These pages answer some frequently asked questions about finding a suitable French property. Please read our disclaimer. Please feel free to raise any interesting points you may have. Just Contact Us. This is not an advisory service but we are happy to informally exchange views on interesting points raised. Just click here.

Frequently Asked Questions - 2

  • Are there areas or neighbourhoods I should avoid?

    It depends on what you want to do in France. Memories of the late war are still strong and there is often goodwill to allies of France in the war, such as Britain and America. For climatic reasons, the British do not generally like the North East of France. You have to go at least as far south as the Loire to find a gentler climate, which tends to be wetter in the west and drier in the east. The area to the east of Bordeaux - which is very popular with the British - has long warm summers but is rainy and foggy in winter. Further south along the Atlantic coast, in the south-west corner of France, the weather is warmer in summer but just as wet in winter.

    Our extensive property portfolio ranges from small flats to individual houses, farms, manors and châteaux, although many people prefer to buy into a copropriété (condominium) where you own an apartment, garage and cellar plus a share of the common parts of the buildings. You have to pay charges every year to cover maintenance of the building as well as the purchase price. Please contact us and tell us your needs.

  • How big is a centiare?

    A centiare is a basic unit of measurement in the metric system, equal to 1 square metre or 0.01 acre (about 10.7639 square feet).

  • How big is a square metre?

    A square metre (mètre carré) is a metric measure of area that corresponds to the size of a living unit. One square metre is approximately equivalent to 10.75 square feet. In France there is a strict measurement law (Loi Carrez) that assures that the described size of a new unit is accurate.

  • How big is an are?

    An are is a basic unit of measurement in the metric system, equal to 0.2471 acres or 1,076.3910 square feet.

  • How big is an hectare?

    A hectare is a basic unit of area in the metric system, equal to 2.471054 acres, 11,959.9 square yards or 107,639.1 square feet.

  • How can I get around? Are there trains, buses, taxis?

    France enjoys one of the best public transportation systems in the world. It's safe, widespread, punctual and reliable. Of course there are also excellent roads and driving is usually no problem, with costs lower than in most European countries. If you need a car and have the necessary paperwork, we can arrange to get one for you. Please click here for further information.

  • How do you count the rooms?

    We count each bedroom and the living room as one room apiece. So in a 3-room flat you will usually get 2 bedrooms, a living room, one or two bathrooms and a kitchen. Rooms in average properties will be around 15 square metres, that is, about 160 square feet. So first ask for the habitable surface area (surface habitable) and then room disposition.

  • How often must I come to France?

    You can visit France as often as you like. However, if you become tax resident in France (e.g. you spend more than 183 days in France in a given calendar year) your exposure to French income and other taxes is a matter upon which you should take tax-strategy advice.

    In selected areas of France, local authorities are allowed to give limited buying authority unless the buyer fulfils certain conditions (e.g. resides permanently at the French property).

    The only document required by British and other EU citizens (natives of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not British or EU citizens) intending to reside in France for less than three months is a valid passport. British or other EU cases intending to reside in France for more than three months must also have a Carte de séjour (resident permit). If you intend to reside in France on a permanent basis, a resident permit will be issued for 5 years. Thereafter, your permit can be renewed for 10 more years and is renewable every subsequent 10 years. Non-EU cases must have a valid passport and cannot take up employment in France without the approval of the French immigration, police and unemployment authorities.

  • I have heard that there are laws restricting the purchase of French property by foreigners. Is that true?

    No. Unlike some other European countries French law does not forbid foreigners without permits to buy any real estate in France. However, it allows local authorities to give limited buying authority in selected areas, if the buyer fulfils certain conditions. If you hold a residence permit, however, that is another story.

  • I want something new

    Many people from the USA or Japan like to live in new buildings. We have many apartments for sale in new buildings, but you should realise than in France old buildings usually command the best location and generally have more character. The important question is: has it been renovated recently? Please click here for further information.

  • In which areas can I buy?

    We have thousands of property to suit you anywhere in France.

  • Is the price I see on the web site all I have to pay?

