Your Dream Home in France: A Complete Guide to Buying Property in France
Thinking about buying property in France? Whether you're looking for a charming countryside retreat, a historic stone house in Provence, or a modern apartment in Paris, Property Hunt France is here to make your dream a reality.
France has long been a top destination for international buyers, offering a unique mix of lifestyle, culture, investment potential, and stunning real estate. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find and secure your ideal French home.
Why Buy Property in France?
Stable Market: France offers one of the most secure real estate markets in Europe, with strong legal protections for buyers.
Diverse Landscapes: From the lavender fields of Provence to the vineyards of Bordeaux, the beaches of the Côte d’Azur to the Alps' snow-capped peaks—there’s a region for every lifestyle.
Excellent Investment Potential: French real estate continues to hold value, especially in high-demand areas like Paris, Nice, and Dordogne.
Top Places to Buy Property in France in 2025
Dordogne: Popular with expats, full of rustic farmhouses and medieval villages.
Languedoc-Roussillon: Affordable and sunny, with vineyards and seaside towns.
Paris: Strong rental yields and capital appreciation in prime arrondissements.
Provence (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur): Ideal for luxury villas and second homes.
Occitanie: Up-and-coming region with a beautiful countryside and lower prices.
The Process of Buying Property in France
Define Your Budget: Include notaire fees (~7–8%) and renovation costs if needed. The seller’s agent will typically ask for proof of funds. This can either be a copy of your mortgage agreement with your bank, or a bank statement showing you have enough money in your account to buy the property in cash.
Research Regions: Consider climate, accessibility, and property prices. Property Hunt France can advise you on regions if you have specific criteria in mind.
Visit Properties: We visit properties for you, and provide you with virtual tours.
Make an Offer: Once accepted, a “Compromis de Vente” is signed.
Cool-off period: There is a mandatory 10-day cool-off period after the compromis de vente is signed, where you can pull out of the offer for any reason, no explanation necessary. This extra step adds a layer of buyer protection.
Legal Process: The notaire handles all due diligence and final contracts. Make sure you pick a good notaire. Choosing poorly can lead to headaches years down the line (ie. the notaire doesn’t contact the homeowner’s association to see if there any outstanding debts that the seller owes, so after the sale these debts become yours. This happened to me years ago before I realized the importance in the choice of notaire.). Typically the seller will want to use their notaire, and the buyer will want to use theirs. We have built up a network of upstanding notaires that will work for you and ensure that you’re protected.
Completion: Expect the whole process to take around 2–3 months minimum from the accepted offer to receiving the keys to your new home.
Tips for Moving to France
Consider applying for a long-stay visa if staying over 90 days.
Learn about property taxes in France like the taxe foncière and the taxe d’habitation.
Use a local mortgage broker (un courtier/ une courtière) or speak with us for advice on financing options.
Join expat communities to ease the transition and share resources.
How Property Hunt France Helps You Buy with Confidence
At PropertyHuntFrance.com, we specialize in helping international buyers find the best real estate opportunities across France. Our services include:
Tailored Property Searches
We match you with properties based on your lifestyle goals, investment plans, and preferred regions.
Expert Guidance
Our bilingual team helps you navigate the buying process, legal steps, and negotiations with confidence.
Off-Market Listings
Gain access to exclusive properties not listed on major portals.
Ready to Start Your Property Search in France?
Visit PropertyHuntFrance.com to browse curated listings, download free buyer guides, or book a consultation with our team. Let’s find your dream French property—without the stress.
