FAQ’s
French residency
There are no specific limitations on foreign nationals or non-EU citizens wishing to purchase a home in France.
If you wish to spend longer than 90 days in France in every 180, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa, known as La Visa Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour (VLS-TS).
If you would like to relocate to France or visit for longer than 90 days you will require a visa, which is easy to obtain once you are the owner of a French property. You may wish to apply for a Long stay visa valid for residence (VLS-TS)
France does not offer a ‘Golden Visa’ through direct investment in government bonds or property
Spending more than 183 days in France establishes your main place of residence there, qualifying you as a French tax resident.
There are 2 main ways to obtain French nationality: declaration of nationality and the naturalisation.
Viewing a property in France
If you’re considering purchasing a property in France, using an English-speaking real estate agent like Town & Country Property France can make all the difference.
With our extensive knowledge of the French property market, we are well-equipped to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information about the buying or selling process. From understanding local regulations to identifying the best neighbourhoods and property types, our estate agents have the expertise to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re looking to purchase a property in France, viewing properties is an essential step in the process. At our agency, we’re committed to providing our clients with an exceptional viewing experience that’s tailored to their unique needs and preferences.
If you see a property you like the look of, it’s a good idea to organise a viewing as quickly as possible. Contact us now!
You should aim to view two to four properties a day (ideally three, five maximum); they should be within a reasonable distance to one another. Remember France is a big place!
You don’t like the house you are viewing – no problem. There’s no need to be embarassed. Don’t waste time (yours, the agent’s or the owner’s) just tell your viewing agent and they will bring the viist to an end. A good agent can sense if a viewing is not going well and will check with you.
It is usually quite acceptable to take your own photos during a viewing but it is essential to ask permission first.
You may be asked to sign a ‘bon de visite’ for each property that you view. Sole agency is not the standard in France and, by signing the ‘bon de visite’, you are confirming that you haven’t (and won’t) view the property or buy with another agent.
Houses can look quite different in different photos so, if you turn up for a viewing and realise you have already seen the property, you should tell the agent to avoid later confusion. The same applies if an agency shows you details for a property you have already seen you should tell them straight away.
Buying property in France
Once an àffer has been accepted, the purchase of an existing property in France follows a two-stage process. First, the sellers & buyers sign a preliminary sale contract (Compromis de Vente or Promesse de Vente), which records the agreement and sets out conditions for completion. This contract typically requires a 5% deposit, though the penalty for withdrawal after the cooling-off period would be 10% of the purchase price. Following signature by both parties, buyers have a 10-day cooling-off period during which they can withdraw without penalty.
The second stage involves the notaire gathering information, verifying documents, and preparing the final purchase agreement. This process typically takes about two months for cash purchases or three months when financing is involved. The final agreement or Acte de Vente signing represents the formal transfer of ownership, when keys are handed over and all funds are transferred.
French Property Diagnostics Surveys
Depending in the property and its location, the following reports are required for a property sale in France: Asbestos, Lead, Termites, Energy Efficiency, Natural or Industrial Risks, Gas Installations, Electrical Wiring, Septic Tanks & Drainage, Radon, Soil Survey.
In order to advertise a porperty for sale it is obiligatory to have the DPE ( Diagnotiqe Performan ce Enérgetique) and a valid fosse report. It is however recommended that all the diagnostic reports are made availabel to potential buyers to avoid delays and unnecessry renegotiation
A valid fosse inspection report issued by a liscenced inspector (usually the SPANC or a water company) is obligatory for a property sale in France. The report is for information only and it does not necessarily need to pass.
The role of a Notaire
A French notaire serves as an impartial legal professional for both buyers and sellers. They ensure contracts are balanced regardless of which party they represent, handle the entire transaction from initial contract to final completion, and manage all administrative procedures and tax matters.
Yes you can. However most of transactions involve the notaire representing both buyer and seller. This dual representation does not compromise the quality of service, as notaires have a legal obligation to remain impartial.
"Notaire fees" actually encompass several different costs. The actual notaire fees are fixed by the French state at approximately 0.8% of the purchase price. The bulk of what buyers call "notaire fees" consists of the French equivalent to stamp duty, along with land registry fees for administrative registration. Additional notarial costs may include loan documentation fees when financing the purchase.
Notaires work for a fixed fee; they don’t charge by the hour. The notaire’s fee is approximately 7-10% of the property price, this changes fractionally depending on area, price range, whether you have a mortgage and several other factors.
The purchaser is usually responsible for the notaire’s fees.