Prestige Property Group

French Property

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Over 20 years experience in the area.

We give Expert Buyers Advice, from Enquiry to Purchase

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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.

2484 properties

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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

Luxury villa currently under construction, set in over an acre of land in a prime location with 180 degree panoramic views of the sea. This sumptuous new property of 750m2, built on a plot of 4,......

8,900,000 EURREF: 253748

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

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: 254186

Absolutely exceptional 4 bedroom luxuriously renovated villa with amazing infinity pool, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its unique waterfront location in Cap de Nice. This modernist-style v......

8,700,000 EURREF: 253432

Luxuriously renovated 5 bedroom fully furnished single storey villa, nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, ideally located near all amenities in Mougins. Situated in the heart of Mo......

8,500,000 EURREF: 254045

Rare opportunity to acquire a unique 6 bedroom luxurious villa nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its ......

8,500,000 EURREF: 253415

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

Absolutely exceptional 4 storey, 5 bedroom luxury chalet with pool, enjoying scenic mountain views from its sought after location near the slopes and all amenities in a peaceful area of Courchevel ......

8,400,000 EURREF: 253921

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

Absolutely exceptional 3 storey, 6 bedroom luxury new chalet with garden, Jacuzzi and gym, enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal ski in/ski out location in the heart of Rochebrune. Situate......

8,400,000 EURREF: 254144

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

Quiet 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea 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......

8,100,000 EURREF: 226976

Absolutely exceptional 5 bedroom luxury villa with separate one bedroom annex, nestling in five acres of idyllic landscape with beautiful gardens, pool, fruit trees and woodland, while enjoying pa......

8,000,000 EURREF: 254050

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

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

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

Enquire For PriceREF: 223227

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

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

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......

7,930,000 EURREF: 253222

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

Income Producing 7 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Beausoleil, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Impressive property for sale consisting of two new villas within a in a tranquil and secure gated domain with panoramic sea views just 10 minutes from Monaco. The villas sit in characteristic M......

7,900,000 EURREF: 212582

- 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

High Specification 7 bedroom Chalet for sale in Rochebrune, Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Superb 7 bedroom ski chalet, with a total spacious living area of 500m2, ideally situated in a quiet setting yet just 100m from the slopes and only a 7 minute walk to Rochebrune village. Recently ......

Enquire For PriceREF: 233098

Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its ideal location near all amenities in Saint-Tropez, is this spacious 3 bedroom house with separate apartment, nestling in one acre of lush mature gardens wi......

7,900,000 EURREF: 254065

Fabulous 5 bedroom Provencal-style villa featuring high-quality fixtures and fittings is ideally in the heart of the prestigious Cap d'Antibes. With generous living space of more than 350m2, the ......

7,900,000 EURREF: 253822

Absolutely outstanding 6 bedroom luxuriously renovated villa nestling in nearly 2 hectares of glorious land with beautiful gardens and expansive pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from its elevated......

7,900,000 EURREF: 249982

Luxury 8 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view and panoramic view views in Grasse, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Superb luxury property sitting in 2.8 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds with pool, tennis court and providing an exceptional living environment. This magnificent Aixoise bastide has been buil......

7,900,000 EURREF: 245468

Majestic 5 bedroom historical Bastide with 3 bedroom apartment surrounded by 1.5 hectares of glorious land with natural pool/lake and gardens, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peace......

7,750,000 EURREF: 254073

Absolutely exceptional new luxurious 7 bedroom villa with independent apartment, set in nearly one acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from it......

7,700,000 EURREF: 253898

Luxuriously renovated 5 bedroom stylish villa nestling in nearly 3/4 acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its prestigious loca......

7,500,000 EURREF: 252986

Close to the centre of Saint-Tropez and Pampelonne beaches, this magnificent property has been thoroughly and tastefully renovated, and sits in over an acre of beautiful and mature landscaped gard......

7,500,000 EURREF: 252660

Nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, is this exceptional 5 bedroom luxury Provencal style villa located near all amenities in Antibes. With approximately 350m2 ......

7,500,000 EURREF: 245835

Superb 5 bedroom Provençal style villa, which is set within an exceptional location in a private estate on the west side of Cap d'Antibes. With a magnificent swimming pool, perfect for cooling of......

7,500,000 EURREF: 246019

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a property to renovate, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its ideal location on the heights of Beausoleil. Situated in a dominant position above Monaco, this pr......

7,500,000 EURREF: 252994

In excellent condition is this absolutely exceptional 4 storey, 6 bedroom luxury chalet enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its peaceful location near all amenities in Val d'Isere. Situated ......

7,500,000 EURREF: 249933

Rare opportunity to acquire a waterfront property in one of the most coveted addresses of La Croix-Valmer, with private beach access, in absolute tranquility and privacy. This gem is free from ov......

7,500,000 EURREF: 253747

Absolutely exceptional 4 storey, 4 bedroom luxury villa with separate apartment, set in a beautiful garden with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its location in Cap d'Ali. This sumpt......

7,500,000 EURREF: 250829

Contemporary 7 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Beauvallon, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ultramodern 7 bedroom villa, ideally nestled right in the heart of the prestigious Beauvallon Bartole estate, hidden from view and in a dominant position. With exceptional sea views and built on......

7,490,000 EURREF: 244607

Absolutely exceptional modern 5 bedroom luxury villa set in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its sought after lo......

7,400,000 EURREF: 248724

Absolutely exceptional 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic views of the Cap-Ferrat, the bay of Villefranche and the Mont-Boron f......

7,400,000 EURREF: 254158

7 bedroom Chalet for sale in Combloux, Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

The ultimate in luxury chalet living in this fabulous 7 bedroom property in the Princesse area close to Les Aiguilles de Warrens and with super valley views. This spacious property comes with a h......

Enquire For PriceREF: 203157

Luxuriously renovated 3 storey, 4 bedroom Provencal style villa set in a beautiful landscaped garden with pool, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Saint Tropez. Situated just ste......

7,300,000 EURREF: 254064

Rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional Golf Club, Hotel and Restaurant/Bar set in 56 hectares of glorious land while enjoying far reaching mountain views from its location in Bagneres de Bigorr......

7,208,000 EURREF: 252820

Rare opportunity to enjoy this charming property in one of the most sought-after areas of Saint-Tropez in a privileged location, just minutes from the village centre and the famous Pampelonne beach......

7,200,000 EURREF: 253745

Luxury 3 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Antheor, Cote d

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French Property

Full Personal Service

Entire Market

Free 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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