Buying a property in France — especially on the Côte d’Azur — is a rewarding but process-heavy transaction. This guide walks you through every step: how to budget, where to look, the notaire’s role, financing, the mandatory legal checks, and what happens after you sign. Each step links to our in-depth guides, so you can go as deep as you like.
1. Decide where and what to buy
France offers everything from Mediterranean sea-view villas to Alpine chalets. On the Côte d’Azur the premium markets sit around Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Cap d’Ail, Eze and Saint-Tropez. A buyer’s agent can give you off-market access and local knowledge you won’t find on the portals.
Explore our location guides: Nice Buying Guide · Cannes Buying Guide · Antibes Buying Guide · Cap d’Ail · Éze · Saint-Tropez
2. Work out your budget and financing
Beyond the purchase price, budget for notaire fees (typically 7–8% for an older home, ~2–3% for new builds), plus taxes and inspection. As a non-resident you can get a French mortgage, but the paperwork differs — plan for a French mortgage as a non-resident.
Dive deeper: How to finance overseas property · How much deposit you need · Financing plan for 60–70% LTV
3. Understand the notaire’s role
The notaire is a public official who runs the legal side of every French property sale — checking the title, handling the deed, holding the funds and registering the transfer. They represent the state, not you, which is why independent legal checks and a buyer’s advisor matter.
Related: Conditions suspensives · French property diagnostic surveys · Taxe foncière vs taxe d’habitation
4. Make an offer and sign the compromis
Your offer lands as a signed compromis de vente (or a promesse). You get a legally binding 10-day cooling-off period to withdraw, and the sale is protected by conditions suspensives — financing or survey clauses that let you exit safely if something fails.
Learn more: Purchase negotiation workflow · Questions to ask before buying · Master negotiation for luxury property
5. Close the sale and take ownership
At the acte de vente, the notaire registers the deed and transfers ownership. Afterward you owe ongoing taxes — taxe foncière each year, and wealth tax (IFI) if your French property exceeds 1.3 million euros.
After-closing essentials: IFI wealth tax guide · French inheritance tax on property · SCI structure for French property · Managing an investment property
Buying a property in France: the full guide
For the complete end-to-end walkthrough — including what “property acquisition” legally means and the step-by-step process — see our What is property acquisition? guide and the Complete Guide to Buying Luxury Property on the French Riviera.
Buying abroad, elsewhere
Looking beyond France? We also cover Portugal, Dubai, and Ibiza.
Ready to start? Work with a buyer agent and tell us what you’re looking for.
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