Can UK citizens buy property in France after Brexit?

Yes. UK nationals can buy property in France without restrictions. Brexit did not change property ownership rights. However, UK buyers are now subject to the 90-day Schengen rule (90 days in any 180-day period) and must apply for a visa or residence permit for longer stays.

What are frais de notaire in France?

Frais de notaire are the fees and taxes paid to the notaire (public notary) on completion. For resale properties they total approximately 7–8% of the purchase price, comprising registration taxes (droits de mutation, ~5.8%), notaire fees (~1%), and various administrative charges. For new-build properties, frais de notaire are reduced to approximately 2–3%.

Do I need a French bank account to buy property?

Yes. A French bank account is effectively required for the property purchase process - utility direct debits, tax payments, and mortgage payments all require a French account. Some banks may ask for a minimum deposit to open a non-resident account. Post-Brexit, some French banks have become more selective about accepting UK residents.

What is the cooling-off period in France?

After signing the compromis de vente (preliminary contract), the buyer has a 10-day cooling-off period (délai de rétractation) during which they can withdraw for any reason and receive a full refund of their deposit. This right is guaranteed by French consumer law and cannot be waived.

Can I get a French mortgage as a UK buyer?

Yes. French banks lend to non-residents, including UK buyers, typically at 70–80% LTV. French mortgage rates are often lower than UK equivalents - fixed rates of 3–4% for 15–20 year terms are available (2026). French banks assess affordability strictly: monthly repayments cannot exceed 35% of net income.

Buying Property in France – UK Buyer Guide

Why UK Buyers Choose France

Proximity: 1–2 hour flights from most UK airports, plus Eurostar and Channel Tunnel for car access
Diverse market: From Parisian apartments to Provençal farmhouses, alpine chalets to Atlantic coast villas
Strong legal protections: The notaire system provides robust buyer protection, including a mandatory 10-day cooling-off period
Favourable mortgage terms: French mortgage rates are typically lower than UK equivalents with longer fixed-rate terms
Lifestyle: World-class food, wine, culture and healthcare system
Established market: An estimated 200,000 British-owned properties in France

The French Buying Process

Find a property through an agent (agent immobilier) or directly from a private seller (particulier à particulier).
Make an offer (offre d'achat). This can be verbal or written. Once accepted, it becomes binding on the buyer.
Sign the Compromis de Vente (preliminary contract) at the notaire's office. Pay a deposit of 5–10%. The buyer has a 10-day cooling-off period.
Conditions suspensives: The contract includes conditions that must be met (mortgage approval, survey results, planning checks). If conditions are not met, the buyer can withdraw without penalty.
Due diligence: The notaire conducts title searches, checks planning permissions, verifies the seller's identity and ownership, and orders mandatory diagnostic reports (DPE energy rating, asbestos, lead, termites, etc.).
Arrange mortgage: If financing, you typically have 45–60 days from signing the compromis to obtain a mortgage offer.
Sign the Acte de Vente (final deed) at the notaire's office. Pay the balance and frais de notaire. The property is transferred.

The typical timeline from offer to completion is 2–3 months.

The Role of the Notaire

The notaire is a public official (not a private lawyer) appointed by the state. Their role is to:

Authenticate the sale and ensure it is legally valid
Conduct title searches and verify ownership
Collect and remit taxes (registration taxes, stamp duty) to the state
Hold the deposit in a regulated escrow account
Register the property transfer at the Land Registry (Service de la Publicité Foncière)

The notaire acts for both parties. UK buyers should also appoint an independent bilingual lawyer for personal legal advice, particularly on tax planning and inheritance.

Costs and Taxes

Cost	Amount
Frais de notaire (resale)	7–8% of purchase price
Frais de notaire (new build)	2–3% of purchase price
Agent fees (if applicable)	4–8% (usually included in price)
Independent lawyer	€1,500–3,000
Survey (optional)	€500–1,500
Total (resale)	8–11% of purchase price

French Mortgages for UK Buyers

LTV: 70–80% for non-residents (some banks offer up to 85% for strong profiles)
Term: 15–25 years, maximum borrower age 70–75
Rates: Fixed rates of 3–4% for 15–20 year terms (2026). French fixed rates are typically lower and longer than UK equivalents
Affordability: French banks cap total debt repayments at 35% of net income (taux d'endettement)
Insurance: Borrower insurance (assurance emprunteur) is mandatory and adds 0.2–0.5% to the effective rate
Documentation: 3 years of UK tax returns, 3 months of payslips, 6 months of bank statements

Tax Obligations

Taxe foncière: Annual property ownership tax, equivalent to UK council tax. Varies widely by commune - from €500 for a rural property to €5,000+ in Paris.
Taxe d'habitation: Abolished for primary residences but still applies to second homes (majoration of 5–60% in some areas).
Rental income: French rental income is subject to French income tax (micro-foncier regime at 30% for gross income under €15,000, or régime réel for actual costs). UK residents must also declare on their Self Assessment, with a credit for French tax paid.
Capital gains: French CGT on property (plus-value immobilière) is 19% plus 17.2% social charges for non-EU residents. Tapering relief applies after 6 years of ownership, with full exemption after 22 years (CGT) and 30 years (social charges).
IFI wealth tax: Applies to net French property assets above €1.3 million. Rates from 0.5% to 1.5%.

Popular Regions

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur: Nice, Cannes, Aix-en-Provence. Premium prices, strong rental demand, Mediterranean climate.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Dordogne, Charente. Rural properties at lower prices, popular with UK lifestyle buyers.
Brittany and Normandy: Short ferry crossings from the UK. Affordable property, cooler climate, strong links to the UK.
Paris and Île-de-France: Capital city with strong rental yields (3–4%), high entry prices, apartment-focused market.
Occitanie: Languedoc-Roussillon, Toulouse. Growing popularity, more affordable than the Côte d'Azur.
Alps: Chamonix, Morzine, Méribel. Ski property with dual-season rental potential.

Risks and Considerations

90-day rule: UK nationals are limited to 90 days in 180 in the Schengen area. A long-stay visa is required for extended stays.
Inheritance law: French succession law imposes forced heirship rules (réserve héréditaire), which override UK wills for French property. Specialist cross-border estate planning is essential.
Social charges on gains: The 17.2% social charges on capital gains apply to non-EU residents and significantly increase the effective tax rate.
Renovation costs: French rural properties often require significant renovation. Obtain detailed surveys and cost estimates before committing.
Currency risk: EUR/GBP fluctuations affect both purchase price and ongoing costs.
Septic tank rules: Properties not connected to mains drainage must have a compliant septic system (assainissement non collectif). Upgrading a non-compliant system can cost €5,000–15,000.

Buying Property in France: A Guide for UK Buyers