Finding a good buyer’s agent / advocate in France is an excellent idea if you are considering buying a house in France. It can be a complex process, and trying to do the whole thing on your own can come with significant risks. Finding the right buyer’s agent / advocate will take the risk out of the equation and ensure a much smoother process. Things to look out for: make sure they speak fluent English and French, they must be based in France, have connections to real estate agents, mortgage brokers and Notaires (French property lawyers) and are only representing you, not the seller. Even if you are able to find a mortgage broker and/or Notaire online, it can be very difficult to know if they are right for you and your project. Oftentimes the Notaire is also representing the seller so having a buyer’s agent / advocate who only represents you, the buyer, will ensure a fair and smooth transaction with no “funny business”.

Good news – even though the UK is no longer part of the European Union, UK nationals are still able to buy property in France. There are no new restrictions to speak of. The main difference is that you no longer have the freedom of movement that used to allow you to reside in France. It is legal to purchase a home in France to use as a holiday house, or as your primary residence if you are able to secure the right to live in France. As the process is slightly more complex now than before Brexit, we would highly recommend having a good team around you who knows the ins and outs of the French property market. The people who can be most useful are an English-speaking buyer’s agent/advocate, a mortgage broker, and Notaire (again, English-speaking if possible).

Americans can purchase property in France. In fact, foreign investment in France is encouraged. Just be prepared that it will most likely take a bit longer as purchasing a property in France as a non-resident is slightly more complex than for residents. It’s very do-able, and we would highly recommend having the right support team around you such as a buyer’s agent / advocate, mortgage broker and Notaire (French property lawyer) – all English-speaking if possible.

Yes – if you’re an Australian citizen you have the right to buy a house in France. It is legal to purchase a home in France to use as a holiday house, or as your primary residence if you are able to secure the right to live in France.

Yes – foreign investment in France is encouraged, so most non-residents can purchase property in France. If you intend to live in the property full-time, you will need to ensure you have the correct visa or residency requirements.