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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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Stylish 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Grimaud, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Bright, spacious and luxurious 5 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated within a secured and peaceful estate in Grimaud, set within a mature south facing plot of 3,500m2 with a swimming pool and ......

Enquire For PriceREF: 242326

4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Vence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

A rare find, this lovely 4 bedroom villa is ideally situated in a dominant position, within a quiet and verdant environment, in a small estate in Vence. This modern and warm architect-designed pro......

2,200,000 EURREF: 242317

Inviting 5 bedroom Apartment for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Superb 5 bedroom apartment, situated within a ski-in ski-out residence right in the centre of Val Thorens. With a living area of 109m2, features include: kitchen opening onto a dining area and liv......

1,358,000 EURREF: 242314

Quiet 7 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Beaumont du Perigord, Aquitaine

Spacious family home with an attached business opportunity, located in a quiet setting in Beaumont du Perigord. The main family home comprises of a modern fitted kitchen/dining area and this open......

752,600 EURREF: 242307

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

This spacious 4 bedroom villa offers peace and quiet in one of Valbonne's most sought-after neighbourhoods. The villa consists of an entrance hall, dining room with full height windows, living ro......

1,850,000 EURREF: 242297

Lovingly Maintained 7 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Roquefort les Pins, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Nestling at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this authentic old stone Mas offers a calm and serene environment perfect in order to slow down and relax. It features approximately 250m2 of inviting l......

1,750,000 EURREF: 242289

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

Great investment opportunity, this superb 1 bedroom apartment is ideally situated within a ski-in/ski-out residence right in the centre of Val Thorens skiing resort. This 55.99m2 apartment, which......

724,000 EURREF: 242284

Cosy Studio for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Great investment opportunity, this lovely studio apartment is ideally situated within a ski-in/ski-out residence right in the centre of Val Thorens. This attractive studio has a kitchen, sleeping......

232,000 EURREF: 242283

Character 7 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Saint Chaptes, Languedoc-Roussillon

Former town hall situated within a lively village with a grocery store, bakery, pharmacy, restaurant and school. This mansion became a private home some 20 years ago and has benefited from a compl......

625,000 EURREF: 242281

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

With charm and elegance, this superb property is set within beautiful landscaped gardens with a swimming pool and breathtaking panoramic views. The reception room opens onto a beautiful terrace w......

1,180,000 EURREF: 242279

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

Located in a closed domain on the heights of Trayas, with spectacular panoramic views overlooking the sea and the Esterel towards the Alps. The villa has a total surface area of around 600m2 spre......

5,950,000 EURREF: 242276

Stylish 10 bedroom Manor House for sale with panoramic view in Bargemon, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet just a few minutes from the charming village of Bargemon, this captivating property spans approximately 58.5 acres of private grounds. With its origins da......

3,950,000 EURREF: 242266

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

Beautiful 7 bedroom villa of approximately 450m2 with sea views and a private swimming pool, located in a park of approximately 4,000m2 planted with citrus, olive and Mediterranean species. Recep......

3,950,000 EURREF: 242261

Updated 4 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in La Croisette, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

On the famous Croisette, between the 5 star hotels of Carlton and Martinez, this luxurious apartment of approximately 194m2 is situated on the second floor of an elegant residence. Recently renova......

9,400,000 EURREF: 242259

Character 8 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Verneuil sur Avre, Normandy

Located in a quiet hamlet, this beautifully restored manor house comprises of 5 bedrooms in the main house and 3 additional bedrooms in its cottages. The interiors are sumptuously appointed and t......

850,000 EURREF: 242238

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

Magnificent 9 bedroom property, which combines charm and authenticity, with large volumes and refined services, offering beautiful panoramic views of the hills and the sea and ideally situated righ......

3,950,000 EURREF: 242236

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

Built in 2000 and with a full renovation completed in 2023, including the mirror edge swimming pool, underfloor electric heating on the ground floor and reverse air conditioning throughout. With ......

2,150,000 EURREF: 242235

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

Superb 4 bedroom villa/apartment, situated right in the heart of Le Lavandou and just 950m from Aiguebelle beach. Built using top quality fixtures and fittings throughout and with stunning sea and......

