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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Located in the most sought-after private domain in Villefranche-sur-Mer, this villa stands out with its contemporary design and generous volumes. Designed in the 1970s by a renowned architect, it......

9,900,000 EURREF: 253213

Immaculate 8 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Saint Tropez, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Grand and spacious recently built 5 bedroom villa, situated within a quiet area with stunning views overlooking the sea and the Gulf of Saint Tropez. With a total living area of 330m2, which is se......

9,900,000 EURREF: 238347

Immaculate 5 bedroom Villa for sale in Veyrier du Lac, Rhone-Alpes

With stunning lake views, this immaculately presented 5 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated within a quiet and elevated setting in Veyrier du lac, on beautifully landscaped gardens of 4,300m2 ......

Enquire for priceREF: 238139

Spacious luxury chalet with a splendid cathedral living room opening onto a beautiful south-facing terrace with easy access to the slopes and amenities in Meribel. This is one of just three private......

9,800,000 EURREF: 248893

Luxury 5 bedroom Chalet for sale with panoramic view in Val d'Isere, Rhone-Alpes

Situated right in the heart of Val d'Isere village and only 100m from the ski slopes, this superb ski chalet is bathed in light thanks to its southern exposure and its numerous windows and bay wind......

9,800,000 EURREF: 243062

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an exceptional new, modern 5 bedroom luxury villa with guest house, nestling in half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea......

9,750,000 EURREF: 252999

Absolutely outstanding 5 storey, 8 bedroom luxurious villa nestling in one hectare of glorious mature gardens with amazing infinity pool, while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its stunning lo......

9,750,000 EURREF: 252978

Outstanding historic property with vineyards in the Luberon, completely restored and with a unique character in Provence. Located on a plot of over 50 acres, in an exceptional environment, it prov......

9,575,000 EURREF: 251386

Refurbished 7 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Grand, spacious and beautifully presented 6 bedroom villa, with a magnificent total built area of 560m2, ideally situated within one of the most highly sought after areas in Cannes. Entirely refur......

9,500,000 EURREF: 241067

Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its prestigious elevated location in Eze, is this absolutely exceptional 4 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool. ......

9,500,000 EURREF: 250716

Unique opportunity to acquire an exceptional 9 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its idyllic frontline location facing V......

9,500,000 EURREF: 253178

With lovely sea views and ideally situated within the highly sought after Le Croisette area of Cannes, boasting lovely sea views and in an ideal central setting. This superb modern apartment featu......

9,450,000 EURREF: 247515

Superb and spacious 4 bedroom apartment in one of the most prestigious residences, neighbouring one of the most legendary hotels on the French Riviera in Cannes. This apartment, which exclusively ......

9,400,000 EURREF: 252074

Modern 5 bedroom Chalet for sale in Val d'Isere, Rhone-Alpes

Absolutely sumptuous 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury chalet enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Val d'Isere. Situated ten minutes from the......

9,400,000 EURREF: 241449

5 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea and panoramic views in La Croisette, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Absolutely exceptional 5 bedroom luxury apartment with Spa and gym, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its prestigious location in the heart of the Croisette, Cannes. Situated a few steps from ......

9,250,000 EURREF: 237105

Absolutely exceptional 5 bedroom luxuriously renovated villa with separate 3 bedroom cottage, nestling in nearly 5 acres of glorious land with beautiful gardens and expansive pool, while enjoying p......

9,200,000 EURREF: 252120

Prestigious 'maison de maitre' set in over 16 acres gardens and land with excellent equestrian facilities in a beautiful setting. The spacious Twentieth Century property comes with 660 m2 of ......

9,200,000 EURREF: 253092

Absolutely exceptional 5 bedroom luxuriously renovated Chalet, enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its sought after location near the slopes and all amenities in the Cret Hamlet. Situated i......

9,080,000 EURREF: 245979

Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its exceptional location in Villefranche sur Mer, is this outstanding 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury villa nestling in half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens ......

9,000,000 EURREF: 250811

Luxurious modern Provencal-style villa of 370 m2 set in half an acre of landscaped gardens located in the most sought after part of a private estate on the heights of Villefranche with panoramic vi......

9,000,000 EURREF: 251048

Enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location on the heights of Super Cannes, is this exceptional 5 bedroom luxury villa nestling in half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with p......

8,950,000 EURREF: 252987

Absolutely exceptional new luxury 3 storey, 6 bedroom villa with apartment, set in beautiful terraced garden with pool while enjoying panoramic sea views from its peaceful location in Villefranche ......

8,925,000 EURREF: 253001

Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its idyllic frontline location in Villefranche sur Mer, is this absolutely exceptional 5 bedroom luxury villa with separate apartment, nestling in over half an ......

8,925,000 EURREF: 252296

Outstanding luxury villa in tranquil seclusion in one of Villefranche most exclusive areas. This modern home of 360m2 has been built to the highest standards with no expense spared, creating an......

8,925,000 EURREF: 252917

Absolutely exceptional new 6 bedroom architect designed villa with apartment set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its prestigious location in V......

