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.

2789 properties

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Max

Ideally situated within one of the most highly sought-after neighbourhoods of Saint Tropez, close to the most beautiful beaches of the peninsula, this imposing house, which is in need of renovation......

6,700,000 EURREF: 249413

Immaculate 4 bedroom Duplex for sale in Val d'Isere, Rhone-Alpes

Absolutely outstanding 4 bedroom luxury duplex apartment enjoying spectacular mountain views from its sought after location near the slopes and all amenities in Val d'Isere. Here, amid wonderful ......

6,700,000 EURREF: 242517

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

Grand 4 bedroom Duplex for sale with sea view in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Immaculately presented and spacious 4 bedroom duplex apartment, situated within a Belle Epoque villa and with a total living area of around 400m2. Nestled in the greenery of a residential park and......

6,500,000 EURREF: 223859

Superb Provencal villa in a great location in the centre of Saint-Tropez, just ten minutes' walk from Place des Lices, and with offers uninterrupted sea views from its spacious terrace. The large......

6,500,000 EURREF: 248518

Superb and spacious apartment in a historic Belle-Epoque style mansion in a sought-after neighbourhood in Californie, Cannes with panoramic views of the sea and the Bay of Cannes. Built in 1889, ......

6,500,000 EURREF: 248539

Ideally situated within walking distance to the sandy beaches and the famous Croisette in Cannes, this luxurious and immaculately presented property has a spacious living area of 370m2, which is ma......

6,500,000 EURREF: 247651

Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its sought after location on the heights of Villefranche-sur-Mer, is this 5 bedroom luxuriously renovated, architect designed villa nestling in over one acre of......

6,500,000 EURREF: 252141

Ideally located in a peaceful area near the beach and all amenities in Golfe Juan, is this stunning 5 bedroom luxurious new villa nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with ......

6,500,000 EURREF: 251677

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a magnificent historical Mas in excellent condition, nestling in 1.5 hectares of glorious landscaped gardens with pool and multiple dwellings, while enjoying far re......

6,500,000 EURREF: 251650

Ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Sainte Maxime, is this exceptional 4 bedroom luxury newly built villa, nestling in over half an acre of glorious landscaped gardens with pool whi......

6,500,000 EURREF: 251584

Unique opportunity to acquire an exquisite 5 bedroom property with pool and garden, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its highly sought after location near all amenities in Basse Californie, Can......

6,500,000 EURREF: 252988

Unique opportunity to acquire two stylishly renovated houses set in a beautiful mature garden with pool, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the heart of Cap Ferret. Both propertie......

6,494,000 EURREF: 252935

In excellent condition is this luxuriously renovated 3 storey, 5 bedroom Provencal style villa set in over half an acre of lush mature gardens with pool, ideally located in a peaceful area of Mougi......

6,490,000 EURREF: 252016

Absolutely exceptional 4 bedroom luxuriously refurbished villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying uninterrupted sea views from its ideal location near the beach......

6,450,000 EURREF: 252790

Superb 5 bedroom newly built 5 bedroom detached ski chalet, with a spacious living area of around 358m2, which is built over 4 levels, ideally located in the Mont d'Arbois area of Megeve, close to ......

6,400,000 EURREF: 246586

New Build 4 bedroom Apartment for sale in Val d'Isere, Rhone-Alpes

This beautiful 266.75m2 apartment is located in the heart of the resort of Val d'Isere. It is spread over 2 levels and consists of 5 bedrooms, a fitted kitchen open to the living room and a TV ar......

6,400,000 EURREF: 241944

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

Superb and spacious 6 bedroom villa in a peaceful situation with a Southerly aspect and fabulous panoramic views to the sea. Located in the sought after area of Super Cannes, the 380m2 property i......

6,900,000 EURREF: 240738

New development of an outstanding luxury villa in Eze- Grande Corniche set in a large landscaped plot of almost 3 acres with panoramic sea views. The modern 1,000 m2 villa on a 11,000m2 plot is c......

6,300,000 EURREF: 251704

Absolutely exceptional new 5 bedroom luxury villa nestling in beautiful landscaped garden with pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in Sainte ......

6,300,000 EURREF: 251561

Completely renovated 3 bedroom apartment located in the highly sought-after district of California in Cannes, right in the heart of an exclusive high-end residence with a guard and a park with a sw......

6,190,000 EURREF: 249844

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

Immaculate 4 bedroom Apartment for sale in Courchevel, Rhone-Alpes

Absolutely exceptional 4 bedroom luxury top floor apartment, enjoying wonderful mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Courchevel. Set in a ski in/ski out resi......

Enquire For PriceREF: 237732

Immaculately presented wine estate, which includes an ensemble of professional buildings (sheds, cellar, wine storehouse, tasting and reception rooms) with a surface area of 1,100m2. Features inc......

5,999,000 EURREF: 250156

Exceptional 5 bedroom villa, with a bright and spacious living area of 260m2, ideally nestled right in the heart of a 1,575m2 mature plot with a swimming pool. This property enjoys 5 bedrooms and......

5,990,000 EURREF: 246987

Bright and welcoming 6 bedroom villa, with an immaculate and spacious living area of 230m2, nestled on a beautiful 1,318m2 plot with a swimming pool and stunning panoramic sea views. With its 6 be......