Enquire For PriceREF: 242231

Belle Epoque 8 bedroom Villa for sale in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Majestic 8 bedroom belle epoque residence,which was built in 1890, ideally located just a few minutes walk from the beaches and centre of Cannes, at the end of a quiet street overlooking the sea. ......

3,900,000 EURREF: 242219

- 5 bedroom Chalet for sale in Saint Martin de Belleville, Rhone-Alpes

Exceptional property in the new program of 5 chalets and 4 apartments, situated right in the heart of Saint Martin de Belleville and just a few steps from the slopes, ideal for enjoying the village......

2,870,000 EURREF: 242212

- 5 bedroom Duplex for sale in Val d'Isere, Rhone-Alpes

Beautiful and luxurious 5 bedroom duplex apartment, with a total living area of 205.63m2, ideally located right in the heart of an exceptional development, Le Chardon, which is a private hamlet wit......

5,500,000 EURREF: 242211

Refurbished 7 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Villefagnan, Poitou-Charentes

This superb traditional Longere is a very substantial property offering 340m2 of living area in 4 bedroom accommodation in the main house plus 2 further cottages, a large barn and other outbuilding......

689,000 EURREF: 242195

Inviting 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Gassin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated in a quiet and peaceful residential area, with a private swimming pool and close to both the beaches and the heart of Saint Tropez, this lovely property is divided into 2 houses, providing......

1,995,000 EURREF: 242189

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

Situated within a prestigious residence, this superb corner apartment has high-end services, faces south west and enjoys breathtaking views of the Bay of Cannes. It offers 2 bedrooms with en-suite......

2,150,000 EURREF: 242181

Inviting 4 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Spacious and bright apartment with a living area of 118m2, ideally located in Val Thorens, which is the highest resort in Europe. Spread over 4 floors, it benefits from a generous surface area an......

1,350,000 EURREF: 242173

Refurbished 4 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Uzes, Languedoc-Roussillon

In a beautiful countryside setting surrounded by garrigue and lavender fields and just 20 minutes from Uzes, this stone built former silkworm farm (Magnanerie), was been beautifully renovated in 20......

445,000 EURREF: 242169

Contemporary 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in La Croisette, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Modern 4 bedroom villa with lovely sea views over the Gulf of Saint Tropez, situated in the La Croisette area of Cannes and within walking distance to the beaches and Sainte Maxime town centre. Gr......

4,800,000 EURREF: 242145

Bright 4 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Roquefort les Pins, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

In absolute calm, this beautiful villa offers 4 bedrooms, 3 of which are on one level, and each with its own bathroom. Also on the ground floor, there is a vast living room with a fireplace and lar......

1,320,000 EURREF: 242143

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

Located in a quiet and dominant position, this superb newly built Provencal yet modern property, is built on around 11,000m2 of land and was completed in 2022. Boasting superb panoramic views of ......

4,800,000 EURREF: 242134

Stylish 5 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Tourrettes sur Loup, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated in a quiet setting, yet within walking distance from the village of Tourrettes sur Loup, this charming Provencal style property is nestled in a verdant setting, sheltered from view and in ......

1,250,000 EURREF: 242133

Immaculate 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Unique opportunity to acquire a magnificent property in a residence with top-of-the-range amenities. This charming 64m2 apartment is located in a 4-star hotel residence. It comprises of 2 en-suite......

653,000 EURREF: 242126

Exclusive 3 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Aix en Provence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Absolutely exceptional 3 bedroom luxury Provencal bastide set in lush mature gardens with pool, located near all amenities in Aix en Provence. Surrounded by a veritable postcard of olive groves, v......

Enquire For PriceREF: 242120

Renovated 5 bedroom Villa for sale in Cap d'Antibes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Beautifully renovated 5 bedroom villa with garden, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in a sought after area of Cap d'Antibes. It is in excellent condition and the 120m2 comprises of......

1,195,000 EURREF: 242118

Renovated 11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Casteljaloux, Aquitaine

Unique opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated historical French Chateau with separate apartment and Chapel, surrounded by 56 acres of glorious land and gardens with pool, while enjoying far......

