
French Riviera Villas with Sea Views
If you're coming to the French Riviera, you're probably coming for the warm azure waters of the Mediterranean. Frolicking with friends and family along the coast from Menton to Saint Tropez amongst the rich and famous is one of life's great experiences
But inevitably you return home and miss those sparkling horizons. We have hundreds of properties with partial and panoramic sea views to enjoy, from frontline apartments to villas set in the beautiful hills overlooking the coast.
Guide to the French Buying Process
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.
5 bedroom villa for sale, Antibes, Antibes Juan les Pins, French Riviera
5 bedroom villa for sale, Antibes, Antibes Juan les Pins, French Riviera
Charming 5 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated in a quiet setting on a dead end street in Antibes, yet just a short stroll from the beach. With a total living area of 230m2, features incl...
4 bedroom villa for sale, Mont Boron, Nice, French Riviera
4 bedroom villa for sale, Mont Boron, Nice, French Riviera
Recently totally refurbished 4 bedroom Belle Epoque villa, ideally located in a quiet setting right in the heart of Mont Boron and with stunning sea views. Surrounded by a lovely garden with a ...
6 bedroom villa for sale, Ramatuelle, St Tropez, French Riviera
6 bedroom villa for sale, Ramatuelle, St Tropez, French Riviera
Bright and spacious 6 bedroom villa with stunning sea views, ideally situated in a quiet setting in Ramatuelle. Set within beautifully manicured gardens with a lovely swimming pool and great se...
3 bedroom villa for sale, Cap d'Antibes, Antibes Juan les Pins, French Riviera
3 bedroom villa for sale, Cap d'Antibes, Antibes Juan les Pins, French Riviera
Modern and spacious 3 bedroom villa located just a 10 minute walk from the old town of Antibes, set on a flat plot of 1,202m2 with a swimming pool, slight sea views and a building permit obtained to c...
6 bedroom villa for sale, Roquebrune Cap Martin, French Riviera
6 bedroom villa for sale, Roquebrune Cap Martin, French Riviera
Luxurious, bright and spacious 6 bedroom villa, ideally situated in a quiet elevated setting in Roquebrune Cap Martin, within a large elevated plot of 2,800m2 with an infinity swimming pool and stunni...
5 bedroom villa for sale, Menton, French Riviera
5 bedroom villa for sale, Menton, French Riviera
With stunning sea views and situated just 20 minutes from Monaco, this spacious, bright and beautifully presented property has a total living area of 500m2 and is nestled in the greenery, on a mature ...
4 bedroom villa for sale, Mougins, French Riviera
4 bedroom villa for sale, Mougins, French Riviera
Charming and spacious 4 bedroom stone built home, which is ideally situated in a quiet and private area right in the heart of one of the most desirable areas of Mougins. Set on a large mature p...
3 bedroom villa for sale, Mougins, French Riviera
3 bedroom villa for sale, Mougins, French Riviera
Beautifully refurbished 3 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated in a quiet elevated setting within a large manicured plot of 1,322m2 with a swimming pool and with stunning views over the old villag...
6 bedroom villa for sale, Sainte Maxime, French Riviera
6 bedroom villa for sale, Sainte Maxime, French Riviera
Outstanding luxury 6 bedroom Provencal style villa nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool and Jacuzzi, while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its ideal l...
4 bedroom villa for sale, Eze, Eze Cap d'Ail, French Riviera
4 bedroom villa for sale, Eze, Eze Cap d'Ail, French Riviera
Set on a large elevated landscaped plot of 3,500m2, this superb 4 bedroom villa has stunning views overlooking St Laurent d'Eze and offers a magnificent panoramic sea views as far as the Pointe des Do...