Prestige Property Group

French Property

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

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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.

2489 properties

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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

In excellent condition is this stylishly renovated 5 bedroom house set in over 2 acres of glorious land, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location on the heights of t......

499,000 EURREF: 253371

Beautiful Manoire, full of character and period features including a square tower, steeped in history, dating back to the Fourteenth Century. The 6 bedroom property is set in almost 10 acres of l......

499,000 EURREF: 253731

Charming and tastefully restored historic manor house, close to the village of Arnac la Poste, and just 11 km from La Souterraine, recently run as a successful bed and breakfast business and also a......

498,750 EURREF: 251997

8 bedroom House for sale with Income Potential in Salies de Bearn, Aquitaine

Full of charm and character is this beautiful 3 storey, 8 bedroom Maison de Maitre with separate apartment, nestling in half an acre of glorious mature gardens, ideally located near all amenities ......

498,750 EURREF: 244842

Charming 3 bedroom farmhouse together with a 3 bedroom cottage and an array of useful outbuildings situated in magical gardens of over 4 acres including streams, caves and meadows all within cyclin......

498,200 EURREF: 252514

Desirable building plot of 578 m2 in zone Ub1 of the PLUi (Property Planning and Urban Development Plan) and in the white zone of the PPRN (Property Planning and Urban Development Plan) (excluding ......

498,000 EURREF: 252932

Charming Nineteenth Century character property with a Southerly aspect, originally a vineyard owner's house and situated in a small hamlet near Mirambeau and the Estuary. The 174m2 property was......

498,000 EURREF: 253551

A beautifully renovated and delightful mill offering a unique blend of country character and modern comfort nestled by the gentle flow of the Bonnieure river. This spacious 6 bedroom property has......

495,850 EURREF: 248446

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented, this superb 5 bedroom home, which was built in 1780, has a spacious living area of 271m2 and is situated in the centre of a small rural villag......

495,000 EURREF: 246264

Full of character and charm and located in a quiet setting in Montazeau, this beautiful 3 bedroom house is accessed via a long gravel driveway. Upon entering this property through the front door,......

495,000 EURREF: 252651

Two bedroom property in the heart of the village of Sainte Marie de Re La Noue. Located near the Place des Tilleuls, this village house with living space of 71m2 is composed of a large living roo......

495,000 EURREF: 252942

Beautifully renovated 3 storey, 5 bedroom fully furnished house nestling in over 1.75 acres of glorious land with gardens, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location near Corlay. Th......

495,000 EURREF: 251197

Character 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view and lake or river view views in Lanquais, Aquitaine

Beautifully presented throughout, this lovely stone built family home is ideally situated in quiet setting within a hamlet on the edge of Lanquais, which is a highly sought-after village just 20 mi......

495,000 EURREF: 244989

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

In Provence, 35 minutes from Aix en Provence TGV, beautiful village house in south Luberon in Cucuron, tastefully restored. Large volumes, quality materials. South facing terrace overlooking the Sa......

495,000 EURREF: 160577

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautiful 5 bedroom riverside house and a water mill set in 3.5 acres of glorious land, while enjoying scenic views from its location in Montoire sur le Loir. Th......

495,000 EURREF: 253923

Beautiful stone property, set within a tranquil hamlet which enjoys peace and privacy without sacrificing convenience - just a quick drive from Montaigu-de-Quercy and all its amenities. Set in o......

495,000 EURREF: 251156

Attractive and stylish new 3 bedroom apartment in a rural situation, yet conveniently close to the centre of Montelimar. One of just 4 apartments in this small co-ownership, this 120m2 apartment i......

495,000 EURREF: 246447

Bright and welcoming 2 bedroom apartment, which is ideally located in Roquebrune Cap Martin, situated on the 1st floor of a modern style beach-front building. With a living area of 52m2 and comple......

495,000 EURREF: 247473

Spacious 6 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Cognac, Poitou-Charentes

Ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet just a short drive from the historic town of Cognac, this very large country house is set on over an acre of land and comes with a swimming pool. Ideal as ......

493,200 EURREF: 245696

Beautifully renovated 5 storey, 7 bedroom stone house set in half an acre of glorious gardens with pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location in Landeleau. This......

490,000 EURREF: 251218

Stylishly renovated 4 bedroom traditional house with garden, enjoying panoramic mountain views from its elevated location in St Jeoire Prieure. With a living area of 130 m2 spread over two levels,......

490,000 EURREF: 251299

Ideally located in Roquebrune Cap Martin, in the renowned district of Hameau and close to the Principality of Monaco, this well maintained 1 bedroom apartment is set within a contemporary style bu......

490,000 EURREF: 247433

2 bedroom Villa for sale in Port Grimaud, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Attached South facing 2 bedroom villa, in a secure residence, just 400m from the beach. On the ground floor is a living and dining room opening onto a large terrace and an open plan fitted kitchen......

490,000 EURREF: 171118

Nestling in one hectare of glorious land with beautiful gardens and pool, is this stylish and modernised 4 bedroom house enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location in Neuvy ......

