After reading about Provence’s villages and towns, food, culture and lifestyle, you are dreaming about owning a property in the heart of Provence or along the Côte d’Azur. In the article below, we cover the key real estate terminology in France. Discover why a buyer’s agent might be someone you want on your team when you make a property investment in the region.

Important points to consider when buying real estate in Provence

Before actually embarking on the adventure of purchasing a home abroad, you’ll inevitably have many questions. Some of the questions we get asked by readers are:

• Are there any restrictions on buying in France for non-EU citizens?
• Can I afford a sea view with my budget?
• I want a typical Provençal village with year-round activity. Which is the best one?
• Where do I find the central database or listing portal for all properties for sale?
• What is the market looking like on the Côte d’Azur? Are prices going up?
• Where do I find the prices of properties that have been sold?
• What am I doing wrong? Agents I’ve contacted don’t answer my emails or phone calls.
• Can I hire my search agent in Provence? If so, how does that work?
• Why is one area so much more expensive than another one that appears to be very similar?
• Is the buying process in France complicated? How long does it usually take?
• What are the full costs of buying in France?

Buying Real Estate in France

With its Mediterranean climate and relaxed lifestyle, Provence is an attractive destination. It’s not unheard of for love-struck visitors to walk into a real estate office and express interest in buying a property. After a few site visits with a broker, a property may tick all the boxes in terms of price, location, and surroundings. At that point, the transaction begins, and so do the layers of complexity. The Maison Victoire real estate team helps clients navigate this challenging process.

Foreign buyers are often surprised to discover that there is no centralized Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for real estate in France. Discovering those listings can be more accessible with a knowledgeable agent immersed in the local market. Equally startling is that house listings are often non-exclusive, so that the information may appear at several agencies at different prices. Additionally, France’s unique inheritance laws can complicate real estate transactions. Victoria Templeman and her team understand the market complexity and provide intelligent solutions.

Buying a home in another country can be a complex process. Please send us a note, and we will do our best to answer these questions and any others you may have.