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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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Inviting 4 bedroom Apartment for sale in Meribel, Rhone-Alpes

Luxurious 4 bedroom apartment, which is ideally located in the heart of the largest ski area in the world in the resort of Meribel. This high standard apartment allows to ski back to the residence......

2,200,000 EURREF: 242015

Stylish 3 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Montauroux, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Set within a beautifully landscaped and mature fenced garden of 1,500m2 with a swimming pool, this lovely 3 bedroom Provencal style villa has a total spacious living area of 250m2. Built in 2010 ......

1,100,000 EURREF: 242010

Renovated 6 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Seillans, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Fabulous 6 bedroom luxury stone property with guest house, nestling in 35,000m2 of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful ......

2,850,000 EURREF: 242003

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

Luxuriously renovated 5 bedroom villa nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying uninterrupted countryside views from its sought after location in a pea......

2,350,000 EURREF: 242002

Refurbished 6 bedroom House for sale in Uzes, Languedoc-Roussillon

In the centre of a lively village with local shops, bar, restaurants and access to the river, this former sheepfold was renovated by a renowned architect from the region and sits in a magnificent l......

1,365,000 EURREF: 241894

Project 5 bedroom House for sale in Perpignan, Languedoc-Roussillon

Offering huge potential as a renovation project are these 4 character buildings with South facing garden, located near all amenities in Perpignan. This property complex opens onto a courtyard, and......

998,000 EURREF: 241992

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

Stylish, luxury 2 bedroom top floor apartment enjoying fantastic mountain views from its sought after location near the slopes and all amenities in Courchevel. Set in a small residence the 83m2 co......

2,500,000 EURREF: 241988

Immaculate 4 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Balledent, Limousin

Beautifully renovated 4 bedroom stone house with garden, enjoying scenic countryside views from its location near all amenities in Balledent. Situated just 10 minutes from the beautiful town of Ch......

215,000 EURREF: 241985

Character 4 bedroom Duplex for sale in Aix en Provence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming 4 bedroom duplex apartment in the heart of Aix en Provence, close to the Allees Provencales, complete with a spacious South facing terrace. Situated on the 3rd and top floors, this appe......

777,000 EURREF: 241979

Character 5 bedroom House for sale in Badefols sur Dordogne, Lalinde, Aquitaine

Situated on the edge of the small village of Badefols sur Dordogne and only 5 minutes to Lalinde (with all amenities), this large stone built house offering 2 units that can be reunited into one. I......

495,000 EURREF: 241967

Unique in this area, a magnificent 5 bedroom property, which stands proudly above the impressive cliffs of the Cele Valley, and offers incomparable views that stretch into the distance. Must be see......

695,000 EURREF: 241965

Character 8 bedroom Chalet for sale in Le Grand Bornand, Rhone-Alpes

Full of character and charm and situated in a quiet setting with lovely views facing the ski area, this traditional farmhouse contains 4 apartments and is set on a garden of 728m2 in the listed vil......

1,698,000 EURREF: 241955

New Build 4 bedroom Apartment for sale in Val d'Isere, Rhone-Alpes

This beautiful 266.75m2 apartment is located in the heart of the resort of Val d'Isere. It is spread over 2 levels and consists of 5 bedrooms, a fitted kitchen open to the living room and a TV ar......

6,400,000 EURREF: 241944

Project 2 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Uzes, Languedoc-Roussillon

Located in a lively village just 10 minutes from Uzes, with its small weekly market, restaurant and bar-tabac-press, this lovely stone village house is in need of a complete renovation. It benefi......

250,000 EURREF: 241939

Beautiful 4 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Pegomas, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Pegomas: In a quiet neighbourhood, with a nice view on the valley, villa of 160m2 on a plot of 2,098m2 with swimming pool and garage. On the main floor, spacious living space opening onto the kit......

590,000 EURREF: 241936

4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea and panoramic views in Rayol Canadel sur Mer, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated right in the heart of Rayol Canadel sur Mer and with stunning panoramic views of the sea, Cap Negre and the Golden Islands. This luxurious property, which was completely renovated in 202......

