Guide to Buying a Property in France

France is a popular destination for UK buyers. With easy access from the UK, and it’s mix of beaches, landscapes, and rich culture, it has something for everyone.

However, buying a property in France isn’t the same as the UK. You have other legal considerations, extra taxes and fees, and stricter rules for non-resident buyers. This guide outlines the key steps, common costs, and important regulations to know before you buy.

Buying a house in France

France appeals to all kinds of buyers. Here are some of the reasons why people buy property in France:

• Property choice: From city apartments to countryside cottages, France has a wide range of homes.
• Value for money: Property prices are lower than in the UK in many regions.
• Lifestyle: A slower pace of life, tasty food, and strong local communities can encourage people to buy.
• Accessibility: Regular flights, ferry routes, and the Eurostar make travel from the UK easy.
• Healthcare and infrastructure: France offers high-quality public services and modern infrastructure.
• Rental potential: Holiday lets or long-term rentals can provide extra income.

Process of buying a home in France

Here’s what to expect when buying a property in France:

• Research and budget planning – Decide where you want to buy and what you can afford. Factor in all costs, not just the purchase price, but taxes, legal fees, and ongoing expenses.
• Organise your finances – If you need a mortgage, speak to French lenders early. Non-residents may face stricter requirements, including higher deposits. Opening a French bank account isn’t required, but it can make managing payments and local bills easier.
• Search for properties – You can browse listings on websites like:French-Property.com & Rightmove Overseas – France. Estate agents in France can also help you find suitable options and navigate the process effectively.
• Make an offer – Offers should be made in writing since verbal offers aren’t binding in France.
• Appoint a notary – A French notary handles the legal side of the purchase. They confirm the property’s title, check for debts or legal claims, and manage official documents.
• Get property surveys – You’ll need reports on environmental risks, electricity, gas, and other aspects. These checks are required by law¹.
• Sign the preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente) – Once your offer is accepted, you’ll sign this contract and pay a deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price. For non-residents, this can be higher (up to 40%²).
• Land registry checks – The notary will confirm that the seller is the legal owner and that the property can be sold.
• Pay taxes and fees – You’ll pay registration taxes, stamp duties, legal fees, and notary charges. You’ll also need to pay annual property taxes.
• Final payment – Once all checks are complete, you’ll pay the remaining balance.
• Sign the final contract (Compromis de Vente) – Both parties sign this document to complete the sale, and ownership is transferred.

  The Compromis de Venter has a 10-day cooling-off period after signing should either you or the seller change your mind. You can withdraw without a penalty during this time.

• Register the property – The notary registers the transaction with the French Land Registry.
• Set up utility bills – Arrange electricity, water, internet, and other services in your name.
• Set up your insurance – You may want to help protect your property with holiday home insurance in France. This could help cover damage, theft, or liability risks, so you’re not left financially responsible if something goes wrong.

Costs of buying a property in France

Buying a home in France comes with extra cost considerations, not just the price of the property.

Here are some further fees to keep in mind:

• Notary fees (frais de notaire): For existing properties, these typically range between 7% and 8% of the purchase price. For new-build properties, the fees are lower, around 2% to 3%³.
• Registration tax (droits d’enregistrement): This tax varies by department but generally amounts to approximately 5.80% of the property’s value⁴.
• Real estate transfer tax: This is only applicable to properties built over five years ago, with rates between 5.09% and 6.32%, depending on the property’s type and location⁵.
• Contribution of real estate security (contribution de sécurité immobilière): A fixed fee of 0.1% of the property’s value, covering the registration of the sale.
• Wealth tax (Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière – IFI): Applies to individuals whose net real estate assets exceed €1.3 million⁶.
• Residence tax (Taxe d’habitation): As of 2023, this tax was abolished for primary residences but remains applicable to secondary homes⁷.
• Business property tax (Cotisation Foncière des Entreprises – CFE): If you rent out your property as a furnished rental, you may have to pay this local tax. It’s calculated based on the rental value of the property.
• Land registry fees: These fees are included within the notary fees and cover the registration of the property’s change of ownership.
• Capital gains tax: When selling a property, non-residents will pay a capital gains tax of 19%, plus social charges of 17.2%, totalling 36.2%⁸.
• Real estate agency fees: Typically range between 3% and 10% of the property’s sale price, often included in the listing price⁹.
• Legal fees: In addition to notary fees, you may be charged legal fees if you use a solicitor, especially if you’re unfamiliar with French property laws.

*Tax rates correct at time of publication July 2025. Other payments include monthly mortgage fees and any charge imposed from a surveyor or valuer. The average cost is around €300 for a studio and €800 for a villa. Please be mindful, though, that structural or building surveys may cost €2000 or more. Holiday home insurance can typically be between €150 and €500 annually for basic policies, and can rise above €500 for more comprehensive  coverage.¹² This premium may be more if you’re insuring valuable items. Finally, there are costs incurred with international bank transfer fees and exchange rate fluctuations. The price you pay for your home and the cost of mortgage payments will partially depend on the current exchange rates. So, if the value of sterling goes down, you will pay more for your holiday home. Ongoing maintenance costs are another factor to consider when purchasing a holiday home. If you have any further questions regarding our holiday home insurance in France, contact our dedicated customer service team on 0345 111 0680 or get a quote below.

Best places to buy a house in France

France is a diverse country, with everything from sunny coastlines to quiet rural areas and mountains. Some of the most popular regions for UK buyers include:

• French Riviera: Famous for its coastline, warm climate, and luxury lifestyle. Popular spots include Nice, Cannes, and Antibes. This area is especially attractive for beach lovers and those seeking rental potential.
• Provence: Known for lavender fields, vineyards, and rustic charm. It offers a slower pace of life with strong local communities. It’s also ideal for countryside living with easy access to the coast.
• Alps: A top choice for winter sports fans and nature lovers. Locations like Chamonix and Annecy offer year-round appeal and can provide high rental potential during ski season.

What is the property market like in France?

After a dip in recent years, the French property market is starting to pick up. Prices have levelled out and are showing slight growth in 2025.

• Prices have stabilised: After falling in 2024, house prices are now steady. Some areas are seeing small increases.
• More demand in the suburbs: Buyers are looking beyond city centres for more space and better value.
• Rural and coastal appeal: Interest remains strong in the countryside and by the coast, especially for second homes.
• Paris still slow: Prices in Paris are still down, but activity is starting to return.

The market is recovering, but trends vary by region. It’s worth checking local data before purchasing an overseas home in France.

Can I rent out my property in France?

You can rent out your home in France, but there are rules to follow.

Local regulations

France has strict rules for short-term rentals (less than 90 days)¹⁰. In many areas, you’ll need to register your property with the local town hall. Some cities limit how many days a year you can let the property too. If it’s not your main home, you may need extra permissions.

Tax obligations

Non-residents must pay tax on rental income, usually 7.5%¹¹. This is typically taxed under the BIC regime. You may also owe social charges and local business tax (CFE) if the property is furnished and let regularly.

Insurance

Letting your property? You may want to consider holiday let insurance to help protect against risks like damage, theft, or loss of rent while guests are staying in your home.