490,000 EURREF: 249224

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

Wonderful 4 bedroom stone built farmhouse, which is beautifully nestled in the heart of a small village close to Sauveterre de Guyenne, where old-world charm meets modern luxury. Recently renovat......

489,500 EURREF: 246663

Character 4 bedroom Manor House for sale in Saint Emilion, Aquitaine

Full of character and charm, this beautifully presented 4 bedroom period stone built property is set in a peaceful countryside setting, yet just 20km from the Saint Emilion vineyards. With 2.1 he......

487,600 EURREF: 244362

Just 5 minutes from the desirable bastide village of Eymet, this exceptional property offers both a spacious main house and a charming guest house, each with its own pool and outdoor space. The m......

487,000 EURREF: 251990

A bright and highly desirable 2 bedroom apartment, fully renovated with quality materials, located in a secure residence with concierge, with magnificent views of the marina. The stylish 63m2 pro......

485,000 EURREF: 249673

Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location in Tarn et Garonne, is this charming 4 bedroom stone house surrounded by 1.5 hectares of beautiful gardens, an expansive pool and ......

485,000 EURREF: 250067

Authentic 4 bedroom Single Storey for sale in Challes les Eaux, Chambery, Rhone-Alpes

Charming 4 bedroom house with large basement, set in a mature garden, located in a peaceful area near all amenities in Challes les Eaux. Close to the centre, on an enclosed plot of 815m2 in a no t......

485,000 EURREF: 245520

Pretty character property in La Roque Gageac with versatile accommodation, built into the rock, set in over an acre of gardens and woodland, offering privacy and countryside views, just 10 minutes ......

484,800 EURREF: 247939

Situated on the 4th floor of a contemporary style building and totally refurbished, this totally refurbished apartment, with a living area of 71m2, features a large entrance hall with a fitted cupb......

484,000 EURREF: 247474

A character property with traditional charm and versatile accommodation in a charming village 20 minutes from Uzes, sought after for its calm and quality of life, this property stands out for its a......

482,000 EURREF: 253667

Impressive single storey property with pool and access to and views over the river Lot. The modern fully equipped house is perfectly suited for holiday or year-round living. A large dining terr......

480,000 EURREF: 254263

Spacious and versatile Bourgeois townhouse in Rabastens, with garden, family living space plus rental potential and full of character features. The 298m2 property comes with high ceilings and a l......

480,000 EURREF: 254296

Charming one bedroom triplex apartment enjoying panoramic sea views from its peaceful location near the beach and all amenities in Roquebrune Cap Martin. Situated at the gates to the Principality......

480,000 EURREF: 247407

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

Charming 2 bedroom village house set in a lush mature garden with pool and outbuildings, ideally located near all amenities in the heart of the Provencal village of Saint Etienne du Gres. Situate......

480,000 EURREF: 253367

Character 7 bedroom house for sale with countryside view and panoramic view views in Barbezieux Saint Hilaire, Poitou-Charentes

Stunning 7 bedroom property, which is ideally located in a quiet setting amongst the rolling hills of south Charente, on the edge of woodland, yet just a few minutes from Barbezieux Saint Hilaire a......

477,000 EURREF: 244612

5 bedroom B and B for sale with Income Potential in Tocane Saint Apre, Aquitaine

Charming character property with 5 bedrooms and pool created from the original mill building, in a pretty rural situation close to Tocane Saint Apre. An imposing stone built home comes with livi......

477,000 EURREF: 244996

Very well presented one bedroom top floor apartment enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in Antibes. Situated within a gated residence near the be......

477,000 EURREF: 253081

Dating from the mid 18th Century, this stunning 6 bedroom manor house is situated right in the heart of the vibrant and historic town of Charroux. Set on the top of a hill and with stunning views......

477,000 EURREF: 248114

Charming and spacious manoire overlooking the village of St Meard de Drone in the Dordogne which has been fully renovated within the last couple of years by the current owners, whilst retaining man......

477,000 EURREF: 253207

A beautiful and versatile character property dating from 1848 comprising three houses, ideal for a multi-generational family or for a rental investment. Each house has spacious, modern living are......

477,000 EURREF: 252589

Nicely presented single-story house for sale in Sainte-Marie-de-Re (La Noue) near to the attractive Place des Tilleuls. Offering a surface area of 68.86 m2, it includes 3 bedrooms and a spacious......

477,000 EURREF: 252938

5 bedroom Villa for sale in La Roquebrussanne, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Lovely villa in a countryside setting , 45 minutes from Toulon in the Var hinterland. This 7 room property comes with 190m2 of living space and is found in a plot of 3440m2 with privacy and a h......

475,000 EURREF: 180460

Refurbished 2 bedroom Penthouse for sale in Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

Superb top/2nd floor apartment, situated within a lovely residence with just 5 apartments, Ideally located on the edge of Chamonix town centre and with lovely views towards Mont-Blanc massif and ju......

475,000 EURREF: 238639

Enjoying panoramic sea views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez is this stylishly renovated one bedroom apartment ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Sainte Maxime. On the top floor of ......

475,000 EURREF: 252413

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French Property

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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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