Buying a home in France

The steps

After your offer is accepted, you sign a preliminary contract (compromis de vente) and usually pay about 10%. You then have 10 days to withdraw without penalty. The notaire runs the searches, and the final deed (acte authentique) is signed about three months later.

The costs

On a resale home, notaire fees and taxes come to about 7.5% to 9% of the price: about 9% at €100,000, 8% at €200,000 and 7.5% at €1 million. Most of it is transfer tax, 6.32% in most départements. On a new build they are about 2% to 3%. The agent fee is usually included in the asking price.

Calculate buying costs in France

Tax ID and bank account

You do not need a French tax number to buy; the notaire handles registration. After buying, owners must file a declaration of occupancy on impots.gouv.fr. A French bank account makes paying bills and local taxes by direct debit much easier.

Visas and the 90-in-180 rule

Owning a home in France does not give you the right to stay. Visitors from outside the EU can spend 90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area. Longer stays need a long-stay visa, such as the visitor visa. Since April 2026 the EU's Entry/Exit System records fingerprints and a photo at Schengen borders. ETIAS travel authorisation for visa-free visitors is expected from late 2026.

Check your 90/180 days

Running costs

Owners pay taxe foncière every year. Second homes also pay taxe d'habitation, which some towns raise for second homes. Add utilities, insurance and septic tank checks if the home is not on mains drainage.

Calculate buying costs in France

What to check before you offer

Read the diagnostic reports the seller must provide, including energy, asbestos and drainage. Check that the septic system complies. On rural land, ask whether SAFER has a right to buy first.