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.

2469 properties

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Immaculate 7 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Faye l'Abbesse, Poitou-Charentes

Beautifully presented throughout and set in a quiet setting within around 1 hectare of land with a swimming pool and stunning views towards the village of Faye l'Abbesse, where there are shops and ......

424,000 EURREF: 245693

Ideally located near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of Val Claret, Tignes, is this stylish one bedroom apartment, enjoying uninterrupted scenic mountain views. This 2 room property with......

423,500 EURREF: 245985

Rare opportunity to acquire a modern and spacious 5 bedroom property in an isolated and private situation with more than 10 hectares of land and panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. ......

421,100 EURREF: 246578

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

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

Very well presented 4 bedroom house with garden enjoying panoramic views from its South facing setting near all amenities in Le Bourget du Lac. This charming property of 105 m2 of living space com......

420,000 EURREF: 251932

Charming 2 bedroom apartment in the heart of Meribel with fabulous panoramic mountain views. The 37m2 property includes a fitted open plan kitchen dining and living area, a double bedroom, cabi......

420,000 EURREF: 251711

2 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in Pays d'Aix, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

In the historical centre of Aix-en-Provence, a charming apartment of approximately 100m2, on the top floors of a small stone building. Large living area consisting of: lounge and a kitchen with d......

420,000 EURREF: 150456

Beautiful and spacious character property set in a tranquil village, currently run as a "chambre d'hotes" and offering a harmonious blend of traditional charm and modern comfort. The 7 bedroom ......

418,700 EURREF: 253244

Very nicely presented single bedroom apartment in the very centre of Menton, only a few steps from the Casino Barriere, the beaches and the Tennis Club. Situated on the top floor of a nice old-st......

418,000 EURREF: 248847

Set on a high floor of a recently built residence located in Challes les Eaux and with lift access, this beautiful 3 bedroom apartment has a living area of 87m2, plus a large 112m2 south facing ter......

417,000 EURREF: 247697

Enjoying beautiful mountain views from its location in Bourg Saint Maurice, is this charming 4 bedroom corner apartment. Set in a new development ideally situated South and West in the corner of ......

415,000 EURREF: 253036

Charming 3 storey, 4 bedroom house with pool, garden and outbuilding, ideally located near all amenities in the heart of Salies de Bearn. This large family home comprises an entrance hall, pantry......

414,750 EURREF: 251506

Full of charm and character is this beautiful 2 bedroom apartment ideally located near all amenities in a peaceful and sought after area of Uzes. Situated in the historic heart of this small medie......

410,000 EURREF: 253791

Beautifully renovated 4 bedroom house set in 2.5 acres with lovely garden and swimming pool, within walking distance to a pretty riverside village with bakery and restaurant. The spacious 236m2 h......

408,100 EURREF: 247938

Ideally located in the centre of Menton, just a few steps from facilities, beaches and the main train station, this 2nd floor apartment is situated within a nice contemporary style building and has......

405,000 EURREF: 247772

Character 4 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Sauveterre de Guyenne, Aquitaine

Situated on the outskirts of Sauveterre de Guyenne, this beautiful 4 bedroom farmhouse, with a large barn and 2 further outbuildings to renovate (subject to the necessary permissions), is set withi......

404,500 EURREF: 238951

- 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Aix en Provence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

A two bedroom apartment in Aix en Provence with great views of Sainte Victoire, just 2 minutes from the centre in a quiet and exclusive area. Opportunity to purchase an off plan. This two bedro......

403,760 EURREF: 180450

Character 5 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Tombeboeuf, Aquitaine

Gorgeous and ready to move into 5 bedroom family size stone built home or holiday residence, which has undergone recent upgrades and extension to provide a spacious bright and airy living space fit......

424,000 EURREF: 245025

A unique opportunity to acquire an authentic 14 bedroom Manor House with restaurant facilities,nestling in over 4 acres of land with barn and equestrian rooms, located in Bessines sur Gartempe. ......

402,800 EURREF: 251315

Full of character and charm and ideal for a B&B or gite (subject to necessary permissions), this superb property is ideally located close to all amenities in Montaigu de Quercy. Features include,......

402,800 EURREF: 246604

Income Producing 8 bedroom House for sale in Thiviers, Aquitaine

Beautiful 8 bedroom stone built country house, with a total living area of 220m2, set within a large plot of around 7 hectares with a swimming pool and stunning countryside views. Located only 6 m......

402,800 EURREF: 236746

Single bedroom apartment for sale in a great location in Roquebrune Cap Martin on the ground floor of a contemporary style building in good condition. The 43m2 property comes with a hall with sto......

400,000 EURREF: 247597

Character 3 bedroom House for sale in Castanet, Midi-Pyrenees

Beautifully renovated and full of character and charm, this beautiful 3 bedroom stone built house has large rooms and a separate garage with ample workshop space and is currently being used as a ga......

399,950 EURREF: 231952

Ideally located in the centre of Menton, just a few steps from facilities, beaches and the main train station, this lovely 1 bedroom 6th floor apartment is set in a high standing building. With a ......

399,000 EURREF: 249747

Beautifully renovated 3 storey, 7 bedroom Manor House set in 1 3/4 acres of glorious land with gardens, pool, woods and outbuildings, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful......

