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.

2504 properties

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- 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

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

Stylish 3 bedroom apartment in the desirable Palm Beach area of Cannes, fully renovated to a very high standard, located in an intimate residence just a stone's throw from the beaches and shops. ......

1,880,000 EURREF: 253138

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

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

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

With great potential, this bright and spacious 5 bedroom villa is beautifully set within a quiet and heavenly green setting in absolute calm and has stunning panoramic sea views. With a living are......

1,860,000 EURREF: 248224

In excellent condition is this immaculate 5 bedroom luxury villa with separate apartment, nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with infinity pool, while enjoying panoramic ......

1,860,000 EURREF: 253163

Exclusive and sumptuous Provencal property, offering breathtaking panoramic sea views, just a stone's throw from the charming village of Tourrettes sur Loup. Set in a dominant position, this reside......

1,850,000 EURREF: 250857

Enjoying exceptional views of the sea, the bay of Saint-Tropez, the village, and the harbour from its sought after location near the beach and all amenities in the heart of Sainte Maxime, is this c......

1,850,000 EURREF: 250963

Impressive and spacious architect-designed villa in a dominant position, in a quiet and verdant environment, within a small estate. This modern and warm property of approximately 300m2 is in perf......

1,850,000 EURREF: 253539

Historical 4 bedroom Farmhouse for sale in Aups, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

In the village of Aups is this exceptional and historical 18th century property, steeped in history sitting in over a hectare of grounds with a swimming pool. Olive groves with 219 trees. Th......

1,850,000 EURREF: 172582

4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Maussane les Alpilles, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

PRICE REDUCED Delightful property in a rural setting close located close to Maussane les Alpilles. Four bedroom house with panoramic views and a southerly aspect in good condition. Fitted kit......

1,850,000 EURREF: 145618

Stylish 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Beautifully presented 2 bedroom apartment with large terrace and sea views in the heart of Cannes, on the top floor of a luxury residence with lift. This highly desirable, 3 room property comes w......

1,850,000 EURREF: 243252

4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Mandelieu la Napoule, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Beautifully presented throughout, this spacious and charming 4 bedroom Provencal style home has a total living area of 300m2 and is set within lush manicured gardens with a swimming pool and lovely......

1,850,000 EURREF: 238883

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

Rare opportunity to acquire a charming 4 bedroom villa with studio ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Saint Tropez. Situated halfway between the village and the fine sandy beaches......

1,850,000 EURREF: 240661

An exceptional, stylishly renovated 4 bedroom luxury house with garden, ideally located near all amenities in the heart of La Rochelle. This South facing family home has been completely renovated ......

1,848,000 EURREF: 251535

Spacious and bright 4 storey, 5 bedroom luxury chalet with terracing, enjoying spectacular mountain views from its location in Sainte Foy Tarentaise. The chalet was constructed in 2008 by a very ......

1,845,000 EURREF: 252822

Luxurious and spacious 3 bedroom Penthouse apartment with beautiful landscaped communal garden, enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location in a peaceful area of Nice Cimiez. Situated on ......

1,840,000 EURREF: 248806

Character 9 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Agen, Aquitaine

Grand, spacious and completely restored 9 bedroom house, ideally situated in a quiet setting and with lovely countryside views, yet just 2.6km from the local village amenities and 10km from the TGV......

1,837,500 EURREF: 234979

Remarkable 7 bedroom stone built manor house, which beautifully and seamlessly combines historic grandeur with modern luxury. Nestled within 40 acres of picturesque parkland, which is dotted with......

1,837,000 EURREF: 246805

Luxury 4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Golfe Juan, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Stylishly renovated 4 bedroom villa nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with superb pool, enjoying scenic countryside views from its elevated location on the hills of Golf......

1,835,000 EURREF: 245289

Charming 4 bedroom Provencal property in a convenient situation within a small private estate on the heights of Golfe-Juan, just 15 minutes drive from Cannes. This beautiful newly renovated villa......

1,835,000 EURREF: 248349

With stunning sea views and ideally situated within a quiet preserved environment in La Croix Valmer and right in the heart of a secure domain, this luxurious 4 bedroom villa was completely renovat......

1,835,000 EURREF: 247736

Located in the heart of Lectoure, a historic gem of the Gers region, this 17th century private mansion embodies luxury and elegance. Fully restored with high-end materials, it offers prestigious ......

1,830,000 EURREF: 252904

Excellent lifestyle and income opportunity with this nicely renovated complex of 6 independent south-facing homes, set in half an acre of landscaped grounds with a large, heated swimming pool. Id......

1,802,000 EURREF: 253639

Enjoying breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the old town of Menton from its South facing location in the sought-after Garavan area, is this stunning 4 bedroom luxury villa with pool an......

