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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.

2936 properties

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

Rare opportunity to acquire a stunning 5 storey, 4 bedroom luxury villa with separate one bedroom studio and roof top pool, enjoying breathtaking sea views from every room, ideally located in a sou......

3,450,000 EURREF: 243230

Luxury 2 bedroom Penthouse for sale with sea view in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Outstanding top floor 2 bedroom luxury Penthouse apartment with beautiful communal gardens, enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location in a peaceful area near all amenities in the heart o......

2,650,000 EURREF: 243218

Authentic 3 bedroom House for sale in Thones, Rhone-Alpes

Enjoying wonderful uninterrupted mountain views from its peaceful location near all amenities in Thones, in the Chamoissiere area, is this charming 3 bedroom house with indoor pool, nestling in hal......

997,500 EURREF: 243216

Renovated 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Calvados, Bayeux, Normandy

Full of charm and character is this stylishly renovated 5 bedroom stone house with outbuildings set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, located in Calvados nr Bayeux Normandy. Situated 15 m......

685,000 EURREF: 243214

Ideally located near the beach and 500m from the Golf de Beauvallon, is this exceptional luxury villa nestling in an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with fruit trees and amazing infinity pool,......

3,900,000 EURREF: 243201

Beachfront 8 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Les Portes en Re, Poitou-Charentes

Absolutely exceptional 8 bedroom luxuriously renovated villa with outbuildings, nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with lap pool while enjoying breathtaking sea views fro......

5,775,000 EURREF: 243192

Historical 9 bedroom Castle for sale in Tours, Centre

Beautifully renovated spacious 4 storey French Chateau with separate apartment and studio, nestling in over 6.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens and woods with pond, enjoying far reaching count......

2,850,000 EURREF: 243191

Spacious 7 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in La Roquette sur Siagne, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming and spacious villa set in over 5 acres of Provencal landscape, with olive groves and pine trees in a dominant position with unobstructed views down to the sea. This 260m2 property offers......

2,675,000 EURREF: 243185

Authentic 3 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Saint Paul de Vence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Full of charm and character is this 3 bedroom Provencal villa set in a mature landscaped garden with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its peaceful South facing location near Saint Paul......

1,495,000 EURREF: 243166

Luxury 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Sainte Maxime, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Rare opportunity to acquire a spacious and bright 4 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its ideal location near the beach ......

2,365,000 EURREF: 243164

Luxury 3 bedroom Penthouse for sale with sea view in Roquebrune Cap Martin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Unique opportunity to acquire an outstanding 4 storey, 3 bedroom luxuriously renovated Penthouse apartment enjoying panoramic sea views from its rooftop location in a residence on the border betwee......

5,900,000 EURREF: 243161

Luxury 9 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Fayence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful and private location near Fayence, is this exceptional 9 bedroom stone house nestling in over 62 acres of glorious land with beautiful gard......

4,500,000 EURREF: 243158

Exceptional luxuriously restored 5 bedroom villa set in nearly half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its elevated location near ......

1,980,000 EURREF: 243157

8 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view with Income Potential in Gordes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Beautifully restored 3 storey, 8 bedroom 17th century house consisting of two separate properties with pool, garden and outbuildings, enjoying panoramic views from its peaceful location in one of t......

1,650,000 EURREF: 243155

9 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view with Income Potential in Antibes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an outstanding property consisting of 3 luxury villas nestling in over 3 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with 3 pools, enjoying panoramic views from its peac......

Enquire For PriceREF: 243154

Modern 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Saint Gervais les Bains, Rhone-Alpes

Modern, stylish 1 bedroom apartment enjoying wonderful mountain views from its privileged location near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of Saint Gervais les Bains. Set in the Carlina res......

320,000 EURREF: 243151

Stylish 4 bedroom Villa for sale in Uzes, Languedoc-Roussillon

Stylish modern 4 bedroom villa with garden, located in an exceptional setting near all amenities in Uzes. This beautiful property built in 2014 on a 789m2 plot offers a living area of 117m2 with a......

370,000 EURREF: 243144

Stylish 2 bedroom Penthouse for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Perpignan, Languedoc-Roussillon

Enjoying panoramic sea views is this bright and spacious 2 bedroom top floor luxury apartment, ideally located near all amenities in the heart of Perpignan. This superb property is in good conditi......

