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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Stylishly renovated 5 bedroom luxury chalet with garden, enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its ideal location in the heart of the alpine village of La Cote d'Arbroz. This magnificent prop......

1,800,000 EURREF: 250912

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

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

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

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

Attractive 5 bedroom house located in a quiet, pleasant street in the Pereire district. The 156m2 property sits in a lovely garden with trees and a swimming pool, and is within walking distance of......

1,795,000 EURREF: 251797

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

Enjoying stunning lake views from its idyllic waterfront location in Talloires, is this charming 3 storey, 4 bedroom house with garden and mooring. The 195m2 comprises of an entrance hall, 2 bedro......

1,795,000 EURREF: 250915

Beautiful contemporary villa in perfect condition with magnificent views over the vineyards and hills in absolute peace and quiet but close to all amenities. Built on one level in 1,600 m2 of lan......

1,795,000 EURREF: 249729

Charming wooden chalet just 701m from Herbe beach, located in the Vallons du Ferret, surrounded by lush greenery and pines, offering a peaceful and pleasant living environment. The 125m2 property......

1,795,000 EURREF: 251578

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury 5 bedroom Triplex for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Exceptional 5 bedroom triplex apartment, which has been beautifull and entirely renovated using top quality materials by an interior designer. Ideally located close to the ski slopes and all amen......

1,790,000 EURREF: 244820

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

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

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

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

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

Immaculate 5 bedroom House for sale in Sevrier, Rhone-Alpes

Bright and spacious new modern 5 bedroom house comprising of 2 separate apartments with garden, enjoying beautiful views of the lake and mountains from its ideal location in Sevrier. Situated in a......

1,780,000 EURREF: 239234

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

Inviting 3 bedroom garden-level apartment, ideally situated within a fully renovated residence right in the heart of Megeve. With a generous living area of 87m2: features include 2 double bedrooms......

1,780,000 EURREF: 244818

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

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

Bright 6 bedroom Apartment for sale in Les Menuires, Rhone-Alpes

Superb 6 bedroom duplex apartment, with a living area of 155m2 (including 11.49m2 which is less than 1.8m high), located in a popular area of Les Menuires, in a prime location at the foot of the sk......

1,769,000 EURREF: 245677

Enchanting French chateau, full of character and history with spacious accommodation, a chapel and over 9 acres of mature landscaped grounds. At the heart of this pre-Napoleonic ensemble of buil......

1,768,000 EURREF: 247042

Quiet 6 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Mandelieu la Napoule, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally located just a short distance from the village of La Napoule, this Provencal stone built villa boasts a wide panorama of the Barbossi Golf Course. Situated on a 1,500m2 plot, the property......

1,750,000 EURREF: 243485

Luxuriously renovated 3 bedroom apartment with beautiful communal gardens and pool, enjoying panoramic sea and mountain views from its location on the East side of Cap d'Antibes. Situated just a ......

1,750,000 EURREF: 251858

Nestling in beautiful mature gardens with amazing infinity pool, is this exquisite 3 bedroom single storey villa enjoying panoramic countryside views from its peaceful location in Tourrettes-sur-Lo......

1,750,000 EURREF: 252305

Offering a stunning view of the Lerins Islands and the hills of Le Cannet and La Californie from its prestigious location in a peaceful area of Cannes, is this stylishly modernised 4 bedroom villa ......

1,750,000 EURREF: 252788

Beautifully presented and full of authentic character and charm, this superb 8 bedroom stone built farmhouse, with its origins dating from the 14th Century, is an outstanding building and ideal for......

1,750,000 EURREF: 249408

Built around 1750, this spacious and beautifully presented 11 bedroom property presents an excellent opportunity for an elegant home or hospitality project in one of France's most popular regions. ......

1,750,000 EURREF: 248093

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a charming 5 bedroom house and 2 bedroom guest house with pool and garden, ideally located near all amenities in the charming historic centre of Uzes. This magnif......

1,750,000 EURREF: 252553

Rare opportunity to acquire a stunning 5 bedroom architect designed villa set in beautiful lush gardens with pool, while enjoying uninterrupted panoramic views from its location near La Colle sur L......

1,750,000 EURREF: 252972

Spacious and charming 4 bedroom villa with annex, swimming pool and olive grove in a dominant position with outstanding views. The very nicely presented property comes with living space of approx......

1,750,000 EURREF: 253106

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......

1,750,000 EURREF: 243252

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a 1,106m2 plot of land with plans to build a beautiful contemporary villa, enjoying panoramic sea views from its very sought after location on the hills of Mandeli......

1,750,000 EURREF: 246779

In excellent condition is this luxuriously renovated 3 bedroom villa nestling in nearly half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic views from its peaceful loca......

1,750,000 EURREF: 253176

Impressive architectural gem of an Art Deco residence dating from 1929, nicely located close to amenities, main roads, schools, transport and the beaches of Juan les Pins. Set in approximately 91......

1,749,000 EURREF: 251147

Historical 32 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Beziers, Languedoc-Roussillon

Grand, spacious and unique 19th Century manor house, with a vast total living area of around 1,400m2, currently split into 11 apartments including a unique dwelling of 400m2 and another house, set ......

1,740,000 EURREF: 224952

Stunning 9 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Bergerac, Aquitaine

Immaculately presented and full of authentic character and charm, this superb 9 bedroom stone built Chartreuse property, with its origins dating back to the 16th Century with additions in the 17th ......

1,737,000 EURREF: 237691

- 5 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Moustiers Sainte Marie, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Just 2 minutes away from Moustiers Sainte Marie, in beautiful countryside, a tastefully renovated country house with 292m2 of living space, set in 10 hectares of land with swimming pool. Spectacula......

1,735,000 EURREF: 159523

Stylish and bright 2 bedroom luxury apartment offering partial sea views from its ideal location near all amenities in a peaceful area of Cannes. Situated in the 'banana' town centre, next to the......

1,732,500 EURREF: 250819

Nestling in over 2 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens is this stunning 4 bedroom house with large indoor pool and separate 3 bedroom guest house, ideally located near all amenities in Perigueux......

1,730,000 EURREF: 250976

Exceptional 4 bedroom modern luxurious house set in a beautiful landscaped garden with pool, while enjoying panoramic views from its peaceful location near all amenities in Vence. This magnificent......

1,725,000 EURREF: 251293

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautiful 14 bedroom hotel enjoying panoramic views from its elevated location near all amenities in Bonnieux. Situated in the heart of one of France's most popu......

1,725,000 EURREF: 248655

Stunning new 2 bedroom luxury apartment with beautiful communal gardens and pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in the heart of Cap d'Antibes......

1,700,000 EURREF: 246790

Luxury 4 bedroom Chalet for sale in Les Allues, Meribel, Rhone-Alpes

Superb and stylish 4 bedroom ski chalet in Meribel Les Allues with additional bonus of the potential to build a second 180m2 chalet on the divisible plot if desired. The 184m2 property is superbl......

1,700,000 EURREF: 233166

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French Property

Full Personal 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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