Investing in French Real Estate from London
Investing in France from London means turning income earned in pounds into a euro-denominated asset, on a market that is more accessible than the UK and just 2h15 from St Pancras. What is left is to handle post-Brexit French-British taxation and to buy confidently from a distance. Here is what matters.
In short:
- A euro-denominated asset, to diversify away from sterling
- Entry prices and rental yields with no comparison to London
- Paris 2h15 away by Eurostar, the rest of France within reach
- A secure remote purchase, with signing possible by power of attorney
- French-British taxation to confirm carefully since Brexit
For more than twenty years, Homelike Home has guided international clients buying property in France as a foreigner, from the search mandate through to signing. London brings together two complementary profiles: French expats working in finance, tech or law, who want to build wealth in euros during their UK assignment, and British buyers drawn to France, whether for a pied-à -terre in Paris, a house in Provence or a home on the French Riviera.
Why invest in France from London
London remains one of the most expensive markets in the world, with low rental yields, properties mostly held on a leasehold basis and wealth denominated in sterling. France, two hours away by train, offers a very different balance: a more liquid market, full ownership, strong legal protection for the owner and far higher yields. This is precisely the logic explained in our guide on why invest in French real estate.
| Criterion | Buying in London | Buying in France |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | Among the highest in the world | Considerably more accessible |
| Gross rental yield | Low | 4.5% to 6% in regional cities, 3% to 3.5% in Paris |
| Type of ownership | Often leasehold | Full ownership (freehold) |
| Currency of the asset | Pound sterling | Euro (diversification) |
| Proximity | A financial hub, but demanding schedules | Paris 2h15 by Eurostar |
For a French expat, a London posting is a window of opportunity: high income, greater saving capacity, and the chance to prepare a return or generate rental income in euros. Paris, one Eurostar away, remains the natural target, while regional metropolises deliver the best yields. For a British buyer, France answers a lifestyle ambition as much as a financial one: Nice and the French Riviera, Provence and the South West combine sustained demand with a coveted way of life. The same logic drives investors who buy from Switzerland, from the United States or from Dubai.
French-British taxation: what to anticipate
France and the United Kingdom have signed a double taxation treaty. Income from French real estate is taxed in France, with your British situation taking it into account to avoid effective double taxation. Three points deserve attention, ideally with an adviser familiar with both systems.
Social levies since Brexit
This is the most sensitive point since 2021 and it must be validated with a tax adviser. A UK resident affiliated to the British social security system may, under certain conditions, qualify for the reduced 7.5% rate under the EU-UK coordination rules, whereas other profiles bear the full 17.2% rate. The gap is significant for your net yield, which is why your situation should be clarified before buying.
Furnished rental under the réel regime (LMNP)
Whatever rate applies to your profile, furnished letting under the réel regime remains the most effective strategy. Taxed under the industrial and commercial profits regime, it lets you depreciate the property, the works and the furniture, which in most cases brings the taxable base down to zero. You then neutralise both income tax and the base on which social levies are calculated.
The real estate wealth tax (IFI)
Above 1.3 million euros of net French real estate assets, the ImpĂŽt sur la Fortune ImmobiliĂšre applies, even to non-residents. A threshold to factor in if you are targeting Paris or planning successive purchases.
The Homelike Home difference
Buying from across the Channel, around a demanding City schedule, changes everything. A well-positioned property in Paris often sells within 48 hours, and the best opportunities rarely reach the public listings. The difference comes down to having someone on the ground who can act immediately, in your interest alone.
That is the very role of a property finder, or buyer’s agent. Unlike a traditional estate agent, who is instructed by the seller, the property finder is the buyer’s exclusive representative. They defend your interests only, which is decisive when you cannot assess a property yourself. From London, Homelike Home concretely brings you:
- A tailored search mandate, built from your brief and your budget in euros
- Access to off-market properties, beyond the usual listing channels
- Preliminary viewings carried out on your behalf, with full reports, photos and videos within 24 to 48 hours
- Video calls made easy, since the time difference with London is only one hour
- A technical and legal review of each property: co-ownership, general meeting minutes, diagnostics, easements
- Price negotiation conducted for you, based on concrete market data
- Full coordination through to signing, which can be completed by power of attorney before the notary
One last point that matters to a discerning investor: Homelike Home’s fees are due only on success, on the day the final deed is signed. Nothing is charged until you have actually acquired your property. This level of service, since 2003, is what allows clients based in London, Geneva, New York or Dubai to delegate their entire project with confidence. For the most demanding briefs, our expertise extends to the luxury apartment market in Paris.
Financing and managing your purchase remotely
French banks specialising in non-resident financing are familiar with British files. Plan for a deposit of 20% to 30% and a thorough documentation set: payslips in pounds with conversion, bank statements and your UK tax return. Bear in mind that notary fees represent around 7% to 8% of the price for older properties. A broker specialising in expats will speed up the process and steer you toward the most responsive lenders for your profile.
Delegate your project to a property finder
Investing in France from London rests on controlled delegation and rigorous preparation: a budget set in euros, a clear yield strategy and a trusted relay on the ground. To frame your project, contact our property search team in France.
