Prestige Property Group

French Property

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Over 20 years experience in the area.

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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.

2936 properties

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Beautiful 4 bedroom Chalet for sale in Rochebrune, Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Beautiful traditional-style chalet in the heights of Rochebrune, Megeve, set in half an acre of grounds in a peaceful situation with superb panoramic mountain views. The bright 4 bedroom property......

3,150,000 EURREF: 239988

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

Spacious and well maintained 11 bedroom property, with a total living area of 560m2, ideally situated within a quiet setting on a large 40,000m2 plot with a swimming pool and lovely countryside vie......

1,300,000 EURREF: 239979

4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea and panoramic views in Sainte Maxime, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally situated within a highly sought after area of Semaphore in Saint Maxime, this 4 bedroom villa can either be renovated or totally rebuilt, with a living area of around 264m2 and set within a......

3,865,000 EURREF: 239978

Refurbished 3 bedroom Penthouse for sale in Argentiere, Chamonix, Rhone-Alpes

Beautifully refurbished 3 bedroom penthouse apartment, with a warm, cosy and inviting living area of 62m2, ideally situated in a highly sought after area of Argentiere, at the foot of the Grands Mo......

676,000 EURREF: 239973

Renovated 8 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Bellac, Limousin

Tastefully renovated 3 storey, 8 bedroom house with beautiful enclosed garden, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location on the edge of the vibrant touristic town of Bella......

339,000 EURREF: 239965

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

Superb 4 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet right in the hearth of Cannes city centre, set within a manicured plot of 1,005m2 with a swimming pool. Totally refurbishe......

5,300,000 EURREF: 239955

Refurbished 6 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Montauroux, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Recently totally refurbished, this magnificent and majestic 6 bedroom villa, which is situated within a quiet setting close to Montauroux, has stunning panoramic views of the "Terre Blanche golf an......

3,380,000 EURREF: 239935

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

A rare opportunity to acquire a stylish 3 bedroom villa enjoying breathtaking sea views from its large terrace, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Saint Tropez. This charming vill......

3,200,000 EURREF: 239927

6 bedroom Villa for sale with sea and panoramic views in Saint Paul de Vence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Exceptional 3 storey, 6 bedroom luxury villa nestling in an acre of glorious landscaped gardens with pool and tennis court, while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its elevated location near Sai......

5,500,000 EURREF: 239921

Bright 3 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Cap d'Antibes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Exceptional 3 bedroom villa nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its idyllic waterfront location in Cap d'Antib......

Enquire For PriceREF: 239919

Character 8 bedroom House for sale in Villereal, Aquitaine

Luxurious 8 bedroom B&B business, which is ideally situated within very private and secluded setting, yet right in the heart of Villereal, which is a lively bastide town. A tea room has been creat......

1,312,500 EURREF: 239883

Character 5 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Saint Maurin, Aquitaine

Surrounded by nature and full of character and charm, this magnificent 5 bedroom property has been well beautifully restored and is set within a large plot of 30,000m2 with 2 swimming pools and gue......

638,500 EURREF: 239877

Character 7 bedroom Townhouse for sale in Olonzac, Languedoc-Roussillon

Superb, grand and spacious 7 bedroom townhouse, with a total spacious living area of 590m2, which is beautifully presented and full of original character and charm, yet with modern living in mind. ......

597,000 EURREF: 239870

Unique 7 bedroom Chalet for sale in Les Arcs, Rhone-Alpes

Stunning and unique 7 bedroom ski chalet, which is ideally situated within a quiet and exceptional setting on the outskirts of Les Arcs, set at an altitude of more than 2,000m and with simply stunn......

6,100,000 EURREF: 239846

Cosy 1 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Well maintained 1 bedroom apartment, with a typical mountain style, situated on the 8th/top floor of a quality residence, which is situated right at the foot of the ski slopes and close to all amen......

340,000 EURREF: 239845

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

Full of authentic character and charm, this historical and beautifully presented 7 bedroom property is set in a quiet area on just over 2 acres of land with a swimming pool and an annexe with disab......

895,000 EURREF: 239827

Historical 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Perigueux, Aquitaine

Immaculately maintained Chateau estate, which is ideally situated in a quiet countryside setting, yet only 20km from Perigueux and just an hour from Bergerac, with its international airport. This ......

1,657,900 EURREF: 239825

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

With simply stunning views over the Bay of Cannes from the Islands to the Esterel Mountains, this superb 6 bedroom villa is situated within a truly exceptional setting right in the heart of one of ......

