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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- 10 bedroom Farmhouse for sale in Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

Just 5 minutes from Megeve, exceptional property set in 3,500 sqm of land with an 1869 farm entirely renovated with high standards, materials and amenities and respect for the Alpine tradition. ......

Enquire For PriceREF: 163377

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

Modern 4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside 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......

5,700,000 EURREF: 239235

Located on the western slope of the highly sought-after Cap d'Antibes, this unique 280 m2 apartment offers an exceptional panoramic views to the sea. Fully renovated by a renowned architect from......

5,650,000 EURREF: 251702

Situated in the very heart of Cap d'Antibes, this beautiful 6 bedroom Provencal style villa, with a living area of approximately 300m2, has been completely renovated and comprises of a triple livin......

5,618,000 EURREF: 247956

Absolutely exceptional 3 storey, 9 bedroom historical Chateau with separate cottage and outbuildings, all nestling in 112 hectares of glorious land with beautiful gardens, pool and tennis court, wh......

5,538,000 EURREF: 253267

Luxury 7 bedroom Penthouse for sale with sea view in Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Immaculately presented 6 bedroom penthouse apartment, which is ideally situated within a luxurious residence with a swimming pool, located in an exclusive area in Cannes and with lovely sea views. ......

Enquire For PriceREF: 240031

Historical 10 bedroom Chateau for sale in Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Large French Chateau located close to the Belgian border, with excellent European connections. This monumental chateau dating back to the 18th & 19th Centuries is registered as a Historic Monument......

5,500,000 EURREF: 211336

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

Ideally located in a private estate with direct access to a hidden cove (Calanque), this sumptuous 5 bedroom villa offers stunning panoramic sea views. Entirely redesigned by a renowned local arc......

5,500,000 EURREF: 242764

Elegant and spacious 6 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated right in the heart of the sought after residential district of Le Cannet, with a bright and spacious living area of over 400m2 with b......

5,500,000 EURREF: 247450

Bright 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Croix des Gardes, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Modern, bright and spacious architect designed 3 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated within a quiet and private setting in Croix des Gardes, set on a manicured plot of 1,833m2 with a swimming ......

5,500,000 EURREF: 240517

Spacious 8 bedroom Chalet for sale with panoramic view in Auron, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Grand and spacious 8 bedroom ski chalet, which is ideally situated in a highly sought-after setting right in the heart of the Auron ski resort. This charming and luxurious ski chalet boasts extens......

5,500,000 EURREF: 243711

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

Beautiful and luxurious 5 bedroom duplex apartment, with a total living area of 205.63m2, ideally located right in the heart of an exceptional development, Le Chardon, which is a private hamlet wit......

5,500,000 EURREF: 242211

Luxuriously renovated 5 bedroom villa with pool and garden, enjoying panoramic sea views from its elevated location in Cannes. Situated in the heart of the most residential area of Le Cannet, rig......

5,490,000 EURREF: 248716

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

Exceptional contemporary and luxurious 5 bedroom villa with amazing infinity pool, nestling in nearly an acre of glorious landscaped gardens while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its idyllic e......

5,490,000 EURREF: 228499

Absolutely outstanding 4 bedroom luxury villa with apartment nestling in nearly 2 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying panoramic countryside views from its secu......

5,480,000 EURREF: 251195

Absolutely exceptional 3 storey, 5 bedroom architect designed property nestling in nearly 2 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with pool and outbuildings, located near all amenities in Mougins. ......

5,480,000 EURREF: 252367

Excellent opportunity to create a dream home in Saint-Tropez, within walking distance of the centre and the beach and with unobstructed views with glimpses of the sea. This nicely situated projec......

5,400,000 EURREF: 250411

Beautiful and spacious modern property with outstanding views in Annecy-le-Vieu. This beautiful house comes with living space of 311m2 is a rare opportunity with views of the lake and the town. ......

5,400,000 EURREF: 251079

Absolutely exceptional 5 bedroom modern villa set in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying breathtaking mountain and sea views from its location near......

5,400,000 EURREF: 251291

Superb and stylish modern property, tastefully refurbished, set in landscaped grounds with swimming pool. The 318m2 villa comes with on the ground floor: an entrance hall, a reception room with ......

5,395,000 EURREF: 252243

Excellent opportunity to purchase an established family run wine estate, which is located in the centre of the Var, right in the heart of the Cotes de Provence appellation, set on a plot of around ......

5,300,000 EURREF: 247571

Elegant 5 bedroom Provencale style villa, with a beautifully presented living area of over 300m2, beautifully nestled on the side of the hills of Super Cannes and with incredible views of the sea, ......

