Buying Property on the French Riviera: the Complete Guide

Buying Property on the French Riviera: the Complete Guide

BuyingComplete guide
26 July 2026 · 6 min read
Harald Starke
Harald StarkePresident, Riviera Keys

Thinking of buying on the French Riviera? This guide brings the essentials together: where to buy, at what price, how the transaction works, and the pitfalls to avoid.

Define your project

Main residence, holiday home or rental investment: the use determines the town, the property type and the tax picture. It is the first conversation to have — before any viewing.

Choose your town and budget

From Nice to Saint-Raphaël, every market has its own logic. Our town-by-town comparison gives you price ranges for each, and our Nice price guide the district detail.

Understand the buying process

Written offer, compromis at the notary, a 10-day cooling-off period, financing, then the final deed: the journey takes 3–4 months and strongly protects the buyer. Every step is detailed in our process guide.

Anticipate the costs

Notary fees (7–8% on resales, 2–3% on new builds), property tax, co-ownership charges and, for non-residents, bank support. No hidden costs: everything is known before signing.

The classic pitfalls

Buying without checking charges and voted works, underestimating orientation, or neglecting resale potential. A local adviser keeps you clear of all three.

Why a Franco-Scandinavian agency

Since 2004, Riviera Keys has guided Nordic and international buyers in their own language, along the whole coast. Start with our properties for sale or tell us about your project.

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