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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Wonderful opportunity to acquire a stylish and bright 3 bedroom corner ground floor apartment with garden and communal pool, ideally located near the beach and all amenities on the edge of Cap d'An......

1,060,000 EURREF: 252966

Charming 5 bedroom Provencal style villa, with a spacious living area of 206m2, ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet just a 10 minute drive from charming village of Seillans. Set within a matu......

1,060,000 EURREF: 247035

Bright and spacious 1 bedroom penthouse apartment, which is ideally situated within the renowned residential district of Garavan, just a few steps from facilities, beaches and the marina. On the ......

1,060,000 EURREF: 247604

Enchanting and elegant 8 bedroom Manor House with separate one bedroom cottage, nestling in nearly 3.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with outbuildings, while enjoying far reaching countrysid......

1,060,000 EURREF: 249070

Nestling in nearly 2 hectares of glorious landscaped gardens is this exquisite 4 bedroom spacious house with studio, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its village location near all ameni......

1,060,000 EURREF: 252694

New Build 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

Luxury new 3 bedroom first floor apartment with garage, enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Chamonix. Situated in the Gaillands secto......

1,053,125 EURREF: 238517

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

Very well presented 5 bedroom villa nestling in nearly an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its peaceful location near the charming village of ......

1,050,000 EURREF: 245456

Turn Key 4 bedroom Chalet for sale in Montvalezan, Rhone-Alpes

Ideally situated within a quiet and highly sought-after hamlet at an altitude of 1,300m, just 10 minutes from the ski resort of La Rosiere 1850, 20 minutes from Sainte Foy Tarentaise and 30 minutes......

1,050,000 EURREF: 244028

14 bedroom Chateau for sale with Income Potential in Saumur, Pays-de-la-Loire

Rare Nineteenth century property full of character and charm set in over 2 acres, located within easy walking distance of all shops and amenities in the heart of Saumur, within easy reach by car of......

1,050,000 EURREF: 242659

Spacious 8 bedroom property in excellent condition made up of 2 properties, with swimming pool and set in 3.5 acres of land with panoramic countryside views. Just 10 minutes from the city centre......

1,050,000 EURREF: 253190

Great potential for this village farmhouse, which is ideally situated at the foot of the Grands Montets ski area. This farmhouse, which has retained its authenticity, is made up of 2 apartments a......

1,050,000 EURREF: 245895

This remarkable and authentic house in the village of Les Portes en Re requires extensive renovation work and has been classified as a Remarkable Heritage Site. With almost 200m2 of living space,......

1,050,000 EURREF: 252773

Very well presented 4 bedroom single storey house with garden, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Saint Clement des Baleines. Set on an enclosed plot with the possibility of parki......

1,050,000 EURREF: 246360

Superb 6 bedroom mansion, which is a true masterpiece of architecture and refinement, nestled right in the heart of the charming town of Marmande. Every detail of this property, which has been co......

1,050,000 EURREF: 249314

Charming 3 bedroom south-facing home, situated in absolutely quiet and peaceful area of Grasse. With a living area of around 190m2 and with lovely sea views, features include: entrance hall, cathe......

1,050,000 EURREF: 247740

Stylishly renovated 5 bedroom house with pool and garden, ideally located near all amenities in Cannes la Bocca. This stunning property of 170m2 comprises of an entrance hall, a bright and spaciou......

1,050,000 EURREF: 252805

Stylishly renovated 3 bedroom spacious apartment that can accommodate 12 people, enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Val d'Isere. Thi......

1,050,000 EURREF: 251770

Stylishly renovated 2 bedroom apartment enjoying panoramic mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of the prestigious village of Val d'Isere. This ra......

1,050,000 EURREF: 250263

Project 10 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Saint Jorioz, Rhone-Alpes

Excellent opportunity to update a spacious 10 bedroom chalet in Saint Jorioz, with fabulous views of the mountains and Lake Annecy. The 321m2 property has huge potential and sits in half an ac......

1,050,000 EURREF: 241616

Nestling in nearly half an acre of beautiful mature gardens with pool, is this charming 5 bedrom Provencal villa enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenitie......

1,050,000 EURREF: 252710

Sevrier, close to the lake, plot of land for construction of 1,000 m2, CES 0.20, unobstructed views of the lake, proximity to Annecy. ......

1,050,000 EURREF: 249638

Stunning new 5 bedroom architect designed 3rd floor apartment, enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of Praz sur Arly. This property......

1,050,000 EURREF: 247111

Spacious, bright and attractive 5 bedroom house, which is located in a quiet setting in Lagord, La Rochelle, with a living area of around 208m2 and set on a mature plot of 1,500m2 situated right in......

1,050,000 EURREF: 247127

- 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Louvre, Paris-Ile-de-France

Louvre-Rivoli - Apartment in a very good condition, located in front of the Bourse rue du Louvre, on the 3rd floor of a beautiful stone building. 31m2 living room with fireplace, separate kitchen, ......

1,050,000 EURREF: 167863

Nestling in over 5 hectares of glorious land with gardens and expansive pool, is this exceptional 4 bedroom house with outbuildings, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location in the......

1,045,000 EURREF: 248493

Bright and beautifully presented 2 bedroom apartment, with a living area of around 65m2, ideally located in the centre of Cannes, behind the Grand Hotel and within walking distance from the Croiset......

