Buying and selling French real estate – some frequently asked questions

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Are you thinking of moving to France or moving to another part of France or are you leaving France?
You may have questions that are important to ask before you depart on your next French real estate adventure. Below are some recent questions we heard.

Is the French real estate buying and selling process simple?

Some people say yes, we would say this would depend on your current experience of real estate. People who come from the USA or Canada find that the lack of information available for values in France is really annoying and can lead to a big selling or buying pricing mistake.

In addition with many properties for sale directly with French property owners, how can you figure our the value of the property or even now how long it has been on the market when it is for sale privately?

The complex nature of valuing a French property is one of the many reasons that it can be very valuable to have an experienced French real estate agent helping you. Remember don’t just choose your real estate agent because they can speak English make sure they have long term experience in the industry as well and they are able to speak French to deal with all the homeowners and agents and notaries who do not speak English.

When should I speak first to a French notary?

Make sure you have a conversation with an English speaking French notary before you start searching for property so you understand the process, when you will need to supply funds etc.

What is the most common error that first time French property buyer’s make?
From what people tell us, it is underestimateing costs. Everything from the cost of the notaries fees, moving fees, real estate agent fees, renovation fees and fees for upgrades the home needs once you move in.

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Individual French home prices are increasing twice as fast as apartment prices say Notaries

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According to the Notaries of France, French real estate individual house prices are increasing twice as fast as apartment prices at the time of the 3rd quarter of 2022.

In this article in Lefigaro, the rise in prices of existing housing in France continues: +1.5% compared to the second quarter of 2022 , according to the Notaires-Insee index.

This increase remains more for houses (+8.2% over one year in the third quarter of 2022) than for apartments (+4.1%).

House prices have therefore increased twice as fast as apartment prices as of the time of publication of the Notary report.

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Retiring to France Thinking of French Real Estate

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If you are thinking of retiring to France and potentially buying French real estate, here is a short but not complete list of things you need to consider.

  • Owning or renting French real estate.
    You need to consider the tax and inheritance perspective including local property taxes as well as other taxes. Estate planning and inheritance are important whether you are renting or buying.
  • Pension, savings and investment options as part of your retirement planning. Think about the cost of tranferring a pension from you home country to France etc.

First steps that must be included to see what is possible is:

Your application for residence for retiring to France

Your Long Term Visitor Visa and Visitor Residence Card

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