Prestige Property Group

French Property

Full Personal Service

Over 20 years experience in the area.

We give Expert Buyers Advice, from Enquiry to Purchase

Entire Market

We offer access to 99.9% of the local property market including off-market options

Free Service

Free advice and property finding service for buyers

Included Extras

Organisation of visits, legal advice, currency guidance, continued support after purchase, and more

Area Guide Contact Us

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

Search Options

Property type

Max

Luxury 3 bedroom Duplex for sale in Auron, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Vivaldi, features 29 contemporary three and four bedroom chalet style apartments boasting excellent design, luxury fixtures and fittings and exemplary services. Ranging from 122m2, the spacious d......

1,741,650 EURREF: 241658

Grand 6 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Beauvallon, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Located in a dominant position in the heart of the private domain of Beauvallon, this newly built villa benefits of breathtaking views on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Combining the elegance of the 1......

14,600,000 EURREF: 241655

Stylish 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Le Cannet, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Spacious and bright 2 bedroom luxury apartment with communal pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near all amenities in the heart of Le Cannet, Cannes. Set in a very beautifu......

1,050,000 EURREF: 241641

Renovated 6 bedroom Castle for sale with countryside view in Bournoncle Saint Pierre, Auvergne

Beautifully renovated 6 bedroom historic Cluniac monastery with garden, separate guest house and outbuildings, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location near all amenities in Bourno......

540,000 EURREF: 241640

4 bedroom House for sale in Nice, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Joint sole agent - Nice Mont Boron Charming villa with a beautiful view over the sea and the peninsula of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. The house dates from 1880 and has been totally renovated in an Ital....

2,550,000 EURREF: 241630

Project 10 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Saint Jorioz, Rhone-Alpes

Excellent opportunity to update a spacious 10 bedroom chalet in Saint Jorioz, with fabulous views of the mountains and Lake Annecy. The 321m2 property has huge potential and sits in half an ac......

1,299,000 EURREF: 241616

Authentic 4 bedroom House for sale in Bordeaux, Aquitaine

Elegant 4 bedroom bourgeois stone house with pool and garden, ideally located near all amenities in a peaceful area between Saint-Augustin and Saint-Genes in Bordeaux. Situated close to the Pelleg......

1,600,000 EURREF: 241607

Lovingly Maintained 4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Grasse, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated within a quiet and peaceful setting in Grasse, this charming 4 bedroom villa has been tastefully refurbished, offers a warm atmosphere with natural colours and has a living area of around ......

1,695,000 EURREF: 241606

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

Charming 4 bedroom villa, with a separate 1 bedroom apartment, ideally situated within a quiet and highly sought-after area of Vallauris, and with stunning panoramic views towards the sea. This el......

2,250,000 EURREF: 241601

Income Producing 13 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in La Mastre, Rhone-Alpes

Excellent lifestyle and income opportunity with this impressive French chateau in the heart of the Ardeche region of France, set in over 4 acres with outbuildings, gites and swimming pool. The ......

980,000 EURREF: 241592

Character 6 bedroom Chateau for sale in Montaigu de Quercy, Midi-Pyrenees

Charming character property with pool and set in over 6 acres in a village setting located 30 minutes from Agen, and 23 minutes from Montagu de Quercy. The lovely stone property features a ma......

740,000 EURREF: 241584

Full of character and charm, this magnificent house is ideally situated right in the heart of the picturesque town of Eymet, close to restaurants, bars and shops, thus offering a privileged living ......

598,500 EURREF: 241567

Refurbished 5 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Monbazillac, Aquitaine

Full of character and charm, this magnificent 5 bedroom Chateau, with a total spacious living area of 342m2, is ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet just a few steps from the charming village ......

1,300,000 EURREF: 241566

Immaculate 10 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Charroux, Poitou-Charentes

Exceptional and beautifully presented property, which includes a 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom stone built farmhouse, separate 4 bedroom property, studio, 2 swimming pools and several outbuildings, all of ......

690,000 EURREF: 241513

Refurbished 4 bedroom House for sale in Aix en Provence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Exceptional 4 bedroom house, which is ideally situated in a quiet setting right in the heart of Aix en Provence. With a spacious living area of 225m2, this superb townhouse features a beautiful op......

2,770,000 EURREF: 241512

Refurbished 7 bedroom Farmhouse for sale in Ladignac le Long, Chalus, Limousin

Situated in a quiet setting in Ladignac le Long, just 10 minutes from the town of Chalus, 15 minutes from Saint Yrieix la Perche and 40 minutes from Limoges, this charming home is the ideal propert......

689,000 EURREF: 241510

Refurbished 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Villeneuve Loubet, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Recently refurbished to a very high standard, this charming 4 bedroom villa is ideally situated within a prestigious and secured domain with 24 hour guard services, a club house, tennis court and a......