399,000 EURREF: 251319

Refurbished 4 bedroom Mill for sale with countryside view in Lacour, Midi-Pyrenees

Charming former mill house, which has been beautifully restored and has its "original mechanics", located in a quiet setting in Lacour, set within a large plot of 18,869m2 with woodland, a dovecote......

399,000 EURREF: 237575

Lovely 2 bedroom apartment on the second floor of a residence with lift in the heart of Port Grimaud 2. The 46m2 property includes an open plan kitchen area and sitting room opening onto a covere......

399,000 EURREF: 254036

Bright and spacious 3 bedroom single storey house set in half an acre of garden with pool, ideally located in a peaceful area near all amenities in the thermal spa town Salies-de-Bearn., This imma......

397,100 EURREF: 253123

Constructible plot of land in Ars en Re Right in the centre of the village, this charming plot of land will charm with its location. The building permit has been obtained and all appeals have be......

395,000 EURREF: 252774

Beautifully renovated 2 bedroom stone Mazet nestling in over half an acre of South facing mature gardens, ideally located near all amenities near Uzes. This magnificent property has been extended......

395,000 EURREF: 252780

Stylishly renovated one bedroom apartment enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Megeve. This bright property of 32.38 m2 is situated on the f......

395,000 EURREF: 251019

Bright and spacious 2 bedroom apartment, which is ideally located in Menton, in the renowned district of Madone. Situated on the second floor of a magnificent old style building with an amazing pa......

395,000 EURREF: 249585

Character 5 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Chaillac, Centre

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented, this deceptively spacious 5 bedroom Charentaise home is set in a quiet setting within a small hamlet in Chaillac, with just a handful of house......

450,000 EURREF: 233140

Charming terraced house, just 5 minutes from the village of Plan de la tour. The character property comes with living space of 78m2 and includes a living room and a kitchen opening onto a privat......

390,000 EURREF: 252925

Beautifully presented, spacious 4 storey, 5 bedroom house with outbuilding, set in two acres of glorious gardens with pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location ......

389,000 EURREF: 251405

Spacious and newly renovated 5 bedroom farmhouse with outbuildings in a small hamlet in a quiet area,10 Km South of Barbezieux. The 5 bedroom property comes with 260 m2 of living space and numerou......

388,500 EURREF: 247197

Income Producing 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Le Chantel, Les Arcs, Rhone-Alpes

Very nice 2 bedroom apartment in a four star tourist residence with balcony and panoramic views of the mountains. The 55 m2 property includes 2 bedrooms, bathroom, equipped kitchen, living room, ......

420,000 EURREF: 245473

Stylish 5 bedroom House for sale in Bourg Saint Maurice, Rhone-Alpes

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a stylish 5 bedroom house split into 2 apartments with garden, located near all amenities in Bourg Saint Maurice. The 185m2 floor area is composed of two apartmen......

385,000 EURREF: 241835

Appealing character 3/4 bedroom property set over a variety of floors with a private courtyard garden located in the heart of a beautiful historic village. The multi-level home features a spacio......

385,000 EURREF: 252251

Character 4 bedroom house for sale with panoramic view in Najac, Midi-Pyrenees

Situated right in the heart of a beautiful medieval village, this lovely stone built property, which was once the home of the local Notaire, has spacious and light rooms with high ceilings and stun......

385,000 EURREF: 243934

New Build 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Vallorcine, Rhone-Alpes

Enjoying wonderful mountain views is this stylish new 2 bedroom fully furnished apartment, ideally located near the slopes and all amenities in Vallorcine. Situated 20 minutes from Chamonix Centre......

385,000 EURREF: 239253

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

PRICE REDUCED - Duplex apartment of approx. 48sqm on the 2nd and last floor of a residence with nice view onto the canals. It provides: - a living room opening onto a terrace - an open kitchen ......

383,000 EURREF: 137897

Ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the Palm Beach area of Cannes, is this bright and spacious one bedroom ground floor apartment. Set in a luxury residence between Croisette and t......

382,000 EURREF: 253612

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

Located in the Monarques residence in Les Arcs, this sumptuous apartment offers 2 bedrooms, shower room and a bathroom. The residence has high-end services, which includes indoor and outdoor swim......

420,000 EURREF: 247028

Beautiful two bedroom apartment in a pretty residence on the slopes, very close to the Dahu cable car. The interior of 50m2 includes 2 bedrooms, one with a shower, bathroom, wc, equipped kitche......

380,000 EURREF: 253107

This is a great opportunity to buy a lovely rural property located in a small hamlet with views over surrounding fields and just a few neighbours, within easy reach of Parisot. It comprises a sto......

379,500 EURREF: 251820

Beautifully renovated 3 storey, 4 bedroom stone Maison de Maitre with garden, outbuildings and 4 acres of glorious land, located in a peaceful area between the popular bastide towns of Monsegur and......

376,300 EURREF: 249093

Apartment with a renovated cabin, situated right in the heart of Val Claret and with breathtaking views and exceptional light. With a living area of 27m2, features include an open plan living/din......

375,000 EURREF: 247217

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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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