Buying in France is a highly regulated process — which makes it remarkably safe for the buyer. Here are the steps, in order, as we walk through them every week with our Scandinavian clients.
Once you have found the property, you make a written offer. Signed by the seller, it commits them: the property comes off the market.
Two to three weeks later, the preliminary contract is signed with the notary, with a 5–10% deposit. Suspensive conditions — including financing — protect you.
French law gives you a 10-day cooling-off period after the compromis, with no penalty and no justification needed. A protection few countries offer.
Allow 6–8 weeks for a French mortgage. Banks lend to EU non-residents, generally up to 70–80% of the price.
Three to four months after the compromis, the acte authentique is signed at the notary’s office and the keys are yours. Notary fees run about 7–8% on resales, 2–3% on new builds.
The notary is an impartial public officer securing the transaction for both sides; your agency guides you at every step — in your own language at Riviera Keys.
Ready to start? Browse our properties for sale or our town-by-town comparison.
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