5,990,000 EURREF: 246992

Magnificent 6 bedroom Provencal villa nestling in over half an acre of glorious landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its location in Saint Paul de Vence. ......

5,980,000 EURREF: 252979

Enjoying panoramic sea views across the beautiful landscaped gardens, is this exceptional 6 bedroom luxury Provencal style villa with separate apartment and expansive pool, ideally located in the p......

5,980,000 EURREF: 253150

Ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Eze, is this spacious 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its sought after setting. Onl......

5,950,000 EURREF: 253003

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

Located in a closed domain on the heights of Trayas, with spectacular panoramic views overlooking the sea and the Esterel towards the Alps. The villa has a total surface area of around 600m2 spre......

5,950,000 EURREF: 242276

Beautiful maison de maitre in Grasse, the perfume capital in the heart of Provence, w ith an estate of over 16 acres including a century-old olive grove, mature gardens and lovely swimming pool. ......

5,950,000 EURREF: 250855

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

Modern, bright and spacious 5 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated in an elevated setting with stunning panoramic views over Eze bay, just 10 minutes from Monaco and within walking distance to ......

5,950,000 EURREF: 240595

Luxury 3 bedroom Penthouse for sale with sea view in Roquebrune Cap Martin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Unique opportunity to acquire an outstanding 4 storey, 3 bedroom luxuriously renovated Penthouse apartment enjoying panoramic sea views from its rooftop location in a residence on the border betwee......

5,900,000 EURREF: 243161

7 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Collines, Mougins, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Prestigious villa set within a dominating position with super sea views towards the sea, Cannes, Lerins Islands and the bay of La Napoule. Located just a short walk to the Old Village and in one of......

5,900,000 EURREF: 187186

In excellent condition is this absolutely outstanding 6 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the beach......

5,900,000 EURREF: 251134

Stunning and completely refurbished 6 bedroom villa, ideally situated within one of the most exclusive areas of Mougins, in a very residential estate with beautiful views of the surrounding green h......

5,900,000 EURREF: 248798

Enjoying panoramic sea views from the roof terrace, is this exceptional modern 3 bedroom luxury villa with garden, located near all amenities in Roquebrune Cap Martin. This superb property is situ......

5,900,000 EURREF: 245821

Superb totally refurbished 6 bedroom villa, which is set out over several floors, located in a quiet setting in Antibes and enjoying beautiful views towards the sea. Set on a flat manicured garden......

6,360,000 EURREF: 247153

Absolutely exceptional 5 bedroom new luxury duplex apartment, enjoying scenic mountain views from its prestigious location near the slopes and all amenities in Meribel. This new Bois des Ours dev......

5,900,000 EURREF: 247815

Luxuriously renovated 5 bedroom contemporary villa nestling in over half an acre of beautiful mature gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location in the heart......

5,900,000 EURREF: 253188

Ideally located near the beach and all amenities in a peaceful area of Saint Tropez is this exceptional modern 4 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful mature gardens with pool, while enjoying panor......

5,900,000 EURREF: 251201

A unique opportunity to acquire an exceptional 6 bedroom luxury villa nestling in over one hectare of beautiful landscaped gardens with two pools, while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its pre......

5,900,000 EURREF: 252549

Historical 8 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Bournezeau, Pays-de-la-Loire

A unique opportunity to acquire an exceptional 8 bedroom 19th century Florentine style French Chateau with chapel, renovated outbuildings with accommodation and huge conservatory offering a great d......

5,830,000 EURREF: 238677

Stylish 5 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Enjoying one of the most outstanding views of the bay of Cannes, is this exceptional 5 bedroom luxury villa with separate apartment and beautiful landscaped garden with pool, ideally located in a s......

5,800,000 EURREF: 240075

Unique opportunity to acquire this beautifully renovated authentic oil mill with separate house, nestling in over 4 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic views fr......

5,800,000 EURREF: 251479

Immaculate, bright and spacious 3 bedroom villa, which is ideally located in a quiet setting in Roquebrune Cap Martin, in a residential district close to the Principality of Monaco. This newly bui......

5,800,000 EURREF: 247605

Unique opportunity to acquire an absolutely exceptional 4 bedroom luxury Penthouse apartment with pool, garden and Jacuzzi, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its sought after location in Cann......

5,800,000 EURREF: 251011

Waterfront 8 bedroom Property for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Saint Raphael, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its sought after frontline location near the heart of Saint Raphael, is this exceptional 8 bedroom luxury villa with separate apartment, nestling in over half a......

5,750,000 EURREF: 245622

Immaculate 5 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Terre Blanche, Saint Paul en Foret, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

In immaculate condition throughout, this sumptuous 5 bedroom home is ideally located in the private and highly sought-after estate of "Terre Blanche," which is a secure 24/7 guated domain known for......

5,700,000 EURREF: 245395

Magnificent and recently renovated Provencal villa, situated in an idyllic setting on the eastern slope of Cap d'Antibes, close to the beaches and offering breathtaking views of the sea and the old......

5,700,000 EURREF: 248589

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French Property

Full Personal Service

Entire Market

Free Service

Included Extras

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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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