Whether you are looking for a ski apartment in the Alps or a place to stay by the golden sands of the South of France, we are sure we have French property for sale that suit your requirements.
France is a country of great diversity. Traditionally more appealing for buyers wanting rural properties to renovate, there is a growing trend towards new builds, often available under leaseback deals guaranteeing rental income. Prices have been rising rapidly, with an average increase of 16% in 2004 (10% for new properties).
With as diverse a landscape as most countries four times the size, France has something to offer everyone, from chic Parisian pied-a-terres to Provencal hill-top village houses and rambling Breton farmhouses. Much of France is very sparsely populated and can feel isolated - which could be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective. Tourism is well-established in many areas, but in others earning solid rental income can be a struggle. The climate varies hugely between regions, with the weather in northern areas similar to that in southern England. Accessibility is good, with a great selection of cheap flights from low cost airlines, and ferry crossings, not to mention the Eurotunnel and Eurostar.
The highest priced properties in France are in Paris, the Cote d’Azur and the Alps, where tourism is also the most dynamic. Although established rental properties come at a premium, buyers on more limited budgets can look at the lower priced areas, such as the Southern Alps, which have great capital growth potential.
Impressive capital growth and rental yields can be achieved in many parts of France if you are prepared to put in the marketing effort. The longest rental seasons are on the Mediterranean coast, but the lowest prices are in the rural hinterland, where rentals are less easy to come by. Leaseback schemes offer guaranteed rental incomes and are zero-rated for VAT; they are common in the more obvious tourist destinations, including the Alps and Paris and are starting to spring up elsewhere - but make sure your lawyer checks the details carefully, especially what happens when the lease, often for nine years, runs out; in other areas long-term lets can be a lucrative option.
French inheritance law can be very complicated, so make sure you do your research and seek specialist advice before proceeding with your purchase. Alternatively, contact us for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the sales process work for a leaseback purchase in France?
After transferring a deposit to secure your preferred apartment, you will be issued with a reservation contract and commercial lease in French to sign and return. Both these documents will be countersigned and a copy returned to you for your files. Your contracts will then be transferred to a French Notary who will provide you with the title deed and notification paperwork within a minimum of 2-3 months and a maximum of 5 months. Once you receive the notifications package your first step is to go to your local public notary* and sign the proxy/power of attorney. Your own solicitor/lawyer may have the authority to do this. Signing this in the presence of the public notary/your lawyer with your identification gives Power of Attorney to the French notary to sign for the title deeds on your behalf. This is necessary for the French notary so that everything will be processed correctly. All the documents in the notification package you receive must be signed and initialed. Full instructions will be enclosed. Throughout the sale, the notary will call for funds directly according to the stage payments in line with the construction of the development in question. Towards the end of the sales process, just before the handover of keys, you will be issued with your owner’s certificate and be able to contact the management company to book your weeks stay in your apartment. * Your own lawyer/solicitor may be in a position to do this. If this is not the case, they or Erna Low Property will be able to recommend a public notary for you.
Do I need a solicitor?
There will be a French notaire to oversee the sale, however you may wish to appoint a solicitor in the UK or France. For a recommendation please consult our legal info page, or conact us
What does the notaire actually do?
The notaire is appointed by the State and acts for both parties. Some of his duties include: ascertaining details of title and third party rights, verifying the details of any charges affecting the French property, preparing the acte definitif (final contract), witnessing the signing of the acte de vente, registering the transfer of ownership, collecting the taxes.
How much are notaires fees? What do they include?
The amount quoted is a combination of the notaire's fee and taxes payable to the French state on purchase of a property. The larger part of this sum is tax. These usually amount to 6%-8% of the purchase price on resales and around 3% for new builds and are collected by the notaire. T