Buying a Property in France

Areas Suggested Searches Legal Process Latest Properties

Areas of France

The Rhone Alpes is a diverse land of mountains, vineyards, rivers and prosperous cities.

Annecy is a popular and chic town with highly sought-after properties, especially those with lake frontage.

The beautiful region of Aquitaine lies to the southwest of France, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Pyrenees Mountains to the south, along the border with Spain.

France's capital is a global centre for food, art and culture.

Long the playground of the rich and famous.

One of the most popular areas, the Dordogne has history and beauty in abundance.

In the French Alps, the magnificent Three Valleys area consists of major ski resorts: Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens.

Legal 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.

Latest Properties in France

Unique 9 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Bellac, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 254675
Wonderful opportunity to acquire an estate featuring a main house, a three-bedroom cottage, a two-bedroom cottage, a nearly finished fourth cottage (interior work only), and a large barn, all nestl...
895,000 EUR
Beautiful 7 bedroom Chateau for sale in Sauveterre de Guyenne, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 254670
Beautifully presented small chateau benefitting from the style and proportions of the Napoleonic architecture of early Nineteenth Century France. The 7 bedroom property sits in 3 acres of land an...
1,260,000 EUR
Modern 3 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Bergerac, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 254668
Recommended
A most desirable contemporary property , just 7 minutes from Bergerac, set amongst vineyards and nature in a truly exceptional setting. The main house is found in the heart of beautifully lan...
420,000 EUR
3 bedroom Mill with gites for sale with river view and  Income Potential in Chauvigny, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 254665
A unique opportunity to purchase a mill dating back to the Fourteenth Century, 2 renovated cottages and outbuildings with 2 islands in a lovely and peaceful setting on the Vienne River close to the...
400,000 EUR
Stunning 5 bedroom House for sale with panoramic and sea views in Semaphore, Sainte Maxime, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254664
Absolutely exceptional 5 bedroom luxury villa with studio set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying panoramic sea views from its sought after location near the beach in Semaphor...
3,500,000 EUR
Luxury 4 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Grimaud, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254663
Enjoying panoramic sea and countryside views from its ideal location near golf courses, the beach and all amenities in Grimaud, is this stunning 4 bedroom luxury villa, nestling in over half an acr...
2,275,000 EUR
Lakeside 4 bedroom House for sale with lake or river and countryside views in L'Isle Jourdain, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 254662
Excellent and rare opportunity for water or fishing lovers looking for a lifestye or income opportunity with this 11 acre property with large lake, mill and farmhouse in a tranquil setting. The p...
434,000 EUR
Unique 8 bedroom House for sale with panoramic and sea views in Sainte Maxime, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 254661
Enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in Sainte Maxime, is this beautiful collection of a 4 bedroom villa with two maisonettes set in mature gardens ...
1,750,000 EUR
Stylish 3 bedroom House for sale in Marciac, Occitanie
Ref 254660
Outstanding and stylish 250 m2 property in the Gers countryside set in beautiful landscaped grounds with panoramic countryside views. Fully renovated by an architect with a chic loft-style desi...
895,000 EUR
Quiet 4 bedroom House  in 50 acres for sale in Monflanquin, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 254659
Sympathetically and recently renovated 4 bedroom house, set in an estate of over 50 acres with swimming pool and outbuildings, conveniently located close to Paulhiac, between the popular bastide ...
450,500 EUR
Immaculate 4 bedroom House for sale in Thuir, Occitanie
Ref 254658
Wonderful opportunity to acquire a stylishly renovated 3 storey, 2 bedroom stone house with separate 2 bedroom guest house, set in a landscaped Mediterranean style garden with pool. Ideally locate...
698,000 EUR
Turn Key 5 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Fumel, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 254656
Beautifully renovated character property with 5 bedrooms, gite, pool and equestrian facilities set in 7 acres with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. The main house comprises of a ...
699,000 EUR
Immaculate 4 bedroom Appartement for sale in Crest Voland, Auvergne Rhone Alpes
Ref 254655
Bright and spacious new 4 bedroom duplex apartment enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in Crest Voland. Ideally situated in the heart of the V...
980,000 EUR
Income Producing 8 bedroom  Property with Gites for sale with countryside views in Saint Cyprien, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 254654
Spacious 8 bedroom property with a main house, pools and 3 gites, providing an excellent opportunity for anyone looking for a lifestyle change or business project, just a short distance from the po...
840,000 EUR
Immaculate 4 bedroom Maison for sale in Crest Voland, Auvergne Rhone Alpes
Ref 254653
Enjoying stunning mountain views is this exceptional new 4 bedroom luxury chalet with garden, ideally located in the heart of the charming Savoyard village of Crest-Voland. This property spans thr...
1,210,000 EUR
Renovated 7 bedroom House for sale in Aubeterre sur Dronne, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 254652
Beautifully renovated 7 bedroom property with gites, swimming pool and income potential in a pretty Charentaise village. This fabulous ensemble of properties includes a character 4 bedroom owner...
530,000 EUR
Immaculate 5 bedroom Maison for sale in Montriond, Auvergne Rhone Alpes
Ref 254651
Stunning new 4 storey, 5 bedroom authentic chalet with garden, enjoying scenic mountain views from its location near the slopes and all amenities in Montriond. This superb property is one in the n...
1,680,000 EUR
Renovated 5 bedroom House for sale in Siran, Occitanie
Ref 254650
Quite delightful character 5 bedroom property with lovely outdoor space in the heart of the popular Minervois village of Siran with a bar/restaurant, bakery and supermarket all within walking dist...
495,000 EUR
Immaculate 5 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Cenac, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 254649
Luxuriously renovated 4 bedroom historical house with separate one bedroom guest house, nestling in over 2 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, enjoying panoramic views from its locatio...
1,185,000 EUR
Renovated 9 bedroom Manor House for sale in Barbezieux, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 254648
Beautifully renovated manor house with 7 bedrooms and lovely pool area on the edge of a sought after village and just a short drive to a popular town with all amenities. The Chalignac property al...
875,000 EUR