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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.

2498 properties

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Enjoying panoramic views from the roof terrace, is this bright and spacious 3 bedroom Penthouse apartment with 2.5 hectares of beautiful communal landscaped gardens, pool and tennis court, ideally......

745,000 EURREF: 245853

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

Enjoying panoramic sea views from the roof terrace, is this exceptional modern 3 bedroom luxury villa with garden, located near all amenities in Roquebrune Cap Martin. This superb property is situ......

5,500,000 EURREF: 245821

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an outstanding, beautifully restored 9 bedroom, 18th century neo-classical French Chateau with outbuildings, nestling in over 22 acres of glorious land with mature......

1,670,212 EURREF: 245799

Desirable 2 bedroom apartment on the sea front in the heart of the highly sought-after Palm Beach area of Cannes, just a short stroll from shops and beaches. This unique opportunity comes with liv......

850,000 EURREF: 245798

Stylishly renovated Contemporary property completely renovated south-west facing enjoying a sea view located in a quiet and residential area of Cap-Ferrat near the Grand Hotel. In a flat garden w......

17,850,000 EURREF: 245758

Beautifully presented new 2 bedroom apartment with terrace in a select residence in Val d'Isere in a traditional Savoyard style with modern comfort and convenience. This beautiful 3 room property......

1,889,000 EURREF: 245780

Desirable four bedroom property located in a quiet, south-facing and mature plot in a closed domain on the heights of Villefranche-sur-Mer with a large swimming pool and shaded terraces. The be......

4,515,000 EURREF: 245777

Luxuriously renovated, fully furnished 3 bedroom apartment with beautiful communal gardens, tennis court and pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from ideal location in the California sector of Canne......

1,760,000 EURREF: 245773

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

Situated on the outskirts of Cannes in Golfe Juan and within a private gated estate, this luxurious 5 bedroom villa boasts magnificent sea views. Built on a magnificent flat plot of 1,679m2, whic......

3,995,000 EURREF: 245726

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

Immaculately presented 6 bedroom home, which is situated in a quiet dominant setting with superb views over the old town of Vence, the village of Saint Paul de Vence, the surrounding hills and the ......

1,995,000 EURREF: 245719

Authentic 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in Val d'Isere, Rhone-Alpes

Beautifully nestled in a quiet green setting in Val d'Isere, this delightful 143.5m2, 3 bedroom apartment is situated on the second floor of a beautiful residence. This traditional property is fi......

4,790,000 EURREF: 245714

Income Potential 6 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Valence, Rhone-Alpes

Attractive stone farmhouse, gite and outbuildings in a pretty situation in the Drome Valley, 20 minutes from Valence and 30 minutes from the TGV station, set in almost 3 acres of land with lovely c......

640,000 EURREF: 245707

Income Potential 10 bedroom Commercial for sale in Le Chaffal, Rhone-Alpes

Exciting lifestyle and income opportunity with this former holiday camp, steeped in history, beautifully located in the heart of the Vercors massif and 45 minutes from the TGV station. Set in over......

595,000 EURREF: 245706

Grand 8 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Ceyzerieu, Rhone-Alpes

Delightful and spacious character property with origins dating back to the Eighteenth Century in a dominant position with wonderful views, just an hour from Lyon and Geneva close to Lake Bourget. ......

650,000 EURREF: 245703

Character 14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Breteuil sur Iton, Normandy

Full of character and charm and with a total of 14 bedrooms and bathrooms, this magnificent estate includes a 17th Century Chateau and is ideally situated in a quiet setting in Breteuil sur Iton, a......

1,470,000 EURREF: 245699

Spacious 6 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Cognac, Poitou-Charentes

Ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet just a short drive from the historic town of Cognac, this very large country house is set on over an acre of land and comes with a swimming pool. Ideal as ......

493,200 EURREF: 245696

Immaculate 7 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Faye l'Abbesse, Poitou-Charentes

Beautifully presented throughout and set in a quiet setting within around 1 hectare of land with a swimming pool and stunning views towards the village of Faye l'Abbesse, where there are shops and ......

424,000 EURREF: 245693

Bright 2 bedroom Duplex for sale in Bourg Saint Maurice, Rhone-Alpes

Totally refurbished 2 bedroom duplex apartment, situated in a residence in the south slope district of Bourg Saint Maurice. With panoramic view from North to South, facing Les Arcs, features inclu......

300,000 EURREF: 245685

Elegant 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Roquebrune Cap Martin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Exceptional Belle Epoque 4 bedroom villa, which was built in 1900, with stunning panoramic views of Monaco, Cap Martin and the Mediterranean Sea. In a splendid setting and a spacious living area o......

6,990,000 EURREF: 245681

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

Visually and architectural beautiful, this stunning newly built villa is ideally situated right in the heart of the most exclusive parts of the Super Cannes area and just a 10 minute drive from Can......

12,900,000 EURREF: 245660

Cosy 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Les Villards, Les Arcs, Rhone-Alpes

On the heights of Arc 1800, this very pretty 1 bedroom apartment is located in a Les Souverains tourist residence in the popular village of Eden Arc. With a living area of 41 m2, features include......

265,000 EURREF: 245648

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

Waterfront 8 bedroom Property for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Saint Raphael, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its sought after frontline location near the heart of Saint Raphael, is this exceptional 8 bedroom luxury villa with separate apartment, nestling in over half a......

5,750,000 EURREF: 245622

9 bedroom House for sale with Income Potential in St Laurent du Var, Nice, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Stylishly renovated 3 storey, 9 bedroom house made up of three apartments, set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool and Jacuzzi, located in a peaceful area of St Laurent du Var. This charming......