1,045,000 EURREF: 246514

Ideally located in the Banane district right in the heart of Cannes, this superb 2 bedroom apartment has been completely and tastefully renovated and has a total living area of 63m2, which comprise......

1,045,000 EURREF: 246425

Ideally located near all amenities in the Banane area of Cannes is this spacious and bright 2 bedroom luxury apartment with cellar. It offers a prime location in the heart of the city. The apart......

1,045,000 EURREF: 252387

Authentic 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Courchevel, Rhone-Alpes

Enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its South facing location in Courcheval, is this luxury one bedroom top floor apartment with garage. This bright and spacious ski in ski out property of ......

1,043,000 EURREF: 245171

Extraordinary 3 bedroom property, which is ideally perched majestically atop a hill with panoramic views stretching towards Duras and beyond. With a living area of 323m2, this superb property boas......

1,040,000 EURREF: 249916

Bright 3 bedroom Villa for sale in Angouleme, Poitou-Charentes

Bright, spacious and unique 3 bedroom house, situated in an excellent setting in Angouleme. With top-of-the-range features and a living area of 204m2, features include, on the ground floor: spacio......

1,040,000 EURREF: 245093

Ideally located near the slopes and all amenities at the heart of the Espace Diamant in Praz sur Arly, is this new 4 bedroom luxury top floor apartment, enjoying breathtaking mountain views. This ......

1,015,000 EURREF: 247405

Bright 4 bedroom Apartment for sale in Huez, Rhone-Alpes

Sublime 148m2 duplex apartment, ideally nestled right in the heart of the authentic village of Huez, linked to the resort by the Huez Express gondola. The apartment is located in an intimate chal......

1,040,000 EURREF: 244950

Bright 3 bedroom Chalet for sale with countryside view and panoramic view views in Saint Gervais les Bains, Rhone-Alpes

Situated in a small quiet hamlet between Saint Gervais and Combloux, in the commune of Saint Gervais Mont Blanc, this charming ski chalet has a living area of 180m2 distributed on 3 levels. Ground......

1,035,000 EURREF: 243563

7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Confolens, Poitou-Charentes

Nestling in nearly 11 acres of glorious land with a lake, is this beautifully restored 15th century French Chateau with separate 3 bedroom gite, barn and stables, enjoying far reaching countryside......

1,034,250 EURREF: 244636

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

Situated in a central location in Chamonix, just a few minutes walk from the Brevent ski lifts and Chamonix town centre. Features include 2 bedrooms, 1 of which is a master bedroom with an en-suit......

1,030,000 EURREF: 245063

In excellent condition is this spacious and modern 5 bedroom bastide with independent studio, with pool and garden, located near all amenities to the north of Aix-en-Provence. This charming, rece......

1,029,000 EURREF: 251287

Full of charm and character is this 5 bedroom Perigourdine Chartreuse style house with separate 1 bedroom guest house, set in a beautiful mature garden with pool, while enjoying countryside views f......

1,021,000 EURREF: 253167

Stunning new 2 bedroom luxury apartment enjoying spectacular mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of Chamonix. Chamonix is the world capital of ski......

1,020,000 EURREF: 246714

Enjoying panoramic canal views from its sought after waterfront location in Port Grimaud is this charming 3 bedroom house with mooring. Situated in a secure residential area this delightful proper......

1,000,000 EURREF: 251899

Situated right in the heart of the Espace Diamant, this luxurious 5 bedroom apartment is ideally located at the foot of the ski slopes, close to the Crest Voland ski lifts and all amenities. The pe......

1,000,000 EURREF: 246204

Bright 3 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view and countryside view views in Montauroux, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Bright and spacious villa with pool, in a private and sought-after domaine in a dominant position with magnificent views over the hills and the lake St. Cassian. The 235m2 property offers versa......

1,250,000 EURREF: 244904

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a very well presented, fully furnished 14 bedroom bright and spacious house currently run as a successful gite and B & B business, nestling in two acres of gloriou......

999,950 EURREF: 252707

9 bedroom Farm Estate for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Chancelade, Perigueux, Aquitaine

Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near Chancelade, is this beautifully renovated 11th century mansion with 2 guest houses, nestling in 7.5 hectares of glorious land......

999,000 EURREF: 243694

New Build 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in La Plagne, Rhone-Alpes

Bellecote residence promises a new lifestyle on the Plagne Bellecote snow front. The developer has carried out a major renovation, the largest residential refurbishment ever carried out in Europe. ......

999,000 EURREF: 241850

Beautiful Eighteenth Century property in a beautiful location with magnificent views, privacy, a mill and much more. This impressive property is accessed via a long, hedge-lined driveway, passing......

999,000 EURREF: 252683

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautiful stone property divided into two dwellings nestling in 10 hectares of glorious land with gardens and pool, enjoying far reaching countryside views from i......

998,500 EURREF: 250706

Superb early Nineteenth Century domaine conveniently located near the cathedral town of Bazas in the Gironde, beautifully renovated in 2014 with a blend of stylish modern flair and the timeless cha......

998,000 EURREF: 253220

Absolutely stunning 3 bedroom architect designed villa with separate on bedroom apartment, nestling in over 2 hectares of glorious land with pool and gardens, while enjoying breathtaking 365 degree......

998,000 EURREF: 248156

Sumptuous 4 bedroom stone built residence, which is ideally located in the prestigious Bordeaux Saint-Genes district. Ground floor: hall, double reception room harmoniously complemented by an ope......

998,000 EURREF: 249446

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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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