Prestige Property Group

French Property

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France, famed for its boulevards, fashion and food, is one of the most popular areas of Europe in which to buy a second home, and offers a great range of typically French property for sale such as pleasant townhouses, rustic farmhouses and magnificent French chateaux. Its location between the temperate climes of Britain and sun-drenched Spain ensure a variety of climates to match your lifestyle. You are bound to find the ideal French property for sale, whether you long for balmy days on a Cote d'Azur terrace, the sparkling clean air of the mountains or the seasonal ebb and flow of Normandy life played out amongst bustling markets and sleepy country lanes.

France is still a largely agricultural country and, away from the towns, the population density is still one of the lowest in Europe. With a long history of countryfolk leaving for a more cosmopolitan urban life, the potential of much French property lies unexploited and waiting for a new owner with ideas and enthusiasm. With prices rising steadily for both non-renovated and renovated properties, now is the time to look for that hidden gem that is both affordable and a great investment for the future.

Buying French Property

A notaire (public notary) is an integral part of buying a property in France. They represent neither buyer nor seller, but the French Government - and their impartiality is an obligation taken seriously. The notaire oversees many legal aspects of the sale, such as whether the seller is legally entitled to sell what he is offering, whether any future nuisance is likely to impinge on the use and enjoyment of the property and the drawing up of contracts. However, as many notaires speak little English, it may be worthwhile engaging the services of an English-speaking legal consultant who is qualified in French law and who has experience in the area of French property sales.

The notaire can also offer advice on how to buy your French property to reduce the tax implication when you sell or will your property.

You will be expected to organise connection to utilities - gas, electricity, water - and to provide a translator (if required) to help you to understand the documentation. A good French-qualified legal consultant may be able to help with these tasks.

Where to buy property in France

We market over 1500 examples of French property situated in most of the departments, from plots of land to the most exclusive chateaux and villas. We work closely with a number of professional local agents, carefully chosen for their service and after-sales support.

Like many countries, France has some distinctive regional building styles that reflect the materials available, the history and wealth of the population and the age of the local settlement. Many older French properties are built from local stone, quarried and brought the few miles to the site. Other more prominent buildings may be built from more durable or more beautiful stone, quarried many miles away, such as the famous, golden Caen stone from the Normandy region.

Whether your dream French property is a little riverside cottage or a farmhouse surrounded by acres of land, our large database of French property will undoubtedly provide a number of options to consider.

The Poitou Charentes region, incorporating the Charente, Charente-Maritime and Vienne, is an enormously popular location to buy a second home benefitting from one of the highest sunshine indexes in France, a beautiful coastline, forests, lakes and gorgeous villages just waiting to be explored. The rural way of life stills grips the Poitou Charentes, with weekly petanque in the village square, fresh produce at the local market and friendly bistros from which to watch the world go by.

Provence and Cote d'Azur is well known as the capital of sunshine and sunflowers, lavender and luxurious villas and includes the departments of Alpes Maritimes, Var and Bouches du Rhone. The region includes glamorous hotspots such as Nice, Cannes, Monaco and St Tropez where beautiful residences cling to the hillsides amid shimmering azure seascapes.

The Loire and its famous valley, full of stunning manors and chateau estates, offers some of the biggest bang per buck of any area of France as well as a down-to-earth but modern French lifestyle.

The Languedoc Roussillon is an area in the south of France, between Provence and the Spanish border, with a coastal plain that is mainly flat and greatly influenced by the Rhone delta. It includes such famous towns as Montpellier and Carcassonne, stunning gorges, lovely nature parks and many beautiful sandy beaches. The departments of Herault, Gard, Pyrenees Orientales, Aude and Lozere are included in the Languedoc.

Income from your French property

While the gite market has slowed as demand begins to be sated by supply, potential for generating income from French properties is still good. As the world's top destination with an average of over 60 million visitors per year, France's position and variety of coastal, rural and city backdrops gives it an enviable holiday and cultural fascination amongst the tourists of the world, particularly in the UK, Germany, Netherlands and the US. Many buyers are now looking for French properties suited to providing activity breaks to generate a summer income, rather than just basic accommodation. We have many such properties in France, from country cottages to a fully-functioning Parisian hotel.

French property with gites are still strong favourites among our clients, who look to casual renting as a means to help pay off the mortgage rather than as a main source of income. Of course, demand has not dropped for gite accommodation among tourists. One cautionary note, however, is that some mortgage lenders are now refusing to offer quotes for gite and leaseback properties due to their perceived risk if this income is relied upon to cover repayment.

1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)

On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner.

The next step, once you are in agreement, is to sign the preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente). This is a legal document and after ten days will be binding on both parties. Rules change frequently in France and it is best to consult with your notary about when this period starts. Generally the compris will be signed in France with the Agent.

Variants can be included in the compris, for example an Acte (clause) can be added if the name or names to go on the title deed have not been finalised. If a mortgage will be required to purchase the property, the details for this, including the name of the mortgage company, must be on the compris.

2. Paying the Deposit

Generally the deposit will be 10% of the agreed purchase price. This will normally be paid to the notaire. There are exceptions to this, if the agent holds a carte professionelle, is bonded and fully registered then you may pay them, but do not hand over the deposit to anyone else. If for some reason the purchase does not go through, for example, if you write to the notaire and the agent that you do not wish to go continue with the purchase before the contract is binding (within seven days of signing the compris), then your deposit would be repaid. This would also apply if a condition had not been met, or the mayor or S.A.F.E.R. (a government agency that has the right of first purchase on most rural property that comes onto the market in France) could oblige the purchaser to give way. If you decide after the seven days 'cooling off' period that you do not wish to complete the purchase and pull out of the sale you would lose your deposit. If however the vendor pulls out of the sale then you will receive your deposit back plus the same amount from the vendor.

