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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.

2945 properties

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

Stunning, bright and spacious architect designed villa, ideally situated within a quiet setting with stunning and unique 270 degree panoramic views over the bay of Cannes, the Lerins Islands, the s......

4,950,000 EURREF: 234545

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

Full of character and charm and with quality fixtures and fittings throughout, this superb 4 bedroom south facing villa has a total spacious living area of 232m2 and is ideally situated in a quiet ......

785,000 EURREF: 234466

Architect Designed 6 bedroom Villa for sale 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......

5,900,000 EURREF: 234463

Immaculate 5 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Saint Paul de Vence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Stunning modern and spacious architect-designed villa with a total living area of 410m2, with Japanese inspiration, ideally situated within a quiet setting in Saint Paul de Vence, on a not overlook......

Enquire For PriceREF: 234340

Character 2 bedroom Villa for sale in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Rare opportunity to acquire an exquisite 2 bedroom single storey Provencal villa, nestling in nearly half an acre of glorious landscaped gardens with pool, perfectly located in a gated domain, a fe......

1,790,000 EURREF: 234301

New Build 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Plascassier, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Modern 4 bedroom villa, with a bright and spacious total living area of around 271m2, ideally situated in a quiet elevated setting, yet within walking distance to the village of Plascassier and clo......

2,200,000 EURREF: 234247

New Build 2 bedroom Penthouse for sale with sea view in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Brand new, exceptional and luxurious 2 bedroom Penthouse apartment with garden, enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the Croisette and the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. Set ......

3,120,000 EURREF: 234167

Immaculate 6 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Theoule sur mer, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Absolutely outstanding 6 bedroom architect designed, waterfront property, nestling in 1.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool and private beach, while enjoying breathtak......

15,950,000 EURREF: 234162

Newly built modern and spacious 2 bedroom apartment, situated on the 3rd floor of a luxurious residence located in Aix les Bains. With a total living area of 69m2, features include: 27m2 open pla......

305,800 EURREF: 234097

Beautiful 6 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Auribeau sur Siagne, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, is this superb 5 bedroom Provencal villa with one bedroom studio, enjoying panoramic countryside views from its peaceful South facing location ne......

795,000 EURREF: 234016

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

Magnificent 7 bedroom villa, with a vast total living area of 919m2, ideally situated within a highly sought after residential area of Grasse. Steeped in history, this superb property is set withi......

Enquire For PriceREF: 233977

Bright 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Saint Gervais les Bains, Rhone-Alpes

A great opportunity to acquire a well presented one bedroom apartment with parking, enjoying wonderful mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Saint Gervais les ......

197,000 EURREF: 233886

High Specification 9 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Saint Tropez, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

14,950,000 EURREF: 233814

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

Magnificent 4 bedroom bourgeois apartment, with a total living area of 169m2 with high ceilings, ideally situated with a quiet and private residence with a lovely sea and park views, right in the h......

3,180,000 EURREF: 233797

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

Full of character and charm, this bright and spacious 4 bedroom neo-Provencal style villa, with a total living area of 180m2, is set within an elevated Mediterranean garden of 1,055m2 with a swimmi......

1,550,000 EURREF: 233791

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

Exceptional luxurious 4 bedroom Penthouse apartment with pool and Jacuzzi, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its location near all amenities in Cannes. This unique property with high-end facil......

11,000,000 EURREF: 233738

8 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Serignac Peboudou, Aquitaine

A spacious property with a total of 8 bedrooms which includes a variety of buildings and is set in over 37 acres in the Lot et Garonne region with countryside views. The property includes a tradi......

530,000 EURREF: 233284

Waterfront 13 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Le Lavandou, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated in a quiet and exceptional setting right alongside the waterfront in Le Lavandou, and with direct access to the sea, right in the heart of a preserved and green environment within a large......

11,550,000 EURREF: 233265

Character 5 bedroom Manor House for sale in Carennac, Midi-Pyrenees

Grand, spacious and beautifully presented 5 bedroom manor house, ideally situated within a stunning setting in Carennac, which was voted the most beautiful village in France, right in the heart of ......

480,000 EURREF: 233216

Luxury 4 bedroom Chalet for sale in Les Allues, Meribel, Rhone-Alpes

Superb and stylish 4 bedroom ski chalet in Meribel Les Allues with additional bonus of the potential to build a second 180m2 chalet on the divisible plot if desired. The 184m2 property is superbl......

1,700,000 EURREF: 233166

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

High Specification 7 bedroom Chalet for sale in Rochebrune, Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Superb 7 bedroom ski chalet, with a total spacious living area of 500m2, ideally situated in a quiet setting yet just 100m from the slopes and only a 7 minute walk to Rochebrune village. Recently ......

Enquire For PriceREF: 233098

Historical 5 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Bauge en Anjou, Pays-de-la-Loire

Character stone property that has been tastefully and comprehensively restored, dating back to the Fifteenth Century, within easy reach of local amenities and about 30 minutes from Saumur and the L......

535,000 EURREF: 233010

Historical 16 bedroom Chateau for sale in Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon

Full of character and charm and beautifully presented throughout, this magnificent and exceptional 17th Century chateau has a vast total living area of 1,020m2 and is set within a beautiful country......

3,990,000 EURREF: 232988

Refurbished 7 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Mirepoix, Midi-Pyrenees

Full of character and charm and totally refurbished, this superb 19th Century 7 bedroom farmhouse is ideally situated within a quiet setting on a large plot of 33,640m2 with wonderful countryside v......

595,000 EURREF: 232987

10 bedroom House for sale with countryside view with Established Rental in Nontron, Aquitaine

Beautifully presented and spacious property, with a large gite and 5 small gites, set around a lovely 6 x 12m swimming pool, within a large plot of 23,749m2, located in a quiet setting in Nontron, ......