1,800,000 EURREF: 252316

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a charming 4 bedroom Provencal house with separate 2 bedroom guest house, all nestling in nearly 3.5 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool while enjoying ......

1,800,000 EURREF: 251839

Full of character and charm, this striking property is ideally situated in a quiet countryside setting, yet just 10 minutes from Libourne. Completely renovated with care and good taste, this super......

1,800,000 EURREF: 248062

Exceptional duplex-apartment enjoying panoramic views over Monaco, Cap Martin and the Mediterranean, in a luxury residence just 5 minutes from Monaco, with concierge, pool and Jacuzzi. The 142m2 ......

1,800,000 EURREF: 250851

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

An impressive villa made of natural stone which consists of a unique provencale style exterior and contemporary design internally. Exclusive location in a quiet prestigious neighbourhood – just ......

1,800,000 EURREF: 179720

Bright 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Cavalaire sur Mer, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Modern, bright and spacious 5 bedroom villa, ideally situated in a quiet and highly sought after area in Cavalaire sur Mer, with stunning sea views and just a 10 minute walk from the beach. With a......

1,799,000 EURREF: 240739

Enjoying breathtaking lake and mountain views from its idyllic waterfront location in Annecy, is this beautiful 4 bedroom house set in lush mature gardens with mooring. Here is the detailed descr......

1,795,000 EURREF: 250601

Luxuriously renovated 5 bedroom Provencal villa nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, ideally located near all amenities in Valbonne. Discover this charming property set within a pr......

1,795,000 EURREF: 252551

Full of charm and character is this historic 5 bedroom villa with garden, ideally located near the sea and all amenities in the heart of La Rochelle. Built in 1885, this superb property with its ......

1,795,000 EURREF: 252884

In excellent condition is this luxurious 5 bedroom Provencal villa nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool and Petanque court, ideally located within a prestigious p......

1,795,000 EURREF: 253391

Charming renovated 4 bedroom Provencal house set in lush mature gardens with pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location in Sainte Maxime. Situated in a secure ......

1,790,000 EURREF: 253387

Stylishly restored 3 storey, 6 bedroom architect designed villa with separate apartment and garden, ideally located near all amenities in La Rochelle. This exceptional property is a real architec......

1,790,000 EURREF: 252801

A highly individual property offering a haven of peace and nature in a tranquil setting on a calm street and in a quiet area. The spacious 4 bedroom villa is welcoming with its avant garde moder......

1,790,000 EURREF: 252339

In excellent condition is this stylishly renovated 3 storey, 5 bedroom villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, ideally located near all amenities in the sought-after area of Le Cannet.......

1,790,000 EURREF: 252220

Stunning 5 bedroom architect designed villa set in beautiful landscaped Mediterranean gardens with pool and fruit trees, enjoying uninterrupted countryside views from its peaceful location near Le ......

1,790,000 EURREF: 248929

Enjoying uninterrupted panoramic views from the mountains to the sea, is this spacious and bright 4 bedroom Provencal villa set in over half an acre of mature gardens with pool, ideally located in ......

1,790,000 EURREF: 249087

In excellent condition is this bright and spacious 4 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic views from its location in Sainte Maxime. This ch......

1,790,000 EURREF: 253462

Inviting 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Saint Paul de Vence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Beautifully presented 4 bedroom Provencal style villa, with a total spacious living area of 250m2, set within a mature elevated plot of 2,500m2 with a swimming pool and breathtaking sea and hill v......

1,790,000 EURREF: 240139

2 bedroom Villa for sale in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming 2 bedroom villa located in Cannes within a private gated estate, just a 5 minute walking from the centre of Cannes, set out over 1 floor with a spacious living area of 160m2, which compris......

1,790,000 EURREF: 196106

Character 2 bedroom Villa for sale in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Rare opportunity to acquire an exquisite 2 bedroom single storey Provencal villa, nestling in nearly half an acre of glorious landscaped gardens with pool, perfectly located in a gated domain, a fe......

1,790,000 EURREF: 234301

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

Exciting opportunity to acquire this bright and airy 3 bedroom duplex penthouse apartment in a quiet residential street, just 85 metres from the border with Monaco. The 91m2 property has been rec......

1,695,000 EURREF: 245177

Full of charm and character is this authentic 3 storey, 7 bedroom house with garden, ideally located near all amenities in the sought-after district of Saint Genes, Bordeaux. Close to the town's m......

1,785,000 EURREF: 251645

Beautifully restored 3 storey, 8 bedroom historical Chateau with separate cottage, nestling in 18 hectares of glorious land with gardens, pool, woods, equestrian facilities and outbuildings, while......

1,780,000 EURREF: 252428

Unique opportunity to acquire two stunning new houses with garden, enjoying panoramic mountain and lake views from its location in Sevrier. The 3 bedroom house comprises of an entrance hall with c......

1,780,000 EURREF: 249088

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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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