“Is it simple to purchase property in France from the UK?” It’s a query we’re requested recurrently. And the reply is sure whether or not you’re resident or not! There aren’t any restrictions on Brits shopping for property in France. The method is a bit completely different to the UK although and we requested Calum Harkiss of the French Property Present to take us by way of the French property shopping for .
Discover your property
Shopping for in property in France as a Brit is totally attainable and comparatively simple. Though much less individuals are shopping for in France than pre-Brexit, it’s estimated that there are round 60,000 British second householders in France and 172,312 Brits dwelling in France with permits as at January 2026.
Brits dwelling in France previous to Brexit have been issued with a particular quick observe residency allow in 2020/2021. Since Brexit, you’ll want a visa to maneuver to France and a few 30,000 Brits have been issued with cartes de sejours (residency permits), in accordance with French Inside Ministry knowledge.
Your first step to a second residence in, or transferring to, France is discovering your dream property. Browse on the web, go to in particular person, or come alongside to the French Property Present, held twice a yr in Cheltenham, to fulfill with brokers and get nice recommendation – not simply on shopping for however visas, healthcare, insurance coverage, tax, authorized, finance and forex transfers – all points of shopping for and dwelling in France.
The shopping for course of
There aren’t any authorized restrictions on overseas patrons proudly owning properties in France. The property-buying course of, nonetheless, is rooted in centuries-old authorized traditions. The notaire – half solicitor, half public official – performs a central function to verify every little thing is carried out in accordance with the foundations and also you’ll discover it’s a system designed for safety fairly than velocity.
When you’ve discovered your dream residence, you’ll signal a compromis de vente—a preliminary contract that locks within the deal. You might have a 10-day cooling-off interval the place you possibly can pull out with no repercussions. After that the notaire carries out authorized checks, paperwork (loads of it) is ready and often round 3 months later you’ll signal the ultimate deed – the acte de vente).
It’s pretty easy actually however there are some issues I actually advocate that can assist you make the method go easily:
- A bilingual property agent is invaluable in case your French doesn’t but stretch past un café, s’il vous plaît. All of the brokers on the French Property Present are bilingual
- And whereas the vendor often appoints a notaire, who helps each events – that is normal – you too can appoint your individual notaire and in the event you aren’t fluent in French and don’t have an English-speaking property agent to assist you and English-speaking notaire could also be preferable (and obtainable on the French Property Present). Having impartial authorized recommendation ensures you perceive each clause. And imagine me, some clauses will be… unexpectedly particular.
- Price range past the acquisition worth: Forex change fluctuations could make a really massive distinction to the worth. Begin fascinated by forex change early – it may possibly prevent 1000’s by utilizing a good firm like Foreign exchange Transfers.
- Examine practicalities like drainage (fosse septique) and planning permissions earlier than you signal on the dotted line.
A Sensible Place to Begin: The French Property Present
In case you’re on the dreaming, planning, or nearly-there stage, then head to the French Property Present. You’ll discover a wealth of consultants beneath one roof: property brokers, notaires, forex specialists, visa advisers, and extra. It’s a uncommon probability to ask all these niggling questions face-to-face.
And there are seminars overlaying matters together with:
- Shopping for property in France step-by-step
- Forex change methods
- Making use of for visas and residency
- Renovation recommendation and authorized necessities
The French Property Present is pleasant and sensible with educated consultants who show you how to by way of a course of that may at occasions really feel somewhat overwhelming. Shopping for a house in France isn’t only a transaction, and it’s not nearly a constructing – it’s the start of a brand new life.
Head to the French Property Present, and switch your French dream into actuality.
Tickets are free: thefrenchpropertyshow.com
