Prestige Property Group

French Property

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Over 20 years experience in the area.

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We offer access to 99.9% of the local property market including off-market options

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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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Impressive French chateau in the Occitanie area, in a fabulous setting set in over 8 acres of land and with two thirds of the property having been already renovated. The character property is buil......

940,000 EURREF: 250487

- 3 bedroom House for sale in Saint Remy de Provence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Alpilles - Traditional Farmhouse near Saint Remy de Provence, 15 minutes away from Avignon TGV station, 40 minutes from Nimes airport and one hour from Marseille airport. Located in the village of......

940,000 EURREF: 170261

A gem of a 3 bedroom apartment with communal pool, enjoying wonderful mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of the prestigious Balcons district in Va......

939,000 EURREF: 252222

Very well presented 3 bedroom triplex apartment enjoying wonderful countryside views from its ideal location near all amenities at the foot of the slopes in Meribel Village. Situated just a few s......

935,000 EURREF: 251546

Spacious and bright one bedroom luxury apartment, ideally located near all amenities in the sought-after Cannes Banane district. Situated between the Carlton hotel and the Marriott, this splendid ......

934,500 EURREF: 251090

Set in the hills above the beautiful mediaeval village Saint Antonin Noble Val lies this 19-bedroom stone-built ensemble with over 21 acres of land, currently being used as a wellness and wedding r......

930,000 EURREF: 249953

Situated just a few minutes from La Tour d'Aigues and 40 minutes from Aix en Provence, this elegant single-storey villa has been completely renovated to bring it up to date and offers stunning view......

930,000 EURREF: 248417

Ideally located near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of Megeve, is this new one bedroom architect designed ground floor apartment with garden, enjoying scenic mountain views. This new de......

929,999 EURREF: 248369

Charming 4 bedroom house with outbuildings set in a mature garden with pool, ideally located in the heart of Saint-Laurent du Var. Situated in a peaceful area yet close to shops, amenities, and sc......

929,000 EURREF: 253082

Beautiful traditional 3 storey, 6 bedroom Savoyard style chalet with garden, enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Morzine. Situated in the Ud......

925,000 EURREF: 250254

Authentic 6 bedroom Chalet for sale with countryside view in Saint Jean d'Aulps, Rhone-Alpes

Beautifully renovated 6 bedroom traditional semi-detached farmhouse with terraces and a large garden located in the pretty Route de l'Abbaye area of St Jean D'Aulps. Situated in a quiet road just ......

920,000 EURREF: 244322

Character 4 bedroom Chalet for sale in Morzine, Rhone-Alpes

Charming 4 bedroom ski chalet located just a few steps from the centre, in the quiet Les Nants de Morzine area. Set at the foot of the road leading up to the Col de Joux Plane, which is famous fo......

920,000 EURREF: 243532

Immaculate 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

Enjoying wonderful mountain views is this new modern 2 bedroom apartment, ideally located near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of the city centre of Chamonix. This new development is set......

919,000 EURREF: 244913

New Build 2 bedroom Penthouse for sale in Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

Stylish contemporary 2 bedroom top-floor apartment in the heart of Chamonix, the renowned skiing and mountaineering resort. Bordered by the Couttet park, there is access to the pedestrian shoppi......

918,000 EURREF: 240413

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a charming Quercy style house with 3 separate cottages and pigeonnier, nestling in over 19 acres of glorious land with gardens, pool and trees, while enjoying far ......

915,000 EURREF: 251906

Nestling in over 8 hectares of glorious land with beautiful gardens and pool, is this magnificent estate comprising a manor house with a 2 bedroom guest house, a 1 bedroom guest house, and a barn, ......

910,000 EURREF: 251630

Charming character property for sale between La Rochelle and the Marais Poitevin, with 7 bedrooms and swimming pool, set in lovely mature grounds. This beautiful residence, typically Aunisian, wa......

907,254 EURREF: 248581

Impressive family residence in an exceptional location in the heart of the popular market town of Loches. This beautiful historic restored character property comes with 5 bedrooms and is idea......

900,000 EURREF: 249621

5 bedroom House for sale with sea view with Income Potential in Grasse, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Nestling in over an acre of glorious gardens with fruit trees and pool, is this charming 5 bedroom house with outbuildings, located near all amenities in Grasse. The house comprises of two apartm......

900,000 EURREF: 245624

Stunning new 3 bedroom modern villa with pool and garden, enjoying panoramic sea views from its elevated location on the heights of Banylus sur Mer. Situated in complete tranquility on a sloping p......

998,625 EURREF: 246094

Beautiful and spacious 10 bedroom property with pool, set in over 6 acres close to a pretty hilltop town in the Aude, and just a few minutes drive from Carcassonne. With a generous 473m2 of livin......

900,000 EURREF: 252585

Income Producing 13 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in La Mastre, Rhone-Alpes

Excellent lifestyle and income opportunity with this impressive French chateau in the heart of the Ardeche region of France, set in over 4 acres with outbuildings, gites and swimming pool. The ......

980,000 EURREF: 241592

Inviting 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

With a living area of 63m2 and offering a host of possibilities, this lovely apartment offers great renovation potential. Situated within the Three Valleys estate, it is possible to create up to ......

900,000 EURREF: 244861

Furnished 9 bedroom House for sale in Neuvyleroi, Centre

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a countryside residence with 2 houses, equestrian facilities and pool, nestling in 3.5 hectares of glorious land, while enjoying far reaching views from its locatio......

