Looking for your dream home?
For buyers: We represent your interests
Anyone buying property in France should know that the notary generally works neutrally for both parties – unless each party uses their own notary, which is quite possible and often advisable. In any case, it's important to have someone on your side who actively and consistently coordinates the entire due diligence process in the buyer's best interest.
Legally, we verify ownership, encumbrances in the land register, and whether all extensions have the proper permits. From a construction standpoint, we ensure that all required expert reports are available and obtain an additional, independent appraisal if necessary. Financially, we critically assess the purchase price, clarify all applicable taxes and ancillary costs, and provide you with a realistic picture of ongoing expenses. This way, you buy with complete transparency – and without unpleasant surprises after the sale.
Even after completion, we are there for you – with a proven network of German-speaking architects, interior designers, tradespeople, and rental agencies. We even support you with complex projects such as the subsequent legalization of "non-compliant" extensions.
Would you like to learn more about details such as the purchase process, the exact closing costs, or taxes in France? Click here for our knowledge base.
Activate us as your search agent
We'll guide you through your search and put together a tailor-made tour for you. Free of charge!
We'll do the search for you!
At first, it's really fun to browse online for charming houses on the Côte d'Azur or to view the first properties while on vacation. But at some point, you realize: the market is huge, the search area is often far too large, the budget isn't quite clear yet, and communicating with French real estate agents isn't so easy.
Furthermore, addresses in France are usually not revealed — and sometimes the “dream house” - for which one has traveled specifically - turns out to be a disappointment located directly on a noisy road.
The good news: We'll do the search for you!
No additional costs for you as the buyer
If you exclusively commission us to search for a property, we will share this commission with the real estate agent representing the seller — meaning no extra costs for you! And the best part:
We can show you ANY property in the region!
While we do have our own properties in our portfolio, unlike traditional real estate agents, we aren't limited to our own listings. We search the entire market for you. To do this, we collaborate with all local agents in the region. This gives you access to virtually every property in the area—including off-market properties that aren't publicly listed.
How much is the real estate agent's commission?
In France, the real estate agent's commission is usually 6% of the purchase price. Unlike in Germany, however, it is already included in the advertised price and is paid by the seller! If this is not the case, it must be stated in the advertisement ("charge vendeur" = seller pays commission, "charge aquereur" = buyer pays commission).
What are the first steps?
After discussing your search criteria and budget, the exclusive search mandate can easily be signed digitally. We will then regularly present you with properties that match your requirements. You are also welcome to send us links to listings you have found yourself (most easily via WhatsApp), and we will gather further information for you and contact the relevant agencies.
The sightseeing tour
After a certain period, the selection will be narrowed down to your favorites, and we will organize a joint tour, usually in cooperation with several local real estate agents. On a viewing tour, we can typically visit 2 to 5 properties per day—depending on your schedule, the location, and travel times.
Because we invest a lot of work in the preparation, these tours with our clients are very efficient and often lead to quick success. It's also an excellent opportunity to get to know the area better.
Our home territory
Coast: Nice, Antibes, Cannes via Fréjus
Hinterland: Mougins, Valbonne, Opio, Grasse, St. Paul-de-Vence, Biot
Together with our partner agencies, we can also assist you throughout France! Please contact us for more information!
The purchasing process in France
1. Selecting the property
Tour with several viewings, possibly a second viewing, review of all documents, obtaining a financing confirmation from your bank or a bank confirmation of sufficient equity capital.
2. Das Gebot - the purchase offer
Submit a verbal offer and negotiate the price; if an agreement is reached, submit a written offer with a digital signature. Once the seller accepts the offer in writing, the property is reserved for you.
3. Pre-contract/promise of sale
The first notarization will take place approximately 1-4 weeks after the bid is submitted. Please bring identification documents and a debit card, as an advance payment for the notary's registration fees is due at the appointment. Apply for birth and marriage certificates in international format now.
4. Down payment
Payment of the deposit (10%) to the notary's escrow account, a few days after notarization; the notary will confirm receipt of the money.
5. Withdrawal period - cooling-off period
There is a statutory 10-day right of withdrawal during which you can cancel the purchase without losing your deposit. The notary will inform you of the start of this period by registered mail (AR24).
6. Notarial examination and registration
A period of approximately 2-3 months is required for all notarial examinations, deadlines and entries, e.g., examination of a possible right of first refusal by the municipality, deletion of encumbrances from the land register, etc.
7. Payment of the purchase price
Once the notary informs you that all registrations are complete, you will be asked to pay the purchase price, including all ancillary costs (into the notary's escrow account). The notary will provide you with detailed information about the exact amount. It is essential that you initiate the transfer promptly, as the notary cannot proceed with the final notarization without prior receipt of payment!
8. Insurance, electricity & water
The most important thing is the "assurance d'habitation" insurance, which you should take out on the day of handover. Electricity (e.g., EDF) and water (e.g., SUEZ) can be registered online, but often require a French phone number (e.g., an eSIM from SOSH).
9. Inspection & Meter Readings
Joint inspection of the property one day before the final notarization, recording of meter readings, clarification of last questions, etc.
10. Final Purchase Agreement - Acte de vente
Second notarization: final purchase agreement and handover of keys. No further changes to the contract are possible. You are now the proud owner of a property in France!
The Price Atlas
The French Riviera is a region with some of the most expensive real estate in France. But there are significant regional differences!
Click on the link below and zoom in on your desired search areas. For cities like Cannes and Nice, street-level figures are available. While this doesn't replace professional advice, it can give you a better sense of the price range in the region.
