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.

2789 properties

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Surrounded by 24 hectares of mature gardens and land, is this modern 4 bedroom single storey house with outbuildings and barns, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location i......

530,000 EURREF: 250531

Situated in a quiet setting on the hillside of Saint Jeoire Prieure, this totally refurbished 4 bedroom south facing village house is set on 260m2 of land and has stunning panoramic mountain views.......

530,000 EURREF: 247574

Located in the La Daille district of Val d'Isere, close to the shops and at the foot of the ski slopes, this pleasant 43m2, 2 bedroom apartment, with great renovation potential, is south facing and......

529,500 EURREF: 246050

Excellent opportunity to purchase 2 separate houses, with living areas of approximately 270 and 80m2, ideally situated within a quiet and peaceful countryside setting, yet just a short distance fro......

526,600 EURREF: 247182

Full of charm and character is this beautiful 4 bedroom stone house with independent cottage, nestling in nearly an acre of glorious land, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its ele......

526,000 EURREF: 248155

Situated in Peisey Nancroix, this character 4-level house has a spacious living area of 232m2, plus a small garden and cellars. Top floors: duplex apartment of 115m2, with a living/dining room, f......

525,000 EURREF: 250299

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......

525,000 EURREF: 249673

10 bedroom Complex for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Villeneuve, Midi-Pyrenees

Fantastic opportunity to acquire a complex of a very well presented 4 bedroom house, a charming 3 bedroom guest house, 2 holiday homes, a duplex and a studio, all nestling in over an acre of beauti......

525,000 EURREF: 243330

Stylishly renovated one bedroom luxury apartment with communal garden, enjoying panoramic sea views from its location in Menton. In the heart of downtown Menton, within a prestigious Belle Epoque......

525,000 EURREF: 253085

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 ......

525,000 EURREF: 252413

Impressive and beautifully renovated country property with income potential, set in 3.6 acres, just 10 minutes from the market town of Ruffiac. This spacious 8 bedroom property comes with a 4 bed......

525,000 EURREF: 252509

Rare development and income opportunity with this Nineteenth Century property with over 1,800m2 of living space. Ideally situated in the heart of the town, this rare property enjoys a prime loca......

525,000 EURREF: 252268

Enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal ski in/ski out location near the slopes and all amenities in Meribel, is this bright and spacious 2 bedroom apartment. With a surface area of 41.5m2,......

525,000 EURREF: 251360

Stylishly renovated one bedroom apartment, enjoying uninterrupted breathtaking mountain views from its ideal ski in ski out location in Megeve. This superb mountain corner property of 37.52m2 has......

525,000 EURREF: 250606

Brand new stylish and bright 3 bedroom ground floor apartment with garage, enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Morzine. Situated right on th......

524,000 EURREF: 245872

A two bedroom apartment in a charming chalet-style residence in the heart of the Val d'Arly, in a privileged location in the centre of the village of Crest-Voland, just a few minutes' walk from the......

523,000 EURREF: 248583

Renovated 9 bedroom Restaurant for sale in Monflanquin, Aquitaine

An excellent income generating and lifestyle opportunity with this property perfectly situated in one of the most popular areas of France. In excellent condition throughout, it has been under t......

565,000 EURREF: 232457

Bright 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Roquebrune Cap Martin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

With lovely sea views, this bright 2 bedroom apartment is ideally situated in a quiet area, yet just 2km from the sea and the beaches of Roquebrune Cap Martin. With a living area of 59m2, this bri......

520,000 EURREF: 240017

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented throughout, this magnificent property is located in the commune of Clairac, with its many amenities, just 40 minutes from Agen and its train st......

520,000 EURREF: 249515

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

Inviting duplex apartment, situated in a privileged location in the heart of Val Thorens skiing resort and with lovely mountain views. Set on the top floors of the residence, features include on t......

520,000 EURREF: 244761

Cosy 1 bedroom Apartment for sale with countryside view in Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Charming 1 bedroom apartment, situated in a lovely residence and ideally located just a few minutes walk from Megeve village centre. With a cosy living area of 35.71m2 (under carrez law), this apa......

520,000 EURREF: 245577

Impressive and stylishly renovated 2 bedroom apartment, in a lovely bourgeois building designed by Charles Dalmas in the early 1910s, in the heart of Nice. Ideally located on a pedestrian street,......

520,000 EURREF: 253141

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

Between the village centre and the beaches, this charming, fully renovated single-story house consists of a living room with a fitted kitchen opening onto a pretty courtyard, a salon, two bedrooms ......

519,000 EURREF: 252775

Unique opportunity to acquire a tastefully renovated old water mill with a gite and 3 PODs, nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying countryside views from its peaceful lo......

519,000 EURREF: 251216

Bright 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in Vallandry, Peisey Nancroix, Rhone-Alpes

Newly built 3 bedroom apartment, which is under CGH lease, so guarantees rents, with owner occupation allowed for 6 weeks per year. This splendid apartment, with a living area of 74m2, comprises ......

