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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Charming 3 bedroom Provençal villa, beautifully nestled within a quiet estate with just 17 villas, located between the hills and a large cultural centre. Entering the gates, there is a pretty land......

1,495,000 EURREF: 249333

Character 11 bedroom Complex for sale with lake or river view and countryside view views in Verteuil sur Charente, Poitou-Charentes

Ideally situated close to the thriving village of Verteuil sur Charente, this charming and magnificent rural riverside complex includes a 15th Century mill and 2 guest houses, all of which have bee......

1,495,000 EURREF: 245410

Quiet 5 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Golfe Juan, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Beautifully presented throughout, this superb Provencal property is a true haven of peace and surrounded by vegetation. Located in a quiet setting in Golfe Juan and set on a mature manicured plot ......

1,495,000 EURREF: 244601

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

New Build 3 bedroom Chalet for sale in Les Bossons, Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

Impressive new development of just 3 ski chalets in the desirable area of Les Bossons, with great views of the Mont Blanc chain and offering easy access to the centre of Chamonix. The properties ......

1,495,000 EURREF: 237669

An impressive, Bourgeois-style property, with its stream, parkland, swimming pool and renovated stone buildings, surrounded by fields and meadows and on the edge of a delighful Aveyronnais village.......

1,495,000 EURREF: 247534

Stylish and elegant contemporary villa with 4 bedrooms, located in a gated estate close to the heart of Cannes, set in a tree-lined plot, offering a peaceful living environment with high-end amenit......

1,495,000 EURREF: 250654

Delightful 3 bedroom Provencal villa with swimming pool and panoramic views to the sea, in a peaceful green setting, yet within easy reach of the beach and all amenities in Sainte Maxime. This su......

1,600,000 EURREF: 247504

Refurbished 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Meribel, Rhone-Alpes

A bright and beautifully presented 3 bedroom apartment in Meribel in a great location close to the slopes and shops in the area of Rond Point des Pistes. The 71m2 property has recently undergone ......

1,495,000 EURREF: 240264

Superb detached 3 bedroom property with swimming pool in a great location in La Flotte. The beautiful house comes with living space of 143m2 and is excellent condition. It includes a bright li......

1,495,000 EURREF: 253024

A superb, completely refurbished apartment in a desirable residence with communal facilities, complete with excellent sea views. This exceptional 95m2 property features an entrance hall with stor......

1,490,000 EURREF: 253227

Unique opportunity to acquire two properties set in nearly half an acre of gardens with pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from its location in Golfe Juan. The main house comprises of an entrance......

1,490,000 EURREF: 251336

Set in an unbeatable location near the beach and all amenities in the heart of Antibes Old Town, is this bright and spacious 2 bedroom luxury apartment. Set in a beautifully renovated building fr......

1,490,000 EURREF: 251234

Enjoying panoramic views of the sea and the Principality of Monaco from its location near La Turbie, is this well presented 4 bedroom villa set in a beautiful landscaped garden. This superb proper......

1,490,000 EURREF: 249364

Beautifully restored 4 bedroom traditional stone house nestling in over 2 acres of glorious gardens with olive trees and expansive pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peac......

1,490,000 EURREF: 251091

Immaculate 6 bedroom Villa for sale in Lathuile, Rhone-Alpes

Spacious, charming and luxurious 6 bedroom home, ideally situated in a quiet setting in Lathuile, just a few km from the west side of Lake Annecy. With a total beautifully presented living area of......

1,490,000 EURREF: 235203

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautiful historical French Chateau with outbuildings and extra accommodation, nestling in 73.5 acres of glorious land with beautiful gardens, swimming pool and l......

1,490,000 EURREF: 247446

Absolutely stunning one bedroom designer Penthouse apartment enjoying panoramic sea views from the roof terrace of its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in Bas Cimiez, Nice. Situate......

1,490,000 EURREF: 246938

Ideally situated close to facilities in Beausoleil, this 4 bedroom penthouse apartment is situated in a contemporary style building overlooking the Principality of Monaco. With a living area of 1......

1,490,000 EURREF: 248065

Bright, spacious and beautifully presented, this charming 1900's farmhouse has been recently superbly renovated using quality materials. With a superb living area of 335m2, with 402m2 of usable s......

1,490,000 EURREF: 246379

Bright and spacious 4 bedroom modern house with pool and garden, enjoying panoramic sea views from its peaceful and elevated location in the residential hills of Cagnes sur Mer. Offering an easy d......

1,490,000 EURREF: 250914

Exquisite Eighteenth Century property, set in the serene countryside of Lot-et-Garonne, offering tranquility and a high-quality lifestyle. Perched on the heights, just 9 km from a village provi......

1,490,000 EURREF: 252340

In excellent condition is this charming 6 bedroom Provencal house with separate studio, pool and garden, ideally located in a highly sought after area of Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde. Situated near Aix-e......

1,490,000 EURREF: 252424

Ideally located near the beach, golf course and all amenities in the Beauvallon area of Grimaud, is this spacious and bright 5 bedroom luxury villa set in nearly half an acre of beautiful landscape......

1,490,000 EURREF: 252652

Superb and beautifully renovated French Chateau set in an estate of 20 acres, set on the edge of a charming village in the Charente region overlooking the protected Echelle Valley. This Natura 200......

1,490,000 EURREF: 253192

4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea and panoramic views in La Colle Sur Loup, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming 4 bedroom stone built villa, with a total spacious living area of 215m2, set within an easy to maintain mature landscaped plot of 982m2 with a swimming pool and stunning far reaching views......

