Buying property in France
Whether you’re picturing countryside charm, café-lined boulevards or coastal getaways, buying property in France is a chance to embrace a new pace of life. Our France property guide equips you with the knowledge needed to navigate the buying process confidently, covering:
- Crucial factors to consider when purchasing real estate in France, including legal procedures and buyer responsibilities
- Insights into French tax systems, visa rules, and ownership regulations
- A structured checklist to guide your journey from planning to purchase
- Extra tips to support a successful relocation to France
- Why buy property in France?
- Can UK residents buy property in France?
- What kind of VISA will I need when I buy property in France?
- Where to buy property in France
- Currency exchange considerations for British buyers
- How can I plan for costs when buying property in France?
- Frequently asked questions
- Legal considerations when buying a property in France
- The step-by-step process of buying property in France
- Working with Lumon – your trusted currency partner
- What our customers are saying
- Explore resources for France
Why buy property in France?
People come to France for the charm, the culture, and the coastlines, from world-class cities to quiet alpine villages. And whether you’re buying a home in France for the lifestyle, the food, or the pace of life, it’s easy to see why so many choose to make it home.
Climate
If you’re buying property in France from the UK, you can look forward to summer in the sunny south of France and winter skiing in the Alps.
Regions like Nice offer 2,724 hours of sunshine yearly, right beside the Mediterranean.
Work-life balance
France consistently ranks highly in the OECD Better Life Index for work-life balance, wellbeing, and cultural richness.
This makes it an ideal choice for retirees, holiday home buyers, or anyone craving a slower pace of life.
Accessibility
Whatever corner of France you decide to buy in, you won’t have a problem getting there.
You’ll be well-placed for frequent flights, the Eurostar to Paris, and quick ferry or Eurotunnel crossings. Getting to France from the UK is fast and straightforward, perfect for regular visits or longer stays.
Can UK residents buy property in France?
No restrictions for UK residents: There are no restrictions preventing UK residents from buying property in France. You don’t need to be a resident, and you’re free to purchase a holiday home, investment property, or permanent residence.
Buying property after Brexit: Brexit hasn’t changed the right to buy property, but it does affect how long you can stay. UK citizens can spend up to 90 days in France within any 180-day period without a visa. If you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa or residency permit.
Legal and financial checks: As with any overseas purchase, it’s important to work with an independent, bilingual French lawyer. You’ll also need a French bank account and notaire (public official) to complete the purchase. Currency planning is key too, and a dedicated currency specialist can help you manage rates, avoid hidden fees, and time your transfers.
What kind of VISA will I need when I buy property in France?
The most common type of visa is the French Long-Stay Visa or ‘La visa long sejour valant titre de sejour‘ (VLS-TS).
Who it’s for: If you’re spending more than 90 days in France, for a second home, retirement, or a new adventure, you’ll need to apply for The Long Stay Visa before you go.
What to prepare: You’ll need proof of where you’re staying, enough income to support yourself, full health cover, and a clean criminal record.
What it lets you do: A Long-Stay Visa lets you live in France for up to a year, and it can often be renewed or converted into a residency permit once you’re settled.
The information provided is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Lumon, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice. it is recommended you seek professional advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
Where to buy property in France
Brittany
Sculpted by the mighty Atlantic Ocean that crashes against its shores, Brittany, known as Armorica, ‘Land of the Sea’, is home to a wild and dramatic coastline. With rugged coastlines, historic towns, and a mild climate, Brittany is perfect for a peaceful retreat by the sea.
Burgundy
Burgundy offers a tapestry of countryside cornerstones. Known for its vineyards, rolling countryside, and rich heritage, Burgundy is ideal for wine lovers and those after a slower, more traditional pace of life.
Loire
Taking its name from France’s longest river, Loire runs through sophisticated cities including Orléans, Blois, Tours and Angers. The Loire Valley blends grand châteaux with riverside villages and lush scenery. It’s a great option for buyers looking for beauty, culture, and a touch of grandeur.
Le Nord and Picardy
The 50 miles separating Dover from Calais may as well be 5,000 miles, given the vast difference in culture and property prices, which are around a third to half the price of the equivalent back home. Close to the UK and full of character, this northern region offers excellent value and easy access via ferry or Eurotunnel, ideal for weekend escapes or second homes.
Languedoc-Roussillon
Extending from Provence to the Pyrenees and the border with Spain, this sun-baked coastal region is awash with reminders of its rich heritage, from Roman aqueducts to hilltop Cathar castles. Sun-soaked and slightly more affordable than neighbouring Provence, this southern region offers vineyards, beaches, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
Paris
City living at its most iconic. Paris blends world-class culture and cosmopolitan energy, ideal for pied-à-terres, professionals, or those craving the buzz of the capital.
Massif Central
A lesser-known region with stunning natural beauty, historic villages, and great value for money, perfect for buyers seeking space and tranquility.
The Pyrenees
A dream for nature lovers and skiers, this mountain region offers breathtaking scenery, year-round activities, and peaceful, rural living with French influence.
