Buying Property in France: What Foreigners Need to Know

Jun 26

Planning to buy a home in France? Learn everything foreigners need to know—from legal steps to cultural tips—before purchasing property in France. A must-read for international buyers.

Introduction: A Dream Home in the Heart of Europe?

The thought of owning a charming stone cottage in Provence, a seaside apartment on the Côte d’Azur, or a Parisian pied-à-terre is the stuff of dreams for many. And for good reason: France offers a unique blend of culture, history, lifestyle, cuisine, and natural beauty that has enchanted travelers for centuries.

In fact, buying property in France has become increasingly popular among foreigners, from retirees looking for a peaceful village life to young families and professionals seeking adventure or a base in Europe. Whether you're eyeing an investment property, a second home, or a permanent relocation, France offers an abundance of real estate options that can suit just about every taste and budget.

But as dreamy as the French lifestyle sounds, buying property in France isn’t as simple as browsing listings and making an offer. Foreign buyers face a maze of unfamiliar legal procedures, tax implications, language barriers, and cultural expectations. From understanding the role of the notaire to dealing with regional bureaucracy, navigating the French property market requires careful planning and reliable guidance.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through what you need to know before buying property in France as a foreigner. Whether you're just beginning your search or already deep into the process, this article will help you make smarter, safer, and more confident decisions.

1. Can Foreigners Buy Property in France?

Yes—foreigners can buy property in France without restrictions. There are no special permits or citizenship requirements for real estate purchases. Whether you're from the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, or elsewhere, the legal right to own property in France is the same for all.

However, what can vary is your residency status and how long you can stay in the country. Property ownership doesn’t automatically grant you the right to live in France full-time. If you intend to stay more than 90 days at a time, you may need to apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit.

2. Understanding the French Property Buying Process

The French property buying process is structured, but different from what many foreign buyers are used to.

Step-by-Step Overview:

Find a Property – You can search through real estate agents (agences immobilières), websites like SeLoger or Leboncoin, or private listings.
Make an Offer (Offre d’Achat) – This is a written offer that’s legally binding if accepted.
Sign Preliminary Contract (Compromis de Vente) – The first legal agreement, often with a 10% deposit.
Cooling-Off Period – Buyers have a 10-day window to withdraw without penalty.
Final Contract Signing (Acte de Vente) – This is done at the notaire’s office, where the deed is signed and the remaining balance is paid.
You Get the Keys! – Once the funds are transferred and documents are signed, the property is yours.

3. The Role of the Notaire

In France, a notaire is a public official who acts as a neutral legal expert. Their job is to handle the legal side of the transaction, verify property titles, and collect taxes. Unlike a lawyer, the notaire represents the state, not either party.

You can choose to use the seller’s notaire, or you may hire your own at no additional cost—the fee is split. Having your own notaire may offer added peace of mind, especially if you’re not fluent in French.

4. Costs and Fees: Beyond the Purchase Price

When budgeting for a home in France, don’t forget the additional costs:

Notaire Fees and Taxes: Typically 7–8% of the purchase price for existing properties (less for new builds).
Agency Fees: Sometimes included in the asking price, but not always. Clarify in advance.
Mortgage Fees: If you’re getting financing from a French bank, expect additional charges for paperwork and insurance.
Renovation Costs: Many properties (especially rural ones) need updates to meet modern standards.

5. Financing Your French Property

Can foreigners get a mortgage in France? Yes—but it may take time.

Tips:

French banks usually require a 20–30% down payment from non-residents.
Income and financial history must be thoroughly documented.
Life insurance (assurance vie) is often a requirement.

Alternative: Some foreign buyers prefer to finance through banks in their home country or use equity from other properties.

6. Language Barriers and Paperwork

All legal documents will be in French. Even if you speak conversational French, legal and real estate terminology can be overwhelming. It’s wise to:

Hire a bilingual notaire or translator.
Have your documents reviewed by a professional.
Take French language classes focused on real-life situations (more on that later!).

7. Taxes and Ownership Costs

Owning property in France comes with ongoing obligations:

Property Tax (Taxe Foncière) – Paid annually by the owner.
Residence Tax (Taxe d’Habitation) – Still applies to second homes in some cases.
Wealth Tax – Only if the net value of your French property exceeds €1.3 million.
Capital Gains Tax – Applies when selling, especially if it’s not your primary residence.

8. Urban vs. Rural: Lifestyle and Practicalities

Each region in France offers something different:

Cities (Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux): Great infrastructure, more expensive, compact living.
Countryside (Dordogne, Provence, Occitanie): Spacious, quieter, but less connected.
Coastal Areas (Nice, Brittany, Normandy): Popular with retirees and expats, but prices can vary widely.

Be sure to visit different areas during all seasons before committing.

9. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Buying without visiting – Always view a property in person at least once.
Assuming it includes land or outbuildings – Double check the cadastre (land registry).
Underestimating renovation timelines and costs – French labor laws and permits can slow projects.
Not knowing local regulations – Historic areas often have strict remodeling codes.

10. Why Learning French Helps Immensely

You don’t need to be fluent, but learning key real estate and legal terms can reduce stress and prevent mistakes. You’ll also build better relationships with neighbors and professionals, making your experience smoother—and far more rewarding.

Consider taking focused French classes that prepare you for real-life scenarios like:

Meeting with notaires
Communicating with contractors
Reading contracts
Joining local communities

FAQs: Buying Property in France

Q: Do I need to live in France to own property there? A: No. Many foreigners own second homes or investment properties while living abroad.

Q: Can I buy property with a non-EU passport? A: Yes. There are no restrictions based on nationality.

Q: How long does the buying process take? A: On average, 2–3 months from accepted offer to final contract.

Q: Is it better to buy through an agent or directly from the owner? A: Agents can provide valuable assistance, but going direct may reduce costs. Always have legal support.

Q: What happens if I change my mind? A: You have a 10-day cooling-off period after signing the Compromis de Vente.

Learn French with Us at Polyglottist Language Academy

At Polyglottist Language Academy, we offer practical French classes that go far beyond the textbook. Our small group courses—online or in-person in Berkeley, Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco—are designed to help you handle real-world situations like buying property, negotiating contracts, or moving abroad.

Want to feel confident speaking French at a notaire’s office or with your new neighbors? Join one of our immersive, conversation-focused classes today.

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