1,590,000 EURREF: 245619

Immaculate 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view and panoramic view views in Cavalaire sur Mer, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Superb 5 bedroom home, which is ideally situated within a quiet and peaceful setting close to a fine sandy beach in Cavalaire sur Mer. Recently built and with stunning unobstructed views of the bl......

2,990,000 EURREF: 245592

Inviting 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Delightful and unusual 2 bedroom apartment in a secure condominium in the heart of a wooded parkland in the Californie area of Cannes, with private garden and terraces. This delightful atypical a......

699,000 EURREF: 245560

Immaculate 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Eze, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Delightful 4 bedroom Provencal style villa, with stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Eze, located in a peaceful cul-de-sac and close to the sea front. The property is in perfect condition and ......

4,000,000 EURREF: 245530

Authentic 4 bedroom Single Storey for sale in Challes les Eaux, Chambery, Rhone-Alpes

Charming 4 bedroom house with large basement, set in a mature garden, located in a peaceful area near all amenities in Challes les Eaux. Close to the centre, on an enclosed plot of 815m2 in a no t......

485,000 EURREF: 245520

Luxury 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Courchevel, Rhone-Alpes

Newly built 3 bedroom apartment with a total spacious living area of 131m2, ideally situated within a luxurious residence in the heart of the Courchevel 1850 and right in the centre of the resort c......

Enquire for priceREF: 245518

Income Producing 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Le Chantel, Les Arcs, Rhone-Alpes

Very nice 2 bedroom apartment in a four star tourist residence with balcony and panoramic views of the mountains. The 55 m2 property includes 2 bedrooms, bathroom, equipped kitchen, living room, ......

420,000 EURREF: 245473

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

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

Luxury 1 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Le Cannet, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Enjoying breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, is this new luxury 4 room apartment with beautiful communal gardens and pool, ideally located near all amenities in Le Cannet, Cannes. Set in a n......

2,055,000 EURREF: 245454

Bright 2 bedroom Ground Floor for sale with sea view in Croix des Gardes, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Stunning 2 bedroom luxury ground floor apartment with garden and communal pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location in the heart of the Croix des Gardes. Set in a luxury residenc......

1,190,000 EURREF: 245452

Character 11 bedroom Complex for sale with lake or river view and countryside view views in Verteuil sur Charente, Poitou-Charentes

Ideally situated close to the thriving village of Verteuil sur Charente, this charming and magnificent rural riverside complex includes a 15th Century mill and 2 guest houses, all of which have bee......

1,495,000 EURREF: 245410

Furnished 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Courchevel, Rhone-Alpes

Very well located in the centre of Courchevel resort and very close to the ski slopes, this superb apartment, of approximately 86m2, features a spacious balcony, entrance with a guest WC, open plan......

2,100,000 EURREF: 245394

Bright 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Cap Ferret, Aquitaine

Situated right in the heart of the peninsula of Cap Ferret, in the village of Petite Piquey, this magnificent family villa, which is presented in a Ferret Capien style, has been totally and tastefu......

2,299,000 EURREF: 245383

Immaculate 3 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Eze, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Totally refurbished 3 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated within a quiet and peaceful residential area on the heights of Eze. Set on an elevated plot of 600m2 with a swimming pool, terraces a......

3,200,000 EURREF: 245380

Income Producing 9 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with panoramic and countryside views in Luc en Diois, Rhone-Alpes

Spacious 9 bedroom property featuring a main residence, 4 gites and a pool set in 5 acres of land in peaceful setting, between Die and the Hautes Alpes. This charming property currently provides ......

795,000 EURREF: 245375

Character 9 bedroom House for sale with lake or river view and panoramic view views in Duravel, Midi-Pyrenees

Full of character and charm, this superb 9 bedroom stone built property, which will be sold fully furnished as seen (except for some personal items), including cars, vans, fully furnished professio......

1,680,000 EURREF: 245369

Character 6 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view and panoramic view views in Mougins, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Exceptional and unique 6 bedroom villa, with a spacious living area of 520m2, situated in a quiet setting in Mougins, and within walking distance from the golf course. Set on large and mature land......

4,800,000 EURREF: 245365

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

Extraordinary and enchanted 5 bedroom property, which is rich history and once owned by an artist. Built in 1964, this residence offers a unique opportunity with spacious living areas. Upon enter......

3,200,000 EURREF: 245352

Stylish 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Bright and beautifully presented 3 bedroom duplex apartment, situated within a luxurious luxury bourgeois building in the La Californie area of Cannes. With a living area of 221m2 offering panoram......

4,140,000 EURREF: 245317

Spacious 4 bedroom Chalet for sale with panoramic view in Auron, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Splendid 4 bedroom ski chalet, which is ideally located in the charming ski resort of Auron and with magnificent panoramic mountain views. Ground floor: entrance hall, 2 bedrooms with en-suite ba......

3,990,000 EURREF: 245307

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

Quiet 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Mouans Sartoux, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally situated within an exclusive and secure domain of more than 35 hectares in Mouans Sartoux, situated between the 2 historical villages of Mougins and Valbonne, this superb residence offers 2......

1,900,000 EURREF: 245258

Luxury 4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Golfe Juan, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Stylishly renovated 4 bedroom villa nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with superb pool, enjoying scenic countryside views from its elevated location on the hills of Golf......

1,835,000 EURREF: 245289

Luxury 9 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Trayas, Theoule sur Mer, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated in a unique waterfront setting in Trayas, closet to Theoule sur Mer and with direct access to the sea. With large volumes spread between 2 main buildings, with the main villa including 4......

11,850,000 EURREF: 245225

Immaculate 9 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Tourrettes sur Loup, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated in a dominant position and beautifully nestled right in the heart of a 3 hectare park with over 265 olive trees, this stunning and superb Svetchine masterpiece offers breathtaking panorami......

3,990,000 EURREF: 245216

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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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