Buyer’s agent on the French Riviera: we shortlist, de-risk the purchase, and negotiate — with a clear path for non‑residents.
Search • negotiation • due diligence • notary coordination (Nice • Cannes • Monaco area). We represent buyers only — ideal for non-resident and remote purchases.
Crypto-friendly: we coordinate a compliant path (conversion to EUR, source-of-funds documentation, and a standard notary closing). Crypto guide
In France, the notary oversees the transaction. For buyers abroad, the key is to align the process early, keep documents ready, and understand property risks (condominium rules, diagnostics, location).
Next steps
Remote purchase: when possible, we build a remote workflow (viewings, reports, documents).
In practice, we also rely on an internal market database we keep updated (prices, listings, history), plus a partner/contact network — this helps find relevant options faster and get back quickly with an initial response to your request.
General information. Feasibility of remote steps and timelines vary by case and by notary.
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. In standard FAI transactions, buyers pay no extra fee beyond the published price; special cases can be agreed in writing in advance.
Acquisition costs include taxes, duties, notarial remuneration and disbursements. Obtain an itemised estimate for the property, department, tax regime and buyer profile; a single percentage does not apply to every purchase.
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.
Compare dated DVF transactions and similar properties in the same micro-location. A municipal median does not determine the value of a particular property.
Off-market (also called quiet marketing) refers to properties marketed without broad public advertising on portals. Through relationships with notaries, property managers, developers, and local agencies, we can sometimes identify opportunities that may not appear in public listings.
Availability varies by segment, location, and timing; results are not guaranteed. Sellers may choose this route for confidentiality (especially for high-profile individuals), pricing discretion, or a faster process with vetted buyers.
For you, it can mean less competition and access to rare options.
Send us the listing and tell us what matters to you. We’ll help you assess whether it’s the right fit and decide what to do next.
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:
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
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!
Acquisition costs include taxes, duties, notarial remuneration and disbursements. Obtain an itemised estimate for the property, department, tax regime and buyer profile; a single percentage does not apply to every purchase.
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.
Local answers · latest questions
Short, sourced answers about local projects and access—and what still needs checking for a specific address.
The airport describes Sea Valet, a transfer of about five minutes to Port du Béal. From there, you can reach your own boat or use a partner sea taxi; the airport lists La Croisette, Monaco and Saint-Tropez among the destinations.
Address check: The service requires booking 72 hours ahead. Confirm availability, timing and pickup arrangements for your trip.
The City of Cannes announced two phases of public-space works from autumn 2026 to late 2028. Traffic is planned to continue west to east, with local changes and a diversion between rue Macé and boulevard Latour-Maubourg.
Address check: This is the announced schedule, not proof of current conditions at a particular entrance. Check the relevant section and dates before a visit or move.
No. The Cannes Lérins agglomeration says the planned basin is designed to store around 70,000 m³ temporarily and reduce flood impacts from the Frayère. Construction is announced for October 2026, subject to environmental permits, with delivery planned for late 2028.
Address check: A basin is not a safety certificate for an individual plot or building. Check the exact address, applicable risk plans, building records and insurance terms.
More local questions are covered in the guides and news archive.
Crypto-origin funds → EUR → notary closing
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.
In France, settlement typically happens in EUR. The key is a transparent conversion path and documentation that reduces delays during AML checks.
We help you define the brief and shortlist the right properties in Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and the Monaco area — on-market and, when relevant, off-market.
We prepare a negotiation strategy based on local context, comparables, and deal structure — then negotiate with the seller’s side.
Before you commit, we help you review the key documents and coordinate the right questions with the notary / seller’s agent.
We coordinate the purchase timeline from offer to signing, keeping documents and communication aligned across parties.
Many buyers purchase from abroad. We organize viewings, reporting, and a practical workflow so you don’t lose time.
If your capital originates from crypto, we help you follow a compliant route: conversion to EUR, documentation, and a standard notary closing.
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.
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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…
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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.
Compare the specific property and prepare a budget before making an offer. France and Monaco follow different rules.
Nice DVF history shows quarters and sample size. It is context, not a valuation of your property.
Separate the FAI price, taxes, notarial costs and the terms of any additional services.
Agree documents and timing with the notary, allowing for financing and checks.