Prestige Property Group

French Property

Full Personal Service

Over 20 years experience in the area.

We give Expert Buyers Advice, from Enquiry to Purchase

Entire Market

We offer access to 99.9% of the local property market including off-market options

Free Service

Free advice and property finding service for buyers

Included Extras

Organisation of visits, legal advice, currency guidance, continued support after purchase, and more

Area Guide Contact Us

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.

2782 properties

Search Options

Property type

Max

Nestling in nearly half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens, is this charming fully furnished 3 bedroom house with large barn, located in the village of Laas. This beautifully presented prope......

349,000 EURREF: 246835

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated 3 storey, 3 bedroom mill with outbuildings, nestling in 3.5 acres of glorious land with stream and small river, while enjoying far reaching ......

349,000 EURREF: 251410

Charming 3 bedroom property in a pretty setting on the outskirts of a small Chalosse village, 20 minutes from Salies de Bearn and Orthez, in a lush green setting. The spacious and very nicely pres......

349,000 EURREF: 250152

Situated in the heart of a village with all amenities and just 5 minutes from Uzes, this lovely stone built property is made up of 2 adjacent village houses that have been joined together. The pr......

348,000 EURREF: 252045

Charming 5 bedroom house set in nearly an acre of gardens with outbuildings, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location in the heart of the village of Escos. This prestigious old fa......

348,000 EURREF: 250442

Nestling in over 3 acres of glorious land with gardens, fruit trees and forest, is this beautifully renovated 3 bedroom house, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location nea......

345,000 EURREF: 251204

Bright Studio for sale with panoramic view in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Inviting apartment situated right in the heart of Val Thorens ski resort, within a carefully maintained residence. Ideal for an investment in the 3 Valleys skiing area, this 29m2 apartment featur......

344,000 EURREF: 244819

Nicely presented ski in-ski out duplex apartment with 2 bedrooms and lovely mountain views in the area of Charmettoger, Les Arcs 1800. This pretty 40m2 property is situated in a quiet residence w......

340,000 EURREF: 250483

Cosy 1 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Well maintained 1 bedroom apartment, with a typical mountain style, situated on the 8th/top floor of a quality residence, which is situated right at the foot of the ski slopes and close to all amen......

340,000 EURREF: 239845

Totally refurbished bright and spacious 1 bedroom apartment, with a living area of 41.97m2, set within a residence close to the centre of Megeve village and with stunning mountain views. Superbly......

337,000 EURREF: 246420

Ideally located in the renowned residential district of Garavan, this 3rd floor apartment is set within a beach-front building with a caretaker and a rooftop swimming pool surrounded by a magnifice......

335,000 EURREF: 249707

Attractive and well laid-out 39 m2 duplex apartment that can accommodate 6 people. Located in the village of Charmettoger with ski-in/ski-out access, it is composed of a kitchen opening out to th......

335,000 EURREF: 252076

Entirely refurbished to a very high standard and offering excellent fixtures and fittings, this superb studio/1 bedroom apartment is ideally located at the foot of the ski slopes and all amenities ......

334,000 EURREF: 246569

Cosy studio apartment located in Tignes le Lac, situated on the slopes and close to all amenities. With a living area of 27.48m2, features include: entrance hall with storage space, a mountain co......

330,000 EURREF: 246685

Bright and spacious 2 bedroom apartment, which is situated within a recently built residence situated close to all the conveniences and with direct access onto the ski slopes. With a living area ......

329,000 EURREF: 246418

Located on the periphery of Salies de Bearn, this single storey family home was built in 2008 and offers comfortable living with three bedrooms, open-plan kitchen-diner-sitting room, bathroom, util......

325,500 EURREF: 253237

Delightful character village house with 3 bedrooms, just 10 minutes from Uzes. Located in the lively and sought-after village of Blauzac, between Uzes and Nimes, this stone house offers a total s......

325,500 EURREF: 250850

Studio for sale in Meribel, Rhone-Alpes

Beautifully refurbished studio apartment, which is ideally situated close to the Morel chair lift and the ski slopes. With a living area of 26m2, plus a balcony with stunning mountain views, fea......

325,000 EURREF: 237415

Top floor 1 bedroom apartment, situated within a private domain in the renowned residential district of Garavan. Set within a modern building and in very good condition throughout, this superb apa......

325,000 EURREF: 249997

Charming 3 storey, 3 bedroom house with garden and courtyard, ideally located near a golf course and all amenities in Salies de Bearn. Salies de Bearn is a bustling town, with sports clubs, resta......

325,000 EURREF: 252353

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

New development of 34 properties in an excellent location at the foot of the St Gervais Mont-Blanc gondola with all the benefits of a village location with the bonus of a peaceful location. This ......

320,500 EURREF: 206752

Charming apartment located in a luxury residence in Les Arcs, with a communal swimming pool and wellness area. With a living area of 38m2, features include a large bedroom, bathroom, fitted kitch......

320,000 EURREF: 246251

Charming Neo-Bearnaise style house, set in half an acre of mature garden, offering impressive views of the Pyrenean mountains. Spread over two floors, the 107m2 property is in good condition th......

320,000 EURREF: 250400

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

Modern, stylish 1 bedroom apartment enjoying wonderful mountain views from its privileged location near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of Saint Gervais les Bains. Set in the Carlina res......

320,000 EURREF: 243151

A bright and very well located 1 bedroom apartment in Menton, in the beautiful residential district of Garavan, just a few steps from beaches, the marina and the train station Situated on the first......

