Buying Guides
Buying a home in France can feel like navigating legal jargon and cultural quirks. Our guides help decode the compromis and acte authentique, with expert advice. From clarifying the notaire’s role to avoiding pitfalls, our articles help you sign confidently.
What is a Lettre Recommandée LRAR in France?
If you own property, buy a home, or are an expat living in France , you’ll find French bureaucracy relies heavily on official paperwork, including the Lettre Recommandée avec Accusé de Réception…
What Is a Plan Cadastral or de Cadastre?
A plan cadastral is a graphical document that maps all land properties and buildings within a commune (municipality), and is a very useful tool to understand the surroundings of a specific property when house…
What is a Dossier de Diagnostic Technique (DDT) in France?
If you’re preparing to sell, rent, or buy a property in France , you will need to provide or receive the Dossier de Diagnostic Technique (DDT). This set of mandatory reports plays a vital role in every transaction,…
How to Know if a French Property is in a Flood Zone
When buying property in France , one of the key questions to ask is: Is this land or house in a flood zone? Flooding is the leading natural hazard in France, affecting millions of residents and properties annually. Knowing…
Guide to Making an Offer on a Property in France
You’ve found the perfect property in France , that’s wonderful news, and only the start of the buying process. Whether it’s a cosy ski apartment in the Alps, a sun-drenched villa in Provence or a…
Can You Buy French Real Estate with Cryptocurrency?
We aim to stay current and keep you informed about new and innovative trends in the fast-moving French property market . It's about having "a finger on the pulse" and staying ahead of the competition. That's what we do;…
Buying A Rural Property? Know Your Access Rights
Considering buying a rural property in the French countryside? Whether you’re eyeing a secluded farmhouse in the Dordogne , a country mas in Provence or a holiday home in Occitanie , one key legal issue to understand…
Choosing the Right Mandat to Sell your French Property
Selling your flat or property in France through a real estate agency involves signing a contract called a " mandat de vente ." This contract authorises the “ agent immobilier ” (French real estate agent)…
Decipher the Real Estate Code: Agent 004 is on a Mission
Glamour, intrigue, and the ever-elusive dream home ... This isn’t your typical property guide. As the world turns its gaze to Cannes for the film festival, and while former Bond girl Halle Berry finishes a mojito in…
What Is a Real Estate Bon de Visite Certificate in France?
If you're searching for property in France , you may be asked to sign a ' bon de visite ', also known as a visit certificate. It may seem like a routine formality, but it plays an important role in how real estate transactions…
What Does it Mean to Buy French Property in Indivision?
In French property and real estate, " indivision " refers to a form of co-ownership in which multiple individuals share ownership of a property without dividing it into distinct portions. This means each co-owner has an…
Affordable New Build Homes and Villas in Western France
If you're considering purchasing a new build villa or off-plan property in Western France , particularly in Brittany, Normandy, or the department of Vendée in the Pays-de-Loire region, you invest in some of the country’s…
Local Planning in France – What is a PLU?
Understanding the Plan Local d'Urbanisme (PLU) is essential when developing real estate or buying property in France . The PLU is a local plan that sets the rules for development in a commune, determining what can be built…
Find your Dream Dordogne Home near a Fairway
The Dordogne region in southwest France is a golfer's paradise, offering a beautiful mix of amazing landscapes, challenging courses, quality greens, cultural heritage and superb facilities. If you’re a keen golfer…
Restoring Listed Castles and Monuments Historiques
In 2024, France had 45,080 protected historic monuments (buildings), of which 30,763 were registered and 14,317 classified. But what is the difference between a Château Classé and a Château Inscrit…
What is the Acte Authentique or Acte de Vente in France?
Embarking on selling or buying a property in France is an exciting but complex process. One of the most important steps is signing the acte de vente, a legally binding document drafted by a notary to complete the sale and…
What is Usufruct (Usufruit) in French Real Estate?