699,000 EURREF: 243129

Waterfront 4 bedroom House for sale in Port Grimaud, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Very well presented 3 storey, 4 bedroom house with mooring and garden, ideally located near all amenities in Port-Grimaud. On the ground floor is an entrance hall, a living room opening onto a te......

1,280,000 EURREF: 243124

Lovingly Maintained 3 bedroom House for sale in Port Grimaud, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming 3 bedroom 'Cassine' style house with mooring and garden, ideally located near all amenities in a peaceful area of Port Grimaud. The 75m2 comprises of a large living and dining room, openi......

1,545,000 EURREF: 243123

Quiet 5 bedroom Chalet for sale in Le Grand Bornand, Rhone-Alpes

Situated in a quiet setting in Grand Bornand, this lovely 5 bedroom ski chalet , of around 140m2 (209m2 useable floor area), is set on a large plot of 1,155m2 with a garage. Located very close to......

1,290,000 EURREF: 243073

Income Producing 5 bedroom Manor House for sale in Carennac, Midi-Pyrenees

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an exquisite 5 bedroom Maison de Maitre with garden and pool, being run as a B & B and restaurant in an ideal location in the voted most beautiful village in France......

480,000 EURREF: 243120

Income Potential 10 bedroom Castle for sale in Limoges, Limousin

Beautifully and luxuriously renovated 4 storey, 10 bedroom chateau nestling in over 5.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool, tennis court and Jacuzzi, enjoying wonderful countr......

1,680,000 EURREF: 243118

Income Potential 14 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Saint Amand Magnazeix, Limousin

Wonderful opportunity to acquire 4 charming houses nestling in over an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool and Jacuzzi, enjoying far reaching countryside views from their peaceful locati......

363,975 EURREF: 243117

Income Potential 7 bedroom Farmhouse for sale in Ladignac Le Long, Limousin

Unique opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated 5 bedroom single storey house with two one bedroom gites, surrounded by 6 hectares of glorious land with pool and a 6,000m2 lake, enjoying scen......

682,500 EURREF: 243116

Renovated 4 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Availles Limouzine, Poitou-Charentes

Nestling in over 4 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, Jacuzzi and outbuildings, is this beautiful 4 bedroom stone farmhouse enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location n......

312,700 EURREF: 243115

Stunning 4 bedroom House for sale in Argenton, Indre, Limousin

Fantastic 4 bedroom spacious and very well presented equestrian property nestling in 42.75 acres of glorious land with gardens, pool, Jacuzzi and stables, enjoying far reaching countryside views fr......

443,100 EURREF: 243114

Luxury 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Beautiful 4 bedroom villa, situated within a well-known gated and secured domain in Cannes with a permanent caretaker. The villa offers one of the most beautiful views of the entire bay of Cannes......

4,200,000 EURREF: 243106

Stunning 4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Gassin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Magnificent and prestigious 4 bedroom Provencal villa, which is a real gem, ideally situated in a quiet setting in Gassin and close to the village of Saint Tropez. It offers a bright and spacious......

7,900,000 EURREF: 243071

Quiet 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Tourrettes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated in a quiet residential setting in Tourrettes sur Loup, just a few minutes from the village, this superb contemporary home, which was completed in 2022, offers charm and an idyllic atmosphe......

1,195,000 EURREF: 243070

3 bedroom Chalet for sale with Income Potential in Sain Tmartin de Belleville, Saint Marcel, Rhone-Alpes

Situated in a quiet and highly sought after environment, this spacious ski chalet offers beautiful volumes as well as an interesting potential for renovation. It is located in the village of Sain......

1,265,000 EURREF: 243063

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

Character 8 bedroom House for sale in Parthenay, Poitou-Charentes

Stunning 8 bedroom property with guest houses and swimming pool, ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet just 10 minutes south of Parthenay, in south-west Deux Sevres. This exceptional country p......

480,000 EURREF: 243047

Luxury 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Sainte Maxime, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Sainte Maxime, is this spacious and bright 2 bedroom luxury ground floor apartment with beautiful communal gardens and pool, enjoying panoramic s......

