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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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Cosy 3 bedroom Duplex for sale in Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

Ideally situated very close to the iconic Aiguille du Midi cable car and the historic town centre of Chamonix Sud, this superb 3 bedroom duplex apartment is situated on the top 2 floors, is not ove......

710,000 EURREF: 238621

1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

Attractive new one bedroom property, part of a new select development of just 12 apartments in 2 small residences, in the area of Gaillands, on the left bank of the Arve. This small condominium s......

551,640 EURREF: 238546

Refurbished 9 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Montpon Menesterol, Aquitaine

Beautifully restored and full of character and charm, this magnificent and luxurious 9 bedroom home has been updated to the highest of standards and has a spacious total living area of 430m2 with b......

774,819 EURREF: 238544

Character 14 bedroom Manor House for sale in Chalais, Poitou-Charentes

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented 14 bedroom stone built manor house, with a vast total living area of 622m2, ideally situated in a quiet setting in Chalais, within a large plot......

997,500 EURREF: 238542

Authentic 7 bedroom Chalet for sale in Les Houches, Rhone-Alpes

Unique opportunity to acquire a gorgeous 7 bedroom chalet made up of 3 separate apartments with garden, enjoying wonderful mountain views from its location in a peaceful sector of Les Houches. Si......

1,600,000 EURREF: 238519

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

Luxury new 3 bedroom first floor apartment with garage, enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Chamonix. Situated in the Gaillands secto......

1,053,125 EURREF: 238517

New Build 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

Stylish and bright new one bedroom ground floor apartment with garage, enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Chamonix. Situated in the Gailla......

519,600 EURREF: 238516

Quiet 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Azille, Languedoc-Roussillon

Full of character and completely refurbished, this spacious 5 bedroom home, with its origins dating from 1910, is surrounded by 1,835m2 of mature gardens with a swimming pool and stunning views ove......

500,000 EURREF: 238446

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

Superb 3 bedroom apartment with stunning sea views, situated within a luxury beach front residence with 24 hour security, a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and fitness room. With a total spacio......

5,000,000 EURREF: 238378

Immaculate 8 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Saint Tropez, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Grand and spacious recently built 5 bedroom villa, situated within a quiet area with stunning views overlooking the sea and the Gulf of Saint Tropez. With a total living area of 330m2, which is se......

9,900,000 EURREF: 238347

7 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Grasse, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Luxurious 5 bedroom neo-Provencal style villa, plus a 2 bedroom apartment, with a combined total living area of 285m2. Situated within a quiet and intimate estate with just 3 villas, in a dominant......

2,592,000 EURREF: 238300

Luxury 3 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Antheor, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Luxurious 3 bedroom villa, which is situated within an exceptional waterfront plot of 1,040m2 with a swimming pool and stunning sea views. Located in a quiet setting in Antheor, on Corniche d'Or a......

5,800,000 EURREF: 238264

Renovated 7 bedroom Duplex for sale in Les Houches, Rhone-Alpes

Beautifully renovated, spacious and luxurious 7 bedroom duplex apartment enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of Les Houches. ......

1,930,000 EURREF: 238235

Immaculate 5 bedroom Villa for sale in Veyrier du Lac, Rhone-Alpes

With stunning lake views, this immaculately presented 5 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated within a quiet and elevated setting in Veyrier du lac, on beautifully landscaped gardens of 4,300m2 ......

Enquire for priceREF: 238139

Authentic 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Monflanquin, Aquitaine

Unique opportunity to acquire a stunning 4 bedroom 18th century stone French Chateau with separate 4 bedroom house and outbuildings, nestling in 18 hectares of glorious land with private airstrip, ......

1,158,000 EURREF: 238107

6 bedroom House for sale with Income Potential in Orthez, Aquitaine

Impressive and stylishly restored Eighteenth Century property with outbuildings, featuring unique gardens and a magical atmosphere. Built in 1773, this amazing property of 470m2 comprises a mai......

590,000 EURREF: 238055

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

Luxurious 5 bedroom villa, ideally nestled in a quiet setting on the heights of Mandelieu and with stunning panoramic views towards the sea, the bay of Cannes, the Lerins Islands and the Esterel mo......

