Find Your Dream Property on the French Riviera
Trusted buyer's agent for international clients on the French Riviera. We handle search, negotiation, and due diligence from brief to keys.
Crypto-friendly: we coordinate a compliant path (conversion to EUR, source-of-funds documentation, and a standard notary closing). Crypto guide
Why is a buyer’s agent better than searching on your own?
The French Riviera real estate market presents unique challenges for international buyers. From navigating French procedures to accessing off-market opportunities, a dedicated buyer’s agent saves you time, money, and stress.
Unlike traditional agents who represent sellers, we work exclusively for you—the buyer. Our fee is payable only upon successful completion, so we’re motivated to negotiate the best possible price. Clients typically save 8–15%.
Notary costs (frais de notaire / frais d’acquisition) are usually around 7–8% for resale property. New builds (VEFA) are about 2–3% (most often 2–2.5%). Most of it is state taxes and duties. The remainder is the notary’s fee and administrative costs.
If a contractual condition precedent (condition suspensive) applies (for example, mortgage refusal), the contract can be cancelled. The deposit (dépôt de garantie) is returned.
After signing, the notary registers the sale. Ownership documents typically arrive a few months later.
For example, prices in Nice can range from €3,500/m² in Nice Nord to €12,000/m² on the Promenade des Anglais. We help you find the right balance between location, quality, and budget.
Our connections with local notaries, property managers, banks, and developers provide access to properties that never appear on public listings. We estimate up to 30% of the best properties on the French Riviera sell off-market.
Why do sellers prefer private sales? Confidentiality (especially for high-profile individuals). Reluctance to publicize the price. Or a quick transaction with a vetted buyer without crowds at viewings.
For you, this means less competition, more reasonable prices, and access to unique properties.
Full support in English, French, and Russian at every stage of your purchase — from the first call to key handover and beyond.
This is critical when dealing with French notaries, banks, and government agencies. All documents (compromis de vente, acte de vente, diagnostics) are in French. Any misunderstanding can be costly.
We translate, explain, and protect your interests at every step of the negotiation.
Technical: we help you organize and interpret the mandatory seller diagnostics (DPE, asbestos, lead, termites, electricity/gas, etc.). When needed, we arrange additional inspections (architect / building expert).
Legal: the notary performs the required legal checks before signing the preliminary contract (avant-contrat: promesse/compromis). This includes title, liens/mortgages, easements, urban planning (PLU), and other legal risks.
We support the process on our side:
- collect and cross-check documents from the seller / syndic (if copropriété),
- help you understand reports and ask the right questions,
- review permits/approvals and planned works in the copropriété (and budgets, based on syndic documents).
Bottom line: a buyer’s agent saves weeks, reduces legal/technical risk, and improves negotiation — especially for remote buyers and crypto-origin funds. → Crypto guide
How does buying property in France work — step by step?
Purchasing property in France follows a structured process that typically takes 2–3 months from accepted offer to key handover. It is longer than many countries, but the system provides strong buyer protection.
Understanding each stage helps you prepare and gather documents in advance. It also helps you avoid mistakes that can delay the transaction or cause it to fall through.
After selecting a property, we prepare a written purchase offer (offre d'achat) with price, conditions, and validity period. Offers are typically valid for 7-14 days.
The seller can accept the offer, reject it, or make a counter-offer. At this stage, nothing is legally binding — you can walk away without consequences.
Important: verbal agreements have no legal force in France. Everything must be documented in writing.
Once price is agreed, a preliminary contract (compromis de vente) is signed at the notary. This is a legally binding document for both parties.
The buyer pays a deposit of 5-10% of the property price, held in the notary's escrow account (séquestre) until completion. These funds are protected and cannot be used by the seller.
The contract specifies conditions for cancellation (conditions suspensives): mortgage approval, technical inspection results, absence of liens.
Under French law (Loi SRU), buyers have 10 calendar days to withdraw from the transaction. You can do this without giving any reason and without penalty. The countdown starts from the day you receive the signed contract.
This is important buyer protection — you can change your mind for any reason and receive your deposit back in full.
The seller has no such right — once signed, they are obligated to sell on the agreed terms.
The notary conducts comprehensive checks. This includes title ownership, cadastral data, easements, liens, mortgages, planning restrictions (PLU), and condominium meeting minutes.
Simultaneously, mortgage approval is obtained if needed. French banks typically provide decisions within 4-6 weeks. We assist with document preparation and bank negotiations.
If serious issues are discovered, the contract can be terminated with a deposit return. This works when the appropriate condition was included.
You sign the final deed at the notary and pay the remaining balance and all fees. Then you receive the keys. Congratulations — you’re now a property owner in France!
Notary costs (frais de notaire / frais d’acquisition) are typically around 7–8% for resale property and about 2–2.5% for new builds (VEFA). Most of it is taxes and duties. The rest is the notary’s fee and administrative costs.
After signing, the notary registers the transaction in the land registry. The title deed (titre de propriété) arrives in 3-6 months. Ownership rights begin immediately upon signing.
Crypto-origin funds → EUR → notary closing
Buying with crypto-origin funds
A compliant path: conversion to EUR, source-of-funds documentation (AML), and a standard notary closing on the French Riviera.
- Crypto → EUR conversion via compliant rails (regulated providers).
- A clear source-of-funds pack for bank/notary review.
- Timeline aligned with offer → due diligence → signing.
Quick context (safe)
In France, settlement typically happens in EUR. The key is a transparent conversion path and documentation that reduces delays during AML checks.
Our Services
Property Search
Access to off-market listings and exclusive opportunities
Negotiation
Save 8% on average through expert negotiation
Due Diligence
Complete legal and technical review
Client TestimonialsTestimonials
Excellent job again and we are sincerely impressed with your work and the way you work for your clients best interest.
Thank you for trying to negotiate for us the best deal.
Very nice work as always. You are very detailed.
Testimonials published with client consent in accordance with GDPR.
Case studies (French Riviera)
Case Study: Finding a Hidden Gem Off-Market in Nice
A British family was struggling to find a suitable villa in Nice after 6 months of searching. Through our off-market network, we found a stunning property that…
Case Study: How We Saved a Client from a Noise Trap in Cannes
A Swiss client was about to purchase a seemingly perfect apartment in Cannes. Our evening inspection revealed severe traffic noise that the seller had concealed…
Case Study: Negotiating €95,000 Off a Waterfront Apartment in Antibes
A German investor found an attractive waterfront apartment in Antibes listed at €695,000. Our market analysis revealed it was overpriced by 15%. Through strateg…
Local context (quick checklist)
Three practical notes that help international buyers on the French Riviera avoid delays and make cleaner comparisons between properties.
Off-market is relationship-driven (notaries, caretakers, concierge networks), not just portals.
Timelines can vary by building/admin paperwork even if 2–3 months is typical.
Total cost includes notary fees, building charges, and potential works — not only the asking price.
French Riviera Market Snapshot (2025)
Quick snapshot of prices, timelines, and notary fees on the French Riviera, based on official sources.
Average price in Nice
Typical purchase timeline
Notary fees & taxes