How to Buy Property in France as an International Buyer

If you’ve come across this blog, it’s likely you’re looking to move to France or are interested in purchasing a holiday home in France.

The great news is that non-residents can purchase properties in France without much hassle, so we’ve put together this step-by-step guide on how to buy property in France as an international buyer.

• ARRANGE YOUR FINANCE

  Step 1: Finding out about your loan options is the first step you should take when you’re looking into buying property in France as a non-resident. Milieux Property will work with you to determine your budget and connect you with an English-speaking mortgage broker to get pre-approved for a loan as early as possible. To find out more about this process, read our blog on how to borrow in France as a non-resident.

• RESEARCH REGION AND PROPERTY TYPE

  Step 2:: Start researching where you might want to live in France and what kind of property you’d want to live in. If you aren’t sure which area or type of property would best suit you, we have a client requirements document that helps us find the most suitable area for you (close to international and private schools, close to the beach, close to Paris, etc.). You can also read our blog on the best places to have a holiday house in France to help give you an idea of which area might be best.

• ENGAGE A BUYERS AGENT

  Step 3: If you now have an idea of what area you’re interested in buying a property, you may want to continue doing your own research into the buying process, or you may prefer to engage our services at this early stage. We assist clients at most stages of their journey. See our services to see what suits you and your situation.

• PROPERTY SEARCH

  Step 4: If Milieux Property will be representing you in your purchase, please provide detailed search criteria so we can conduct a thorough search. From here, we will take care of all aspects for you, including finding the properties, vetting and validating them, and attending inspections.

  Once we know your dates for coming to France, we will build an optimised itinerary and visit the properties with you. After this critical step we will be able to provide you with data-driven analysis on the correct market value of your favourite property/ies. 

  This data is imperative for a strong negotiation.

• MAKE AN OFFER

  Step 5: Once you’ve decided on your favourite property, the next step is to make an offer. We can represent you in this critical step. After correctly determining the property's true market value, we will negotiate the purchase on your behalf to secure the best possible price and ensure nothing is overlooked or misunderstood.

  By correctly valuing the property, in almost all cases, we are able to secure it at a lower price than you could on your own.

• SIGN THE COMPROMIS DE VENTE

  Step 6: Once a purchase price has been agreed upon, you will sign a Compromis de Vente (first contract), a conditional agreement to purchase the property. Different conditions can be added to this contract, such as having the finances approved and property surveys showing no major issues. The agreement is signed by both the buyer and the seller and is legally binding. If any of the conditional clauses are not met, the contract may be broken without penalty.

• DO YOUR DUE DILLIGENCE

  Step 7: Do your due diligence. This is something Milieux Property and your notaire will take care of for you. This step includes reviewing the property and cadastral plans, including whether there are any private or public plans to build other properties close to your property, and whether you have permission to rebuild or renovate the property. Milieux Property will order a dossier diagnostic technique on your property, which is a legally required report given to potential buyers outlining any potential issues with the property (e.g., if the roof needs replacing, the condition of the foundations, etc.), and this will help you make a decision on whether you will go ahead with the purchase.

• DECIDE YOUR PURCHASE STRUCTURE

  Step 8: You’re making your final decision on whether to go ahead with the purchase, so now you need to decide what name you’re buying the property in. Some clients simply purchase the property in their own name, but for tax and inheritance purposes, others choose to buy it through a company structure, known as a Société Civile Immobilière (SCI). This is an in-depth process and can become complicated; we therefore organise an asset management consultant to advise our clients on what is best for them.

• FINALISE YOUR PURCHASE

  Step 9: You have agreed to purchase the property, the bank has approved your loan, and your notaire has verified everything. It’s time to pay for your property before signing the Acte Authentique (Acte de Vente) – this is the full contract for your purchase. You should be present for this signing if possible. If you are unable to attend, Milieux Property can attend on your behalf and arrange for the notaire to sign on your behalf via a power of attorney. 

Once these final steps are complete, the property is yours! Congratulations!