1,490,000 EURREF: 232746

In excellent condition is this bright and spacious 3 bedroom luxury house nestling in half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying fantastic uninterrupted sea views from i......

1,490,000 EURREF: 251122

Rare opportunity to acquire a charming 4 bedroom historic house set in over half an acre of beautiful mature gardens with fruit trees, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its location in Menton......

1,490,000 EURREF: 252405

This light and airy 4 bedroom villa comes with panoramic views over the Bay of Cannes and the surrounding hills, and offers the epitome of Riviera living. With over 200m2 of internal living spac......

1,490,000 EURREF: 251388

5 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Mont Ventoux, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

PRICE REDUCED - Beautiful villa on a fenced and landscaped gardens of 5,100m2 with swimming pool. Located at the edge of a pretty village in a peaceful landscape, just minutes from Vaison la Romain......

1,490,000 EURREF: 164580

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

Bright and welcoming 3 bedroom apartment, ideally situated within a beautiful secure residence with a communal park and swimming pool. With one of the most beautiful views of the sea, this superb ......

1,490,000 EURREF: 243762

Rare opportunity to acquire a stunning 3 bedroom luxury apartment enjoying breathtaking sea views from its prestigious location near the beach and all amenities in Cap d'Ail. With a south-facing......

1,490,000 EURREF: 252638

Spacious 4 bedroom apartment in the heart of the beautiful Ciboure Bay, facing the legendary Fort de Socoa, in a great location just minutes from the historic centre of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the icon......

1,489,500 EURREF: 252248

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautiful 13 bedroom estate nestling in over 6 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its pe......

1,485,000 EURREF: 253256

Character 7 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Tournon d'Agenais, Aquitaine

Beautiful 7 bedroom stone built property, which is currently used as an equestrian estate, set within 40 hectares of fenced land, which is in one piece. With a beautiful 1,000m2 barn houses 18 loo......

1,579,000 EURREF: 244446

Outstanding 3 bedroom apartment in the heart of the Palm Beach district of Cannes, just 2 minutes walk from the beach and all amenities. and with a sea view. This beautifully renovated transverse......

1,484,000 EURREF: 252670

Superb 6 bedroom architect designed farmhouse with stunning views, infinity swimming pool and tennis court, situated in a quiet setting just 15 minutes from Vic Fezensac. FEATURES Tennis Court Swi......

1,480,000 EURREF: 249878

A light and airy 3 bedroom house in a pleasant situation close to the beach in Les Portes en Re. The 121m2 property is in excellent condition and includes a sitting room with fireplace, kitchen a......

1,480,000 EURREF: 250109

Luxuriously renovated 2 bedroom apartment with communal pool, tennis court and golf course, enjoying panoramic sea views from its sought after location in Cannes. Situated in a residence in Calif......

1,480,000 EURREF: 248665

Bright and spacious, this magnificent 3 bedroom totally refurbished apartment, with a living area of approximately 91m2, is ideally located in the Basse Californie district of Cannes. Features inc......

1,480,000 EURREF: 250305

Lovingly Maintained Income Potential , Sea View Villa with 5 bedrooms French Riviera Mougins

With stunning panoramic sea views towards the Esterel and the hills of Mougins, this lovely south facing villa benefits from natural light as well as magnificent sunsets and sunrises. With a livi......

1,480,000 EURREF: 242897

Ideally situated within the highly sought-after neighbourhood of California in Cannes, this 2 bedroom 1st floor high-end apartment is set in a prestigious residence with a 13 hectare classified par......

1,480,000 EURREF: 250000

Situated within a prestigious residence with a swimming pool, green spaces and right in the heart of California area of Cannes, this superb 2 bedroom apartment has been tastefully and modernly reno......

1,480,000 EURREF: 247787

Quiet 5 bedroom Chalet for sale in Saint Nicolas de Veroce, Saint Gervais les Bains, Rhone-Alpes

Luxurious and welcoming 5 bedroom ski chalet, which is ideally situated in a quiet setting in a hamlet with just 2 houses, on the outskirts of Saint Nicolas de Veroce and right on the edge of the C......

1,475,000 EURREF: 240697

Bright and spacious 2 bedroom top floor luxury apartment enjoying panoramic sea views from its location in Cap d'Antibes. This apartment has a large south-east-facing terrace as well as a roof ter......

1,475,000 EURREF: 252874

New Build 4 bedroom Apartment for sale in Alpe d'Huez, Huez, Rhone-Alpes

Spacious new 4 bedroom apartment, providing Alpine charm and modern comfort in equal measure in a desirable new development in the Vieil Alpe area. The 106m2 property is part of a new 23 unit deve......

1,472,000 EURREF: 239170

Renovated 9 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Unique opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated 17th century, 4 bedroom house with 5 bedroom gite and restaurant, nestling in 12.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens, river and pond, loca......

1,470,000 EURREF: 231929

Character 14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Breteuil sur Iton, Normandy

Full of character and charm and with a total of 14 bedrooms and bathrooms, this magnificent estate includes a 17th Century Chateau and is ideally situated in a quiet setting in Breteuil sur Iton, a......

1,470,000 EURREF: 245699

Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its location near all amenities in Antibes Rostagne, is this unique and exclusive 3 bedroom duplex Penthouse apartment. Situated close to the Chemin des Sable......

1,470,000 EURREF: 252961

Rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully refurbished 16 bedroom French Chateau with outbuildings, nestling in 14 acres of glorious land with gardens and fruit trees near Verneuil sur Avre, in the ......

1,470,000 EURREF: 251633

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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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