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.

2484 properties

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Immaculately presented throughout, this prestigious 5 bedroom property is a true haven of peace and offers an idyllic and peaceful living environment. Set on vast wooded grounds of 15,000m2 with ......

4,200,000 EURREF: 250186

New Build 5 bedroom Chalet for sale in Meribel Mottaret, Meribel, Rhone-Alpes

Impressive new-build 5 bedroom ski chalet in a great location in Meribel Mottaret, very close to the slopes, amenities and Lake Tueda. The spacious 240m2 property is presented in a traditional st......

4,200,000 EURREF: 240259

Fabulous and spacious waterfront property located in Doussard, just 15 km from the centre of Annecy. Set in a plot of 1,055 m2, this luxury villa offers an idyllic living environment with breathta......

4,200,000 EURREF: 253345

Absolutely stunning new 4 bedroom luxury ground floor apartment with garden and Jacuzzi, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its sought after location in Cap d'Ail. Situated in a prestigious new ......

4,200,000 EURREF: 254129

Great opportunity to purchase a wine estate located in a quiet setting in the Cognac area, with a total of 54.9 hectares of vines, which includ 2.57 hectares of Grande Champagne vines, around 24 he......

5,211,897 EURREF: 247557

In excellent condition is this outstanding 7 bedroom luxurious country house, nestllng in nearly one acre of beautiful mature gardens with expansive pool, ideally located in a peaceful area of Gras......

4,176,000 EURREF: 252980

Exceptional 7 bedroom luxury villa with apartment, set in glorious lush mature gardens with pool, while enjoying countryside views from its prestigious South facing location near all amenities in G......

4,176,000 EURREF: 251187

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

Luxurious and beautifully presented 7 bedroom neo-Provencal style villa, with a total living area of 420m2 with elegant fixtures and fittings throughout, ideally situated within a quiet and intimat......

4,176,000 EURREF: 237908

Entirely refurbished, this sumptuous 5 bedroom country house has been beautifully renovated by a renowned Danish designer and has simply breathtaking views over the valley. Every detail has been ......

4,150,000 EURREF: 253860

Stylish 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Californie, Cannes, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Bright and beautifully presented 3 bedroom duplex apartment, situated within a luxurious luxury bourgeois building in the La Californie area of Cannes. With a living area of 221m2 offering panoram......

4,140,000 EURREF: 245317

Unique opportunity to acquire an award winning Armagnac estate of a beautifully restored fully furnished 3 storey, 6 bedroom Maison de Maitre house with outbuildings and expansive pool,nestling in ......

4,134,000 EURREF: 246476

Exceptional 7 bedroom wine estate nestling in nearly 151 acres of glorious land with vineyards, lake, beautiful gardens and pool, enjoying far reaching countryside views from its peaceful location ......

4,065,000 EURREF: 248625

- 6 bedroom Villa for sale in Aix en Provence, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

5 min to Aix en Provence, in a chic and calm environment, magnificent contemporary villa with Bali influences of ca 400 sqm - Full of light, spacious interiors and high standard amenities. Superb......

Enquire For PriceREF: 160135

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

Delightful 4 bedroom Provencal style villa, with stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Eze, located in a peaceful cul-de-sac and close to the sea front. The property is in perfect condition and ......

4,000,000 EURREF: 245530

Stunning 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in Neuilly sur Seine, Paris-Ile-de-France

Maurice Barrés, facing the woods and offering an exceptional view across the city, this sunny, spacious apartment comes with 178m2 of living space with long balcony. The exceptional 4 room home i......

4,000,000 EURREF: 160098

Quiet 5 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Golfe Juan, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated on the outskirts of Cannes in Golfe Juan and within a private gated estate, this luxurious 5 bedroom villa boasts magnificent sea views. Built on a magnificent flat plot of 1,679m2, whic......

3,995,000 EURREF: 245726

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

With simply stunning panoramic sea views, this superb neo-Provencal style villa, plus a staff/guest house, has a combined total living area of 480m2, which offers contemporary and refined finishes.......

3,995,000 EURREF: 235579

Hugely impressive single-storey villa set in the heart of a private, secure estate in Mougins, close to the region's prestigious golf courses and international schools. The 324m2 property featur......

3,995,000 EURREF: 253537

Build in 2019 using high-end materials and ideally situated within a highly sought after setting just above the village of Tourrettes, this unique 5 bedroom stone built property, with a spacious li......

3,995,000 EURREF: 247706

Rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional 5 bedroom luxury villa nestling in nearly half an acre of gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea and mountain views from its sought after locatio......

3,995,000 EURREF: 252126

Nestling in 2.5 acres of glorious mature landscaped gardens with pool, is this stunning 5 bedroom luxury villa enjoying panoramic views from its location near all amenities in Valbonne. Situated ......

3,990,000 EURREF: 253032

Stylishly renovated 3 bedroom luxury apartment enjoying scenic mountain views from its sought after peaceful location near the slopes and all amenities in Courchevel 1850. This superb 110m2 proper......

3,990,000 EURREF: 253939

Absolutely exceptional 3 bedroom luxuriously renovated apartment with communal pool, enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location near all amenities in Cannes. This beautiful cross-......

3,990,000 EURREF: 251557

Quiet 6 bedroom Chalet for sale in Mont d'Arbois, Megeve, Rhone-Alpes

In need of renovating, but with great potential, this charming ski chalet is ideally situated in a quiet, peaceful and natural setting, yet close to Mont d'Arbois and Megeve. With a total living a......

