and the sports facilities of Saint Gervais ......

2,300,000 EURREF: 243512

Bright 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Cap Ferret, Aquitaine

Situated right in the heart of the peninsula of Cap Ferret, in the village of Petite Piquey, this magnificent family villa, which is presented in a Ferret Capien style, has been totally and tastefu......

2,299,000 EURREF: 245383

Excellent opportunity to purchase an upcoming restoration of a 4 bedroom jewel located in Saint Martin de Belleville: La Grange de Francois. The renovation of this hidden jewel will sublimate the......

2,295,000 EURREF: 246890

Ideally located in a peaceful and private area near all amenities in Sainte Maxime, is this luxurious new 4 bedroom villa set in beautiful gardens with expansive pool while enjoying panoramic sea v......

2,295,000 EURREF: 248831

Desirable new development, the result of an architectural approach combining respect for tradition and modernity providing generous living space in the heart of Megeve, less than 300 metres from t......

2,290,000 EURREF: 248413

Utterly charming and spacious Provencal villa with pool and 1.5 acres of land in the area of Grimaud. This 315m2 family property comes with 5 en suite bedrooms, an additional dormitory for the ch......

2,290,000 EURREF: 249738

New Build 4 bedroom Chalet for sale with panoramic view in Praz sur Arly, Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Luxury new 4 bedroom chalet with garden and Jacuzzi, enjoying wonderful mountain views from its ideal ski in/ski out location near all amenities in Praz sur Arly. Situated between Megeve and Flum......

2,290,000 EURREF: 240073

Enjoying panoramic sea views from its large South facing terrace is this luxury 3 bedroom Penthouse apartment, ideally located near all amenities in the sought after area of Eze. With a surface a......

2,290,000 EURREF: 253028

Income Producing 24 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Agen, Aquitaine

Fabulous 24 bedroom fully furnished luxury hotel nestling in over 3 hectares of glorious landscaped gardens with trees and expansive pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its per......

2,288,000 EURREF: 241192

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French Property

Full Personal Service

Entire Market

Free Service

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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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