2,760,000 EURREF: 242116

Renovated 3 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Puycelsi et Gresigne, Midi-Pyrenees

Beautifully restored property with guest house, surrounded by 4 acres of glorious land while enjoying wonderful countryside views from its location near Puycelsi et Gresigne A truly fascinating ho......

787,500 EURREF: 242115

Lovingly Maintained 7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Tarn et Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees

Unique opportunity to acquire a wonderful collection of two houses, a studio and ruins of a Chateau with expansive pool, nestling in 7.3 hectares of glorious pasture and woodland while enjoying far......

550,000 EURREF: 242114

Renovated 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Rodez, Midi-Pyrenees

Full of charm and character is this unique 5 bedroom architect designed traditional Aveyronnaise house with pigeonnier, nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, whi......

465,000 EURREF: 242113

2 bedroom House for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Brassac, Midi-Pyrenees

A haven of peace in the heart of the Languedoc regional park, at 550m altitude, this lovely renovated stone and slate built house has been totally refurbished to a very high standard and is very br......

504,255 EURREF: 242085

Historical 9 bedroom Chateau for sale with sea view in Le Broc, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Outstanding properties such as this Chateau are rarely available on the market. Once the home of the Comte de Martini, and still containing a now deconsecrated chapel, built in 1697 by Bishop Fra......

5,900,000 EURREF: 242079

Modern and pleasant 3 bedroom home, with a living area of approximately 123m2, with a swimming pool and petanque pitch on a plot of 1,573m2 and with clear views towards the sea. Features include: ......

685,000 EURREF: 242075

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

Provencal style villa situated in a sought-after private domain with a beautiful views of the old village and the sea and close to international schools. Main villa: Garden level: entrance hall, ......

2,990,000 EURREF: 242065

Refurbished 4 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Cap d'Antibes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Renovated apartment located in one of the most beautiful residences in Cap d'Antibes. With a total living area of 110m2, it consists of an entrance hall, living room, open kitchen, 4 bedrooms and......

1,350,000 EURREF: 242063

Superb 3 bedroom apartment in the heart of Cannes and close to the Croisette. Entirely renovated with a surface of approximately 100m2, features include a large living room with an open kitchen fu......

890,000 EURREF: 242060

Furnished 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Les Arcs, Rhone-Alpes

Beautiful 2 bedroom apartment located in a quiet area of the Auberge Jerome residence in ARC 1950. Spacious and bright, this 56m2 property is composed of a kitchen/living/dining room, large doubl......

450,000 EURREF: 242056

Immaculate 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in 1850, Courchevel, Rhone-Alpes

Immaculately presented 3 bedroom apartment located in a quiet area in Courchevel 1850 and in a sought-after residence. With a living area of around 85m2, features include a pleasant living room wi......

2,100,000 EURREF: 242055

4 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Penne d'Agenais, Aquitaine

In an exceptional setting, nestled amongst 9 hectares of lush landscape, this superb property includes the main stone house built on 3 levels, which has been beautifully finished and is equipped wi......

742,000 EURREF: 242044

Project 4 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Croix des Gardes, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

In absolute calm, on the heights of the Croix des Gardes, set within a very beautiful and luxury condominium with a swimming pool. Very nice 4 bedroom apartment of 192m2, ideally located in a sma......

1,860,000 EURREF: 242042

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

Looking for a house with a view. Look no further. This luxurious villa is enveloped by a one-of-a-kind panoramic views over the countryside towars the sea. Located on the hills of Seillans, which i......

825,000 EURREF: 242034

Lovingly Maintained 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Terre Blanche, Saint Paul en Foret, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Four bedroom villa within Terre Blanche, a sought-after private domain featuring luxury hotel facilities and 2 internationally renowned golf courses. This charming stone villa, presented in excel......

4,400,000 EURREF: 242021

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

Situated on the edge of the "green lung" of Mougins, the forest of La Valmasque, within a prestigious domain which is secure and guarded 24/7. The villa offers panoramic views of the surrounding ......

4,750,000 EURREF: 242019

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Buying French Property

Where to buy property in France

Income from your French property

1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)

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