Prestige Property Group

French Property

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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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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

- 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

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

In excellent condition is this fabulous luxury Manor House nestling in 53 hectares of glorious land with vineyard, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location near Tourtour. Situat......

7,504,000 EURREF: 248371

Luxury 4 bedroom Villa for sale in Saint Tropez, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming 4 bedroom property, which is ideally located just a few steps from Place des Lices, and close to the beaches of Pampelonne, surrounded by flourishing vegetation and a magnificent perfectly......

7,500,000 EURREF: 244954

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

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

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

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

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

Fabulous villa in a peaceful and desirable setting, with outstanding views of the sea and Cap d'Antibes. Close to Saint-Paul, it is utterly captivating with its blend of Provencal charm and conte......

7,500,000 EURREF: 252191

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

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

6 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Roquebrune Cap Martin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Exceptional 4 storey, 6 bedroom luxury villa nestling in beautiful terraced gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its elevated location near Roquebrune Cap Martin. This modern......

7,450,000 EURREF: 242374

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

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

Exceptional 3 storey, 11 bedroom luxurious villa with two guest houses and apartment nestling in nearly 2 acres of glorious mature gardens with pool and tennis court, while enjoying breathtaking se......

7,250,000 EURREF: 253029

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

Absolutely exceptional 8 bedroom luxury villa nestling in one acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying uninterrupted countryside views from its peaceful location nea......

7,200,000 EURREF: 250646

Beautiful 6 bedroom Villa for sale in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Impressive and spacious villa in perfect condition in a peaceful location, close to the Grand Hotel with level gardens and swimming pool. The recently renovated 6 bedroom villa is arranged ove......

7,000,000 EURREF: 223804

Set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, is this sumptuous 6 bedroom renovated villa with separate 2 bedroom apartment ideally located near all amenities in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. In perfec......

7,000,000 EURREF: 252997

- 8 bedroom Apartment for sale with countryside view in Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Beautiful historical estate with vineyard, located close to Carcassonne, with history dating back to the Roman times. This superb estate comprises of a stunning renovated country house, dating fro......

7,000,000 EURREF: 182378

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

Prestigious 9 bedroom villa with swimming pool, set within a landscaped plot of 1,522m2 in an exclusive and private area, in a wonderful setting within the hills above Cap d'Antibes, with stunning ......

7,000,000 EURREF: 187178

Immaculately presented 5 bedroom house, with a bright and spacious living area of 265m2, set within a quiet and private domain of Terre Blanche in Fayence, which is renowned as one of the most beau......

7,000,000 EURREF: 249709

Modern villa with high quality finishes, ideally located in a quiet setting in Beausoleil and has stunning panoramic sea views over the Principality of Monaco. With a total built area of 643m2 an......

7,000,000 EURREF: 247727

Absolutely outstanding 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury modern villa nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, located in the prestigious Terre Blanche golf estate on the Fren......

7,000,000 EURREF: 252950

Absolutely exceptional 3 storey, luxurious villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its elevated location in the heart of Cal......

6,970,000 EURREF: 251030

Absolutely exceptional 4 bedroom luxuriously renovated and fully furnished villa with garden, enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location in Cannes. This spacious and bright proper......

6,970,000 EURREF: 251851

Luxuriously renovated 4 bedroom villa nestling in nearly 5 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool and tennis court, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location in La C......

6,970,000 EURREF: 252701

Quiet 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view and panoramic view views in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated in a dominant position, right in the heart of the Californie area of Cannes, this beautiful modern-style 5 bedroom villa, with a total living area of approximately 290m2, with a total buil......

6,970,000 EURREF: 244288

Absolutely exceptional 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its prestigious location in Cannes......

6,970,000 EURREF: 250434

Enjoying panoramic sea views from its sought after location in the Californie area of Cannes, is this exceptional 4 bedroom luxury Penthouse apartment with garden and communal pool. This outstand......

6,970,000 EURREF: 251669

Sumptuous 5 bedroom property, situated within a luxurious setting with breathtaking views. This magnificent 300m2 villa, together with a 50m2 annexe, is nestled at the top of a hill and with stun......

6,970,000 EURREF: 248256

Exclusive 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Rare on the market and ideally situated within one of the most highly sought-after areas of Cannes, La Californie, this exceptional property is ideally located right in the heart of a gated and gua......

6,970,000 EURREF: 243961

4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea and panoramic views in Sainte Maxime, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Currently under construction, this superb turnkey architect-designed 4 bedroom villa, which has been built using top-of-the-range fixtures and fittings with refined lines, is set within a landscape......

6,500,000 EURREF: 238443

Beautiful 5 bedroom family property, which is ideally situated in a quiet setting within a gated estate on the heights of Gigaro in La Croix Valmer. Set within a flat mature plot of 10,092m2, whi......

6,950,000 EURREF: 250146

Luxuriously renovated 6 bedroom villa with independent studio apartment, set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool and tennis court, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its exclusive locati......

6,950,000 EURREF: 249983

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

Luxurious 6 bedroom architect designed villa, with a vast total living area of 564m2, set within a private and fenced plot of 21,855m2 with a swimming pool, ideally located right in the heart of a ......

6,900,000 EURREF: 237283

Grand 19th Century property set on 4,867m2 of land, ideally situated in a quiet setting withinthe renowned residential district of Garavan, close to the Italian border and the famous Michelin-starr......

6,900,000 EURREF: 249919

Charming historical 3 storey, 7 bedroom stone house with guest houses, set in over an acre of lush mature gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its elevated location in Menton ......

6,900,000 EURREF: 250525

Rare opportunity to acquire a unique estate of beautifully renovated properties nestling in 23 hectares of glorious land with vineyards, orchards, gardens and pools, while enjoying far reaching cou......

6,900,000 EURREF: 251009

Superb and spacious Eighteenth Century mas in a gated estate with tennis court, yet close to amenities in Mougins. This highly desirable Provencal property comes with 545m2 of living space combin......

6,900,000 EURREF: 251341

Historical 5 bedroom Villa for sale in Nice, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Magnificent, grand and spacious 1900' villa, which is ideally situated just a few steps from the beaches and shops, with a vast total living area of 791m2 and worthy of being described as a large b......

6,900,000 EURREF: 231312

Luxuriously renovated 7 bedroom Provencal style property nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location in......

6,900,000 EURREF: 252291

Rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional property comprising of two luxurious villas nestling in over one acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying panoramic sea vi......

6,850,000 EURREF: 252946

Quiet Stylish , Sea View 4 bedroom Villa La Croix Valmer French Riviera

Ideally situated right in the heart of one of the most highly sought after addresses in La Croix Valmer and just 10 minutes from the beach, this superb property has stunning views towards the sea, ......

6,825,000 EURREF: 242893

14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Normandy, Normandy

Historic 14 bedroom chateau in Normandy Impressive chateau dating back to the 15th and 18th centuries (Historic Monument) in excellent condition: 6 reception rooms, 14 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. ......

6,800,000 EURREF: 152269

Fabulous fully-renovated Provencal mas in Fayence, close to the prestigious Terre Blanche golf course, with wonderful views over the hilltop villages, combining the authentic charm of Provence wi......

6,800,000 EURREF: 252581

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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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