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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.

2936 properties

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Stunning 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury Provencal style villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the heart of Sainte Maxime. S......

2,100,000 EURREF: 245854

Enjoying panoramic views from the roof terrace, is this bright and spacious 3 bedroom Penthouse apartment with 2.5 hectares of beautiful communal landscaped gardens, pool and tennis court, ideally......

900,000 EURREF: 245853

Absolutely exceptional 5 bedroom luxury Provencal villa with tennis court, nestling in an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying panoramic countryside views from i......

5,700,000 EURREF: 245851

Stylishly renovated 2 bedroom luxury apartment ideally located near all amenities in the heart of Cannes. This magnificent property has a 12m2 sunny terrace, bright and spacious living and dining ......

930,000 EURREF: 245842

Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near Angouleme, is this fabulous gite complex comprising of a charming house and 5 gites, nestling in 10 hectares of glorious lan......

1,255,000 EURREF: 245841

Nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, is this exceptional 5 bedroom luxury Provencal style villa located near all amenities in Antibes. With approximately 350m2 ......

8,900,000 EURREF: 245835

Enjoying breathtaking countryside views from its peaceful location in Seillans, is this exquisite 5 bedroom, 18th Century Provencal bastide, nestling in over 25 hectares of glorious land with pool......

3,900,000 EURREF: 245834

New, ultra modern 6 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, located near all amenities in a peaceful area of Mougins. The 250m2 comprises of a fitted and equipped kitch......

2,950,000 EURREF: 245833

Luxury 2 bedroom apartment with communal pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location near all amenities in Cap d'Antibes. Set in a modern residence this superb property is a r......

1,350,000 EURREF: 245832

Enjoying wonderful views of Mont Blanc from its South facing location, is this charming one bedroom apartment situated near all amenities in Chamonix. Set on the first floor of a small residence n......

370,000 EURREF: 245827

Stylishly renovated 5 bedroom fully furnished luxury villa with separate one bedroom house, set in beautiful landscaped gardens with 2 pools, while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its South fa......

6,300,000 EURREF: 245822

Enjoying panoramic sea views from the roof terrace, is this exceptional modern 3 bedroom luxury villa with garden, located near all amenities in Roquebrune Cap Martin. This superb property is situ......

5,900,000 EURREF: 245821

Ideally located in a prestigious, secure estate in La Croix Valmer, is this unique 5 bedroom luxurious villa nestling in 1.75 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with 2 pools and outbuilding, whi......

7,950,000 EURREF: 245817

Full of charm and character is this beautifully restored 6 bedroom Manor House with outbuildings, nestling in over 4 acres of glorious land with gardens, pool and orchards, ideally located in a pea......

750,000 EURREF: 245815

Situated in a quiet setting in the Cheniers area, in the heart of France, this superb 5 bedroom property sits on the site of a former water mill. This exceptional riverside estate comprises of th......

745,000 EURREF: 245814

Beautifully and tastefully renovated 3 storey, 8 bedroom historical South facing property with pool and garden, enjoying uninterrupted countryside views from its location near all amenities in Ille......

599,000 EURREF: 245804

Ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Palm Beach, Cannes, is this stylish and bright 2 bedroom luxury apartment with garage. Situated in a highly sought-after residence this beautif......

925,000 EURREF: 245803

Attractive attached property, ideal for holidays, in a quiet location between the beaches of La Nartelle and the centre of Sainte Maxime. The nicely presented property comes with living space of 10......

575,000 EURREF: 245801

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an outstanding, beautifully restored 9 bedroom, 18th century neo-classical French Chateau with outbuildings, nestling in over 22 acres of glorious land with mature......

1,670,212 EURREF: 245799

Desirable 2 bedroom apartment on the sea front in the heart of the highly sought-after Palm Beach area of Cannes, just a short stroll from shops and beaches. This unique opportunity comes with liv......

850,000 EURREF: 245798

A bright, corner, five-room apartment in an elegant residence with panoramic views over Place du Pin and its cafes and local shops. The spacious 137m2 property is situated on the penultimate fl......

1,140,000 EURREF: 245796

Delightful 3 bedroom apartment with balcony on the second floor of a small residence in Courchevel 1850 with lovely mountain views. This charming apartment of approximately 62m2 is ideally located......

1,150,000 EURREF: 245794

An excellent property with income potential, consisting of a main 4 bedroom family home with two independent gites, newly renovated to a very high standard in a desirable location overlooking the C......

895,000 EURREF: 245786

Stylishly renovated Contemporary property completely renovated south-west facing enjoying a sea view located in a quiet and residential area of Cap-Ferrat near the Grand Hotel. In a flat garden w......

18,000,000 EURREF: 245758

Stylish 4 bedroom duplex apartment on the top floor of a supervised residence in the La Banane district of Cannes. The 134m2 property has been meticulously renovated in a tasteful style, offerin......

2,480,000 EURREF: 245784

Stunning property of an overall surface of 450m2 Superb luxury villa on the West side of the Cap d'Antibes in a gated domain, set in beautiful landscaped garden of over half an acre with swimming......

8,900,000 EURREF: 245783

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......

1,853,000 EURREF: 245780

Superb newly renovated character apartment, a stone's throw from the beautiful 'Jardin Publique' and offering a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. The exceptional property comes......

871,500 EURREF: 245779

Desirable four bedroom property located in a quiet, south-facing and mature plot in a closed domain on the heights of Villefranche-sur-Mer with a large swimming pool and shaded terraces. The be......

4,550,000 EURREF: 245777

Luxuriously renovated, fully furnished 3 bedroom apartment with beautiful communal gardens, tennis court and pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from ideal location in the California sector of Canne......

1,850,000 EURREF: 245773

Ideally located near the beaches and the heart of the village of Saint-Tropez, is this stylish 2 bedroom house with garden, garage and communal pool. This charming property offers exceptional pot......

1,250,000 EURREF: 245770

Outstanding fully renovated luxury 5 bedroom Provencal villa nestling in half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside and sea views from its peace......

4,980,000 EURREF: 245768

Luxuriously renovated 4 bedroom duplex apartment enjoying breathtaking sea views from its location near all amenities in the heart of Mont Boron, Nice. This vast property has spacious and bright r......

2,100,000 EURREF: 245766

Enjoying breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and Cap d'Antibes is this charming 2 bedroom apartment located near all amenities in Californie, Cannes. Set in a bourgeois building with a bea......

745,000 EURREF: 245765

New luxury Penthouse apartment with 4 bedrooms in the heart of Courchevel Moriond, with easy access to its many shops and prestigious restaurants, as well as direct access to the slopes of Les Troi......

4,895,000 EURREF: 245764

Charming 3 storey, 6 bedroom house with garden and Studio, enjoying sea views from its location near the beach and all amenities in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. The house is built on three levels with a......

4,200,000 EURREF: 245761

Wow factor 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Saint Paul de Vence, Cote d

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French Property

Full Personal Service

Entire Market

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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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