The French Riviera has long been one of Europe’s most desirable destinations for property ownership. From elegant apartments in Nice to contemporary villas overlooking the Mediterranean, the Côte d’Azur offers an exceptional combination of lifestyle, climate and international accessibility.
For buyers coming from abroad, however, purchasing property in France can seem complex. Understanding the main stages of the process before beginning your search can make the experience considerably easier.
Can Foreign Buyers Purchase Property in France?
Yes. International and non-resident buyers can purchase real estate in France.
However, the buyer’s country of residence, nationality, marital status and intended use of the property may have legal or tax implications. This is particularly relevant when purchasing a second home, an investment property or when considering future inheritance and resale.
For this reason, professional legal and tax advice should be considered when the buyer’s situation involves more than one country.
Finding the Right Property
The French Riviera is not a single property market. Each area offers a very different lifestyle.
Nice combines city life, international connections and a wide variety of apartments and villas. Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer are particularly sought after for their sea views and proximity to Monaco, while Cannes is known internationally for luxury residences, prestigious villas and its famous Croisette.
Further inland, locations such as Mougins and Saint-Paul-de-Vence offer larger properties, gardens and greater privacy while remaining within easy reach of the coast.
Defining the purpose of your purchase — primary residence, second home or investment — is therefore an important first step in choosing the right location.
Making an Offer
Once you have found a suitable property, the next stage is usually to submit an offer to the seller.
The conditions of the transaction are then formalised through a preliminary agreement before completion of the final deed of sale.
At this stage, it is important to understand exactly what is included in the transaction, the financing conditions and any specific clauses relating to the property.
The Role of the Notaire
The notaire plays a central role in French property transactions.
As a public officer, the notaire carries out the legal formalities required for the transfer of ownership, verifies the documentation relating to the transaction and ultimately authenticates the final deed of sale.
The notaire also collects the taxes and duties associated with the acquisition and transfers the relevant amounts to the French authorities.
Understanding Acquisition Costs
Buyers should budget for acquisition costs in addition to the advertised purchase price.
These costs are commonly referred to as “notaire fees”, although a significant part of the amount consists of taxes and duties rather than the notaire’s remuneration.
As a general indication, acquisition costs for an existing property are typically around 7–8% of the purchase price, while qualifying new-build properties generally have lower acquisition costs of approximately 2–3%.
The exact amount depends on the property and the circumstances of the transaction.
Buying a Property as a Second Home
Many international buyers on the French Riviera purchase their property as a second residence.
Before completing a purchase, it is worth considering not only the acquisition price but also the ongoing costs of ownership, including local taxation, condominium charges where applicable, insurance and maintenance.
For apartments in particular, reviewing the condominium documentation and anticipated charges is an important part of assessing the overall cost of ownership.
A Local Approach Makes the Difference
Buying a home on the Côte d’Azur is not simply about finding a property with the right number of bedrooms or the right view.
Location, orientation, accessibility, neighbourhood characteristics and the long-term potential of a property can make a considerable difference.
Working with a local real estate agency can help international buyers understand these differences, identify properties suited to their objectives and navigate the various stages of the purchase.
Looking for a Property on the French Riviera?
French Riviera Realty assists clients looking for apartments, villas and investment opportunities across the Côte d’Azur.
Whether you are searching for a second home by the Mediterranean, a permanent residence or an investment property, our team can help you identify the right opportunities and accompany you throughout your property search.
This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.
