Buying property in France as a foreigner: yes, same terms. The notaire runs the sale.

Can foreigners buy property in France?

Yes. A foreign or non-resident individual can own French land and buildings directly, on the same terms as a French buyer. No restriction by nationality or residency was found; the Notaires de France guidance treats a non-resident purchase as ordinary, governed by French law.

Nationality, country of residence and matrimonial regime still matter, because they affect how the property is owned, taxed and inherited. The notaire examines them at purchase. On the buyer's death, succession is governed by the law of the country of residence rather than automatically by French law. Detail: foreign ownership in France, explained.

How does buying property in France work, step by step?

Sign a pre-contract (compromis de vente or promesse unilatérale de vente), wait out the 10-day cooling-off period, then sign the acte authentique before a notaire, who publishes it in the land register. A deposit of around 5% to 10% is usually held in escrow at the notaire.

1. Pre-contract: with the seller's diagnostics file annexed, including the DPE energy rating.
2. Cooling-off: 10 days for a non-professional buyer of a home.
3. Loan condition: if financed, the pre-contract normally carries a loan condition of at least one month.
4. Deed: the acte authentique, signed at the notaire. See the acte authentique, explained.

What does it cost to buy property in France?

On a resale, mostly tax: transfer duty of about 5.81% or 6.32% of the price depending on the department, plus a 0.10% security contribution and the notaire's regulated fee. On a new build, 20% VAT is inside the price and transfer tax is about 0.7%.

Most departments raised their rate to 5.00% for deeds from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028. Department list and fee scale: France property buying costs.

What taxes does a foreign owner pay in France each year?

Taxe foncière, owed by whoever owns the property on 1 January, at rates voted locally. Taxe d'habitation still applies to second homes, with a surcharge of up to 60% possible in zones tendues. IFI, the real-estate wealth tax, applies if net French real estate exceeds EUR 1.3 million.

Detail: France property tax for foreigners.

Does buying property in France give residency?

No residence permit tied to buying property was found. The closest route, the talent card for economic investment, requires at least EUR 300,000 in business fixed assets in France and creating or safeguarding jobs. The official page does not mention residential property.

So buying a home or rental property is not, on the official wording, a route to residence.

Can a foreigner get a mortgage in France?

Lenders apply the HCSF standard: total debt service of no more than 35% of income, including insurance, and a term of no more than 25 years. A commercial guide reports that non-resident second-home buyers should expect loans capped at about 80% of the price. Confirm terms with the lender.

Whether the HCSF standard applies to non-resident borrowers was not confirmed.

What happens when a foreigner sells property in France?

A non-resident pays 19% income tax on the net gain plus social charges of 17.2%, or 7.5% if covered by EEA, Swiss or UK social security. The notaire collects the tax at completion. Taper relief removes income tax after 22 years and social charges after 30.

Step by step: selling property in France as a foreigner.

Header photo: Dale Cruse, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. All credits: image credits.