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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Very well presented 3 bedroom Provencal style villa nestling in a beautiful landscaped garden with pool, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Mougins Saint Basile. Situated in the h......

1,590,000 EURREF: 249089

Great opportunity to own a well maintained manor house, plus a separate house that can also be used as 5 self-contained gites, if required and subject to necessary permissions, set within a vast pl......

1,588,000 EURREF: 246070

Enjoying far reaching countryside views across its 7 hectares of land, is this exceptional 2 bedroom renovated house with two separate guest houses, beautiful landscaped gardens, barn and expansive......

1,587,302 EURREF: 251628

Beautiful 5 bedroom farmhouse, which is beautifully nestled within its own park of 35,000m2 with its own carp pond, 2 ancient basins with trout and canals for distributing the water from the forest......

1,585,000 EURREF: 249205

Set within the prestigious La Californie district of Cannes, this superb 3 bedroom apartment is nestled in a luxury residence with a swimming pool. With a living area of 104m2 and breathtaking sea......

1,580,000 EURREF: 249196

Immaculate 3 bedroom apartment, which is ideally situated within a highly sought-after neighbourhood in the California area of Cannes, offering high-quality amenities and set in a prestigious resid......

1,580,000 EURREF: 247733

This elegant Mas is a real gem, offering 236m2 of living space for a total surface area of 548m2, benefiting from clear sea views thanks to its dominant position. Full of authentic French character......

1,580,000 EURREF: 246517

Character 5 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Grasse, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Superbly presented character property with 5 bedrooms and fabulous panoramic views, with even a glimpse of the sea in the distance. This beautiful Nineteenth Century property of 548m2 is in very ......

1,580,000 EURREF: 237773

Historical 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Coulaures, Aquitaine

Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near Coulaures, is this impressive 8 bedroom historical French Chateau with substantial outbuildings and equestrian facilities, ne......

1,575,000 EURREF: 237895

New Build 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in 1850, Courchevel, Rhone-Alpes

Superb 3 bedroom apartment, which is ideally situated within a recently built residence, located right in the heart of the exclusive Courchevel 1850 skiing resort and just 20m from the ski lift. W......

1,575,000 EURREF: 240696

In excellent condition is this stunning 3 bedroom luxury Penthouse apartment enjoying breathtaking views of Mont Blanc from its ideal location near all amenities in the heart of downtown Chamonix.......

1,575,000 EURREF: 249964

Beautifully renovated 2 bedroom house enjoying glorious countryside and mountain views from its location near Meribel. This charming, completely secluded mountain cottage on the heights of the ha......

1,575,000 EURREF: 251542

Charming 4 bedroom house in Veyrier du Lac, in need of renovation and offering an excellent opportunity for development and improvement, with lovely views of the lake. This 164 m2 house (with 27......

1,575,000 EURREF: 251752

Enjoying panoramic countryside views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in a peaceful and secure area of Sainte Maxime, is this luxurious 5 bedroom spacious villa with pool an......

1,575,000 EURREF: 251782

Delightful 4 bedroom house in Pringy Ferrieres, offering space and comfort in a very quiet setting with beautiful unobstructed views of the lake and mountains. The 165m2 property (195 m2 usable) ......

1,575,000 EURREF: 250988

Beautifully renovated 4 bedroom villa nestling in lush mature gardens, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in a peaceful area on the edge of Cap d'Antibes. The 130m2 comprises of a br......

1,575,000 EURREF: 252962

Enjoying breathtaking mountain and valley views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of La Rosiere, is this stunning new 3 bedroom modern apartment. Situated on t......

1,570,000 EURREF: 246928

Nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, is this exquisite 3 bedroom villa with separate one bedroom apartment, located near all amenities in a peaceful area of Roqu......

1,560,000 EURREF: 251523

Magnificent fully renovated apartment situated within a secure residence facing the Palais des Festivals, with a living area of approximately 51m2 and with breathtaking views over the Bay of Cannes......

1,550,000 EURREF: 246544

Superb 3 bedroom duplex apartment, which is ideally situated right in the centre of Val Thorens skiing resort, set just a stone's throw from the centre and at the foot of the 3 Valleys ski slopes. ......

1,550,000 EURREF: 246087

Bright 3 bedroom Penthouse for sale with sea view in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated within a high standing residence in the Basse Californie district of Cannes, this magnificent 3 bedroom penthouse apartment has a spacious living area of around 134m2, plus a spacious terr......

Enquire for priceREF: 244978

Lovingly Maintained 5 bedroom Chalet for sale in La Rosiere, Montvalezan, Rhone-Alpes

Superb and authentic 5 bedroom ski chalet, which is ideally situated within a privileged location in La Rosiere 1850, close to the ski lifts, on the edge of the forest and facing south with magnifi......

1,550,000 EURREF: 242585

Lovingly Maintained 6 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Fayence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Bright, spacious and beautifully presented 6 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated in a quiet area yet just 300m from shops in Fayence village. With simply stunning panoramic countryside views,......

1,550,000 EURREF: 238535

Stylish 4 bedroom Chalet for sale in Les Gets, Rhone-Alpes

Charming newly built 4 bedroom ski chalet, which is ideally situated right in the heart of a quiet, well established and preserved area with just a few new chalets. South facing and situated on th......

1,550,000 EURREF: 239312

4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea and panoramic views in Theoule sur Mer, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Full of character and charm, this bright and spacious 4 bedroom neo-Provencal style villa, with a total living area of 180m2, is set within an elevated Mediterranean garden of 1,055m2 with a swimmi......

