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

Renovated 3 bedroom House for sale with lake or river view in Port Grimaud, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253772
Beautiful "Ostale" style house with mooring, in excellent condition, fully renovated, in a secure area of the desirable town of Port Grimaud. With living space of 82m2, it includes : On the gro...
1,437,000 EUR
Spacious 4 bedroom House for sale in Port Grimaud, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253771
Unusual, spacious and luxuriously renovated 4 bedroom house/ duplex in the heart of Port Grimaud. With generous living space of 167.67m2 including: On the ground floor: - a beautiful living/dini...
1,475,000 EUR
Income Potential 8 bedroom Property for sale in Grimaud, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253770
Extensive building of almost 400m2 consisting of two semi-detached apartments, four garages, and a studio apartment, on an enclosed plot. Description: Apartment No. 1: On the ground floor: - a ...
1,575,000 EUR
Bright 4 bedroom House for sale in Port Grimaud, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253769
Beautiful "Portale" - style house in Port Grimaud, with 4 bedrooms, sold partially furnished and with access to a mooring. This charming waterfront property comes with living space of approximate...
1,600,000 EUR
Beautiful 3 bedroom House for sale with sea and lake or river views in Port Grimaud, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253768
A very pretty and nicely presented 'Bord de Rives' style 3/4 bedroom waterfront property in Port Grimaud, sold partially furnished with a pretty garden. Mooring on the river. The 99m2 property i...
1,990,000 EUR
Waterfront 6 bedroom House for sale with sea view in Port Grimaud, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253765
Luxuriously renovated Double Fisherman's House, located in a sought-after, quiet, and leafy area of the desirable waterfront town of Port Grimaud. It comprises: On the ground floor: - an entrance...
3,700,000 EUR
Stunning 4 bedroom Maison for sale in Megeve, Auvergne Rhone Alpes
Ref 253764
Stunning luxurious 3 storey, 4 bedroom chalet enjoying scenic mountain views from its ideal location near the slopes and all amenities in the heart of the Rochebrune area of Megeve. The 232.28m2 c...
3,590,000 EUR
Immaculate 5 bedroom Maison for sale in Megeve, Auvergne Rhone Alpes
Ref 253763
Exceptional new 4 storey, 5 bedroom luxury chalet enjoying scenic mountain views from its sought after location near the slopes, golf course and all amenities in the Mont D'Arbois area of Megeve. ...
5,980,000 EUR
7 bedroom Manor House for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Auch, Occitanie
Ref 253762
Beautifully restored 7 bedroom historical house with separate annex nestling in over 14 acres of glorious landscaped gardens with pool, located near all amenities in Auch. Situated at the end of a...
1,750,000 EUR
Unique 4 bedroom  Property for sale in Carcassonne, Occitanie
Ref 253758
Recommended
Fabulous and rare opportunity to own this superb architect-designed loft-style apartment in the historic heart of Carcassonne, with terrace and views over the rooftops. This truly unique characte...
402,800 EUR
Inviting 2 bedroom House for sale in Port Grimaud, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253757
Attached house in excellent condition, in a secure residence at the entrance to Port Grimaud. It comprises: On the ground floor: - an attractive living room opening onto a large 19m2 south-facin...
420,000 EUR
Waterfront 2 bedroom House for sale with sea view in Port Grimaud, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253756
Charming 2 storey house located in the heart of desirable Port Grimaud, complete with access to a 11x4.10m mooring. With approximately 63m2 of living space,it comprises: On the ground floor: - a...
750,000 EUR
Waterfront House for sale in Port Grimaud, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253755
"Balandrine" style property in Port Grimaud, located in a quiet, residential area of the waterfront town, complete with a 12 x 4.25m mooring. with living space of approximately 60m2 it include...
830,000 EUR
Waterfront 2 bedroom House for sale with sea view in Port Grimaud, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253754
"Balandrine" style town house in Port Grimaud, in excellent condition located in a quiet and secure area with mooring. The 60m2 property includes: On the ground floor :- an enclosed courtyard ...
990,000 EUR
Belle Epoque 5 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Antibes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253753
Elegant Belle Epoque villa with pool, in a privileged location, close to the sandy beaches, Port Galice and the famous restaurants of Juan-les-Pins. This spacious 5 bedroom property offers a tota...
9,500,000 EUR
Unique 9 bedroom Villa for sale with sea and panoramic views in Cap d'Antibes, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253752
Rare opportunity to purchase a piece of history with this iconic Riviera villa, ideally located on the waterfront of the Cap d'Antibes, host of the rich and famous of all eras, including Jean Cocte...
23,320,000 EUR
Beautiful 5 bedroom House for sale with sea and panoramic views in Menton, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253751
Stunning Palladian-style villa in the highly sought-after Garavan district of Menton, within a secure and peaceful residence, featuring high-quality finishes, a generous terrace, infinity pool, and...
3,590,000 EUR
Inviting 4 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Mougins, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253750
Charming Provencal-style villa in a great location in Mougins, in the desirable St Barthelemy area, just a stone's throw from the amenities while enjoying an environment of great tranquility and a ...
1,490,000 EUR
Bright 4 bedroom Villa for sale in Gassin, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253749
A bright and airy 4 bedroom vill in a sought-after residential estate very close to Saint-Tropez and the sea, set in level gardens with swimming pool. Interior of 160m2:Ground floor: Entrance hal...
2,500,000 EUR
Luxury 5 bedroom House for sale with sea and panoramic views in Mouans Sartoux, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur
Ref 253748
Luxury villa currently under construction, set in over an acre of land in a prime location with 180 degree panoramic views of the sea. This sumptuous new property of 750m2, built on a plot of 4,...
8,900,000 EUR