1,470,000 EURREF: 243049

Stylish 6 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view and panoramic view views in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Exclusive 280m2 villa, which is ideally situated within a quiet area with a panoramic sea views over the dazzling bay of Cannes and surrounded by a mature 2,000m2 garden with an infinity swimming p......

3,900,000 EURREF: 243042

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

Situated in a quiet setting, yet just a few steps from Bargemon village, this 230m2 renovated manor house, with its origins dating from the end of the 18th Century, is built on 2 levels, which com......

1,400,000 EURREF: 243034

Quiet 3 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view and panoramic view views in Fayence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming 3 bedroom stone built farmhouse located in a quiet setting close Fayence with a beautiful swimming pool and views. This unique property comprises of a good sized kitchen, living room wi......

795,000 EURREF: 243032

Stylish 6 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view and panoramic view views in Saint Tropez, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Stunning 6 bedroom contemporary style newly built villa, ideally located in a quiet environment, yet just a few steps from the centre of Saint Tropez. With a spacious living area of 550m2, it off......

11,000,000 EURREF: 243021

3 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view with Income Potential in Le Cannet, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Superb 3 bedroom apartment, plus an independent 2 room apartment, ideally situated within a luxurious residence right in the heart of the most beautiful avenue in Le Cannet enjoying stunning panora......

1,890,000 EURREF: 243003

Authentic 5 bedroom House for sale in Avignon, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Wonderful 3 storey, 5 bedroom 17th Century Manor House with roof top pool, ideally located near all amenities in a peaceful and sought after area of Avignon. This charming property is situated a ......

1,305,000 EURREF: 243000

Renovated 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Stunning 3 storey, 4 bedroom luxury villa with annex, indoor pool and garden, enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location in a peaceful area of Cap Ferrat near the beach and all amen......

2,990,000 EURREF: 242999

Immaculate 5 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Bergerac, Aquitaine

Situated in quiet countryside setting, yet just a few minutes drive from Bergerac, this recently completed and spacious home has 4 bedrooms, a huge living room with a high quality kitchen and a lar......

1,263,685 EURREF: 242965

Quiet 5 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view and panoramic view views in Valbonne, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming 5 bedroom villa, ideally situated in a quiet and peaceful setting on the edge of a forest and with lovely open views over the hills. It offers a main villa on 2 levels with 4 en-suite bed......

2,800,000 EURREF: 242958

Open Plan 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Bright and inviting 1 bedroom apartment, situated within a well maintained residence located right in the heart of the resort and just a short walk from the ski slopes. This superb 40m2 apartment ......

480,000 EURREF: 242952

High Specification 3 bedroom Penthouse for sale in Morzine, Rhone-Alpes

Excellent brand new 3 bedroom apartment located in Morzine, right on the ski bus route and only a short walk from all amenities. The exterior of the residence is perfectly Savoyard style and mode......

951,000 EURREF: 242951

Stunning 5 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Le Plan de la Tour, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool and Jacuzzi, is this stunning 5 bedroom single storey luxury villa enjoying far reaching views over the vineyards f......

1,580,000 EURREF: 242942

Historical 9 bedroom Castle for sale with panoramic view in Airvault, Poitou-Charentes

Fabulous and historic "chateau-fort" dating back in parts to the 11th Century, beautifully renovated and in turn-key condition, with income options such as guest accommodation, a restaurant and ba......

820,000 EURREF: 242940

Renovated 10 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Mirepoix, Midi-Pyrenees

Beautifully renovated domaine with a lovely main house and 2 separate gites set in over 3 hectares of land,nestled in the hills of Southern France with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees. The ch......

995,000 EURREF: 242934

Character 12 bedroom French Chateau for sale in Madiran, Gers, Midi-Pyrenees

Situated in a quiet setting in Madiran, right in the heart of the Gers area and surrounded by vineyards, this superb Gascon property offers an enchanting setting just 5 minutes from all amenities a......

2,900,000 EURREF: 242901

Luxurious newly built 4 bedroom villa, ideally situated within a quiet and dominant/elevated setting in Le Cannet and with simply stunning panoramic sea views. This contemporary villa has a spacio......

28,000,000 EURREF: 242899

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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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