France places no restrictions on foreign property ownership. The notaire (a public official, not a lawyer for either side) handles the conveyance and is paid by the buyer. A French bank account is strongly recommended for completion funds and ongoing charges.
The buying process
- 1
Make an offer
Offers are usually verbal or via the estate agent (agent immobilier). Once accepted, the agent drafts the offer letter.
- 2
Sign the compromis de vente
Preliminary contract setting price, conditions, and a 5–10% deposit held in escrow. Buyer has a 10-day statutory cooling-off period after signing.
- 3
Engage a notaire
Buyer and seller can share one notaire or use separate ones at no extra cost — fees are fixed by law and split.
- 4
Searches & conditions
Notaire runs title, planning, and mortgage searches; mortgage conditions (clause suspensive) typically allow 45 days to secure financing.
- 5
Final funds & pre-completion
Transfer balance plus all notaire fees to the notaire's account a few days before signing.
- 6
Sign the acte de vente
Final deed signed at the notaire's office (in person or by power of attorney). Keys handed over.
- 7
Registration
Notaire registers the sale at the Service de la Publicité Foncière and sends the buyer a certified copy (attestation) within weeks; the full deed follows in 2–6 months.
Typical fees & taxes
- Frais de notaire (resale)
- 7–8% of purchase price (mostly transfer tax + registration)
- Frais de notaire (new-build, <5 yrs)
- 2–3% of purchase price
- Agency fees
- 3–8% — usually included in advertised price; check who pays
- Mortgage arrangement
- 0.5–1.5% of loan, plus broker fees if used
- Annual taxe foncière
- Varies by commune; typically 0.1–1% of cadastral rental value
Timeline
- Offer to compromis de vente
- 2–4 weeks
- Cooling-off period (statutory)
- 10 days after signing compromis
- Compromis to acte de vente
- 2–3 months (longer if mortgage)
- Total typical timeline
- 3–4 months
What you'll need
- Passport / ID
- French bank account (RIB)(optional)
Not legally required but expected by notaires and utility providers
- Proof of address
- Proof of funds / mortgage offer
No residency requirement to buy. Non-resident mortgages available from French banks, typically 70–80% LTV with stricter affordability checks. France abolished taxe d'habitation on primary residences (2023) but it still applies to second homes — and many communes now apply a surcharge of up to 60% on second homes in high-demand zones.
General guidance only — confirm specifics with a qualified local lawyer or tax adviser. Reference
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