3,200,000 EURREF: 237909

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

Luxurious and beautifully presented 7 bedroom neo-Provencal style villa, with a total living area of 420m2 with elegant fixtures and fittings throughout, ideally situated within a quiet and intimat......

4,176,000 EURREF: 237908

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

In excellent condition throughout, this spacious and luxurious neo-Provencal style 5 bedroom villa, plus a 2 bedroom apartment, all of which has elegant fixtures and fittings, is ideally situated i......

3,465,000 EURREF: 237885

New Build 4 bedroom Chalet for sale in Les Bossons, Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

A four bedroom chalet, in a desirable new development of just 3 ski chalets with great views of the Mont Blanc chain in the desirable area of Les Bossons, and providing easy access to the centre of......

1,535,000 EURREF: 237670

New Build 3 bedroom Chalet for sale in Les Bossons, Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

Impressive new development of just 3 ski chalets in the desirable area of Les Bossons, with great views of the Mont Blanc chain and offering easy access to the centre of Chamonix. The properties ......

1,495,000 EURREF: 237669

Modern 3 bedroom Penthouse for sale with sea view in Grasse, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Stunning 3 bedroom luxury penthouse with garden, pool and sauna, enjoying breathtaking uninterrupted panoramic sea and mountain views from its ideal location near all amenities in Cannes. Set in a......

1,900,000 EURREF: 237606

Quiet 6 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Paulhiac, Monflanquin, Aquitaine

Ideally situated in a quiet location in Paulhiac, close to Monflanquin, set within a large plot of 80,232m2 with an above ground swimming pool, wooded land, oak and pine forest and an 18m2 wooden t......

436,170 EURREF: 237529

Cosy 3 bedroom House for sale in Bourg Saint Maurice, Rhone-Alpes

Structurally refurbished 3 bedroom house located in Bourg Saint Maurice, with a total living area of 145m2, which comprises of: First floor: living room, kitchen, dining room, bathrooms and a room......

350,000 EURREF: 237494

Character 6 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with panoramic view in Rauzan, Branne, Aquitaine

Charming 3 bedroom stone built home located in a quiet setting in Rauzan, close to Branne, this lovely offering includes 3 houses with lots of scope to develop more living area or to make into a gi......

440,960 EURREF: 237045

Refurbished 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in La Croisette, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Completely refurbished 2 bedroom garden apartment, which is ideally situated within the La Croisette area of Cannes. Tastefully renovated, this exceptional apartment, unique in its kind, is locate......

895,000 EURREF: 237004

Grand 6 bedroom House for sale in Passy, Paris-Ile-de-France

Situated in the highly desirable 16th arrondissement, this magnificent private mansion, with a total living area of 1,000m2 is set within 800m2 of landscaped grounds. The property features exce......

Enquire For PriceREF: 236586

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

Beautifully presented 2 bedroom apartment within a secure and private residence on the heights of Villefranche-sur-Mer, with delightful views over the bay of Villefrance. The 90m2 property is lo......

1,365,000 EURREF: 236287

Furnished 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

Unique opportunity to acquire a very well presented, bright and spacious one bedroom fully furnished ground floor apartment with communal indoor pool, garden and parking, enjoying wonderful mountai......

535,000 EURREF: 236240

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

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautiful stone gite complex comprising of a 2 bedroom main house and two 2 bedroom gites, nestling in nearly 6 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with expansiv......

799,000 EURREF: 236216

6 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Lauzun, Aquitaine

Superb 6 bedroom whitewashed property, with a total spacious and beautifully presented living area of 265m2, set within 1.5 hectares of rolling countryside with a swimming pool and stunning country......

445,000 EURREF: 235870

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

Charming 2 bedroom apartment with communal pool and parking, located near all amenities in Port Grimaud. Set on the 1st floor of a residence, the 34m2 provides a living and dining room opening ont......