518,000 EURREF: 243715

Very well situated and versatile apartment with independent studio ideally located in the centre of Menton, only a few steps from amenities, beaches, the Tennis Club and the Casino Barriere. Sit......

515,000 EURREF: 251427

In the sought-after Roi Soleil district, a lovely three-bedroom flat with a sea view. The 73m2 property comes with an entrance hall, a living and dining room with a veranda overlooking the garden......

515,000 EURREF: 252599

New Build 1 bedroom Duplex for sale in Alpe d'Huez, Huez, Rhone-Alpes

Attractive one bedroom apartment with balcony in a new development in Alpe d'Huez. This 54m2 top floor property comes with a a living room, a bedroom, a bathroom and a separate wc. Outside, there......

513,000 EURREF: 239109

Impressive character property dating back to before the Seventeenth Century in the heart of a lively village on the Causse de Limogne. The 5 bedroom manoire has been beautifully renovated to offe......

511,000 EURREF: 248439

Charming 4 bedroom stone built property, which is ideally situated in a quiet and small peaceful hamlet on the edge of a forest. This typical Lot et Garonne house, which has been built using Querc......

510,600 EURREF: 250316

Stylish 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Tignes, Rhone-Alpes

Stylishly renovated one bedroom apartment enjoying wonderful mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Tignes. This attractive, South-West facing property is clo......

510,000 EURREF: 245507

Renovated 3 bedroom House for sale in Verteillac, Aquitaine

A beautifully presented and luxurious property in the Dordogne with swimming pool and in a good situation. This 219m2 property provides an opportunity for very comfortable living. It includes a......

510,000 EURREF: 240193

A bright 3 bedroom house on one level in Rivedoux Plage on the Ile de re. With excellent potential for updating and renovating, the 65m2 property sits in a mature plot of 524m2. It includes a l......

509,000 EURREF: 252863

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

Tastefully renovated character property with gites and income potential in the Charente Maritime. The main house comes with a fitted kitchen opening onto dining room, large living room, wc on the......

508,800 EURREF: 247354

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a charming 8 bedroom house with separate apartment, nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying uninterrupted countryside views from its peac......

508,800 EURREF: 250437

Renovated 'Maison de Maitre' just an hour from Bordeaux, offering charm, space, and potential. Full of natural light, its multiple living areas create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The large......

505,400 EURREF: 253054

A charming single-story house with pool, in a peaceful area of the desirable village of Blauzac, just 10 minutes from Uzes. Built in 2010 and elegantly lined with stone on its facade, the 115m2 ......

505,000 EURREF: 253099

Beautiful 2 bedroom apartment + mountain area, situated in the ARC 1950 area and benefiting from a south-west exposure, Free of lease, which is rare in this area, and quietly located, this bright ......

504,500 EURREF: 247057

2 bedroom House for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Brassac, Midi-Pyrenees

A haven of peace in the heart of the Languedoc regional park, at 550m altitude, this lovely renovated stone and slate built house has been totally refurbished to a very high standard and is very br......

504,255 EURREF: 242085

Charming Medieval chateau, full of character and and ancient grandeur, in a hamlet just 15 minutes from Sarlat. Set in 6,064m2 of land and dating back to the 13th Century, this noble stone castle......

503,500 EURREF: 250776

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

Located right in the heart of Val Thorens, this charming 1 bedroom apartment offers a welcoming functional living space of 40.42m2, which comprises of: entrance hall with storage space and a mounta......

500,000 EURREF: 243985

Refurbished 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Minervois Corbieres, Languedoc-Roussillon

Spacious and totally refurbished 5 bedroom stone built house, with its origins dating from 1850, situated in a quiet setting within landscaped gardens of 1,835m2 with a swimming pool and lovely cou......

500,000 EURREF: 225194

Elegant 4 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with panoramic view in Tardets Sorholus, Aquitaine

Immaculately presented throughout, this superb 4 bedroom farmhouse, with a living area of 234m2, is set in a quiet setting within private wooded land of 4,719m2 and has amazing panoramic views of t......

500,000 EURREF: 245022

Beautifully renovated 4 storey, 6 bedroom house set in glorious landscaped gardens with pool, ideally located in the heart of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, within walking distance of numerous shops, bars and......

499,900 EURREF: 248633

Full of character and charm and with great income potential, this superb stone built property has 4 gites and is ideally situated close to the attractive village of Villefagnan. Ideal for anyone ......

499,795 EURREF: 250353

A very pretty and nicely renovated maison de maitre, built in the 1860's, in the heart of a charming bastide town in Landes. Sensitively renovated to a very high standard; with new bespoke bathroo......

499,500 EURREF: 250551

Quiet 2 bedroom Duplex for sale in La Touviere, Le Biot, Rhone-Alpes

Beautifully presented 2 bedroom apartment, situated within the pretty hamlet of La Touviere, Le Biot, which is a calm and traditionally styled mountain village setting just 15 minutes from the skii......

499,500 EURREF: 244717

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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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