The Guide of Buying Property in France

Step 1. Visit the Property

Lots of agencies offer their clients a presentation tours to inspect property themselves. And even though companies have to pay extra, they don’t charge for such tours. Expenses are included in the broker’s commission.

The tour includes selection and viewing of a property, getting legal information regarding it, etc. As a rule, you have to pay for travelling tickets and accommodation.

We recommend to visit the country beforehand anyway, because this is the only way to get a full picture. 

When the selection is done, together with seller you sign a preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente or Promesse de Vente). However, the seller must provide documents about the technical condition of the property to the buyer before signing anything. And of course, you need to open an account in a local bank in order to conduct financial transactions.

Properties for Sale in France

775 000 €

Flat in Nice, France

56 sq.m

A residential complex of 16 apartments that combines a new concept of the art of living with the concept of uniqueness and exclusivity. Starting from studios and ending with five-room duplex apartments, in each dwelling you will see notes of sophistication and well-thought-out comfort, enjoy a favorable layout for every taste and color. The...

NF Group

445 000 €

Apartment in Paris, France

28 sq.m 1 1

The luxury residential complex is located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. There are apartments with the number of bedrooms from 1 to 5. On the roof of the building there is a beautiful terrace with a beautiful view of the city. All necessary infrastructure is located nearby.

NF Group

450 000 €

Flat in Paris, France

31 sq.m 1 1

Wonderful and unique in its design, this residence offers a vegetative landscape that allows residents to reconnect with nature. The complex offers views of the Seine River. Near the complex there is all the necessary infrastructure: supermarkets, shops, cafes, restaurants, schools, public transport.

NF Group

854 000 €

Flat in Paris, France

54 sq.m 1 1

The apartments in a renovated historical building, decorated in a modern industrial style, perfectly match the urban lifestyle and the requirements of modern comfort. They have a unique character, highlighted by the preserved ceiling beams. These interiors, made to high standards, have a warm atmosphere and an incredible view of Paris, while...

NF Group

467 000 €

Flat in Nice, France

29 sq.m 2 2

Exclusive apartments with 2-4 rooms and first-class amenities are located in Nice, France. The project has a unique design from a world-class architect. The project has all the necessary infrastructure, has luxurious terraces overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. There are shops, restaurants, bus and tram stops nearby.

NF Group

685 000 €

Flat in Paris, France

53 sq.m 2 2

Residential complex in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. Apartment size: 53-132 sq. m. Number of bedrooms: 2-5. Balcony in each apartment. Nearby: restaurants, shopping center, shops, metro, private and public schools, park. Location: 15th arrondissement of Paris. Availability: IV quarter of 2024

NF Group

570 000 €

House in Chamonix, France

40 sq.m 1 1

The elegant residence is located in the heart of the Chamonix ski resort in France. All necessary infrastructure, including shops, restaurants, is located 5 minutes from the apartment. The apartment offers incredible views of the Alps.

NF Group

610 000 €

Apartment in Meribel, France

80 sq.m 2 2

Located in Les Allues, the new complex includes 7 apartments + 1 chalet in a 4-storey residence with an elevator. All apartments on the ground floor have a terrace, and all apartments on the upper floor have a balcony.- The center of Meribel-Alluz, a few minutes walk from the ski lift and the shuttle bus stop- 7 apartments and 1 chalet in the...

NF Group

2 995 000 €

Apartment in Meribel, France

125 sq.m 3 3

On the heights of Meribel there is a brand new residence located near the village center and the ski slopes.A unique project designed to offer you comfort and space in a warm and friendly atmosphere. A perfect balance between authentic and modern architecture combined with unique services.This new complex consists of 44 apartments and two...

NF Group

9 495 000 €

Flat in Meribel, France

457 sq.m 6 6

The new residential project is located in the center of the Meribel ski resort, in close proximity to both the village center and the ski slopes. The complex offers beautiful views of the Rock de Fer side. The complex includes 44 apartments and 2 chalets. At the residents' disposal: reception and concierge service, shuttle service to the ski...

NF Group

2 020 000 €

Flat in Courchevel, France

1 sq.m 3 3

Luxury residence in Courchevel consists of a beautiful 10 apartments with 3 bedrooms. The residence is located in the heart of the Courchevel Moriond ski village with many shops, restaurants and access to the slopes. Two 3-bedroom apartments (one of them is a penthouse) include a living room with an open plan kitchen, a bathroom and a storage...

NF Group

890 000 €

Flat in Courchevel, France

67 sq.m 2 2

The chalets and apartments will be located in the heart of Courchevel in a new exclusive residential complex. The complex will include 10 modern apartments ranging from 67 to 158 sq. m. m and 7 exquisite chalets ranging from 85 to 278 sq. m. Commissioning date: Q4 2020. rsi190086

NF Group

910 200 €

Flat in Courchevel, France

64 sq.m 2 2

The apartments are located in a new residence in the heart of Courchevel, within walking distance of the ski slopes.The complex includes 7 double apartments with panoramic mountain views.All apartments include parking spaces and a storage room.The apartment has an entrance hall, a guest bathroom, a living room, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a...

NF Group

754 004 €

Flat in Meribel, France

104 sq.m 2 2

The new luxury residential complex is located in the heart of the fashionable resort of Meribel, 300 meters from the ski slopes. Grocery and sports shops, restaurants and bars are within walking distance. The residential complex consists of 15 cozy and comfortable apartments in a traditional Alpine style with fireplaces, spacious terraces and...

