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

Private 6 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Montaigu de Quercy, Occitanie
Ref 252277
Set in over 7 hectares of meadows and woodland, a private property overlooking an irrigation lake with 2 houses and a swimming pool. The first is a stone house with 3 bedrooms opening onto a sw...
477,000 EUR
Character 4 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Saint Leon sur Vezere, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 252276
This authentic Perigordian property has been tastefully renovated to create a charming, stylish, and cosy home, set in over 7 acres of land with outbuildings and equestrian facilities. The ground ...
498,750 EUR
8 bedroom House for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Vieux Ruffec, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 252275
Set in a quiet hamlet,charming and romantic little estate set in 2 acres of land comprising of a large 5 bedroom house with annexe and a 2 bedroom house set around a majestic courtyard with it's ow...
638,300 EUR
7 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Gensac, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 252274
Beautifully presented and tastefully renovated stone property, with views over the surrounding countryside and vineyards, comprising 3 dwellings and a swimming pool. Full of charming features in...
797,900 EUR
5 bedroom House for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Champs Romain, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 252273
Delightful character property situated in an elevated position with stunning views over its estate of 14 acres with lakes and meadows. Entry via a set of iron gates into a gravelled courtyard and...
620,000 EUR
Spacious 7 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Carcassonne, Occitanie
Ref 252272
Lavish 7 bedroom villa combining modern luxury with timeless charm, set on expansive grounds featuring a pool, plenty of storage, a separate apartment and large outbuilding, offering development po...
780,000 EUR
Grand 16 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Fanjeaux, Occitanie
Ref 252271
Outstanding Medieval Chateau, steeped in nearly 800 years of history, set in a beautiful estate of 45 acres. This remarkable estate offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of history, combining ...
1,980,000 EUR
Character 5 bedroom Manor House for sale in Prayssac, Occitanie
Ref 252270
Unique opportunity to acquire a wonderful 3 storey, 5 bedroom manor house with separate 2 bedroom cottage, nestling in over 9 acres of glorious land with pool, tennis court and vineyard situated on...
1,320,000 EUR
Character 8 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Aubeterre sur Dronne, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 252269
Charming manoire, superbly situated property south of Angouleme in a sought-after location between the Charente and Dordogne rivers, off the main road. Accessed via a beautiful poplar-lined drive...
499,260 EUR
Character 5 bedroom House for sale in Barbezieux Saint Hilaire, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 252268
Rare development and income opportunity with this Nineteenth Century property with over 1,800m2 of living space. Ideally situated in the heart of the town, this rare property enjoys a prime loca...
525,000 EUR
Renovated 3 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Monflanquin, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 252267
Beautifully renovated 3 bedroom stone built former barn, set in almost 15 acres of land in a quiet rural setting. Immaculately restored and with a living area of 225m2, features include: double ...
565,000 EUR
Luxury 6 bedroom House for sale with sea and panoramic views in Grimaud, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 252266
New and spacious luxury villa with fabulous views to the sea in a dominant position in a secure domain close to the Golf de Beauvallon. The 320m2 property offers a main house with generous volume...
4,950,000 EUR
Character 6 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view in Tournon d'Agenais, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 252264
Charming character manoire set in over 2.5 acres of land, located just a few minutes from Tournon d'Agenais in the Lot et Garonne department. Situated at the end of a lane, this stone ensemble ...
558,000 EUR
Renovated 4 bedroom House for sale in Port Sainte Foy et Ponchapt, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 252263
Recommended
Beautifully restored Eighteenth Century property, exuding style and French character in a lovely town with amenities. The spacious 4 bedroom house of 311m2 has many attractive features including...
575,000 EUR
Renovated 1 bedroom Apartment for sale in Cogolin, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 252257
Beautifullly presented apartment in Port Cogolin in a residence with swimming pool. The 42m2 property consists of an entrance, a beautiful fitted and equipped kitchen, living room and dining are...
320,000 EUR
Beautiful 4 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Salies de Bearn, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 252256
Beautiful 3/4 bedroom house with views to the Pyrenees and the rolling countryside, yet just a 10 minute walk away from the town centre of the thermal spa town of Salies-de-Bearn in the South West...
509,250 EUR
Character 3 bedroom House for sale in Cestayrols, Occitanie
Ref 252251
Recommended
Appealing character 3/4 bedroom property set over a variety of floors with a private courtyard garden located in the heart of a beautiful historic village. The multi-level home features a spacio...
435,000 EUR
Character 6 bedroom House for sale in Beauvoir sur Niort, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 252250
Fabulous Fifteenth Century chateau located between La Rochelle and Niort with magnificent, uninterrupted views over the surrounding countryside. Situated close to the foret de Chize t and set i...
1,688,000 EUR
Beautiful 5 bedroom Farmhouse for sale with countryside view in Castillonnes, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 252249
Fully renovated, this superb ensemble offers gorgeous views and is located just 30 minutes south of Bergerac. The property offers so much space and light with expansive rooms that have high ceili...
617,000 EUR
Waterfront 4 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Ciboure, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Ref 252248
Spacious 4 bedroom apartment in the heart of the beautiful Ciboure Bay, facing the legendary Fort de Socoa, in a great location just minutes from the historic centre of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the icon...
1,680,000 EUR