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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.

2533 properties

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Luxury 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Saint Tropez, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Magnificent and luxurious 5 bedroom property, which is ideally nestled close to the charming village of Saint Tropez and the famous beaches of Pampelonne. This sumptuous residence is a new constr......

15,900,000 EURREF: 243486

Beachfront Villa for sale with sea view in Saint Aygulf, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated in Saint Aygulf on the outskirts of the Gulf of Saint Tropez, this property, which dates from the early 20th Century, occupies a vast wooded plot of 5,696m2 and is ideally situated right b......

3,120,000 EURREF: 243483

Inviting 1 bedroom Penthouse for sale in Bourg Saint Maurice, Rhone-Alpes

With exceptional views of the valley and the Mont Blanc massif, this lovely 2 room apartment, of 38m2 is nestled on the top floor of a tourist residence with a commercial lease. With quality serv......

360,000 EURREF: 243478

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

Enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location in Cannes, is this stunning 3 storey, 3 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with fruit trees and expansive pool. Sit......

1,890,000 EURREF: 243415

Income Producing 5 bedroom Complex for sale with countryside view in Narbonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Nestling in 27 acres of glorious land with lake, beautiful gardens and expansive pool, is this stylishly renovated 3 storey, 5 bedroom house plus 3 gites, a guest house and outbuildings, enjoying f......

2,600,000 EURREF: 243393

Pied a l'eau 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Port Grimaud, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Stylish and beautifully presented 2 bedroom apartment on the top (second) floor of a waterfront residence with mooring. The 45m2 property is newly renovated and air-conditioned. It includes : ......

530,000 EURREF: 243358

Renovated 3 bedroom Townhouse for sale in Port Grimaud, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Renovated 'Fisherman' style house in Port Grimaud with large mooring and 3 bedrooms. Ground floor: - an enclosed patio at the entrance - a beautiful living room opening onto a terr......

1,350,000 EURREF: 243356

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

This superb apartment, of around 180m2, consists of an entrance hall, guest WC, spacious and bright living room, dining room open to a pleasant terrace facing south with beautiful sea views, a sepa......

2,550,000 EURREF: 243312

Belle Epoque 11 bedroom Chateau for sale in Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Fabulous Belle Epoque with 11 bedrooms in a great location close to the Canal du Midi, vineyards and situated in the beautiful historic Languedoc region. This spacious 455m2 property combines a t......

1,400,000 EURREF: 243258

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

Nicely presented Provencal-style villa built on one level, conveniently located just a two-minute walk from the village of Seillans, with panoramic views, swimming pool and set in over an acre of p......

670,000 EURREF: 243251

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

Beautifully presented 2 bedroom apartment with large terrace and sea views in the heart of Cannes, on the top floor of a luxury residence with lift. This highly desirable, 3 room property comes w......

1,850,000 EURREF: 243252

Authentic 3 bedroom House for sale in Thones, Rhone-Alpes

Enjoying wonderful uninterrupted mountain views from its peaceful location near all amenities in Thones, in the Chamoissiere area, is this charming 3 bedroom house with indoor pool, nestling in hal......

997,500 EURREF: 243216

Income Producing 5 bedroom Manor House for sale in Carennac, Midi-Pyrenees

Wonderful opportunity to acquire an exquisite 5 bedroom Maison de Maitre with garden and pool, being run as a B & B and restaurant in an ideal location in the voted most beautiful village in France......

480,000 EURREF: 243120

Income Potential 10 bedroom Castle for sale in Limoges, Limousin

Beautifully and luxuriously renovated 4 storey, 10 bedroom chateau nestling in over 5.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool, tennis court and Jacuzzi, enjoying wonderful countr......

1,199,000 EURREF: 243118

Luxurious newly built 4 bedroom villa with apartment, ideally situated within a quiet and dominant/elevated setting in Le Cannet and with simply stunning panoramic sea views. This contemporary vil......

28,000,000 EURREF: 242899

Lovingly Maintained Income Potential , Sea View Villa with 5 bedrooms French Riviera Mougins

With stunning panoramic sea views towards the Esterel and the hills of Mougins, this lovely south facing villa benefits from natural light as well as magnificent sunsets and sunrises. With a livi......

1,480,000 EURREF: 242897

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

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

6,825,000 EURREF: 242893

Character 10 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Le Bugue, Dordogne, Aquitaine

Excellent opportunity to purchase a charming 17th/18th Century hamlet, which is ideally situated within a quiet rural setting in the Dordogne Valley. The estate comprises of an exceptional Chartr......

1,590,000 EURREF: 242825

New Build 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Roquebrune Cap Martin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

In absolute calm and in a private and secure estate, this superb villa is set within a dominant plot of 2,500m2 with a swimming pool and enchanting views of the sea from Cap Martin to Menton. Rece......

4,200,000 EURREF: 242815

Character 8 bedroom Manor House for sale in Chatellerault, Poitou-Charentes

Lovely character 'maison de maitre' in an old small town, set in over half an acre with main house, 2 gites, swimming pool and attractive outdoor space. Built in 1833, this spacious stone propert......

866,250 EURREF: 242787

Bright 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Saint Paul de Vence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

In a quiet, leafy residential environment, this attractive 4 bedroom villa has a total spacious built area of 350m2, (including 181m2 Loi Carrez), which is set out over 3 levels, and which is set w......