23,000,000 EURREF: 239813

Immaculate 6 bedroom House for sale with sea view in Eze, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Enjoying fantastic uninterrupted sea and mountain views is this stunning 3 bedroom house with 3 separate apartments, an expansive pool and garden, ideally located in a peaceful area near all ameni......

3,900,000 EURREF: 239800

Lovingly Maintained 11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Mirepoix, Midi-Pyrenees

Nestling in over 9.5 acres of glorious land with outbuildings, gardens and pool, is this beautiful 3 storey, 11 bedroom fully renovated authentic chateau, enjoying far reaching countryside views fr......

1,250,000 EURREF: 239785

Prestige 15 bedroom house for sale with countryside view in Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Unique opportunity to acquire a marvellous property with pool, 3 gites, a 4 bedroom auberge and wine making business, nestling in 194 acres of glorious land and vineyards, enjoying far reaching co......

2,632,000 EURREF: 239783

Renovated 8 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Termes, Languedoc-Roussillon

Beautifully renovated 19th century house with separate studio, gardens and expansive pool, surrounded by 54 hectares of glorious land while enjoying wonderful countryside views from its peaceful lo......

1,350,000 EURREF: 239782

Renovated 3 bedroom house for sale with countryside view in Olonzac, Languedoc-Roussillon

Beautifully renovated 3 bedroom 15th century Mediterranean style villa with pool and outbuildings, nestling in nearly 8.4 acres of glorious land with olive trees while enjoying far reaching country......

1,100,000 EURREF: 239781

Spacious 8 bedroom Chalet for sale in Les Arcs, Rhone-Alpes

Magnificent 8 bedroom ski chalet, with a total spacious and authentic living area of 345m2, ideally set within an exclusive and privileged location right in the heart of one of the largest ski area......

3,900,000 EURREF: 239758

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

With a bright and spacious living area of around 195m2 and set within a mature landscaped plot of 4,375m2 with a swimming pool, this superb Provencal style villa is ideally situated in a quiet and ......

1,595,000 EURREF: 239739

Refurbished 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Tastefully and totally refurbished to a very high standard, using quality materials throughout, this superb apartment is ideally situated close to the ski slopes and right in the heart of Val Thore......

475,000 EURREF: 239737

Stylish 3 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Tresserre, Perpignan, Languedoc-Roussillon

Nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, is this very well presented 3 bedroom single storey villa with independent studio, located near all amenities in Tresserre. This superb detache......

525,000 EURREF: 239728

Refurbished 5 bedroom Villa for sale in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Sumptuous, opulent and unique 5 bedroom mansion, which is ideally situated right in the heart of Cannes, near the beaches and the Croisette. Built at the end of the 1800's, this recently and entir......

6,900,000 EURREF: 239703

Renovated 11 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Gillonnay, Rhone-Alpes

Nestling in 85.5 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and glorious land, is this stylishly restored 11 bedroom 17th century French Chateau with outbuildings, enjoying far reaching countryside view......

Enquire For PriceREF: 239681

Renovated 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Bordeaux, Aquitaine

This discreetly marketed exceptional 2 bedroom property is located at a coveted address in the vicinity of Bordeaux's golden triangle. The 180m2 apartment has benefitted from a high quality reno......

1,590,000 EURREF: 239668

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

With lovely sea views, this bright and modern 2 bedroom apartment is ideally situated on the prestigious boulevard de la Croisette. With a total living area of 75.4m2, plus a 11m2 sea view terrace......

2,490,000 EURREF: 239633

Renovated 7 bedroom Villa for sale in Aix en Provence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Beautifully renovated 7 bedroom luxury villa nestling in glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying wonderful countryside views from its peaceful location in Aix en Provence. ......

7,900,000 EURREF: 239596

4 bedroom House for sale with sea and panoramic views in Tourrettes sur Loup, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Inviting and well maintained 4 bedroom house, set in a quiet within a large plot of 4,336m2 with a swimming pool and spectacular panoramic sea views. With a total spacious living area of 263m2, t......

1,198,000 EURREF: 239589

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

Enjoying breathtaking uninterrupted sea views from Italy to Monaco, is this exceptional 4 bedroom luxury villa set in nearly half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, ideally located ......

4,500,000 EURREF: 239570

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

Grand and inviting 5 bedroom home, which is ideally set within a large plot of 8,650m2 in a quiet residential setting, on the edge of a forest with stunning views of the surrounding greenery and a ......

1,750,000 EURREF: 239586

Immaculate and totally restored 7 bedroom 18th Century Bastide, with a vast total living area of over 800m2, ideally situated in a quiet setting amongst beautiful and natural surroundings, yet just......

7,900,000 EURREF: 239549

Refurbished 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Saint Tropez, Cote d

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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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