3,400,000 EURREF: 241918

Lovingly Maintained 5 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with panoramic view in Saint Paul de Vence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Authentic Provencal Mas with a breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the charming town of Saint Paul de Vence, on a 1,137m2 plot of land. Only 150m from the village, the south-facing proper......

4,250,000 EURREF: 241911

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

In the heart of ARC 1950, discover this 1 bedroom apartment in very good condition and located in a quiet area in the residence Hameau du Glacier. With a surface of 40m2, it is composed of an ent......

290,000 EURREF: 241903

Inviting 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Superb 3 bedroom apartment situated in a splendid 4* hotel residence. With a spacious living area of 107m2, features include: large living room opening onto a balcony with a view of the summits, f......

1,100,000 EURREF: 241901

Immaculate 5 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Puylaroque, Midi-Pyrenees

Unique opportunity to acquire two charming stone properties nestling in 2.5 acres of glorious land with tennis court and pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful locati......

555,000 EURREF: 241892

Authentic 6 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Montaigu de Quercy, Midi-Pyrenees

Nestling in nearly half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, is this charming 6 bedroom stone farmhouse, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location in the char......

398,000 EURREF: 241886

Riverside 4 bedroom House for sale in Sainte Livrade sur Lot, Aquitaine

This lovely riverside property is set in private grounds close to all amenities. You enter through beautiful electric gates and take a long private cobbled path up to the front of the main house. ......

890,000 EURREF: 241875

New Build 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in La Plagne, Rhone-Alpes

Bellecote residence promises a new lifestyle on the Plagne Bellecote snow front. The developer has carried out a major renovation, the largest residential refurbishment ever carried out in Europe. ......

999,000 EURREF: 241850

Stylish 5 bedroom House for sale in Bourg Saint Maurice, Rhone-Alpes

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a stylish 5 bedroom house split into 2 apartments with garden, located near all amenities in Bourg Saint Maurice. The 185m2 floor area is composed of two apartmen......

385,000 EURREF: 241835

2 bedroom house for sale in Marseillan, Languedoc-Roussillon

Life on the Mediterranean coast - just when you thought it was impossible A range of exclusive properties from an award winning architect and a renowned developer, creating a unique branded residen......

1,200,000 EURREF: 241479

6 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Montcuq, Midi-Pyrenees

Impressive and superbly presented French chateau in a beautiful countryside location. Built in stone with its superbly integrated pretty tower, this property benefits from a private setting. This ......

2,950,000 EURREF: 241801

Character 4 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Belveze, Midi-Pyrenees

Full of character and charm, well situated, in a quiet setting and with magnificent views and optimum sunshine. The exterior is completely landscaped with superb sunny terraces and a 14 x 7m swimmi......

763,200 EURREF: 241796

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

Fabulous and recently renovated Provencal villa in a sought-after location close to the Beauvallon Golf Course and the beach. This spacious 5 bedroom property comes with authenticity, charm, and ......

2,995,000 EURREF: 241786

Inviting 20 bedroom Hotel for sale with countryside view in Niozelles, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally located between the Luberon and the Verdon, close to Forcalquier, 40 minutes from Aix en Provence, the Domaine is a Provencal hamlet situated in a green setting in 12 hectares of olive tree......

13,500,000 EURREF: 241780

Historical 9 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Bethune, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Grand and historical 9 bedroom chateau, situated in quiet setting in Bethune: GROUND FLOOR: 253m2. MAGNIFICENT BANQUETING HALL 100m2 beautifully decorated to the very highest standard with faux e......

2,000,000 EURREF: 241774

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

Located in a peaceful area of the secured domain of Beauvallon Bartole in Grimaud, modern style, renovated quality materials villa's. Paved driveway with parking spaces, garage, entrance hall with......

4,450,000 EURREF: 241771

Lovingly Maintained 5 bedroom Villa for sale in Antibes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Very close to the beaches a, magnificent property of around 200 m2, comprising: on the ground floor, an open kitchen, a living room, two en-suite bedrooms with shower room. Upstairs, a master bed......

Enquire For PriceREF: 241767

High Specification 3 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Monbazillac, Aquitaine

Impressive and superbly presented single storey property, providing stunning views over the Bergerac vineyards, located on a no-through road and offering perfect peace and tranquillity. This is ......

