How does the acquisition of a property in France take place? This process is quite different from that of the Nordic countries for example. Here we explain the main points.
Before starting the search for the property of your dreams, it is important to think about a few essential points, which will save you time. Of course, the sales agent is there to help you answer any questions you may have.
We have access to almost all the properties for sale in our sector, thanks to collaborations between agencies such as MLS, Apimarket, etc. Let us define your search criteria together and let us take care of the rest!
You will have a single interlocutor who speaks your language and who will have access to the same properties as any other real estate agent. Thanks to our perfect knowledge of the region, we make a first selection for you, which avoids unnecessary visits and saves time. This service is not an additional cost for the buyer, so why deprive yourself of it!
We help you in the negotiation and we accompany you until the completion at the notary, and sometimes well beyond.
Created in 2004 by Harald Starke, Riviera Keys is one of the largest Franco-Scandinavian real estate agencies on the French Riviera. Our thousands of sales attest to our solid experience and our excellent service to buyers and sellers.
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So-called notary fees come to roughly 7–8% of the price for an existing property, and 2–3% for a new build. Most of that is transfer duty paid to the State; the notary’s own fee is only a small part of it. Agency fees are, in nearly every transaction, paid by the seller and already included in the advertised price.
Allow two to three months between signing the preliminary contract and the final deed. That time is what the notary needs to gather documents and clear any pre-emption rights. A cash purchase can move faster; a mortgaged purchase rarely completes in under three months.
Yes, without restriction. France sets no nationality or residency condition on buying property. A foreign buyer signs exactly the same deed as a resident, and can do so remotely by power of attorney.
Yes. A private buyer has a ten-day cooling-off period from notification of the preliminary contract, with no need to give a reason and no penalty. It protects the buyer only: the seller is committed from signature.
Not compulsory, but strongly advised. The notary’s payment requests, property tax and building charges are all far simpler to settle from a French account.
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