Investment property: France
France is one of the deepest and most liquid property markets in Europe: Paris as a global prime apartment market, the French Riviera, the Alps, and major regional cities.
Foreigners buy property without restrictions, on the same terms as citizens, and transactions go through a notaire with a high level of legal protection for the buyer. That said, it is important to understand: France has no residency-by-property program, and a purchase grants no immigration status. Acquisition costs are significant, especially for existing stock, and larger portfolios are subject to a real estate wealth tax above a set threshold. This is a market for capital preservation and long-term ownership of quality assets, not quick speculation.
We select the property for your goal - a Paris apartment, a coastal house, a chalet, or an income property - and support the transaction at every stage, from the preliminary contract to the final deed at the notaire. We pay particular attention to ownership structure: in France, the choice between personal ownership and a structure such as an SCI materially affects taxes and inheritance, and it is best made before the purchase, not after. If you need legal status in France, we will go through the actual visa options separately from the transaction.
Buyer costs and owner taxes in France
| Payment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Transfer tax on a resale home | about 5.8% of the price; about 6.3% in departments that raised the rate from 1 April 2025 |
| Total with the notary on the resale market | usually 7-8% on top of the price |
| Property tax | paid by the owner on 1 January, rates set by communes |
| Housing tax | abolished for main homes since 2023, still due on second homes; in housing shortage zones communes raise it by 5-60% |
| Real estate wealth tax | 0.5-1.5% if net real estate is worth more than €1.3 million |
| Gains on sale | 19% plus 17.2% social charges; except the main home; full exemption after 22 and 30 years of ownership |
Unfurnished rental income up to €15,000 a year can be declared under the simplified regime with a 30% allowance for expenses. More on our France taxes page.
We will calculate online the full purchase cost for your budget: taxes, fees and transaction costs.
How the deal works
- A preliminary contract and deposit, usually 5-10% of the price.
- 10 days to withdraw: after signing the preliminary contract the buyer can change their mind without penalty.
- Notary checks and mortgage approval, usually about three months.
- The final deed at the notary and payment of the transfer tax.
What we do
- Property shortlist for your investment goal
- Legal due diligence on the property
- End-to-end transaction support
- Ownership structuring (company, trust)
- Property management and letting
See also
Company formation · Business account · Personal account · All country programs
FAQ
Can a foreigner buy property in France?
Does buying property grant residency in France?
Where do I start?
How much does buying property in France cost in fees?
What tax applies when selling property in France?
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What deposit is paid when buying property in France?
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Investing in property in France?
We shortlist properties in France for letting or to live in, factor in purchase and ownership taxes and support the deal at the notary. Every country is in the searchable catalogue.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
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