3. On Completion

Generally it will take around two or three months to complete the purchase.

During this time the balance of the purchase money must be paid into the account of the notaire, this must be done well ahead of the completion date. The notaire will prepare the documents, check that the deed of sale (Acte de Vente) is in order and have the legal title ready to be signed over. It is possible to have someone sign on your behalf if you give them power of attorney. An interpreter may be of use at this point if your French is not very good and many Notaires will suggest (or insist) that an interpreter is with you.

IMPORTANT - Disclaimer :
All information provided is believed to be current and provided free of charge. No liability can be accepted for the reliability of the information and statements made as this is obtained from 3rd parties. We always recommend you take legal advice from a fully qualified Lawyer or Notary before buying a property overseas.

2525 properties

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3 bedroom Complex for sale with Income Potential in Ria Sirach, Languedoc-Roussillon

Unique opportunity to acquire a hamlet of 5 charming houses, nestling in over 2 hectares of glorious land and outbuildings, while enjoying outstanding countryside and mountain views from its peacef......

625,000 EURREF: 244157

Elegant 6 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Petit Juas, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally situated in the quiet residential area of Petite Juas, yet close to shops and amenities, this luxury villa, which was built in 1920 (listed as French Cultural Heritage), has a living area o......

1,990,000 EURREF: 244032

Exclusive 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Rare on the market and ideally situated within one of the most highly sought-after areas of Cannes, La Californie, this exceptional property is ideally located right in the heart of a gated and gua......

6,970,000 EURREF: 243961

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

Beautifully refurbished 9 bedroom stone built farmhouse, which is ideally situated in a beautifully quiet hamlet yet just 2km from Saint Meard de Gurcon that has shops, restaurants, bars, post offi......

645,000 EURREF: 243937

Unique 8 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Laroque Timbaut, Aquitaine

With a superb blend of stone and a contemporary design, this spacious, bright and airy architect-designed 8 bedroom house is ideally situated close to all amenities in Laroque Timbaut. There is a......

572,000 EURREF: 243932

Quiet 6 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Mirambeau, Poitou-Charentes

This gem of a property is set in a small quiet hamlet around half an hour from the coast, just a short drive from the village of Semoussac, 20 minutes from Jonzac and only an hour from Bordeaux. ......

508,800 EURREF: 243884

Authentic 5 bedroom house for sale with panoramic view in Castelnau de Montmiral, Midi-Pyrenees

Absolutely stunning 5 bedroom stone house nestling in over 6 acres of glorious land with gardens and expansive pool, while enjoying far reaching 360 degree views from its peaceful location in Cast......

850,000 EURREF: 243858

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

Beautiful 1 bedroom duplex apartment, with 2 large south-west terraces with panoramic mountain views. Under commercial lease with 4 weeks in rental management. Features include a bedroom upstair......

270,000 EURREF: 243827

Authentic 5 bedroom house for sale with countryside view in Pujols, Aquitaine

Full of charm and character is this beautiful 5 bedroom stone house nestling in over 3 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with pool and outbuilding while enjoying far reaching countryside views f......

713,000 EURREF: 243771

Open Plan 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Challes les Eaux, Chambery, Rhone-Alpes

Situated right in the centre of Challes les Eaux and with a living area of 87m2, this inviting apartment comprises of: fitted and equipped kitchen open to a living/dining room of 30m2 with access t......

349,000 EURREF: 243754

Renovated 12 bedroom Chateau for sale in Valence, Rhone-Alpes

Beautiful and sympathetically restored French Nineteenth Century manor house with gites in a very popular area close to Valence, set in manageable grounds of over 2 acres with swimming pool. The ......

2,980,000 EURREF: 243724

Historical 7 bedroom Castle for sale with panoramic view in Seillans, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

This charming and beautifully presented 7 bedroom Gallo-Roman Chateau, with its origins dating back to before the 4th Century, is situated on the upper level of the medieval village of Seillans and......

1,250,000 EURREF: 243723

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

Superb totally refurbished 3 bedroom apartment, ideally located in a highly sought after area on the Croisette, set on 6th & 7th floors within a residence with a caretaker. With a living area of 1......

2,495,000 EURREF: 243721

Quiet 5 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Le Cannet, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally located in absolute calm in Le Cannet, yet just a few minutes from the Croisette, this 19th Century villa has been beautifully renovated with very high quality services, materials and finis......

1,850,000 EURREF: 243611

4 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Le Dorat, Limousin

Versatile and recently renovated 'Maison de Maitre' equestrian property with no close neighbours and over 12 acres of land. The restoration of the the property includes insulation, electrics, p......

381,600 EURREF: 243535

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

Charming 4 bedroom villa, which is ideally located on the hills of Le Cannet, with 148m2 of living space and benefiting from superb sea views. The villa has been renovated with refined services i......

2,120,000 EURREF: 243526

Historical 7 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Bergerac, Aquitaine

Graceful and imposing 18th Century family home set in over 3 acres of mature grounds, offering numerous light and spacious rooms, high ceilings and period features. With total living space of 438......

897,750 EURREF: 243501

Income Producing 7 bedroom Manor House for sale with panoramic view in Vieillevie, Auvergne

A spacious country house full of character features, income potential plus a swimming pool, in a sunny position that offers sweeping views of the mountains and valley with the river just below. T......

550,000 EURREF: 243497

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

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

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

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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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