Question 1

How long does it take to buy property in France?

Accepted Answer

The typical buying process takes 3-4 months from offer acceptance to final signing (acte de vente). This includes a mandatory 10-day cooling-off period after signing the preliminary contract and 2-3 months for notary due diligence, searches, and mortgage approval if applicable.

Question 2

Should I buy through an SCI or in my personal name?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your situation. An SCI (Société Civile Immobilière) offers benefits for inheritance planning, multiple owners, and asset protection, but involves higher setup costs (€1,500-3,000) and annual accounting. Personal ownership is simpler and cheaper for single buyers without complex inheritance needs. We recommend consulting with a notary to determine the best structure for your specific situation.

Question 3

What are the notary fees when buying in France?

Accepted Answer

Notary fees (frais de notaire) are approximately 7-8% of the purchase price for existing properties, and 2-3% for new builds (VEFA). These fees include: transfer taxes (droits de mutation) ~5.8%, notary's actual fee ~1%, land registry fees, and various administrative costs. These are paid at completion in addition to the purchase price.

Question 4

What are property prices in Nice?

Accepted Answer

Property prices in Nice vary significantly by neighborhood. The average is €4,500-6,000/m² for apartments. Premium areas like Promenade des Anglais and Old Town command €8,000-12,000/m², while areas like Nice Nord offer better value at €3,500-4,500/m². Villas in the hills start from €1.5M and can exceed €10M for exceptional properties.

Question 5

How much does your buyer's agent service cost?

Accepted Answer

Our buyer's agent fee is 5% + VAT of the purchase price. This is payable only upon successful completion of your purchase. The fee covers: property search and viewings, price negotiation (we typically save clients 5-15%), due diligence coordination, and full support through to completion. No upfront fees.

Question 6

Can non-residents get a mortgage in France?

Accepted Answer

Yes, non-residents can obtain French mortgages, though requirements are stricter. Typical terms: 60-80% LTV (loan-to-value), 15-20 year terms, rates from 3.5-4.5% (as of 2025). You'll need: proof of income (3x loan payments), tax returns, bank statements, and a French bank account. We can introduce you to specialist international mortgage brokers.

Question 7

What does your buyer's agent service include?

Accepted Answer

Our service includes: understanding your requirements, searching 200+ property sources including off-market, shortlisting and arranging viewings, neighborhood analysis, price negotiation (average savings of 5-8%), coordinating with notaires and banks, due diligence on the property, and support until key handover.

Question 8

How much deposit do I need to pay?

Accepted Answer

The standard deposit (dépôt de garantie) is typically 5-10% of the purchase price, paid when signing the preliminary contract (compromis de vente). This deposit is held by the notary in a secure escrow account and is deducted from the final purchase price at completion.

Question 9

Can I pay for property with Bitcoin or cryptocurrency?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We specialize in crypto-to-real-estate transactions on the French Riviera. We handle the entire process: compliant conversion to fiat, coordination with crypto-friendly notaries, and ensuring all AML requirements are met. Many of our clients successfully use Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins for their property purchases.

Question 10

Which area of the French Riviera is best for investment?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your goals. Nice offers the best rental yields (4-5%) due to year-round demand. Cannes provides highest capital appreciation during film festival season. Monaco is the ultimate prestige but requires €2M+ budgets. Antibes and Mougins offer good value with strong fundamentals.

Question 11

What is the role of a buyer's agent (chasseur immobilier)?

Accepted Answer

A buyer's agent works exclusively for you, the buyer. Unlike traditional real estate agents who represent sellers, we search properties across all sources (including off-market), negotiate on your behalf, conduct due diligence, and guide you through the entire French purchasing process. Our goal is to find you the best property at the best price.

Question 12

What taxes do property owners pay annually?

Accepted Answer

Annual taxes include: taxe foncière (property tax, varies by location, typically €1,000-5,000 for apartments), taxe d'habitation (being phased out for primary residences), and if renting out, income tax on rental revenue. Wealth tax (IFI) applies if your French real estate exceeds €1.3 million.

Question 13

Do you have access to off-market properties?

Accepted Answer

Yes, approximately 30% of premium properties on the French Riviera never reach public listings. Through our network of developers, private owners, and industry contacts built over years, we access these off-market opportunities before they're publicly available.

Question 14

What is the difference between Nice and Cannes for buyers?

Accepted Answer

Nice: Larger city, better infrastructure, international airport, year-round rentability, more diverse price range (€3,000-15,000/m²). Cannes: More glamorous, seasonal peak during festivals, higher concentration of luxury properties, generally higher prices (€5,000-25,000/m²). Both are excellent choices depending on lifestyle preferences.

Question 15

What's the best time to visit for property viewing?

Accepted Answer

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal — pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and motivated sellers. Summer (July-August) is busy with tourists but good for seeing resort areas at their peak. Winter (November-March) offers lower prices and serious sellers, though some properties may not show their best. We recommend planning 3-5 days for viewings.

Question 16

What is the difference between compromis and acte de vente?

Accepted Answer

The compromis de vente is the preliminary contract where you pay a 10% deposit and have a 10-day cooling-off period. The acte de vente is the final contract signed at the notaire's office 2-3 months later, where ownership officially transfers and you pay the remaining balance plus fees.

Question 17

Is Monaco worth the premium price?

Accepted Answer

Monaco offers unique benefits: zero income tax for residents, exceptional security, prestigious address, and strong property values. However, entry prices start at €40,000/m². It's worth it if: you plan to become a resident, value tax optimization, or want the ultimate prestige address. Otherwise, nearby areas offer better value.

Question 18

Can foreigners buy property in France?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in France. Non-EU buyers may face additional paperwork for financing, but the process is straightforward. Many of our clients are from the UK, USA, Middle East, and Russia.

Question 19

What documents do I need to purchase property?

Accepted Answer

You'll need: valid passport, proof of address, proof of funds or mortgage pre-approval, tax identification number (you can obtain a French one), and bank account details. If buying through a company (SCI), additional corporate documents are required.

Question 20

Can you help with property management after purchase?

Accepted Answer

While property management isn't our core service, we can recommend trusted partners for: rental management, maintenance, renovation, and concierge services. Many clients use our network for ongoing property needs.

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