1,450,000 EURREF: 242772

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

Ideally located in a private estate with direct access to a hidden cove (Calanque), this sumptuous 5 bedroom villa offers stunning panoramic sea views. Entirely redesigned by a renowned local arc......

4,950,000 EURREF: 242764

2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea and panoramic views in Mandelieu la Napoule, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Bright and spacious open plan 2 bedroom apartment with communal gardens, pool and tennis courts, enjoying panoramic sea views from its location in Mandelieu la Napoule. This stylish property of ar......

595,000 EURREF: 242745

14 bedroom Chateau for sale with Income Potential in Saumur, Pays-de-la-Loire

Rare Nineteenth century property full of character and charm set in over 2 acres, located within easy walking distance of all shops and amenities in the heart of Saumur, within easy reach by car of......

1,050,000 EURREF: 242659

Historical 15 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Loches, Centre

Rare Sixteenth Century Chateau with exceptional historical character, superb condition and full of preserved features, in a beautiful location with panoramic countryside views, set in over 56 a......

1,680,000 EURREF: 242603

Bright 1 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Bright and spacious one bedroom apartment with cellar, enjoying panoramic sea views from its location in a peaceful area near all amenities in Basse Californie, Cannes. Situated on the second floo......

499,000 EURREF: 242555

Lovingly Maintained 3 bedroom House for sale in Francin, Porte de Savoie, Rhone-Alpes

Charming 3 bedroom house with garden located near all amenities in Porte de Savoie, Francin. This delightful property of 160m2 consists in the basement of a very large summer kitchen (38m2) openin......

369,000 EURREF: 242524

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

Magnificent 125m2 penthouse apartment, plus a large 105m2 roof terrace with stunning panoramic views of the sea and port, situated in a highly sought after area of Cannes. Completely refurbished, ......

3,300,000 EURREF: 242450

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 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......

636,000 EURREF: 242195

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 Sainte Maxime and within walking distance to the beaches and town centre. Ground f......

4,800,000 EURREF: 242145

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......

695,000 EURREF: 241796

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

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

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

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 ......

1,129,000 EURREF: 241566

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

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......

1,550,000 EURREF: 241461

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

Generously proportioned family property, set in over 4 acres in pretty Dordogne countryside, just 20 minutes from Bergerac. This large 5 bedroom house has beautiful countryside views and comes wi......

443,617 EURREF: 241234

Income Producing 24 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Agen, Aquitaine

Fabulous 24 bedroom fully furnished luxury hotel nestling in over 3 hectares of glorious landscaped gardens with trees and expansive pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its per......

1,900,000 EURREF: 241192

Authentic 9 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Bergerac, Aquitaine

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a charming 9 bedroom stone property nestling in 1.5 acres of glorious land with gite, outbuildings, expansive pool and tennis court, enjoying far reaching countrysi......

1,160,000 EURREF: 241135

Renovated 4 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Barbezieux Saint Hilaire, Poitou-Charentes

Surrounded by nearly 18 acres of glorious land is this beautifully renovated mill composed of 2 houses, a main house and a gite set in mature lush gardens with pool, ideally located in a peaceful ......

650,000 EURREF: 240831

Income Producing 15 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Aulnay, Poitou-Charentes

Superb income-producing property with a total of 15 bedrooms, on the edge of a charming hamlet in the countryside of Charente Maritime. Originally a cognac merchants' residence, this very nicely ......

855,000 EURREF: 241078

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

Grand and spacious 6 bedroom villa, situated in a quiet setting on the western side of the Cap d'Antibes, within a lush landscaped plot of 2,548m2 with a swimming pool and lovely views towards the ......

10,700,000 EURREF: 241065

Refurbished 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Bright, spacious and inviting 3 bedroom apartment, which is ideally situated within a prestigious and secure residence with a swimming pool and caretaker, located in a superb setting in the Califor......

2,508,000 EURREF: 241029

14 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Le Mans, Pays-de-la-Loire

Currently undergoing restoration, this exquisite French chateau offers 680m2 of habitable space plus an additional house and outbuildings sitting on 25 hectares of land with beautiful gardens, eque......

2,640,000 EURREF: 240977

Renovated 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Palm Beach, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the prestigious Pointe du Palm Beach, Cannes, is this beautifully renovated 3 bedroom apartment with garden. This spacious and bright property i......

1,990,000 EURREF: 240968

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

Superb and beautifully renovated 3 bedroom apartment in a charming residence, close to all the shops, beaches in Cannes. This 150m2 property is an excellent blend of character and modern stylish ......

1,290,000 EURREF: 240966

Refurbished 9 bedroom Chateau for sale with panoramic view in Monestier, Aquitaine

Beautifully and tastefully refurbished 9 bedroom stone built property, with a total spacious living area of 500m2, set within a mature landscaped plot of 3,303m2 with a swimming pool and stunning c......

1,150,000 EURREF: 240904

Lovingly Maintained 2 bedroom Duplex for sale in Les Arcs, Rhone-Alpes

Full of charm and character is this spacious 2 bedroom duplex apartment enjoying wonderful mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Les Arcs. In a peaceful area ......

490,000 EURREF: 240845

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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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