    Yes, if the price is quoted on an all-inclusive basis. Otherwise, please see…

  • What is happening to the French property market?

    On the sunny side of the Channel, a very affordable way of life goes on. By even the most conservative estimates, more than 500,000 Britons already own homes in France, and our rising affluence, coupled with the strength of the pound, means many more are searching. The renewed popularity of France among a new generation of buyers is evident in figures published by the Woolwich in June 2001. Although house prices in France have risen by 40% in some areas in the past 18 months, it remains the most popular destination above Germany, Spain and Italy, accounting for 36 per cent of people moving abroad from the UK - up from 25 last year.

    The good news is that there are still beautiful, battered, sun-bleached houses going for a song in regions that are relatively undiscovered but newly accessible because of the growth of low-cost airline connections

  • What is the best location for me?

    It depends on what you want to do in France. For example, many people looking for a home in France are drawn to the Mediterranean coast. It is here that they get what they want - warmth - and it is here that they experience the true Mediterranean climate - hot, dry summers and warm (but not too wet) winters. In summer, the average minimum temperature will rarely dip below 65 degrees Fahrenheit and will usually be up in the mid 80s at the hottest time of the day. In winter, of course, it is cooler. It will usually be around 60 degrees Fahrenheit on average at its warmest but will rarely dip below the low 40s. You have to go at least as far south as the Loire to find a gentler climate, which tends to be wetter in the west and drier in the east. The area to the east of Bordeaux - which is very popular with the British - has long warm summers but is rainy and foggy in winter. Further south along the Atlantic coast, in the south-west corner of France, the weather is warmer in summer but just as wet in winter.

    Our extensive property portfolio ranges from small flats to individual houses, farms, manors and châteaux, although many people prefer to buy into a copropriété (condominium) where you own an apartment, garage and cellar plus a share of the common parts of the buildings. You have to pay charges every year to cover maintenance of the building as well as the purchase price. Please contact us and tell us your needs.

  • What kinds of property can I buy?

    French law imposes no restrictions on the type or location of property you can buy. We can find a freehold property or tenancy for you anywhere in France (leasehold is not a recognised form of ownership). Land suitable for building is relatively difficult to find in France. Please remember that French properties are built to last centuries and that you can resell later.

    Our extensive property portfolio ranges from small flats to individual houses, farms, manors and châteaux, although many people prefer to buy into a copropriété (condominium) where you own an apartment, garage and cellar plus a share of the common parts of the buildings. You have to pay charges every year to cover maintenance of the building as well as the purchase price.

  • What type of property makes the best investment?

    Many of our properties would make an ideal investment. Please click here for further information.

  • Which permits do I need?

    Unlike some other European countries (e.g. Switzerland) French law does not forbid foreigners without permits to buy any real estate in France. However, it allows local authorities to give limited buying authority in selected areas, if the buyer fulfils certain conditions.

    The only document required by British and other EU citizens (natives of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not British or EU citizens) intending to reside in France for less than three months is a valid passport. British or other EU cases intending to reside in France for more than three months must also have a Carte de séjour (resident permit). If you intend to reside in France on a permanent basis, a resident permit will be issued for 5 years. Thereafter, your permit can be renewed for 10 more years and is renewable every subsequent 10 years. Non-EU cases must have a valid passport and cannot take up employment in France without the approval of the French immigration, police and unemployment authorities.

    If you become tax resident in France (e.g. you spend more than 183 days in France in a given calendar year) your exposure to French income and other taxes is a matter upon which you should take tax-strategy advice.

  • Why is property so much cheaper in France?

    Prices are generally low right now following a speculative bubble which burst in the late 80's. At these prices, property in France makes an interesting 7,'strFAQsTitle'=>'Buying French Property As An Investment'))."'>investment. But please remember that some owners will be selling to you at less than what they bought a few years ago, and so they won't be eager to lower the price any further.

  • Will my property come with a cellar or a garage?

    You will usually have either a cellar or an attic attached to your property. If it is possible, we advise you to buy a property with a parking space or an indoor garage - even if you don't drive - in case you ant to resell and the next owner needs it.