
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.
8 bedroom villa for sale, Gassin, St Tropez, French Riviera
8 bedroom villa for sale, Gassin, St Tropez, French Riviera
Exceptional 8 bedroom South facing waterfront villa with pool, nestling in nearly an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its idyllic location near Saint-Tro...
5 bedroom villa for sale, Vallauris, Cannes, French Riviera
5 bedroom villa for sale, Vallauris, Cannes, French Riviera
Beautiful 4 bedroom villa and 1 bedroom guest house located in a quiet setting in Vallauris, offering sea and mountain views. Built in the 80s, this superb property, which is a true work of art...
4 bedroom villa for sale, Villefranche sur Mer, Villefranche, French Riviera
4 bedroom villa for sale, Villefranche sur Mer, Villefranche, French Riviera
Villefranche-sur-Mer - 145m2 Totally refurbished 4 bedroom villa, with a total living area of 145m2, set within an elevated plot of 412m2 with beautiful views over the bay of Villefranche and ...
4 bedroom villa for sale, Sainte Maxime, French Riviera
4 bedroom villa for sale, Sainte Maxime, French Riviera
Surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens is this charming 4 bedroom South east facing Provencal villa with separate apartment, pool and Jacuzzi, enjoying breathtaking sea views from its peaceful loc...
5 bedroom villa for sale, Le Cannet, Cannes, French Riviera
5 bedroom villa for sale, Le Cannet, Cannes, French Riviera
Completely refurbished, this superb modern and spacious 5 bedroom villa, which is ideally situated within the highly sought after and picturesque village of Le Cannet and just 10 minutes from Cannes, ...
4 bedroom villa for sale, Sainte Maxime, French Riviera
4 bedroom villa for sale, Sainte Maxime, French Riviera
Rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated South facing 4 bedroom villa with pool, separate apartment and beautiful landscaped gardens, enjoying panoramic sea views from its waterfront locati...
3 bedroom villa for sale, Mougins, French Riviera
3 bedroom villa for sale, Mougins, French Riviera
Superb 3 bedroom villa ideally situated in a quiet setting nestled amongst olive trees and with simply stunning views over Cannes, La Napoule bays, Lerins islands and the surrounding countryside. ...
6 bedroom villa for sale, Californie, Cannes, French Riviera
6 bedroom villa for sale, Californie, Cannes, French Riviera
Luxurious 6 bedroom villa ideally situated within an excellent setting in a dominant position, right in the heart of one of the most highly sought after residential areas of La Californie, with stunni...
6 bedroom villa for sale, Cap d'Antibes, Antibes Juan les Pins, French Riviera
6 bedroom villa for sale, Cap d'Antibes, Antibes Juan les Pins, French Riviera
Absolutely stunning, elegant and refurbished 4 storey, 6 bedroom Belle Epoque villa with expansive pool, nestling in beautiful landscaped gardens while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its prestig...
6 bedroom villa for sale, Beauvallon Golf, Grimaud, French Riviera
6 bedroom villa for sale, Beauvallon Golf, Grimaud, French Riviera
Exceptional South facing, architect designed 3 storey, 6 bedroom luxurious villa with pool, nestling in half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens while enjoying breathtaking sea views from its pres...