Enquire For PriceREF: 240032

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

Newly built ultra modern and contemporary 5 bedroom villa, with a total spacious living area of 350m2, ideally situated within a gated domain located on the hill of Trayas in Theoule sur Mer, with ......

3,990,000 EURREF: 219221

Spacious 4 bedroom Chalet for sale with panoramic view in Auron, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Splendid 4 bedroom ski chalet, which is ideally located in the charming ski resort of Auron and with magnificent panoramic mountain views. Ground floor: entrance hall, 2 bedrooms with en-suite ba......

3,990,000 EURREF: 245307

Spacious 7 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Cabris, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Spacious and beautifully presented 7 bedroom home, which is ideally situated in a quiet countryside setting, yet just a stones throw from Cannes, in the authentic and unspoilt village of Cabris. W......

3,990,000 EURREF: 243835

Wonderful opportunity to acquire a vineyard with two charming properties, set in over 2 acres of land while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location near Saint Paul de Vence. Sit......

3,990,000 EURREF: 253568

Ideally located in a sought after and prestigious area in Tourrettes, is this exceptional 4 bedroom luxury villa nestling in 3/4 acre of beautiful landscaped mature gardens with amazing infinity po......

3,990,000 EURREF: 252977

Spacious and stylish 8 bedroom villa in Cabris, only 30 kms from Cannes, a charming perched village of the French Riviera with a bucolic, authentic and peaceful environment. The villa is located ......

3,990,000 EURREF: 253343

Immaculate 9 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view and sea view views in Tourrettes sur Loup, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Situated in a dominant position and beautifully nestled right in the heart of a 3 hectare park with over 265 olive trees, this stunning and superb Svetchine masterpiece offers breathtaking panorami......

3,990,000 EURREF: 245216

Absolutely exceptional new 5 bedroom luxury villa nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with fruit trees and pool, ideally located in the heart of a private and peaceful area near all amenities ......

3,990,000 EURREF: 248612

Ideally situated within the highly sought-after Palm Beach area of Cannes, this 3 bedroom sea front apartment is set opposite the Moure Rouge beaches and boasts wonderful views of the sea, the Leri......

3,990,000 EURREF: 249278

Absolutely outstanding 6 bedroom luxury villa with separate studio, nestling in half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious locat......

3,990,000 EURREF: 250692

Nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, is this absolutely exceptional 5 bedroom luxury villa enjoying panoramic sea views from its elevated location in C......

3,990,000 EURREF: 253777

Combining Provencal charm with modern elegance, is this exceptional 6 bedroom luxuriously renovated villa set in nearly an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, ideally located near all ......

3,980,000 EURREF: 248389

Unique opportunity to acquire this beautifully restored 4 bedroom bastide with separate 2 bedroom guest house, nestling in over one acre of glorious landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying pan......

3,980,000 EURREF: 253700

Rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional, unique 4 bedroom villa with pool and garden, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its waterfront location in Saint Raphael. Situated between Cannes and......

3,980,000 EURREF: 253076

6 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Chateauneuf, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Beautiful Manor House set within beautiful mature and manicured landscaped gardens of 5,670m2, situated in a closed development between Opio and Valbonne. This beautiful bastide has a large living......

3,980,000 EURREF: 187370

Ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the sought after area of Cap d'Antibes - West Side, is this exceptional 5 bedroom luxury villa nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool......

3,950,000 EURREF: 252633

Absolutely exceptional 3 storey, 8 bedroom Chalet with garden, enjoying stunning mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Les Allues, Meribel. Entrance to the c......

3,950,000 EURREF: 251873

Stylish 10 bedroom Manor House for sale with panoramic view in Bargemon, Cote d'Azur French Riviera

Ideally situated in a quiet setting, yet just a few minutes from the charming village of Bargemon, this captivating property spans approximately 58.5 acres of private grounds. With its origins da......

3,950,000 EURREF: 242266

Magnificent 5 bedroom stone built Provençal bastide, which is a true hidden gem, beautifully nestled right in the heart of a 31 hectare estate. With a living area of over 400m2, which embodies lux......

3,950,000 EURREF: 250341

Absolutely exceptional new 3 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool and fruit trees, enjoying panoramic sea views from its exclusive location in Plateau du Cap Martin. ......

3,950,000 EURREF: 247381

Enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in Roquebrune Cap Martin, is this exceptional 3 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden. With a living area ......

3,950,000 EURREF: 253969

Luxuriously renovated 6 bedroom spacious villa with 2 independent apartments, nestling in over one acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool while enjoying far reaching countryside views from ......

3,950,000 EURREF: 252293

Bright and spacious luxury 3 bedroom villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, located near all amenities on the West side of Cap d'Antibes. This superb South facing property of 200m2 ......

3,950,000 EURREF: 252960

Exceptional modern 3 bedroom luxury apartment with sauna, enjoying scenic mountain views from its prestigious ski in/ski out location in Courchevel 1850. Relax on the large terrace after a day of ......

3,950,000 EURREF: 254341

6 bedroom architect designed villa, with a bright and spacious living area of 280m2, set on a beautiful mature plot of 1,355m2 with a large swimming pool, various terraces and absolutely spectacula......

3,950,000 EURREF: 247145

Spectacular ultra modern 4 bedroom villa set in nearly half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its sought after location in Vallauris. Out o......

3,950,000 EURREF: 248390

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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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