Buying Property in France as a Foreigner in 2025
[Updated: 11th August 2025]
Buying property in France is a dream for many — whether it’s a chalet in the Alps, a villa on the Riviera, or a countryside retreat. For international buyers, the process can feel complex, with legal steps, financing, and taxes to navigate.
With over 25 years of experience, we make it straightforward — giving you access to all local estate agents, securing your mortgage from application to approval, and connecting you with trusted legal and tax experts for clear, reliable guidance.
In this guide, we outline the buying process, break down costs and taxes, and answer the most common questions from international buyers.
Table of Contents:
Why Buy Property in France?
Lifestyle and Investment Appeal
The French Alps and Riviera offer a slower pace of life, world-class cuisine and culture, golden beaches, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and endless activities year-round. From skiing and hiking to sailing and beachside living, these regions remain among the most desirable places to own property in Europe.
Strong demand is reflected in the latest data:
- In 2023, the Côte d’Azur welcomed 11.5 million tourists, generating around 70 million overnight stays, with 52% of visitors from abroad, demonstrating its global appeal (Observatoire du Tourisme Côte d’Azur).
- According to the Knight Frank Ski Property Report 2024, prime ski property prices in the Alps rose by an average of 4.4% in the year to June 2023, the strongest growth since 2014.
- Resorts such as Tignes and Val d’Isère stand out for their snow-sure slopes and long ski seasons of more than 22 weeks, while also benefiting from growing summer tourism — with some Alpine properties now achieving rental occupancy of up to 30 weeks per year (Knight Frank).
Browse our latest properties for sale in the French Alps and French Riviera.
Tax Incentives For Buying in France
France not only provides strong legal protections but also offers valuable financial incentives for international buyers, particularly on new-build properties. The Para-Hotelier scheme and related tax benefits can make your investment significantly more efficient:
- 20% VAT Rebate: Available on qualifying new-build purchases under the Para-Hotelier scheme.
- Tax-Free Rental Income: Offset up to 80% of your property’s value as depreciation over 30 years, making rental returns highly tax-efficient.
- No Property Taxes for 2 Years: Many new-build homes qualify for exemption from Taxe Foncière during the first two years of ownership.
- No Stamp Duty: Exemption from purchase taxes on qualifying new-build properties.
- Reduced Capital Gains Tax: Rates taper down to 0% over 22 years of ownership, making long-term investment particularly rewarding.
The 12 Steps to Buying a Property in France
We’ve structured the process into a clear, step‑by‑step journey to help our clients visualise each stage of buying a property in France. With our guidance, what can seem complex becomes straightforward — from confirming your budget to completing the final deed.
Step 1: Confirm Your Budget
Determine how much you can borrow and set a realistic budget. Use our French Mortgage Calculator for an instant estimate and let us guide you on eligibility.
Step 2: Set Up a Foreign Exchange Account
Through our trusted FX partners, we help you lock in exchange rates for up to 24 months, protecting your budget and avoiding costly fluctuations. See how you can save on transfers in our Foreign Exchange Guide.
Step 3: Find and Agree on the Property
With access to all local estate agents in one place, we help you view the best options. Once you’ve chosen, negotiate the final price and terms.
Step 4: Pay Your Deposit Safely
Typically 2–10% of the purchase price, deposits are always paid directly to the Notaire for security and peace of mind.
Step 5: Sign the Preliminary Contract
The Compromis de Vente (for resales) or Reservation Agreement (for new builds) outlines all agreed terms and includes your mortgage clause.
Step 6: Secure Your Mortgage
We process your application with French lenders from start to finish, ensuring you secure the right mortgage with competitive terms.
Step 7: Arrange Life Insurance
Life cover is sometimes required for French mortgages. We’ll connect you with trusted providers for tailored protection.
Step 8: Open a French Bank Account
A local account is essential for paying your mortgage, taxes, and utilities. We assist you in setting this up smoothly.
Step 9: Arrange Building Insurance
Mandatory for existing homes and activated upon delivery for new builds, this ensures your property is protected from day one.
Step 10: Transfer Funds to the Notaire
The Notaire collects the remaining balance, purchase taxes, and fees in preparation for completion.
Step 11: Sign the Final Deed (Acte de Vente)
At this stage, ownership officially transfers to you. You can sign in person or via Power of Attorney if abroad.
Step 12: Completion and Keys
Congratulations — you’re now the legal owner of your French property. Time to enjoy your new home.
Understanding Costs and Taxes
Notaire Fees and Purchase Taxes
In France, buyers pay fees to the Notaire — a public official who oversees the legal transfer of property — along with purchase-related taxes.
- Existing Properties: Around 7–8% of the purchase price.
- New-Builds: Around 2–3%, (no stamp duty) making them attractive for buyers.
These costs include:
- Registration Tax (droits de mutation)
- Stamp Duty (taxe de publicité foncière)
- The Notaire’s professional fee (émoluments), which is set by law.
Annual Property Taxes
France has two main annual property taxes:
- Taxe Foncière: Paid by all property owners, this tax varies by property size, location, and local council rates.
- Taxe d’Habitation: Being phased out for most primary residences but may still apply to second homes and certain high-value properties.
Local councils set the rates for both taxes, so the exact amount can vary widely depending on the property’s location.
French Wealth Tax (Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière – IFI)
If the total value of your French property exceeds €1.3 million, you may be liable for the real estate wealth tax, known as IFI. This is a progressive tax, starting at 0.5% and rising to 1.5% for higher-value holdings.
Only real estate is included, and non-residents are taxed solely on property located in France. The taxable amount can be reduced through allowable deductions, such as outstanding mortgage balances — making smart financing an effective way to lower your exposure.
For a full breakdown of thresholds, exemptions, and calculation examples, see our French Wealth Tax Guide.
Start Your French Property Journey Today
Whether you’re seeking a ski chalet in the Alps or a villa on the Riviera, we’ll guide you from property search through to mortgage completion. With access to all local estate agents and our trusted professional network, every step of your purchase is in expert hands.
Contact us today and book your free consultation with one of our Property Advisors and Mortgage Brokers.