320,000 EURREF: 248516

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

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 one bedroom apartment a......

317,240 EURREF: 180449

Full of charm and character is this delightful 3 bedroom stone house set in over half an acre of mature gardens with pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location near Montf......

316,500 EURREF: 249984

One bedroom apartment with balcony in a great location in the centre of Menton on the fourth floor of a lovely contemporary residence The 62m2 property is in good condition with double glazing. ......

315,000 EURREF: 251167

Ideally located in the centre of Menton, 2 bedroom apartment, just a few steps from all amenities facilities, beaches and the main train station. On the first floor of a desirable residence, the ......

315,000 EURREF: 251274

Single bedroom apartment in an attractive new development located in the heart of the Espace Diamant ski area, in the town of Praz sur Arly, less than 10 minutes from Megeve. The property comes w......

312,000 EURREF: 247596

Bright and spacious 3 storey, 4 bedroom townhouse, ideally located near all amenities in the heart of Salies de Bearn. This superb property has a large terrace and enjoys breathtaking views of the......

311,225 EURREF: 252557

A beautiful studio apartment in a new development, ideally located in the centre of the resort of Praz-sur-Arly. Comprising 22 apartments, the development is inspired by traditional Alpine archit......

310,000 EURREF: 247835

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

Lovely ground floor studio apartment, ideally situated just 1km from the centre of the village of Megeve and just 500m from the Rochebrune ski lifts. With a total living area of around 30m2, feat......

310,000 EURREF: 237175

Located in a high-end residence in Chantel, in Arc 1800, this spacious 2-room apartment has easy access to the ski slopes on foot and comes with the bonus of a swimming pool within the residence. ......

309,000 EURREF: 250547

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

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

Located in a quiet setting in Saint Gervais les Bains and with the possibility to change the layout to create flexible sleeping areas, this superb 1 bedroom apartment could easily become a 3 room a......

300,500 EURREF: 231773

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

This apartment is ideally located on the slopes and right next to the start of ski lessons. Features include a fitted and equipped kitchen opening onto a lovely living room, bedroom with 3 beds, ......

300,000 EURREF: 244342

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

Great investment opportunity and situated in a ski-in/ski-out residence close to all facilities, this 26m2 apartment comprises of a bedroom, bathroom, separate WC and kitchenette opening onto a liv......

300,000 EURREF: 242534

Bright 2 bedroom Duplex for sale in Bourg Saint Maurice, Rhone-Alpes

Totally refurbished 2 bedroom duplex apartment, situated in a residence in the south slope district of Bourg Saint Maurice. With panoramic view from North to South, facing Les Arcs, features inclu......

300,000 EURREF: 245685

Cosy Studio for sale in Val Thorens, Rhone-Alpes

Recently renovated 7th floor studio apartment with a mountain corner, offering 29.5m2 of living space. Situated in a quiet residence and with a south-facing terrace with breathtaking views of the......

299,000 EURREF: 244426

Charming ski in/ski out 1 bedroom apartment, which is ideally located in a luxury residence with a swimming pool and wellness area. With a cosy and well maintained living area of 38m2, features i......

297,000 EURREF: 247444

Charming ski-in /ski-out apartment in a luxury residence with swimming pool and wellness area in the Le Chantel area of Les Arcs 1800. The nicely presented property comes with living space of 38m......

297,000 EURREF: 253042

Bright 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Demi Quartier, Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Superb 1 bedroom apartment with a total living area of 34m2, ideally located just a few minutes from Megeve, at La Princesse and close to the ski lifts, which will enable you to take full advantage......

295,000 EURREF: 242582

Beautiful apartment located in Charmettoger, with a cosy and well maintained living area of 38m2, plus a balcony with stunning mountain views. Features include an entrance hall, open plan kitchen/......

293,000 EURREF: 246168

Stylish one bedroom studio enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Val Thorens. This superb property is perfect to accommodate up to four peopl......

290,000 EURREF: 249995

Nicely laid out and comfortable apartment with 2 duplex bedrooms plus 1 cabin area (sleeps 8) 2 bathrooms, and a large south-facing terrace of 7m2. The property also comes with covered parkin......

285,000 EURREF: 252487

New Build 3 bedroom House for sale in Yenne, Rhone-Alpes

Charming, new 3 bedroom house with garden, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location near all amenities in Yenne. Situated 30 minutes from Chambery and 25 minutes from Aix......

284,900 EURREF: 244809

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

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

Charming 2 bedroom apartment with communal pool and parking, located near all amenities in Port Grimaud. Set on the 1st floor of a residence, the 34m2 provides a living and dining room opening ont......

280,000 EURREF: 235800

Pretty 2 room apartment in Les Arcs Villards with panoramic mountain views and a Westerly aspect. The 32m2 apartment is in a small residence (89 lots) in the heart of the village of Les Villards......

278,000 EURREF: 252916

Over 20 Years experience in
global luxury real estate
Large network of
professional multilingual offices
No fees
We are paid by our agents
to introduce buyers

<< 50 <>

Access to Entire Market

Free Service

Full Personal Service

Property Finding

Free Expert Personal Service

Selling Your Property

A Form

French Property

Full Personal Service

Entire Market

Free Service

Included Extras

Contact Us

Business Hours

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

Search Options

Why Prestige

Over 20 years experience

Large network of offices

No fees

Prestige in the press

Stay up to date