Currency exchange considerations for British buyers
At Lumon, we specialise in the currency side of buying property abroad. Whether you prefer to manage things online or speak to someone directly, we’re here to help you stay in control of your budget and navigate the exchange rate with confidence.
How currency rates impact your budget
Even small shifts in exchange rates can affect your buying power. Check out our live rates page to view and monitor the live interbank rates.
Managing property payments to France
Your Lumon currency specialist is here to help you move your money securely when you’re ready. Want to know what’s involved before you get started?
How can I plan for costs when buying property in France?
Our buying guide for France goes into depth about how to buy property in France and what to bear in mind, including:
Notaire fees: Work out what you can comfortably spend, and don’t forget to factor in French legal costs.
Stamp duty (Droit de mutation): Stamp duty is a significant part of your upfront costs and can vary depending on the region and whether you’re financing the purchase with a mortgage. Planning for this can help you avoid surprises later.
Local taxes: Ongoing costs and property taxes like taxe d’habitation, taxe foncière, and potential capital gains tax if you sell later should be built into your long-term financial planning.
Frequently asked questions
Is buying property in France a good investment?
It can be, especially in popular regions like the Côte d’Azur, Provence, or the Alps where demand remains strong. Whether you’re buying a second home, retirement property or looking for rental income, it’s important to research local markets, long-term value, and maintenance costs before committing.
Can I buy property in France as a non resident?
Yes, there are no restrictions on foreign buyers. UK citizens can buy property in France without needing to be a resident. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days in a 180-day period, you’ll need to apply for a visa.
Do you pay UK stamp duty on French property?
No, UK stamp duty only applies to property purchased in the UK. However, France has its own taxes and fees when buying property, such as notary fees and property transfer tax, so it’s important to factor these into your overall budget.
Do I have to declare a French property to HMRC?
You don’t need to declare the property itself, but if you earn income from it, like rent, or sell it for a profit, you must report that to HMRC. You may also be liable for UK capital gains tax, depending on your residency status.
How can I legally reduce UK tax on my French property?
If you’re a UK tax resident, you may still be liable for tax on overseas property income or gains. However, the UK and France have a double taxation agreement, which can help ensure you’re not taxed twice. A tax adviser can help you make the most of available allowances.
Can I get a mortgage to help buy a property in France?
Yes, you can apply for a mortgage through a French lender or use an international broker. French banks often offer competitive rates, but you’ll typically need to provide financial documents, a deposit, and may be subject to affordability checks. It’s also worth considering how currency fluctuations could affect your repayments if you’ll need to convert GBP to euros.
Legal considerations when buying a property in France
Get independent legal advice: It’s a good idea to appoint your own lawyer, ideally someone who specialises in French property law and speaks your language. While estate agents or sellers may recommend a solicitor, having someone who represents your interests directly can give you added peace of mind.
Check for restrictions: France generally welcomes foreign buyers, but there may be local planning rules, zoning restrictions, or property-specific conditions depending on the region. A local legal expert can help you understand what applies to your purchase.
Protect yourself from fraud: Your lawyer will confirm the legal ownership of the property, check for outstanding debts or charges, and ensure all key documents, like the title deed and cadastral records, are accurate and up to date, helping you avoid costly mistakes or scams.
The step-by-step process of buying property in France
1. Define your needs
Start by setting your budget, not just for the property itself, but also with extra funds to cover taxes, legal fees, and currency exchange costs. This gives you a clear view of what you can afford from the outset.
2. Pick your location
Coast, city, or countryside? Think about lifestyle, climate, amenities, and how often you’ll visit or stay.
3. Make an offer
Once you’ve found the right property, you’ll need to make a formal offer. It’s also a good time to appoint a lawyer who can help with legal checks and guide you through the process.
4. Sign the 'compromis de vente'
This is the preliminary sales agreement between buyer and seller. It outlines the key terms and conditions of the sale and is legally binding once signed by both parties.
5. Sign the final deed of sale or the 'acte authentique de vente'
The final contract is signed in the presence of a notaire. At this stage, your funds are transferred and the purchase is completed. A Lumon currency specialist can help you secure a competitive exchange rate and avoid unnecessary costs when sending large sums abroad.
Working with Lumon – your trusted currency partner
Our team of currency specialists has the local market knowledge to help you navigate the process of buying a property in France. With our international real estate expertise, we’re here to help make the process hassle-free.
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Get more for your money with great value on every transfer. We offer bank-beating exchange rates, no transfer fees, and award-winning service you can rely on.
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Supporting our customers
Always prompt, friendly and efficient, Lumon has been invaluable in our move to France from the UK and continues to help us with currency exchange now that we are French residents.
What our customers are saying
Your property buying guide
Our property buying guide is packed with information and resources to support you on your property journey, including:
- Important considerations when buying a property in France
- Information on navigating local taxes, visas and other regulations
- A handy checklist for ensuring you’re on track
- Lots of other little tips to support your dream move
