A to Z Guide to Buying a Property in France
Originally posted on & updated on 17th February, 2024
Our A to Z to Purchasing a French Property
Here’s our A to Z guide to buying a property in France; we tried to make it as relevant and informative as possible to help you navigate some of the common words you will hear while conducting your property visits. Our comprehensive buying guide covers most of the topics and terms at various stages.
Make sure you take a moment to go through it otherwise this page would be full of weblinks and would not very user friendly. We hope this article is helpful, if you have more questions please visit our FAQ’s page or search for a specific topic on our French Blog featuring over three hundred articles published over the last 20 years.
a - acte de vente - we start with the end, the final deeds when you get the keys.
b - budget - you must be very clear, include renovations & legal costs. Stick to it!
c - compromis de vente - pre contract with a 10 day cooling off period
d - draw map - use our handy drawmap as an alternative search tool
e - estate agents - all our partners are experienced English speaking agents
f - fosse septique - the septic tank, costs approx 8000 euros to replace
g - guide - check out our comprehensive property buying guide for France
h - healthcare - it’s important that expats and retirees research their options
i - insurance - our insurance partners can assist with most insurance needs
j - join us - create your member account to kick start your French search
k - knowledgeable - we have extensive knowledge of the property market
l - location - as important as the budget, France is a large country
m - mortgages - obtaining finance is tough, our partners may be able to help
n - notaire - a legal expert with a mission of public authority on your behalf
o - off-plan development, what does that mean? Is it the same as a new build?
p - power of attorney - called a procuration, it is signed in front of a notary
q - questions? see our list of FAQ’s (frequently asked questions)
r - realistic - make a list of your expectations and the type of lifestyle you want
s - succession - make sure you seek expert advice as the rules are different
t - taxes - there are property taxes (council and land), and other taxes
u - US buyers - some useful information and links for American buyers
v - viewings - visits must be planned in advance. Looking for a place to stay?
w - wish list - prepare a list your with your must have, nice to have and no-no’s
x - exchange rates - our FX partners offer great rates and excellent service
y - YouTube - we have some properties with videos, virtual tours & 3D maps
z - zone inondable, is a floodzone see our A to Z list of terms
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