Why invest in french Real Estate
France remains one of the most stable and attractive real estate markets in the world. Whether you are looking for a prestigious primary residence, a seasonal pied-à-terre, or a high-yield investment, the French market offers a unique combination of heritage value and financial security.
While Paris continues to be a global beacon, major cities across the country offer diverse opportunities for international buyers. From the historic wine estates of Bordeaux and the dynamic economic hub of Lyon to the sunny, fast-growing Mediterranean coast of Marseille, France provides a wealth of choices for a robust real estate portfolio.
The Essential Role of a Property Finder in France
For an international buyer, navigating the French market is significantly different from other countries. This is where a dedicated Property Finder, or “buyer agent” (also known as a Chasseur Immobilier) becomes your greatest asset. Unlike a traditional real estate agent who represents the seller, a Property Finder works exclusively for you, the buyer.
In a market where the best properties often sell before they are even advertised, having a Property Finder on the ground allows you to access the “Off-Market” and ensures you are the first to visit premium listings in Paris or provincial capitals.
Buying Property in France: Costs and Considerations
For international buyers, understanding the financial landscape is key to a successful acquisition. Buying property in France costs more than just the sticker price, and being well-informed prevents surprises during the closing process.
- Notary Fees when Buying Property in France: These are mandatory and generally represent 7% to 8% of the purchase price for older properties and approximately 2% to 3% for new builds. These fees primarily consist of transfer taxes collected by the state.
- How Much Deposit to Buy Property in France? Typically, a deposit (known as the dépôt de garantie) of 5% to 10% of the purchase price is required upon signing the preliminary contract (compromis de vente). This sum is held in a secure escrow account by the notary.

Why Choose Homelike Home as Your French Property Finder?
Buying a house in France as a foreigner can be complex due to administrative specificities and the speed of the local market. Christine Pelosse and the Homelike Home team act as your expert Property Finder, providing a comprehensive “A to Z” service for our global clientele:
- Tailored Search: We don’t just find houses; we find the right investment for your specific goals.
- Expert Negotiation: As your Property Finder, we use our deep market knowledge to negotiate the best possible price on your behalf.
- Financial Clarity: We help you calculate the total cost of your investment, including notary fees and potential renovation budgets.
- Legal & Technical Security: We meticulously review all technical diagnostics and building documents to ensure your investment is sound.
- Seamless Remote Buying: We handle the screenings and preliminary visits, providing detailed video reports so you only fly in for the final “coup de cœur”.
Ready to start your journey? Don’t let the complexity of the French market hold you back. Contact Christine Pelosse and the Homelike Home team today to engage your personal Property Finder and turn your French real estate dream into a reality.
Top French Cities: Streamline Your Property Search Finder with a Dedicated Buyer Agent
Investing in France requires local precision, whether you are drawn to the iconic Haussmannian boulevards of Paris, the world-renowned wine heritage of Bordeaux, the gastronomic and economic heartbeat of Lyon, or the sun-drenched, booming Mediterranean market of Marseille.
Each of these cities possesses its own micro-market rules and hidden opportunities. Navigating them alone can be overwhelming; this is why an expert Property Search Finder is indispensable. By acting as your exclusive Buyer Agent, Homelike Home provides you with a competitive edge, ensuring you find the right asset at the right price, regardless of the destination.
- Property Finder Paris: The Ultimate Safe Haven As the world’s most visited city, Paris offers unmatched prestige and capital security. From the historic Marais to the chic 16th arrondissement, your buyer agent will help you navigate high demand to secure a timeless asset with excellent resale value.
- Property Finder Lyon: The Economic Powerhouse Strategically located between Paris and the Alps, Lyon is a hub for tech and medicine. It is the ideal choice for a property search finder focused on high rental yields and a growing population of young professionals and students.
- Property Finder Bordeaux: Elegance and Lifestyle Renowned for its world-class vineyards and stunning 18th-century architecture, Bordeaux has become a top choice for those seeking a high quality of life. A local buyer agent can uncover hidden gems in its revitalized historic center or its leafy residential outskirts.
- Property Finder Marseille: The Mediterranean Frontier With its sunny climate and major urban renewal projects, Marseille offers the highest potential for capital appreciation. It is a prime target for a property search finder looking for more accessible entry prices and a vibrant, coastal lifestyle.
Our Buyers Agent Process
To secure your investment in the competitive French market, our comprehensive process begins with establishing financing and accessing exclusive “off-market” listings through our specialized network. From the initial offer and the ten-day cooling-off period following the Promesse de Vente to the final deed signature, we manage every legal and technical detail, including notary coordination and utility setup. Discover how our expertise as your dedicated buyer agent ensures a seamless transition to becoming a homeowner in France.
Congratulations, you are the proud owner of a property in France!
The Notary
In France, it is mandatory to sign the final deed with a notary.
The notary’s role is not the same as that of a lawyer. He registers the transfer of property and makes sure that the state receives any taxes due, such as stamp duty.
The purchaser is entitled to choose the notary who should be impartial. The seller may appoint his own notary, in which case the notaries share the fees.
🌎 Invest in French Real Estate From Abroad
- Invest in French Real Estate from Dubai
- Invest in French Real Estate from New York
- Invest in French Real Estate from Singapore
- Invest in French Real Estate from London
You can find more information about the real estate market in France on our blog.