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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.

2936 properties

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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

15 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Duras, Aquitaine

Stunning stone built estate located in a quiet setting in Duras, with a vast spacious living area of 935m2 with a total of 15 bedrooms and set in a U-shape around a beautiful courtyard. The centr......

1,270,500 EURREF: 238444

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

Currently under construction, this superb turnkey architect-designed 4 bedroom villa, which has been built using top-of-the-range fixtures and fittings with refined lines, is set within a landscape......

6,500,000 EURREF: 238443

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

Bright and beautifully refurbished 3 bedroom apartment, located in a quiet setting in Val Thorens, with a total spacious and bright living area of 67m2, which is set out over 3 floors. Entirely r......

990,000 EURREF: 238438

11 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with Income Potential in Tournon d'Agenais, Aquitaine

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented throughout, this historic 17th Century fortified farmhouse, which is ideally situated in a quiet setting within a large 18 hectare plot, has be......

1,250,000 EURREF: 238433

Character 5 bedroom House for sale in Toulouse, Midi-Pyrenees

Wonderful opportunity for a lifestyle change with this 5-bedroom Nineteenth century house found in the heart of this beautiful medieval village. On the ground floor, the salon provides a welcomin......

440,000 EURREF: 238431

Refurbished 9 bedroom Manor House for sale in Civray, Poitou-Charentes

Beautifully and sympathetically renovated 9 bedroom stone built manor house, with a vast total living area of 850m2, set within a mature riverside plot of 2,130m2 with an above ground swimming pool......

787,500 EURREF: 238426

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

With panoramic sea views, this superb 4 bedroom villa has a total spacious living area of 250m2 and is set within a mature plot of 2,600m2 with a swimming pool. Ideally situated on the water's ed......

14,500,000 EURREF: 238416

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

Studio for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Charming studio apartment with a cabin area, with a total cosy living area of 27m2, ideally situated right in the heart of Val Thorens resort and close to skiing, with 600km of ski slopes of the Th......

284,000 EURREF: 238360

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......

11,000,000 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

New Build 4 bedroom Villa for sale in Roquebrune Cap Martin, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Attractive new villa with swimming pool and luxurious finishings, in a peaceful location on level ground in Cap Martin. The spacious 245m2 property sits in flat landscaped garden of 945 m2. The ......

2,980,000 EURREF: 238299

Quiet 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Theoule sur Mer, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

With stunning sea views and ideally situated in a quiet elevated setting, yet just a short walk from the centre of Theoule sur Mer. With a total living area of around 225m2, which is spread over ......

4,300,000 EURREF: 238289

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......

4,990,000 EURREF: 238264

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

Beautifully renovated, outstanding 2 bedroom apartment with communal gardens, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its prestigious location near the beach and all amenities in La Croisette, Cannes.......

3,280,000 EURREF: 238248

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

Enjoying wonderful sea views from its prestigious location near all amenities in the heart of La Croisette, is this bright and spacious 2 bedroom luxury apartment with communal indoor pool. Set in......

3,200,000 EURREF: 238238

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

Beautiful 6 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Cap d'Ail, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Simply stunning Belle Epoque style 3 storey, 6 bedroom villa with a beautifully presented total living area of 400m2, set within wonderful landscaped gardens of 1,600m2 with an infinity swimming po......

14,500,000 EURREF: 238229

Renovated 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Enjoying uninterrupted sea views from its 6th floor location in the Basse Californie sector, is this beautifully renovated 2 bedroom South facing apartment with communal gardens. This 3 room prope......

790,000 EURREF: 238194

Immaculate 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in La Garde Freinet, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented throughout, this superb Provencal style villa, with a total living area of around 210m2, is set on over 2 hectares of wooded grounds with a swi......

2,200,000 EURREF: 238147

Inviting 2 bedroom Penthouse for sale in Le Chantel, Les Arcs, Rhone-Alpes

Very nice 2 bedroom penthouse apartment,situated within a tourist residence located in Le Chantel, on the heights of Les Arc 1800. With a total living area of 51m2, features include: 2 bedrooms, ......

445,000 EURREF: 238142

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

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

Beautifully presented Provencal inspired 4 bedroom villa, with a total living area of around 198m2, set within an elevated landscaped plot of 2.25m2 with a swimming pool and stunning views over the......

1,490,000 EURREF: 238137

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

Very well presented 3 bedroom Provencal villa set in half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying wonderful sea views from its ideal location near all amenities ......

1,550,000 EURREF: 238119

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

This impressive ultra modern villa on the outskirts of Mougins is part of the prestigious area of Castelleras. The property is full of light and comes with 400m2 of living space with a large sitti......

3,900,000 EURREF: 174225

Historical 19 bedroom Manor House for sale in Toulouse, Midi-Pyrenees

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French Property

Full Personal Service

Entire Market

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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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