Prestige Property Group

French Property

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Over 20 years experience in the area.

We give Expert Buyers Advice, from Enquiry to Purchase

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We offer access to 99.9% of the local property market including off-market options

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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.

2484 properties

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Exceptional 3 bedroom penthouse apartment, with a spacious living area of 131m2, situated on the top floor and gable end of a residence located on the ski slopes and facing the golf course. The re......

2,100,000 EURREF: 246645

Immaculate 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in La Garde Freinet, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented throughout, this superb Provencal style villa, with a total living area of around 210m2, is set on over 2 hectares of wooded grounds with a swi......

1,950,000 EURREF: 238147

Rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional 11 bedroom chalet with garden, enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its prestigious location near the slopes and all amenities in Les Houches. This......

1,950,000 EURREF: 250885

Enchanting 20 acre family estate in Entrecasteaux with olive groves, vines and orchards, offering versatile and generous accommodation in a beautiful setting. This desirable character property f......

1,950,000 EURREF: 251429

Nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped wooded gardens, is this spacious and bright 7 bedroom house, ideally located between beaches, golf course and all amenities in Les Portes en Re......

1,950,000 EURREF: 253675

Enjoying panoramic sea views from its Ideal location in Cavalaire sur Mer, is this spacious and bright 4 bedroom luxury villa nestling in 3/4 acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool. Set o......

1,930,000 EURREF: 251298

Renovated 7 bedroom Duplex for sale in Les Houches, Rhone-Alpes

Beautifully renovated, spacious and luxurious 7 bedroom duplex apartment enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of Les Houches. ......

1,930,000 EURREF: 238235

Delightful Eighteenth Century stone mas, boasting Provencal elegance and a warm, welcoming atmosphere with spacious and versatile accommodation in a rural setting yet just a few minutes from the c......

1,910,000 EURREF: 253740

Beautifully renovated historical estate of properties nestling in 10 hectares of glorious land with gardens and expansive pool, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location i......

1,908,000 EURREF: 248397

A wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautiful estate of properties nestling in over 92 acres of glorious land with gardens and pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful......

1,908,000 EURREF: 249091

Grand 6 bedroom Castle for sale with panoramic view in Perpignan, Languedoc-Roussillon

Intriguing income- generating XVIIth century property providing outstanding views over the Mediterranean and mountains. It comprises a main manor house of around 550m2 of living space with 6 main......

1,900,000 EURREF: 221641

Superb French chateau with excellent and varied income potential in Bethune, famed for its historic events and fine architecture less than an hour from calais. This classic property comes with 1,......

1,900,000 EURREF: 254103

Beautifully renovated 3 storey, 6 bedroom prestigious villa situated in an exclusive and secure 35 hectare domain with a private garden of 1,500m2, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its ......

1,900,000 EURREF: 247825

Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its ideal location in Beausoleil, is this luxury 3 bedroom villa with apartment, expansive pool and garden. Overlooking the Principality of Monaco, in a privat......

1,900,000 EURREF: 251531

Quiet 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Mouans Sartoux, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally situated within an exclusive and secure domain of more than 35 hectares in Mouans Sartoux, situated between the 2 historical villages of Mougins and Valbonne, this superb residence offers 2......

1,900,000 EURREF: 245258

Ideally located in a peaceful area near the medieval village of Roquebrune Cap Martin, is this charming 5 bedroom house set in nearly half an acre of beautiful lush gardens. Situated just a 10 mi......

1,900,000 EURREF: 254037

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

Stunning 3 bedroom luxury penthouse with garden, pool and sauna, enjoying breathtaking uninterrupted panoramic sea and mountain views from its ideal location near all amenities in Cannes. Set in a......

1,900,000 EURREF: 237606

Rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional 5 bedroom luxury house nestling in 2.7 hectares of beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, while enjoying panoramic views from its sought......

1,900,000 EURREF: 252900

- 6 bedroom Hotel for sale in Samoens, Rhone-Alpes

Charming 6 bedroom Belle Epoque Villa in the centre of Samoens, currently run as a Boutique Hotel, but equally, could be a spacious and very well-appointed private home. Set in a charming private......

Enquire For PriceREF: 207790

Perched on the heights of Vence, this impressive Provencal villa boasts breathtaking panoramic views stretching over the sea, all the way to Cap d'Antibes. A true haven of peace, the property ma......

1,900,000 EURREF: 250945

Rare opportunity to purchase this beautifully renovated property set in spacious wooded grounds with panoramic views over the marshes. The 3 bedroom house comes with living space of 172m2 and sit......

1,899,000 EURREF: 252166

6 bedroom Villa for sale in Mougins, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Grand and spacious 6 bedroom villa with a living area of 350m2 with lovely features which include a beautiful living room with fireplace and access onto the terrace and the swimming pool area, 6 b......

1,895,000 EURREF: 187291

Unique opportunity to acquire 5 stunning and well presented houses all nestling in 23 hectares of glorious land with gardens and pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from their locat......