Usufruct ( usufruit in French property law) is a civil law term that refers to the right to use and enjoy the benefits and fruits of someone else's property without damaging or altering it, as long as it is used for its…
Invest in Ski Property Ahead of the Winter Games in France
The French Alps are set to host the 2030 Winter Olympic Games, which will take place from February 1 to 17, 2030. This Alpine region of France will once again be the epicentre of world-class winter sports, drawing in athletes,…
What is the Loi Carrez in French Property Law?
In our latest article about buying property in France , we look into the Carrez Law, a crucial regulation that ensures the accuracy of measurements for an apartment's main rooms and living areas. This law plays a vital role…
What Are Clauses Suspensives in a French Sales Contract?
In a recent article posted on our French property blog , we explain the importance of understanding what a " compromis de vente " is, or a pre-contract. This is the first step to mapping out the buying process , after your…
Estimate the Value of your French Property Online
Here at My-French-House.com, we often receive requests from property owners in France asking if we provide a valuation service, advertise on our website , or can recommend an estate agent in the area to come around and "have…
Optimise your Tax Situation with a Mortgage
Acquiring a French property with a mortgage offers several tax benefits, including income tax and succession tax. This article outlines the main advantages of financing the purchase of your dream house in France . Whether…
Information and Advice for Returning French Expats
Les Français résidents à l’étranger ont souvent une autre perspective sur l’ Héxagone , et c’est naturel de ressentir de l’émotion, ou de la nostalgie, surtout…
Guide to Buying a Property Using Power of Attorney
In France, you can grant power of attorney ( procuration ) to a Notaire , allowing someone to act on your behalf during property transactions or legal matters if you cannot be there physically. You can also sign a power…
Beginners Guide to French Property and Real Estate
When clients contact us for advice on buying a home in France , we always start by asking about their primary goal. Are they looking to move permanently or retire , find a second home for family holidays and occasional rentals,…
What is a Compromis de Vente in French Real Estate?
Once your offer has been accepted and you’re ready to commit to the purchase of your dream property in France , several steps are involved, including the signing of a " compromis de vente " and the " acte authentique…
Our Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Make Aude your Home
The Aude is a beautiful department of the Occitanie region in southwest France, named after the river running through its heart. It is known for its diverse landscapes, great food, tasty wines, and amazing history. Our family…
Learn Why House Hunting in France in Spring is Pure Bliss
This blog article provides tips and information about the benefits of house hunting in France in spring. Buying activity is traditionally higher in spring as buyers look to take advantage of the warmer weather, and plan…
Understanding SCI Taxes
A Société Civile Immobilière ( SCI ) is a French company created by at least two individuals acquiring one or more real estate assets together. Its purpose is to hold and administer real estate assets…
Making Sense of House and Liability Insurance in France
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to home insurance in France. If you're a homeowner or renting in France, protecting your property and liability with the right multirisque habitation insurance policy is absolutely essential.…
French Property Hunting near Heritage UNESCO Sites
France is home to no less than forty-five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it one of the countries with the most sites in the world! From ancient monuments to breathtaking landscapes, France's World Heritage Sites offer…
Guide to Home Staging in Style
Are you planning to sell your property in France in today's uncertain and competitive market? Despite the continued strong intereest in France, it can be challenging to stand out among similar listings. However, there is…
Our Essential Guide to Finding and Buying a Car in France
So, you're ready to hit the open road and explore France in style – French style! However, buying a car as a foreigner or expat living in France can be challenging, especially if you’ve recently arrived and it’s…
Buying Property and Real Estate in France this Year
Here's your comprehensive guide to successfully finding and buying your dream property this year, designed to help second-home buyers and investors this year. As you embark on your journey , staying informed about the latest…
Guide to Buying a French Gîte
For many, the idea of running a gîte in France evokes visions of idyllic countryside, trips to local markets to cater for paying guests, and a peaceful new life with the possibility of pursuing other activities…
