Your Comprehensive Guide to Buying & Selling in France

If you are looking to buy property in France - whether as your main residence, a second home or as an investment property or buy-to-rent, AngloINFO has a great deal of information available to help you. This INFOrmation Page provides you with a rundown on the key stages of buying real estate the French way, from the first steps (and the initial costs) through the process of finding and then purchasing your home in France. The cost of mortgages is explained, as are the main mortgage products you are likely to find. Finally, there's a look at the pre-sale efficiency report, the property professionals you are likely to encounter, an overview of French taxes, and pointers to places you can get further information, both on AngloINFO and elsewhere.

French real estate is a complex area, so before you get in contact with local real estate agents or realtors who have property for sale in France you will find it helpful to get understand every stage of the transaction. From the initial signing of the compromis de vente, through to when you are given the keys and the attestation de proprieté, this INFOrmation Page gives you the straight facts about every step of the property buying process.

Advertisements for property and real estate available to buy and to rent from across AngloINFO's network of sites in France. Private advertisers and real estate agents both offer a huge range of properties, no matter which French region interests you most for your property purchase or let.

Effective tax planning is important: here you get the low-down on the "new" regime introduced in January 2004 and how it may affect your property sale. Capital gains, if misunderstood, can make a big difference to your real estate transaction!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the answers on the the rules for captail gains tax introduced in January 2004 and the effect they could have on your purchase of property in France. Information given here is specific to the British home owner.

Information explaining the certificate of urban planning (town planning): what it is, why you may need it and how to get it. This is valuable information if you plan to buy, build or renovate property in France.

Information on how best to make your pounds, dollars euros or other money work for you when buying overseas property in a foreign currency: how market fluctuations can affect the price you pay, and how to protect your finances during the currency transfer.

Property for sale? A general overview of the process and points to bear in mind when selling a house, apartment or land in France.

An explanation of the annual property taxes you will be charged as a home owner or a tenant in France.

When reading the property classifieds looking for a house or apartment to buy or to rent, some terms may be unfamiliar - here are translations of the key French real estate words and phrases, in English.

The facts you need to know about renting a villa, house, apartment or studio flat on the French Riviera. The contract, "caution" and role of the letting agent and landlord.

The facts you need to know about renting a villa, house, apartment or studio flat in Paris. The contract, "caution" and role of the letting agent and landlord.

Buying Property in France utilising a SIPP: the facts you need to know about purchasing property in France via a Self Invested Personal Pension.

Explanation on the rights and responsibilities of the owner of an apartment; the Co-Proprietaire; the Syndic and the Conseil Syndical.