Buying Guides
Buying a home in France can feel like navigating legal jargon and cultural quirks. Our guides help decode the compromis and acte de vente, with expert advice. From the notaire’s role to the pitfalls to avoid, our articles help you sign confidently.
How We Accidentally Bought a Castle in Southwest France
Welcome to a new chapter in our château series, where real-life fairy tales unfold in surprising ways. Meet Julien and Charlie, a couple whose love story took a magical turn when they married in an 11th-century castle…
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 for understanding the surroundings of a specific property when house hunting…
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 fantastic 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…
Buying A Rural Property? Know Your Access Rights
Considering buying a 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 rural 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)…
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 essential 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're investing in some of…
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…
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?
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 acquisition.…
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 in mapping out the buying process , after the…
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…
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 in property transactions or legal matters if you are not physically present. You can also sign a power of attorney…
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…
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 to…
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 essential. Owning…
Buying Property and Real Estate in France this Year
Here's your comprehensive guide to successfully finding and buying your dream French property this year, designed to help second-home buyers and investors. As you embark on your journey , staying informed about…
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…
Do I Need to Have a DPE to Sell a Home or Property in France?
If you plan to sell your French house , there are certain legal obligations that you must fulfil before listing the property for potential buyers. One of these obligations is to organise and conduct various Diagnostic Tests…
Buying New-Build Property, Off-Plan or a French VEFA?
New-built villas, off-plan properties, and developments have always been popular in France. Here are some key numbers to understand the new property market . There were 222,000 such properties sold to private buyers in the…
Are you Looking for a Property Renovation Project in France?
Are you looking for a property renovation project in beautiful France ? If it's a recent idea, there will be hundreds of questions, especially if you have a young family. As a starting point for those just dipping their…
Best Resorts to Buy Ski Property in the French Alps
France is the leading ski destination for Brits, with around 10 million British tourists visiting the French Alps each year. The Alps are renowned for their breathtaking beauty, world-class ski resorts, and a…
Paris à la Carte Service
Paris à la Carte is a property-finding service for professionals and families looking to purchase real estate in one of the most iconic and dynamic capital cities in the world. In 2024, Paris retained the title of…
Top-Class Currency Transfer Service for France
Here at MFH, we believe in teamwork and transparency. We didn't set up in business to charge for ad space or collect data to pass on to third parties; we enjoy keeping our clients happy and care about their privacy. We fully…
Guide for Australian Citizens Buying Property in France
This is our Essential Guide for Australian buyers looking to purchase property or invest in real estate in France's major cities. We have witnessed increased interest from Australians looking to buy property in beautiful…
Brexit Guide for British Buyers
Now that the UK is out of the European Union, retiring, working, studying and travelling to France has become more complicated, and the same applies to buying property . To help you understand the main points post-Brexit,…
Guide to the French Tax Foncieres and Taxe d'Habitation
Here are a few Q&As to learn about how Taxes Foncières and Taxes d'Habitation work for owners of property and real estate in France . If you own, rent, or have the right to occupy a property in France, you…
Invest in a Villa in France or Spain, which is Best?
Moving abroad can be all sunshine (literally) and rainbows, exciting adventures and opening doors to new possibilities, but such a move comes with big implications and a lot of information to take in along the way. There…
A to Z to Buying Property and Real Estate in France
Our A to Z of Buying French Property Here’s our A to Z guide to buying your dream property in France ; we tried to make it as relevant and informative as possible to help you navigate some of the common terms you will…