1,895,000 EURREF: 253915

Stunning, modern 3 storey, 4 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, ideally located in a peaceful area near all amenities in Mougins. Built in 2022, this contemporary 220 m2 property combines ......

1,895,000 EURREF: 253701

Character 5 bedroom Chalet for sale in Saint Gervais Les Bains, Rhone-Alpes

Authentic 5 bedroom ski chalet, ideally situated in a quiet setting on the heights of the village of Saint Gervais Mont Blanc, on the Bettex hillside and with breathtaking 180 degree views. Built......

1,890,000 EURREF: 244389

Unique opportunity to acquire an exceptional 3 bedroom luxury apartment with many communal facilities, enjoying uninterrupted sea views from its sought-after location in the Californie area of Cann......

1,890,000 EURREF: 253891

Enjoying panoramic sea views from its peaceful location near all amenities in Villefranche sur Mer, is this exceptional 3 bedroom luxury Penthouse apartment. Set in a small and peaceful residence,......

1,890,000 EURREF: 252781

Enjoying panoramic sea views from its elevated location in Villefranche sur Mer, is this luxuriously refurbished 3 bedroom apartment villa. This superb property has a private entrance and roof te......

1,890,000 EURREF: 253518

Beautifully renovated 7 bedroom luxury house with outbuilding, nestling in over 11 acres of glorious land with gardens, pool, vineyards and orchards, enjoying far reaching countryside views from i......

1,890,000 EURREF: 245978

Nestling in an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool is this stunning modern 5 bedroom villa with separate apartment, ideally located close to the beaches of Cabasson, Bregancon and the Fa......

1,890,000 EURREF: 252404

Beautifully presented Provencal villa combining elegance and comfort in a green setting near the centre of Valbonne, offering open views of the surrounding hills. This 182m2 property will appeal ......

1,890,000 EURREF: 251243

Beautifully presented 4 bedroom house in Rivedoux Plage. The spacious detached house comes with living space of almost 200m2 and sits in a plot of over 1,000m2, with swimming pool. It compris......

1,890,000 EURREF: 252944

Ideally located near the golf course and all amenities in Chateauneuf, is this charming 5 bedroom villa nestling in over one acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool. Situated near Valbonne......

1,890,000 EURREF: 252726

Full of charm and character is this beautiful 7 bedroom historical Manor House with studio, nestling in nearly one acre of glorious mature gardens with pool, ideally located near all amenities in V......

1,890,000 EURREF: 254219

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

Enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location in Cannes, is this stunning 3 storey, 3 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with fruit trees and expansive pool. Sit......

1,890,000 EURREF: 243415

Completely renovated, this stunning stone built property is set out over a single level and has an elegant living area of 160m2. Totally refurbished and decorated in a very contemporary style and ......

1,890,000 EURREF: 250036

Beautifully presented new 2 bedroom apartment with terrace in a select residence in Val d'Isere in a traditional Savoyard style with modern comfort and convenience. This beautiful 3 room property......

1,889,000 EURREF: 245780

Rare opportunity with this authentic stone mas, lending itself ideally to an events business or small hotel/guest house, just a few minutes' walk from the village. Ground floor: entrance hall, di......

1,886,400 EURREF: 254017

- 3 bedroom Duplex for sale in Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Brand new luxury duplex apartment in Megeve, just a 3 minute walk from the village main square and the Chamois ski lifts, with superb mountain and village views. This 139m2 brand new apartment com......

Enquire For PriceREF: 208698

Bright, spacious and luxurious 3 bedroom penthouse apartment, ideally situated within a safe and secure residence just a few minutes walk from the heart of Cannes. With a total living area of aro......

1,880,000 EURREF: 254348

Very well presented 5 bedroom luxury villa nestling in nearly one acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, enjoying uninterrupted countryside views from its peaceful location near Vence. T......

1,880,000 EURREF: 254130

Ideally situated just a few minutes from the village of Montauroux, this superb bright and spacious 6 bedroom villa, with a living area of approximately 250m2, has been completely renovated using q......

1,880,000 EURREF: 247921

Beautifully renovated bastide with contemporary comfort in a peaceful setting just 10 minutes from Cannes and Mougins. Set in a pretty plot of over half an acre,, adorned with majestic trees pro......

1,875,000 EURREF: 254378

Enjoying panoramic sea views from its peaceful location near all amenities in Valbonne, is this very well presented 5 bedroom villa nestling in an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool. ......

1,870,000 EURREF: 253393

Light and airy villa in an elevated position in a secure domain with easy access to Valbonne with wonderful views to the sea. The large, open plan living and dining area with fireplace has direct a......

1,870,000 EURREF: 253111

Surrounded by 2.3 hectares of glorious land with gardens, pool, tennis court and terraces, is this magnificent 5 bedroom stone house, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful locat......

1,862,000 EURREF: 250821

Stylish 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Cannes, Cote d

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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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