Buying Property in France: A Step-by-Step Guide for Non-Residents

France places no legal restrictions on foreign ownership. International buyers can purchase property for personal use, leisure, or investment, making France an attractive destination for overseas buyers.

The property purchase process is highly regulated and secure with transactions primarily overseen by a Notaire — a public official responsible for ensuring the legality of the transaction, collecting taxes, and registering the transfer of ownership.

How Does It Work? What Are the Different Steps?

  1. Define Your Budget and Financing

  • You can purchase property either with cash or through a French euro mortgage
  • It is important to prepare your financial documentation early as non-resident buyers may face stricter lending criteria. Working with a mortgage broker such as Private-Rate can help you understand the process and banking requirements
  • Be prepared for additional costs including notary fees (typically 6–8% for existing properties and 2–3% for new-build properties), agency fees and taxes

  1. Find a Property

  • Working with a bilingual real estate agent can help you navigate property listings, negotiations and local market conditions
  • Popular regions among international buyers include Paris, Provence, Bordeaux, the French Riviera and the Alps

  1. Make an Offer

  • Once you find a suitable property, you submit an offer to the seller
  • If the offer is accepted, both parties move forward to sign a preliminary sales agreement

  1. Sign the Preliminary Sales Agreement (Compromis de Vente)

  • This legally binding contract sets out the agreed purchase price, conditions of sale and anticipated completion date
  • The buyer benefits from a 10-day cooling-off period during which they may withdraw without penalty
  • Buyers typically transfer a deposit of 5–10% into the notaire’s secure escrow account

  1. Legal and Administrative Checks

  • The notaire conducts comprehensive legal checks, including verification of title deeds, planning permissions, property boundaries, and any debts or legal claims attached to the property.
  • The notaire is also responsible for collecting and remitting taxes to the French authorities.
  • This stage usually lasts several weeks and often runs alongside the mortgage application process.

  1. Arrange Financing and Personal Contribution Funding

  • If you require financing, your mortgage broker will help prepare and submit your application while guiding you through each stage of the process, including understanding lending requirements, opening a bank account, and arranging mortgage insurance.
  • The notaire is responsible for coordinating the release of mortgage funds by the lender.
  • Personal contribution funds must be transferred to the notaire before signing the title deed.
  • Mortgage brokers in France are heavily regulated, and fees cannot be charged until mortgage funds have been released and the property purchase has been completed.

  1. Sign the Title Deed (Acte Authentique de Vente)

  • The notaire reads and witnesses the final deed of sale.
  • At this stage, ownership is officially transferred, taxes are settled, and the property is registered in the buyer’s name.
  • You receive the keys, and the notaire registers the title with the French land registry.
  • If you are unable to attend in person, completion can usually be arranged through a power of attorney.

  1. After the Purchase

As a property owner in France, you may be liable for annual taxes, including:

  • Taxe Foncière – property ownership tax
  • Taxe d’Habitation – residence tax, where applicable

Additional considerations include:

  • Rental income and capital gains may be taxable in France. It is advisable to consult your accountant or local tax office.
  • Property ownership does not automatically grant French residency, although it may support certain visa or residency applications.

Remarks and Options

  • Buying Through a Company Structure (SCI – Société Civile Immobilière)

Some foreign buyers choose to purchase property through an SCI for inheritance planning or tax optimisation purposes. However, the legal and tax implications differ from personal ownership, and professional advice is strongly recommended.

  • If your funds are held in another currency, consider exchange rate fluctuations and currency transfer costs.
  • A notaire is mandatory and ensures legal protection and transparency for both buyer and seller.
  • The purchase process may take several months, depending on financing and legal checks. In this context, the role of specialised advisors and mortgage brokers becomes particularly important.
  • The purchase process may take several months, depending on financing and legal checks. In this context, the role of specialized advisors and mortgage brokers is becoming increasingly important. Our dedicated team of brokers can review the feasibility of your project and determine your borrowing capacity to ensure that you receive the most suitable mortgage solution for your property purchase in France.

Submit your request for information

With no commitment on your part, submit your detailed request in order to obtain the best financial solution for your project. A French mortgage specialist will contact you within 24 hours.

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