5,300,000 EURREF: 247576

Absolutely exceptional 6 bedroom luxuriously renovated villa with studio, nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, ideally located near the beach and all a......

5,300,000 EURREF: 252964

Unique opportunity to acquire two luxuriously renovated fully furnished apartments located near all amenities in Nice. Situated on Cours Saleya, these two stunning properties with a total surface ......

5,250,000 EURREF: 250433

Elegant 8 bedroom Manor House for sale in Pers Jussy, Rhone-Alpes

Full of character and charm, this stunning 8 bedroom home is ideally situated in a quiet setting in Pers Jussy and just 20 minutes from the centre of Geneva. This stunning property with historical......

5,250,000 EURREF: 243634

Excellent opportunity to purchase 2 sumptuous apartments, which are ideally situated within one of the finest addresses in Nice and only a few steps from the waterfront. Entirely restored and lux......

5,250,000 EURREF: 247509

Ideally located near the beach, golf course and all amenities in the heart of Antibes, is this stunning 6 bedroom fully renovated historical building. This unique 1679 property blends modern luxur......

5,250,000 EURREF: 250979

Luxuriously renovated 5 bedroom luxury Provencal villa with separate 2 bedroom guest house, nestling in nearly an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views......

5,200,000 EURREF: 253002

Luxuriously renovated 3 storey, 5 bedroom villa with separate 2 bedroom apartment and pool, enjoying panoramic views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in the heart of Saint J......

5,200,000 EURREF: 248815

4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view with Income Potential in Annonciade, Menton, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Delightful and intriguing property with huge potential set in 10 acres of land in the area of Menton Annonciade, with stunning views across the hills to the sea. Set in a dominant East-facing po......

5,200,000 EURREF: 240475

Fabulous and highly desirable 7 bedroom property in the heart of the village of Saint Jean, spread over three levels with swimming pool and sea views. This spacious stone house, unique in its styl......

5,200,000 EURREF: 248964

Enjoying breathtaking mountain views from its sought after location near the slopes and all amenities in Meribel, is this absolutely exceptional 4 bedroom luxury apartment This magnificent proper......

5,190,000 EURREF: 249946

Exceptionally restored 18th century Normandy Chateau with 3 gites, separate apartment and outbuildings, nestling in 11 hectares of beautiful gardens and land near all amenities in Etretat. Built b......

5,157,893 EURREF: 243232

Luxuriously renovated 3 bedroom apartment enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in a prestigious area of Nice. Set in the heart of a sumptuous Bell......

5,080,000 EURREF: 253242

Immaculate 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in La Croisette, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Exceptional 3 bedroom luxury apartment enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location near the beach and all amenities in La Croisette, Cannes. Set in the most luxurious and secure res......

5,050,000 EURREF: 234652

Absolutely exceptional 4 storey, 7 bedroom luxury chalet with separate apartment, pool and garden, enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in the he......

5,000,000 EURREF: 251914

Luxurious 4 bedroom ski chalet, situated within a new development of just 3 private chalets that are due to be built in the Plateau district of Meribel., which is an area known for its sunny locati......

5,000,000 EURREF: 248096

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

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

Beautifully renovated 5 bedroom luxurious and modern villa with separate apartment, nestling in nearly an acre of glorious landscaped gardens with amazing pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views f......

4,990,000 EURREF: 235103

Stunning 5 bedroom luxury villa with independent studio, gardens and pool, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat. Spread over two levels, the vil......

4,990,000 EURREF: 252998

Luxuriously renovated 4 bedroom spacious apartment with many communal facilities, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its sought after location in the heart of the Californie area of Cannes. , Th......

4,990,000 EURREF: 252984

Nestling in over one acre of beautiful landscaped gardens is this exceptional 6 bedroom luxury villa with pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location near the beach and all ame......

4,990,000 EURREF: 253277

Outstanding fully renovated luxury 5 bedroom Provencal villa nestling in half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside and sea views from its peace......

4,980,000 EURREF: 245768

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

Nestling in a beautiful landscaped garden with pool is this absolutely exceptional 5 bedroom villa with apartment, ideally located within 200 m from the beaches of La Garoupe in Cap d'Antibes. Thi......

4,950,000 EURREF: 252891

Bright and stylish 5 bedroom contemporary villa nestling in nearly an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with amazing infinity pool, while enjoying fabulous views to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez from......

4,950,000 EURREF: 252663

Exceptional private estate in a sought-after residential area, offering panoramic sea views and offering stylish luxury accommodation. This fully renovated contemporary property, comes with appr......

4,950,000 EURREF: 252914

Rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional 6 bedroom luxuriously renovated villa, nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, ideally located in one of the mo......

4,950,000 EURREF: 251913

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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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