1,670,000 EURREF: 241498

Private 6 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Aix en Provence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming and beautifully maintained 6 bedroom home, which is ideally situated within a quiet and peaceful setting on the heights of Aix en Provence, on the highly sought after Montaiguet hill in pr......

2,290,000 EURREF: 241481

Refurbished 9 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Le Fleix, Aquitaine

Bright and spacious 9 bedroom stone built home, with a total spacious living area of 442m2, set within a large plot of 22,623m2 with a swimming pool and lovely countryside views, situated in a beau......

877,660 EURREF: 241480

Inviting 17 bedroom Hotel for sale in Montignac, Aquitaine

Excellent opportunity to purchase a 14 bedroom hotel with separate 3 bedroom owners accommodation, ideally situated right in the heart of the popular tourist town of Montignac. With a total built ......

1,470,000 EURREF: 241477

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

In excellent condition throughout, this lovely 2 bedroom 2nd floor apartment has a total light filled living area of 80m2, plus a spacious terrace with beautiful sea views. Situated in a well-main......

590,000 EURREF: 241469

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

Ideally situated in a quiet setting on the outskirts of Montauroux, this charming 3 bedroom villa, with a total living area of around 150m2, is set on a large plot of 2,200m2 with a swimming pool a......

795,000 EURREF: 241468

Bright 5 bedroom Chalet for sale in Morzine, Rhone-Alpes

Full of character and beautifully presented throughout, this elegant 5 bedroom ski chalet is ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet just around 2km from the centre of Morzine, which is accessible......

1,895,000 EURREF: 241461

Stylish 2 bedroom Penthouse for sale with sea view in Villefranche sur Mer, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in Villefranche-sur-mer, is this luxury 2 bedroom Penthouse apartment. Set in a guarded residence, this mag......

2,695,000 EURREF: 241453

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

Absolutely sumptuous 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury chalet enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Val d'Isere. Situated ten minutes from the......

9,400,000 EURREF: 241449

Stylish 7 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Monsegur, Aquitaine

Nestling in 4 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, is this fabulous 5 bedroom Maison de Maitre with 2 bedroom gite and barn, enjoying wonderful countryside views from its peaceful locat......

726,100 EURREF: 241446

Renovated 25 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Perigueux, Aquitaine

Unique opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated hamlet of 7 houses nestling in 173 acres of glorious land with mature gardens and 2 pools, a gym, wellness area and indoor pool, enjoying far r......

3,937,000 EURREF: 241445

Furnished 5 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view in Nontron, Aquitaine

Enchanting 5 bedroom fully restored and furnished 15th Century French Chateau, nestling in nearly 2 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, enjoying panoramic countryside views from its ideal elevat......

630,000 EURREF: 241440

Stylish 3 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Sainte Maxime, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Enjoying uninterrupted panoramic sea views is this fabulous 3 bedroom villa nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Sainte Maxime. ......

1,750,000 EURREF: 241269

Inviting 7 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Nerac, Aquitaine

Situated in a quiet setting between Nerac and Casteljaloux, this bright and spacious 7 bedroom stone built house, plus an independent studio, is set within a large plot of 1,569m2 with mature trees......

386,900 EURREF: 241254

Refurbished 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in La Croix Valmer, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Bright, spacious and totally refurbished 4 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated within a peaceful, quiet and highly sought-after residential area between Gassin and La Croix Valmer village's. ......

2,490,000 EURREF: 241249

Refurbished 7 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Chateauneuf, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Simply stunning 5 bedroom stone built Bergerie, with its origins dating back to the 19th Century, with a total spacious living area of 600m2, which has been beautifully and tastefully refurbished u......

5,900,000 EURREF: 241247

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

Inviting 2 bedroom apartment, which is ideally situated within a quiet and exceptional setting in Les Arcs 1950. South facing, in perfect condition and with a total living area of 58m2, features ......

475,000 EURREF: 241242

Refurbished 6 bedroom Chalet for sale with panoramic view in Les Houches, Rhone-Alpes

Superb totally refurbished 6 bedroom ski chalet, which is ideally situated in an elevated setting in a quiet area of Les Houches, close to the ski slopes and with stunning panoramic views of the Mo......

3,800,000 EURREF: 241241

Totally refurbished and in immaculate condition throughout, this superb 10 bedroom Chateau is ideally located in a quiet and private setting just 10 minutes from the historical city of Limoges. Th......

1,680,000 EURREF: 241235

Inviting 5 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Lalinde, Aquitaine

Over 20 Years experience in
global luxury real estate
Large network of
professional multilingual offices
No fees
We are paid by our agents
to introduce buyers

Access to Entire Market

Free Service

Full Personal Service

Property Finding

Free Expert Personal Service

Selling Your Property

A Form

French Property

Full Personal Service

Entire Market

Free Service

Included Extras

Contact Us

Business Hours

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

Search Options

Why Prestige

Over 20 years experience

Large network of offices

No fees

Prestige in the press

Stay up to date