899,000 EURREF: 245284

7 bedroom House for sale with Income Potential in Rabastens, Midi-Pyrenees

A spacious and beautifully presented country home, with a total living area of 502m2, set in 5 acres with a swimming pool and stunning views over the surrounding rolling countryside. Main house,......

899,000 EURREF: 222667

Rare opportunity to acquire a fabulous 5 bedroom house set in 3/4 acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location in Saint-Antoine, G......

899,000 EURREF: 253147

Charming single-story house in Sainte-Marie-de-Re, located in a peaceful neighbourhood near Place des Tilleuls. Built in 2000, this spacious 157 m2 residence offers optimal comfort with 3 bedroom......

899,000 EURREF: 252927

Beautiful, newly renovated villa, close to the village of Callian, with fabulous panoramic views. This bright and airy property comes with almost 200m2 of living space. It includes an entrance, ......

899,000 EURREF: 251347

Substantial stone built country home, ideally situated in a quiet setting in Nadaillac de Rouge, in the Lot region of France, which is well known for the historical village of Rocamadour; yet borde......

899,000 EURREF: 246437

Fantastic and rare opportunity to acquire a working farm, which is set on over 44 hectares of land, situated in a quiet setting in La Rochebeaucourt et Argentine. Features include the beautiful s......

899,000 EURREF: 247226

Full of authentic character and charm, this lovely property is presently being used as a luxurious family residence,yet it also has great commercial potential. Accessed via a private driveway, fe......

899,000 EURREF: 250309

Bright and spacious 3 bedroom apartment enjoying panoramic sea views from its sought after South facing location on the edge of the Cap d'Antibes near the Rostagne and the Pinede. The 100m2 compri......

898,000 EURREF: 252959

Charming Eighteenth Century manor house with pool, gite and outbuildings, set in over 3 acres close to Bergerac with pretty views. This private property has much to offer. It is accessed by a wro......

897,750 EURREF: 250668

Historical 7 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Bergerac, Aquitaine

Graceful and imposing 18th Century family home set in over 3 acres of mature grounds, offering numerous light and spacious rooms, high ceilings and period features. With total living space of 438......

897,750 EURREF: 243501

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

Inviting 3 bedroom duplex apartment, set on the 3rd and 4th floors of a charming recently renovated condominium and located in an ideal area close to the shops and restaurants of Meribel Village an......

895,000 EURREF: 243371

Character 7 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Bergerac, Aquitaine

Full of authentic character and charm, this historical and beautifully presented 7 bedroom property is set in a quiet area on just over 2 acres of land with a swimming pool and an annexe with disab......

895,000 EURREF: 239827

Refurbished 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in La Croisette, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Completely refurbished 2 bedroom garden apartment, which is ideally situated within the La Croisette area of Cannes. Tastefully renovated, this exceptional apartment, unique in its kind, is locate......

895,000 EURREF: 237004

Historical 10 bedroom House for sale in Vernet les Bains, Languedoc-Roussillon

Beautiful, spacious 7 bedroom house with 3 one bedroom apartments and outbuildings, nestling in an acre of glorious landscaped gardens with pool while enjoying spectacular views from its location a......

895,000 EURREF: 235267

Unique opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated 4 bedroom stone house with 4 stunning studios, nestling in over 7 acres of glorious gardens and land with pool, while enjoying far reaching cou......

895,000 EURREF: 251222

Nestling in 3/4 acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, is this charming 3 bedroom stone house enjoying uninterrupted countryside views from its location near Chateauneuf de Grasse. This e......

895,000 EURREF: 251097

Exceptional 4 bedroom luxury triplex apartment enjoying uninterrupted beautiful mountain views from its prestigious location in the heart of Les Saisies. This rare property has been fully renovate......

895,000 EURREF: 251698

Enjoying panoramic sea and mountain views from its ideal location in Hameau, Roquebrune Cap Martin, is this exquisite 2 bedroom luxury Penthouse apartment with pool Situated close to the Principal......

895,000 EURREF: 251327

Exceptional country estate in the Lot et Garonne countryside, with a beautiful 'manoire', pool, outbuildings and income potential, set in over 75 acres of land. A long tree-lined driveway leads ......

895,000 EURREF: 251954

In excellent condition is this stylish and bright 4 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, located in a peaceful area near all amenities in Latour Bas Elne. This exceptional property of approx......

895,000 EURREF: 252952

Character Nineteenth Century Chateau set in 25 acres of mature parkland in the area of Anjou, ideally located in the countryside near a small town providing the main services and easy access to the......

895,000 EURREF: 252834

Full of charm and character is this bright and spacious 4 storey, 6 bedroom Manor House with independent gite, outbuildings and garden, ideally located in the heart of the highly sought-after mark......

895,000 EURREF: 252616

Attractive and thoughtfully renovated stone property offering income potential and versatile living in a highly desirable location closs to Mirepoix in the Aude. This handsome property provides a......

895,000 EURREF: 252501

This contemporary luxury property, built in 2023, is perfect for year-round or holiday family living. With a spacious living room, modern kitchen, 3 sunny bedrooms, study, 2 bathrooms with top-of-......

895,000 EURREF: 252684

Bright and welcoming 5 bedroom townhouse, with a spacious living area of 443m2, plus an enclosed courtyard area of 114m2 with a private plunge pool. Situated in Apt town, which offers a variety of......

895,000 EURREF: 250310

Full of character and charm and well maintained 7 bedroom manor house, situated in a quiet setting in Saint Junien. Accessed via steps leading to the front door into the entrance hallway, features......

895,000 EURREF: 250077

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French Property

Full Personal Service

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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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