773,800 EURREF: 232954

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

Exceptional, modern and spacious 4 bedroom villa, with a total beautifully presented living area of 466m2, set within a mature landscaped plot with an infinity swimming pool, located in a dominant ......

15,000,000 EURREF: 232948

4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea and panoramic views in La Colle Sur Loup, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming 4 bedroom stone built villa, with a total spacious living area of 215m2, set within an easy to maintain mature landscaped plot of 982m2 with a swimming pool and stunning far reaching views......

1,490,000 EURREF: 232746

Bright 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Cap d'Antibes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

With stunning sea views, this superb and charming 4 bedroom villa is ideally situated within a quiet setting on a large plot of 1,523m2 with a swimming pool and a separate 1 bedroom studio. Ideall......

2,650,000 EURREF: 232701

4 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view with Income Potential in Perpignan, Languedoc-Roussillon

Versatile and imposing estate just a short distance from Perpignan, Canet and the Mediterranean coastline, offering income generating opportunities, surrounded by vineyards, in a quiet environment ......

3,640,000 EURREF: 232607

Character 3 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Montaigu de Quercy, Midi-Pyrenees

Beautifully and completely restored former Quercy farmhouse and gites, ideally situated within a quiet setting on a large 11 hectare plot with stunning views over the whole valley. Situated just 5......

499,000 EURREF: 232631

7 bedroom Villa for sale with sea and panoramic views in Cap d'Antibes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Totally and beautifully refurbished in 2011, this superb bright and spacious villa, which dates from the 60s, is ideally situated on the sea front of Cap d'Antibes, with stunning panoramic views of......

4,490,000 EURREF: 232586

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

Beautifully presented 5 bedroom villa located in a quiet setting in Cannes, surrounded by a lovely wooded garden with a swimming pool and with a large roof terrace with lovely sea views. Ground fl......

2,550,000 EURREF: 232583

Immaculate 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Monclar, Aquitaine

Immaculate, modern 4 bedroom house with one bedroom studio and gite, nestling in over an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, located near all amenities in Monclar. This property has b......

995,000 EURREF: 232567

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

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

With simply stunning sea views and situated in an elevated setting on the top of a hill, within a large manicured plot of 4,280m2 with an infinity swimming pool. Located in Theoule-sur-Mer, this s......

7,950,000 EURREF: 232424

Spacious 7 bedroom Restaurant for sale with countryside view in Champsac, Limousin

Excellent opportunity to purchase a 7 bedroom home with an attached fully operational bar/restaurant with a tobacco and drinks licence, ideally set within the small village of Champsac, in the Haut......

267,500 EURREF: 232381

Historical 4 bedroom Chateau for sale with countryside view in Draguignan, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Unique 3 storey, 4 bedroom bright and spacious 19th Century South facing French Chateau with beautiful landscaped garden, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location in Dragu......

869,000 EURREF: 232361

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

Ideally situated in a quiet and private setting, with simply stunning 180 degree panoramic views towards the Mediterranean and ideally situated within an exclusive area of Vence, this magnificent 5......

3,800,000 EURREF: 232166

3 bedroom House for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Riberac, Aquitaine

Full of character and charm and ideally situated in a quiet hamlet close to Riberac, this beautiful property is set within a beautifully maintained landscaped garden of 2,820m2 with a swimming pool......

424,000 EURREF: 232104

- 5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Savignac de Duras, Duras, Aquitaine

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautiful 3 bedroom house with separate 2 bedroom gite and outbuildings, surrounded by over 26 hectares of land including a working vineyard and glorious landscap......

1,155,000 EURREF: 232067

Character 15 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Magnac Laval, Limousin

Unique opportunity to acquire a collection of 5 houses nestling in 1.5 acres of glorious land with pool, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near Magnac Laval. The ......

397,500 EURREF: 232051

11 bedroom House for sale with countryside view with Established Rental in Saint Amand Magnazeix, Limousin

Located in a quiet setting in a small hamlet close to the village of Saint Amand Magnazeix, this is an excellent opportunity to generate a good income with a total of 4 houses with a swimming pool,......

360,000 EURREF: 231982

Renovated 4 bedroom House for sale in Perpignan, Languedoc-Roussillon

Unique opportunity to acquire a former 19th century winery converted into a character South facing 4 bedroom house with mature landsacped garden and independent studio, located near to Perpignan an......

924,000 EURREF: 231977

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

Refurbished 6 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in La Bazeuge, Limousin

Beautifully and totally refurbished to a very high standard, this stunning 6 bedroom family home is located in a quiet setting close to La Bazeuge. 87210 with indoor pool and 6 bedrooms. Ground......

475,000 EURREF: 231940

Renovated 9 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon

Unique opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated 17th century, 4 bedroom house with 5 bedroom gite and restaurant, nestling in 12.5 acres of glorious landscaped gardens, river and pond, loca......

1,470,000 EURREF: 231929

Project 1 bedroom Villa for sale in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Charming townhouse with in the heart of the village of Saint Jean, located near to the port, the beaches and all the local amenities. The property is spread over 2 floors of 110m2 and presents......

1,580,000 EURREF: 231904

4 bedroom Apartment for sale in Saint Martin de Belleville, Rhone-Alpes

~With stunning mountain views and situated within a new quiet residence in a highly sought after area in Saint Martin de Belleville and just a few metres from the village centre and close to shops ......

1,276,000 EURREF: 231855

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

Beautifully renovated, outstanding 4 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, enjoying views of the sea and Italian coast from its peaceful location near the beach and all amenities in Roquebrune......

3,800,000 EURREF: 231811

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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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