1,550,000 EURREF: 233791

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

This is a delightful villa In a quiet area, overlooking the countryside and with a superb panoramic vista to the beautiful coastal bays of the Mediterranean. Located just 30 minutes from Marseill......

1,550,000 EURREF: 173204

Enjoying breathtaking views of Mont Blanc from its location near the slopes and all amenities in Chamonix Mont Blanc, is this bright and spacious 2 bedroom duplex apartment with garages. This mag......

1,550,000 EURREF: 249963

Stylishly renovated 4 bedroom Provencal villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in......

1,550,000 EURREF: 248575

New Build 5 bedroom Apartment for sale in Huez, Rhone-Alpes

Lovely 5 bedroom apartment, which is ideally nestled right in the heart of Huez, which is a peaceful mountain village. Set within a charming, recently built alpine chalet, this inviting apartment ......

1,540,000 EURREF: 242584

New Build 4 bedroom Chalet for sale in Les Bossons, Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

A four bedroom chalet, in a desirable new development of just 3 ski chalets with great views of the Mont Blanc chain in the desirable area of Les Bossons, and providing easy access to the centre of......

1,535,000 EURREF: 237670

Ideally located near all amenities in the heart of Les Portes en Re, is this very well presented 5 bedroom house with courtyard. This beautiful house combines the charm of the Ile de Re with mode......

1,525,000 EURREF: 252740

Authentic 4 bedroom House for sale in Annecy Le Vieux, Annecy, Rhone-Alpes

Beautiful, well presented 4 bedroom wooden frame house, set in lush mature gardens with pool, located in a peaceful area near all amenities in Annecy le Vieux. Enjoying quick access to the motorwa......

1,522,000 EURREF: 244807

Luxury 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Mont d'Arbois, Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Ideally located near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of Mont d'Arbois, is this stunning 3 bedroom luxury apartment enjoying far reaching views across the golf course to mountains beyond. ......

1,520,000 EURREF: 245613

Enjoying superb views of the surrounding hills from its prestigious and peaceful location in the Super Cannes area, is this very well presented 4 bedroom Provencal style villa with studio, nestling......

1,518,000 EURREF: 252541

Desirable 3 bedroom duplex apartment in an enviable location in the heart of Saint-Tropez, close to the Place des Lices and the port. This stunning 78m2 property is found in a residence of just f......

1,510,000 EURREF: 252077

An elegant and desirable Country Estate For Sale by Private Auction on the 27th March 2025 at 16:00 hrs. Original List Price - EUR 5,000,000 Presale Estimates - EUR1,500,000 to EUR3,000,000. Wo......

1,500,000 EURREF: 252536

Very well presented 8 bedroom house with guest house, nestling in over an acre of lush mature gardens with pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near Grasse......

1,500,000 EURREF: 251482

Nestling in 13 hectares of glorious land with outbuildings is this beautifully renovated 7 bedroom historical Chateau located near Bourges. Situated In the heart of France, Berry, 280 km from Pari......

1,500,000 EURREF: 251594

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored Manor House with two guest houses nestling in 11 hectares of glorious land with equestrian facilities, pools and gardens, while enjoying far ......

1,500,000 EURREF: 253186

Impressive 9 bedroom chateau near Hautefort with origins dating back to the Seventeenth Century, set in 4.5 acres with panoramic countryside views. The spacious 905m2 property has been the subject......

1,500,000 EURREF: 245919

20 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in La Vieille Lyre, Normandy

18th Century chateau located in Burgundy, at the edge of a village in a charming valley. This 18th & 19th Century French Chateau has a living area of around 1,700m2, set out over 4 levels which is......

1,500,000 EURREF: 183982

Stunning modern 5 bedroom luxury villa nestling in half an acre of glorious lush gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic mountain views from its peaceful location in Alex. Situated 15 minutes ......

1,500,000 EURREF: 248556

Beautifully presented, these apartments are situated on the 3rd floor of a bourgeois building on Rue Florian with an lift. The property is divided into 2 apartments: a charming 1 bedroom apartment......

1,500,000 EURREF: 249749

Charming 4 bedroom Provincial style villa, which is beautifully nestled right in the heart if a beautiful landscape, enjoying open views toward the Esterel and within walking distance of the listed......

1,500,000 EURREF: 249417

Beautiful and stylish 4 bedroom house in the heart of a green setting in La Teste-de-Buch, in peaceful setting yet close to amenities and facilities. This 160m2 property offers a unique living ......

1,499,000 EURREF: 251886

Beautifully renovated 6 bedroom Bell Epoque villa surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and terraces with pool and Petanque court, while enjoying far reaching countryside and sea views from i......

1,498,000 EURREF: 248885

Exciting new development of just 9 properties, nicely positioned in the heart of the magnificent historic Jean de Noailles area in Cannes. Its green and peaceful setting offers a true haven of se......

1,496,000 EURREF: 252522

Bright and spacious 2 bedroom luxury apartment enjoying partial sea views across the gardens from its location near all amenities in Cannes. Situated in the Palm Beach area this superb property o......

1,495,000 EURREF: 251126

Unique opportunity to acquire an exceptional hamlet of 6 beautifully renovated stone properties all nestling in 9.5 acres of glorious land with beautiful gardens, fruit trees and pool, while enjoyi......

1,495,000 EURREF: 252899

Stylishly renovated 4 bedroom luxury villa nestling in half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, ideally located in a peaceful area of Grasse. This charming property has been renova......

1,495,000 EURREF: 253023

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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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