The FRE guide
The property buying process in France
From shortlisting and viewings to the offer, preliminary agreement and final deed: a guide to the stages of buying an existing property in France.
Define the search and shortlist properties
Start by clarifying the project: how you will use the property, its location, essential features, overall budget and timeframe. The budget includes the price, agency fees, acquisition costs and spending planned after completion. This provides a basis for selecting homes worth visiting, rather than accumulating listings without a clear way to compare them.
View properties and gather useful information
Viewings reveal the space, light, access and surroundings. They also identify questions that need further investigation, including the building’s condition, works, equipment, co-ownership arrangements or restrictions on use. Video can supplement early discussions for buyers living abroad. Available diagnostics and documents are reviewed; technical concerns may require an appropriately qualified professional.
Make a purchase offer
When a property is shortlisted, the offer sets out the proposed terms: price, validity period, intended financing and any conditions. The wording deserves as much attention as the amount, because an accepted offer may bind the parties. Ask your notary to explain the scope of the commitment before signing. Negotiation should lead to terms that both sides understand.
Prepare the file with the notary
The notary gathers the documents required for the sale and examines the property’s legal position. Depending on the file, checks may concern ownership, planning, easements, diagnostics and co-ownership documents. Each party may have their own notary. Matters essential to your plans should be raised early so that the checks and contractual clauses reflect your requirements.
Sign a preliminary sale agreement
The preliminary agreement identifies the property, price, terms and intended timetable. A compromis de vente generally commits both parties to buy and sell, subject to its conditions. A promesse unilatérale de vente reserves the property for the buyer and grants an option to purchase within a defined period. The notary explains the arrangement chosen, any sums to be paid and the consequences of the commitments.
Observe the deadlines and fulfil the conditions
A non-professional buyer of a residential property benefits, where the legal requirements apply, from a ten-day withdrawal period following notification of the preliminary agreement. The notary explains when it starts and the procedure to follow. If the purchase is financed by a mortgage, the financing condition must be handled in accordance with the applicable rules and the terms recorded in the agreement. Other conditions and formalities are followed through to fulfilment.
Prepare and sign the final deed
Before completion, the notary confirms the documents, formalities and funds required. A final viewing can help check the property’s condition and the items agreed. The acte authentique records the sale terms and is explained to the parties before signature. If a party cannot attend, arrangements for representation should be discussed with their notary well in advance.
Receive the keys and take possession
Keys and possession are transferred according to the arrangements in the deed. Insurance, utility accounts, meter readings and, where relevant, contact with the co-ownership manager or maintenance providers still need to be organised. The overall timetable depends on the file, financing and agreed conditions; it should not be treated as a guaranteed completion period.
One point of contact throughout your purchase
French Riviera Experts connects the stages of your purchase, from property selection to transaction follow-up. Your search, viewings and discussions with the professionals involved remain coordinated, while the notary retains responsibility for the legal work involved in the sale.