What Makes Buying Property in France So Different?
Why the French system protects buyers — and how to avoid getting lost in the process
Buying a property in France can feel like stepping into a charming, stone-walled maze. It's exciting, romantic, and full of history — but the path isn’t always obvious. Compared to countries like the UK or the US, the French process is slower, more protective of the buyer, and surprisingly thorough.
If you’ve started browsing or even sent out a few enquiries, you might already feel the differences. Here’s what really sets the French system apart — and how to navigate it without surprises.
Five Things That Surprise Most International Buyers
1. The Notaire Runs the Show
In France, all legal property transactions go through a notaire — a government-appointed official who acts on behalf of the state, not the buyer or seller. Their job is to ensure every legal box is ticked, titles are clean, taxes are paid, and nobody is misled.
They are neutral — and mandatory.
2. The “Compromis de Vente” Is a Legal Commitment
This is the preliminary contract you’ll sign once your offer is accepted. It lays out everything: price, timelines, conditions (like securing a mortgage), and more.
Most importantly: it’s binding after a 10-day “cooling-off” period. From then on, you’re in contract, and pulling out could cost you your deposit.
3. Who Pays the Commission? It Depends.
There’s no fixed rule in France. Sometimes the seller pays the agency fee, and sometimes the buyer does — it depends on how the property was listed and the mandate used.
That's why working with a reputable agency like Leggett Immobilier helps: everything is disclosed early and clearly.
4. You Can’t Be Gazumped
Once the compromis is signed and the cooling-off period ends, the seller is committed. No one else can swoop in with a better offer — something that gives peace of mind to buyers used to faster, more competitive markets.
5. The Process Takes Time — and That’s a Good Thing
You should expect 2–3 months from accepted offer to completion. It may feel slow, but it gives you (and the notaire) time to carry out checks, process financing, and ensure everything is legally sound.
What You Can Do to Make Things Easier
- Work with an agent who’s locally based and bilingual
- Don’t hesitate to ask for translated documents
- Clarify commission terms upfront
- Budget around 8–9% in notaire fees (especially with the recent 2025 fee updates)
📩 Want Help from a Real Local?
I work with buyers and sellers in Montignac-Lascaux and the surrounding villages, guiding them through every step — from viewing to final signature and beyond.
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You don’t need to be ready to buy — just curious and open to conversation.
Final Word
France has one of the most buyer-protective real estate systems in the world. Once you understand how it works — and get the right support — the process becomes far more enjoyable.