657,200 EURREF: 241754

Authentic 4 bedroom Manor House for sale in Beauville, Aquitaine

Prestigious character property in the heart of a pretty village in the Lot et Garonne, with 4 bedrooms and set in half an acre of grounds. This stone house is approached via a lovely cast iron ga......

445,200 EURREF: 241752

15 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Penne d'Agenais, Aquitaine

Excellent character property offering flexible accommodation with a variety of uses for income generation, with almost 5 acres of land in a delightful rural setting. This superb property could g......

776,595 EURREF: 241751

Private 11 bedroom Manor House for sale in Issigeac, Aquitaine

Charming character manor house, beautifully restored and renovated, with gites, swimming pool, and set in 22 acres of land in the heart of beautiful Dordogne countryside. LE MANOIR - The Main ......

1,800,000 EURREF: 241750

Unique 6 bedroom Farmhouse for sale in Salignac Eyvigues, Aquitaine

Ideally located in the Dordogne countryside but only minutes from Sarlat, this property offers a comfortable main house, two independent rooms for chambre d'hotes and two unique gites with proven r......

950,000 EURREF: 241725

Historical 11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Nogaro, Midi-Pyrenees

The chateau briefly comprises, over 2 floors : eleven bedrooms eleven bathrooms and reception rooms, kitchen, utility, additional storage space, all rooms fitted with double glazing. The annexe c......

2,900,000 EURREF: 241724

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

In the heart of the pine forest of l'Oumede in Ramatuelle, out of sight in a natural and green environment, contemporary villa of new architect offering a superb unobstructed view of the surroundin......

8,990,000 EURREF: 241720

Stylish 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Apartment located in the hyper centre, 200m from the Palais des Festivals that can generate high rental profitability. It is a 240m2 plateau divided into 3 fully renovated apartments, offering ve......

2,247,000 EURREF: 241719

Turn Key 5 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Tourrettes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Exceptional newly built contemporary villa with generous terraces and panoramic views, located in the sought after private domain of Terre Blanche. Set within grounds of one hectare, the property......

6,360,000 EURREF: 241716

Beautiful 7 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Roquebrune Cap Martin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

It's only a few minutes from the Principality of Monaco and in absolute calm that this magnificent family villa is located. The volumes and spaces that will be offered to you are simply unique; f......

5,995,000 EURREF: 241715

Historical 10 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Domjean, Normandy

Surrounded by nearly 6 acres of glorious land with pond, dovecot, outbuildings and tennis court, is this outstanding 3 storey, 10 bedroom historical French Chateau with separate 2 bedroom guest hou......

2,500,000 EURREF: 241705

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

Exceptional 3 storey, 4 bedroom luxury villa with separate 2 bedroom accommodation, set in beautiful gardens and terracing with infinity pool, while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its elevate......

3,500,000 EURREF: 241690

Exclusive 9 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Velines, Aquitaine

This charming manor house is very well proportioned. It could be used as a very comfortable family home or equally as an investment property. The property is accessed via a sweeping driveway with......

1,685,000 EURREF: 241686

Grand 5 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Duras, Aquitaine

Located in a hamlet between Duras and Marmande, this elegant classic house, with an impressive barn conversion attached to the main house, is used as a family home with the option to divide it into......

425,000 EURREF: 241685

Private 3 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Fayence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming 3 bedroom stone house for sale not far from Fayence village requiring some renovation and updating. The property has a tree-lined entrance and large garden of approximately 4,660m2 with ......

735,000 EURREF: 241677

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

Magnificent stone villa of 232m2 at walking distance of classified village of Seillans, offering absolute privacy, fantastic panoramic views and the good life. This high quality villa was build i......

1,800,000 EURREF: 241676

Bright 3 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Fayence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

In a calm area and a few steps away from the village of Fayence, discover this south facing 190 m2 villa. Built on 2 levels with the living area on one level, the villa is composed of, on the gro......

850,000 EURREF: 241674

Bright 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Cavalaire sur Mer, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Unique in Cavalaire, this architect-designed villa is close to the city centre and beaches in a sought-after domain. It develops 350m2 of living space in beautiful volumes with bright rooms, open t......

4,750,000 EURREF: 241669

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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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