The French purchase process is highly structured and heavily protective of the buyer, but it moves at its own pace. From accepted offer to keys typically takes three to four months. Knowing the sequence in advance removes most of the anxiety.
An offer to purchase, the offre d’achat, can be made in writing and becomes binding on the seller once accepted. Unlike some jurisdictions, gazumping is rare because the process moves quickly to a binding preliminary contract.
The compromis de vente is signed by both parties, usually at the notaire’s office or an estate agency, and is a binding commitment subject to the conditions written into it. A deposit of 5 to 10 per cent is paid into the notaire’s escrow account at this point.
Two protections matter here. The buyer has a statutory cooling-off period of ten days after receiving the signed contract, during which they can withdraw for any reason and recover the deposit in full. And the financing condition, the clause suspensive, cancels the sale and returns the deposit if the mortgage is genuinely refused.
The financing window written into the contract is commonly around 45 days. This is where preparation pays: an applicant with documents already gathered can meet it comfortably, while one starting from scratch often cannot.
The notaire is a public officer, not the agent of either party, and is responsible for verifying title, checking planning and pre-emption rights, and ensuring the mandatory surveys have been carried out. These cover, depending on the property, asbestos, lead, termites, energy performance, gas and electrical installations, and natural risk exposure.
The acte de vente is signed at the notaire’s office, the balance of funds is transferred, and the keys change hands the same day. Remote completion via power of attorney is routine for buyers who cannot travel.
| Item | Existing property | New build |
|---|---|---|
| Notaire fees and transfer taxes | Around 7 to 8 per cent | Around 2 to 3 per cent |
| Estate agency commission | 4 to 8 per cent, usually included in the advertised price | Usually included |
| Mortgage arrangement and guarantee | Roughly 1 to 1.5 per cent of the loan | Same |
Continue with non-resident mortgages for the financing detail, or the glossary for the French terms you will encounter throughout.