NF Group

1 520 000 €

Flat in Courchevel, France

110 sq.m 3 3

Exclusive development is a luxury residential complex of 7 apartments in Courchevel, in one of the most prestigious and affordable areas – Le Praz. The complex is equipped with an elevator, all apartments include balconies. Buyers can request a VAT refund (20%) from the asking price if they switch to the rental system. rsi180024

NF Group

3 575 000 €

Flat in Cannes, France

54 sq.m 1 1

This luxury residence will soon proudly dominate the Croisette, offering a unique modern living space.The location on the Boulevard Croisette speaks for itself: being the center of attraction, the world-famous promenade is the most desirable street for purchasing real estate not only for investment purposes, but also for personal use. Cannes...

NF Group

20 900 000 €

Villa in Nice, France

550 sq.m

An exceptional villa designed by a famous architect, inscribed in the landscape of the rocks, overlooking the Big Blue between Cap Ferrat and Baie de Ange.This luxurious house boasts blooming gardens and terraces of 8,600 square meters, including an outdoor swimming pool. The entrance is a completely overgrown roof. A staircase connects two...

NF Group

887 500 €

Flat in Meribel, France

60 sq.m 3 2

Discover this beautiful duplex apartment located in the village of Meribel, known for its family atmosphere and mountain views. This apartment has an area of 60.96 sq.m. On the ground level there is a fully equipped kitchen opening into the dining room and living room.You will be enchanted by the pleasant mountain view from the 6.34 sq.m....

NF Group

36 500 000 €

Villa in Cannes, France

11 11

This exceptional property is located in the heart of the residential and peaceful area of Super Cannes, just a short drive from the beaches and the city center of Cannes.This piece of Provence in Cannes, with almost 5 hectares of land combined with a magnificent panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea, is a rare find. The landscaped gardens...

NF Group

3 950 000 €

Chalet in Chamonix, France

317 sq.m 5 5

The new luxury chalet is located in a closed guarded complex of 3 chalets with underground Parking. The chalet includes an open-plan living room, a spacious terrace, an indoor swimming pool, a home cinema, a bar and a SPA area with a sauna. The chalet is equipped with an elevator on all floors. The chalet is located in the heart of the...

NF Group

See more 981 similar properties

Step 2. Check the Property

The checking include several diagnostic tests. For instance, the floor area is measured for compliance with the declared information, presence of termites is examined, presence of lead and asbestos in the construction.

Asbestos was banned in France in 1996, after it was found to be the cause of many diseases. Before that it was used as insulation. Sellers must provide buyers with a certificate for the absence of asbestos for houses built before July 1, 1997. But it is worth noting that the document is issued only for the apartment, and not for the total area (stairs, corridors, etc.).

It is not very likely to find lead among other materials. Lead dyes were used in buildings before 1948. But if it was find, the seller must remove it. 

Every examinations is carried out by individual experts. They grant documents to the seller after carrying out necessary procedures. The price is included into the final cost of a property. 

You can sign a preliminary contract without results of the examination. But in this case it has to include a clause that the seller is going to obtain necessary documentation by the time the main sale contract is signed. Otherwise the buyer has the right to cancel the transaction without any obligations.

Step 3. Make a Preliminary Contract

The preliminary agreement is a guarantee for both sides of a real estate deal: it reserves the chosen property and doesn’t let any side to change their mind without penalties. 

You don’t need to notarize this contract. At the same time you have to pay a deposit to a notary’s trust account. The amount of a deposit is about 10% from the total cost of a property (5% when buying a property under construction).

After conclusion you legally have 7 days to cancel further transactions and return your deposit (unless the contract specifies other conditions for termination of the transaction). 

Another way to get the deposit back is when a bank denies you a loan or examination for asbestos gives negative indicators. Although, the preliminary contract needs to have appropriate conditions for such situations. 

If the deal is disrupted by the seller's fault, they return the deposit to the buyer in a double amount.

Be prepared for special aspects of the French legislation. The mayor's office of each city has the right to purchase a property at the price specified in the preliminary agreement, instead of the buyer (droit de preemption). In this case, you get the deposit back, but at what cost?.. 

Normally, the contract is valid for 3 months. During that period of time a notary performs due diligence:

1. In relation to the state. Since municipality can purchase a property instead of you, the notary sends a request with a declaration of the deal. They also check whether the property is located in a risk zone (for example, in close proximity to industrial enterprises) or a special zone such as a historical one. These imposes special obligations on the owner.
2. In relation to individuals. The notary requests a mortgage bureau, whether the object has unpaid debts and whether all owners of this property agree to sell it. The notary is responsible for calculating all additional transaction costs and verifying the buyer's passport data.

During validation you have time to bond a mortgage. After receiving permission from the bank as well as conducting all necessary checks, you conclude the main sale contract. 

Market specialists strongly recommend to visit France at least once to check out real estate on your own,  because personal inspection can get you a complete picture a property.

Step 4. Conclude a Contract

Both parties meet at a notary’s office to conclude the contract. The notary is an official representative of interests for the buyer and state. They are professionally responsible for the safety of a sale deal, which is guaranteed by their insurance company.

You can have two notaries for each side of the contract. The seller's notary performs a legal check of the property, the buyer's notary performs calculations on the transaction and concludes the main contract. 

At the office you will be required to submit the following documents:

• your foreign passport or ID
• a copy of your visa or residence permit
• birth, marriage and divorce certificates

Here you also sing the act of sale (Acte de Vente). By that moment you have to transfer money to the notary's account. Ownership is transferred at the signing of the contract, you receive keys nd a special certificate of ownership. Then the notary transfers money to the seller’s account. And finally, you pay for the notary's service.

The new owner must necessarily insure the property. This is monitored by a notary.

Step 5. Register the Deal

The notary is obliged to register the new owner in the storage of mortgages (Conservation des hypothèques) within a few days. This institution registers all acts of sale, exchange, donation of real estate, as well as mortgage registration.

Usually state registration takes 2-3 months. And after that you receive the final document which is a certificate of ownership.

Quoting conditions of Prian.info materials