Guides to buying property in France

The buying process

1. Offer — offers are made in writing, through the agent or directly to the seller.
2. Compromis de vente — the preliminary contract, usually with a 5–10% deposit. Buyers then have a 10-day cooling-off period.
3. Searches & finance — 2–3 months while the notaire carries out checks and your mortgage is arranged.
4. Acte de vente — final signature at the notaire's office; you receive the keys.

Costs

Notaire fees and taxes are around 7–8% of the price for older property and 2–3% for new builds. Check whether agency fees are included in the advertised price.

Energy ratings

Every sale and rental must show a DPE energy rating from A to G. Homes rated G cannot be newly rented from 2025, and F from 2028.