280,000 EURREF: 235800

Character 4 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Auribeau sur Siagne, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Full of character and charm, this superb 4 bedroom stone built bastide is ideally situated within a quiet setting in Auribeau sur Siagne. Offering all the charm of the old Provencal houses with it......

1,295,000 EURREF: 235741

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

Unique opportunity to acquire 2 separate one bedroom apartments with parking, enjoying wonderful river views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in Port Grimaud. Both propert......

370,000 EURREF: 235562

Bright 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Port Grimaud, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming one bedroom apartment with parking, enjoying panoramic river views from its 4th floor location in a residence near all amenities in the heart of Port Grimaud South. This bright property o......

420,000 EURREF: 235561

7 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Maurens, Midi-Pyrenees

Charming and sympathetically restored character property set in over 11 acres of beautiful Gers countryside, built in the typical white stone of the region, and totally restored in 2007- 2008. On......

2,100,000 EURREF: 235506

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

Charming 2 bedroom South facing duplex apartment, enjoying river views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in Port Grimaud. Set in a secured residence approx. 400m from the be......

420,000 EURREF: 235426

Stylish 11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Full of character and charm, this spacious and historic 11th century chateau is ideally situated within a quiet setting on a 1.2 hectare park with a swimming pool and garage, just a short drive fro......

1,400,000 EURREF: 235417

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

Full of character and charm, this lovely 4 bedroom villa is ideally situated within a closed domain in Mougins. With a total spacious living area of 360m2, which is set out mostly on a single lev......

2,350,000 EURREF: 235350

Historical 10 bedroom House for sale in Vernet les Bains, Languedoc-Roussillon

Beautiful, spacious 7 bedroom house with 3 one bedroom apartments and outbuildings, nestling in an acre of glorious landscaped gardens with pool while enjoying spectacular views from its location a......

850,000 EURREF: 235267

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

Stylish and chic 2 bedroom ground floor apartment with lovely garden, located near all amenities in Port Grimaud. This fully renovated property of 50m2 consists of a living and dining room openin......

449,000 EURREF: 235230

Immaculate 6 bedroom Villa for sale in Lathuile, Rhone-Alpes

Spacious, charming and luxurious 6 bedroom home, ideally situated in a quiet setting in Lathuile, just a few km from the west side of Lake Annecy. With a total beautifully presented living area of......

1,490,000 EURREF: 235203

Quiet 7 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Castillonnes, Aquitaine

Spacious family home, with a large barn ripe for conversion, ideally situated within a stunning and quiet setting, surrounded by 24 hectares of land and with stunning far reaching countryside views......

695,000 EURREF: 235132

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

Beautifully renovated 5 bedroom luxurious and modern villa with separate apartment, nestling in nearly an acre of glorious landscaped gardens with amazing pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views f......

4,990,000 EURREF: 235103

6 bedroom Villa for sale in Mougins, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

100% OFF MARKET BEAUTIFUL STONE PROPERTY WITH VILLAGE VIEW Located in a private residence and close to the international school and golf courses, an attractive and fully renovated 18th century sto......

6,500,000 EURREF: 235092

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

Grand, spacious and completely restored 9 bedroom house, ideally situated in a quiet setting and with lovely countryside views, yet just 2.6km from the local village amenities and 10km from the TGV......

1,837,500 EURREF: 234979

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

Stunning and stylish modern villa in a secure gated area on the hills of Trayas with simple outstanding sea views. The bright and spacious villa comes with a large living room with large windo......

3,250,000 EURREF: 234632

New Build 2 bedroom Penthouse for sale with sea view in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Brand new, exceptional and luxurious 2 bedroom Penthouse apartment with garden, enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the Croisette and the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. Set ......

2,894,000 EURREF: 234167

Newly built modern and spacious 2 bedroom apartment, situated on the 3rd floor of a luxurious residence located in Aix les Bains. With a total living area of 69m2, features include: 27m2 open pla......

305,800 EURREF: 234097

Bright 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Saint Gervais les Bains, Rhone-Alpes

A great opportunity to acquire a well presented one bedroom apartment with parking, enjoying wonderful mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Saint Gervais les ......

197,000 EURREF: 233886

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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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