FAQs

Most Frequently Asked Questions


What parties are involved in my French property purchase?
What is and who does the Notaire work for?
Will I have to pay a deposit and is it refundable?
Will there be a survey?
When will I own the property?
How long does a typical French property purchase take?
What are the main costs associated with a purchase?
Do you have to pay annual French taxes on a property?
Do you pay tax on rental income?
If I sell what taxes apply?
If I die will the property automatically pass to the surviving partner/spouse?



What parties are involved in my French property purchase?
The agent who markets the property, the notaire (French Solicitor) who draws up the contracts and the vendor.


What is and who does the Notaire work for?
The Notaire is a French national qualified in France and a specialist in the legal system. In France the Notaire acts for both parties (i.e. purchaser and vendor). It is his duty to ensure that the legal interests of both parties are covered. As a purchaser you do have the right to engage another Notaire to work along side the Vendor’s appointed Notaire. This does not incur any additional fees, the one fee is split between both Notaires.


Will I have to pay a deposit and is it refundable?
Yes. The amount varies from 2 -10%, depending on whether it is an off-plan purchase or a resale. The deposit is held in a “client account” at the Notaire. It is only refundable under certain circumstances i.e. should you fail to secure on overseas mortgage (if this is one of clauses in your original reservation contract) or utilise your “7 day cooling off period” in your original agreement to purchase.


Will there be a survey?
Surveys are not common in France. If you want one, this can be arranged but should be done during the 7 day cooling off period.


When will I own the property?
When you sign the final deed in front of the Notaire, the ownership will pass to you with this signing.


How long does a typical French property purchase take?
Normally it takes three months from the signing of the initial reservation contract to the signing of the deed.


What are the main costs associated with a purchase?
Notary fee is from 3 - 8% of the purchase price, depending on whether it is a “new-build” property or a resale. The agent’s fee ranges from 4-10% of the purchase price and again is dependent on whether a new or resale property. “New-build” attracts the lowest fees in terms of Notary and agent’s fees e.g. 3% for the Notaire and 5% for the agent.

There are other associated costs, if you take out an overseas mortgage and registration of the loan by the Notary. Reports for presence of termites, asbestos/lead and certification of habitable area if it is a re-sale property.


Do you have to pay annual French taxes on a property?
Yes there are 2.

Tax d’Habitation is paid when you own a residential property and use it yourself (or it is available for your use).

Taxe fonciere is paid by owners, irrespective of who occupies it. If you buy an “off plan” or renovated property your are exempt from Taxe fonciere for the first 2 years.

Both taxes are based on habitable surface area.


Do you pay tax on rental income?
Yes. It is liable to French tax, even if you are a non-resident.


If I sell what taxes apply?
Capital Gains is paid if you sell before 15 years, and exempt after that. After 5 years the net gain is reduced by 10% for each completed year of ownership thereafter.


If I die will the property automatically pass to the surviving partner/spouse?
Generally, the answer is no. Under French law it passes directly to the children. However, French Alpine Property will work directly with you to ensure that different arrangements are put into place, depending on your situation, to protect the survivor whilst following the principles of French law e.g. (simple French marriage contract, “Clause Tontine” or to be bought “en division” or through the forming of a company, an SCI).