French Riviera Realty assists clients throughout every stage of purchasing property in France — from property selection and negotiations to signing the final deed of sale before a notary and receiving the keys. After completion, we can also manage the property and assist with practical day-to-day matters in France.
Buying Property with French Riviera Realty
We take the time to understand each client’s objectives and preferences, select suitable apartments, villas and other properties, arrange viewings and coordinate with the notary and other professionals involved in the transaction.
Our objective is to make the acquisition process clear, well-organised and comfortable for the client.
Property Ownership and Long-Term Residence in France
Owning property in France can be an important advantage when preparing an application for a category D long-stay “visitor” visa for financially independent applicants, as it provides evidence of accommodation in France.
Subject to demonstrating sufficient financial resources and meeting the other applicable requirements, this status allows the applicant to reside in France on a long-term basis. Residence status may subsequently be renewed and a residence permit obtained. Subject to meeting the statutory residence periods and other legal requirements, it may eventually be possible to apply for French citizenship.
Main Stages of a Property Transaction
1. Selecting a Property
We establish the client’s requirements, budget, preferred location and property criteria, then prepare a personalised selection and arrange viewings.
Once a property has been selected, we involve the notary who will oversee the legal aspects of the transaction.
2. Preliminary Agreement — Compromis de Vente / Promesse de Vente
The preliminary agreement sets out the principal terms of the purchase, including the property, purchase price, timetable, financing conditions and other material provisions.
As a general rule, the buyer pays a security deposit into the notary’s account.
After signing the preliminary agreement, the buyer benefits from a 10-day cooling-off period, during which they may withdraw from the purchase without having to provide a reason.
We assist the client during the signing process, review the documentation and coordinate the transfer of funds to the notary’s account.
3. Property Surveys and Technical Reports — Diagnostic Immobilier
Before completion, the seller provides the mandatory set of technical reports relating to the property.
Depending on the type and age of the property, these reports may include information concerning its surface area, energy performance, condition of certain installations, the presence of specific materials, and exposure to natural or technological risks.
We ensure that the client receives the necessary documentation and understands its contents.
4. Legal Due Diligence by the Notary
After the preliminary agreement has been signed, the notary carries out comprehensive legal checks on the property and the relevant documentation.
The notary verifies the seller’s ownership, checks for mortgages, liens and other encumbrances, reviews cadastral and registration records, and examines third-party rights and the legal validity of documents relating to the property.
5. Municipal Right of First Refusal
In certain cases, the notary must notify the local municipality, as the public authorities may have a statutory right of first refusal over the property — the droit de préemption.
The municipality is given a legally prescribed period in which to respond. If it does not exercise this right, the transaction may proceed with the intended buyer.
6. Preparing for Completion
Approximately two to three months generally pass between signing the preliminary agreement and completing the final deed of sale.
During this period, the notary completes the legal checks, obtains the necessary certificates and approvals — including confirmation regarding any municipal right of first refusal — and prepares the draft final deed.
By this stage, the buyer transfers the outstanding balance of the purchase price, together with the applicable taxes and transaction costs, to the notary’s account.
We monitor deadlines and coordinate with the notary, bank and other professionals involved in the transaction.
7. Final Deed of Sale — Acte de Vente
At the final appointment, the parties sign the Acte de Vente before the notary.
The notary explains the principal provisions of the deed and confirms that the conditions of the transaction have been fulfilled.
Once the deed has been signed, the buyer becomes the owner of the property and receives the keys.
We accompany the client during the signing process and assist with communication in French.
8. Registration of Ownership — Titre de Propriété
Following signature of the Acte de Vente, the notary completes the registration formalities and records the transfer of ownership with the relevant public authorities.
The client receives confirmation of the acquisition immediately following completion, while the final registered Titre de Propriété is sent to the owner once the registration process has been completed.
What Our Assistance Includes
- Personalised property selection and organisation of viewings;
- Coordination of negotiations and communication between the parties involved in the transaction;
- Liaising with the notary and monitoring the preparation of documentation;
- Organisational assistance with signing the preliminary agreement and final deed of sale;
- Assistance with transferring funds and coordinating with banks in connection with the transaction;
- Translation assistance and support with communication in French;
- Coordination of the handover of keys and documentation following completion;
- Upon request, ongoing property management and assistance with practical matters related to living on the French Riviera.
Your Property Transaction, Fully Coordinated
French Riviera Realty brings together property selection, transaction management and coordination of specialist professionals within a single process.
Our clients benefit from dedicated assistance from the first property viewing through to receiving the keys — and, where required, the ongoing management and maintenance of their property.