8,925,000 EURREF: 253162

Exceptional stone-built contemporary 'loft' style villa, converted from a factory from the turn of the century, overlooking Cap Ferrat and the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. The extensive 540m2 pro......

8,900,000 EURREF: 251751

8 bedroom Hotel for sale in Paris, Paris-Ile-de-France

Beautiful boutique hotel for sale in La Muette quarter close to the commercial centre. The hotel has the accommodation spread over only two floors with a magnificent reception hall, 8 guest bedroo......

8,850,000 EURREF: 209902

Impressive and spacious Florentine-style property in a great location in the heart of the residential area of Cannes Eden, in a peaceful setting and not overlooked, set in over half an acre of land......

8,800,000 EURREF: 251798

Unique opportunity to acquire a stunning wine estate with a four bedroom property, nestling in 21 hectares of land, gardens and vineyards, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful ......

8,800,000 EURREF: 246935

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored 6 bedroom historical Mas with guest house and a third property, nestling in 7.5 hectares of glorious land with stunning gardens and expansiv......

8,750,000 EURREF: 248552

Impressive contemporary property, ideally located in a secure estate, just a short stroll from the beaches and centre of Saint-Tropez. The 400m2 villa offers spacious accommodation on two levels, w......

8,600,000 EURREF: 248854

Income Producing 6 bedroom Wine Estate for sale in Pierrefeu du Var, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Family-run wine estate of over 100 acres, including around 30 hectares of vines in production, drawing its richness from the terroirs of the Cotes de Provence Golden Triangle. In a general context......

Enquire For PriceREF: 243804

Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its South facing location in a sought after area of Roquebrune Cap Martin, is this exceptional 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury villa set in lush mature gardens with ......

8,500,000 EURREF: 252995

Bright, modern and spacious 3 bedroom apartment, which is ideally situated in an ideal setting within a highly sought-after residence in the famous Croisette area of Cannes. Set on an upper floor......

8,480,000 EURREF: 247482

Enjoying wonderful panoramic sea views from its prestigious elevated location on the hills above Le Cannet, is this outstanding 8 bedroom Provencal style Bastide with guest house, nestling in over ......

8,400,000 EURREF: 247818

Situated in one of the most sought-after residential areas of Grimaud, this contemporary villa boasts a breathtaking panoramic view over the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The spaci......

8,400,000 EURREF: 253231

Ideally located on the heights of Cannes, is this exceptional 7 bedroom luxury villa with separate annexes, nestling in over an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool while enjoyi......

8,400,000 EURREF: 247464

Updated 4 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in La Croisette, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

On the famous Croisette, between the 5 star hotels of Carlton and Martinez, this luxurious apartment of approximately 194m2 is situated on the second floor of an elegant residence. Recently renova......

8,300,000 EURREF: 242259

Absolutely exceptional new 4 bedroom luxury duplex apartment with Sauna, enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its ideal ski in/ski out location in Meribel. The new Bois des Ours development ......

8,100,000 EURREF: 247870

Quiet 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Saint Tropez, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

8,100,000 EURREF: 226976

Immaculate 6 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Grimaud, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming and lovingly maintained 6 bedroom house, which is ideally situated in a quiet setting right in the heart of a highly sought-after closed domain at one of the most prestigious addresses in ......

8,000,000 EURREF: 244566

Elegant 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Roquebrune Cap Martin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Exceptional Belle Epoque 4 bedroom villa, which was built in 1900, with stunning panoramic views of Monaco, Cap Martin and the Mediterranean Sea. In a splendid setting and a spacious living area o......

7,990,000 EURREF: 245681

Enchanting and spacious Provencal property in the heart of the most exclusive area of Castellaras, in the immediate vicinity of Mougins and Valbonne village, sheltered from prying eyes and nuisance......

7,950,000 EURREF: 253113

Absolutely stunning new 6 bedroom luxury villa set in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, ideally located in a peaceful area of Mougins. Situated in the m......

7,950,000 EURREF: 252990

Outstanding and stylish modern villa in a highly desirable location just 5 minutes from Villefranche-sur-Mer, in a peaceful and privileged setting with fabulous views over the Mediterranean and Cap......

7,950,000 EURREF: 253222

New Build 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Saint Tropez, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Enquire For PriceREF: 223227

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

With simply stunning sea views and situated in an elevated setting on the top of a hill, within a large manicured plot of 4,280m2 with an infinity swimming pool. Located in Theoule-sur-Mer, this s......

7,950,000 EURREF: 232424

Superb and spacious brand new contemporary villa situated in the most prestigious and coveted secure domain in Mougins, close to golf courses and international schools, with round the clock securit......

7,950,000 EURREF: 253045

- 6 bedroom Chalet for sale in Rochebrune, Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Spacious and beautifully presented ski-in/ski/out 6 bedroom ski chalet, located in a superb and protected area in Rochebrune, with lovely mountain views, situated just 15 minutes from the village. ......

Enquire For PriceREF: 197487

Renovated 7 bedroom Villa for sale in Aix en Provence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Beautifully renovated 7 bedroom luxury villa nestling in glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying wonderful countryside views from its peaceful location in Aix en Provence. ......

7,900,000 EURREF: 239596

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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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