Real Estate in France

🇫🇷 What You Need to Know About Real Estate in France: How to Buy an Apartment, House, or Castle and Obtain a Residence Permit

France is a country where comfort, investment, and tradition come together in perfect harmony. Real estate here is not just housing — it’s a reliable way to preserve capital, a path to obtaining a residence permit, and a source of stable income.

France covers an area of about 551,000 km², making it the largest country in Western Europe. The population is around 68 million, with Paris as its capital. The official language is French, and the currency is the euro (€). According to the IMF, France ranks among the top 7 largest economies in the world, with a GDP exceeding €3 trillion.

The climate varies widely: the south enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, the center is temperate, the west has an oceanic climate, and the Alps feature a mountain climate. This diversity allows you to choose a region for any lifestyle — from warm coastlines to snowy ski resorts. Over 300 airports and high-speed TGV trains connect cities across the country and the rest of Europe.

France attracts not only with its architecture and culture but also with its economic stability. It has a transparent tax system, and the real estate market remains one of the most resilient in the EU.

☀️ Why People Choose Real Estate in France

France is among the top countries in terms of foreign investment in both residential and commercial real estate. You can purchase anything from an apartment in the historic center of Paris to a seaside villa or even an ancient château with a vineyard.

Average temperatures:

• - In the south — +27°C in summer and +10°C in winter
• - In Paris — +22°C in summer and +5°C in winter

The average life expectancy is 83 years, and France ranks among the safest countries in Europe.

Buyers choose France for several reasons:

• - Possibility of obtaining a residence permit through long-term investments and stable income;
• - Annual real estate value growth of 4–6%;
• - Rental income up to 7% in tourist regions;
• - Mortgages for foreigners at 3–4% per year for up to 20 years;
• - Security, property rights protection, and developed infrastructure.

France suits all buyer types — from investors to families with children, retirees, and digital nomads. You can combine seaside living, children’s education, business development, and rental income.

📍 Where It’s Profitable to Buy an Apartment, Villa, House, or Castle in France

The French real estate market is diverse and stable. Prices depend on the region, property type, and proximity to the sea or the capital.

The French Riviera (Cannes, Nice, Antibes, Monaco) — one of Europe’s most sought-after and prestigious regions. Apartments start from €400,000, seaside villas from €1–1.5 million, and luxury residences from €3 million. Demand is driven by tourism and international schools.

Paris and Île-de-France — the country’s business, cultural, and financial hub. The average price per m² is €10,000–12,000, reaching €15,000 in central districts. Paris investments ensure high liquidity, especially near the Seine and the Latin Quarter.

Provence and Aix-en-Provence — regions known for their authentic charm, stone houses, estates, and vineyards. Houses start from €300,000, villas with land from €600,000. Ideal for a peaceful lifestyle close to nature.

Lyon and the Rhône-Alpes region — France’s second economic powerhouse. Apartments start from €250,000, with rental yields of 4–6% annually. Lyon is expanding, particularly in business and student housing segments.

Bordeaux and the Atlantic coast — the country’s winemaking center. Apartments from €280,000, houses with land from €400,000. Popular among investors seeking tourist rentals.

The French Alps (Chamonix, Courchevel, Méribel) — perfect for those looking for chalets or mountain apartments. Prices start from €500,000, with seasonal rental yields of 8–10%.

Castles in France — a special category of real estate with unique historical and investment value. Most offers are in Loire, Burgundy, Normandy, and Dordogne.

• - 19th-century castles (600–1000 m²) — from €700,000
• - Estates with vineyards and parks — from €1.5–3 million
• - Fully restored historic properties — from €5 million and above

Many of these are converted into boutique hotels, art residences, gastronomic estates, or private family homes. Owning a château is not just a status symbol — it’s an investment in a one-of-a-kind asset that retains its value for decades.

💶 Real Estate Investment and Rental Income in France

The French real estate market remains stable thanks to limited supply, strict building standards, and government regulation.

Popular investment directions:

• - Apartments in tourist cities for short-term rentals;
• - Studios for students and professionals in Paris and Lyon;
•  - New developments with guaranteed rental returns (4–6%);
• - Historic properties for restoration or commercial use.

Average long-term rental yields reach 4–5% annually, while short-term rentals can bring up to 8%.

Property purchase tax is around 7–8%, and the annual property tax (taxe foncière) depends on the region — typically not exceeding 1.2% of cadastral value.

🏠 Residence Permit and Citizenship Through Real Estate Purchase in France

Buying property alone does not automatically grant a residence permit, but it’s a strong argument when applying for long-term visas such as Carte de Séjour “Visiteur” or investor programs.

Other available options include:

• Entrepreneur visa for business owners;
• Investor program (Investisseur Étranger) — from €300,000 in investments;
• Digital nomad visa — for remote professionals earning €2,500+ per month.

After 5 years of residence, you can apply for permanent residency, and after 10 years — for citizenship. Holders of residence permits can live in France, send their children to local schools, access healthcare, and freely travel within the Schengen area.

🎯 We Help With Any Real Estate Purchase Goals in France

We collaborate with trusted agencies, lawyers, and developers to select properties tailored to each client’s goals:

• - Investment properties with rental income;
• - Homes for living and residence permits;
• - Villas, houses, and seaside apartments;
• - Premium castles, estates, and chalets;
• - Commercial and business properties.

We help you understand where it’s most profitable to buy, what documents are needed, and how the purchase process works in France.

📝 How the Property Purchase Process Works in France

The purchase process is fully regulated by law and completed through a notary. We coordinate it in partnership with our French colleagues.

1. Define client goals and budget.
2. Select suitable properties and organize online viewings.
3. Local lawyers verify documents and prepare contracts.
4. The transaction is finalized at a notary’s office — remotely if needed.
5. After registration, our partners assist with residence permits, utilities, and taxation.

The seller or developer pays the commission, so buyers receive full support at no extra cost. Every step is transparent and legally controlled.

🤝 Why Buying Property in France Through Us Is Advantageous

We help clients navigate the French market, choose reliable partners, and minimize risks. We work only with verified agencies and lawyers to ensure accurate information and secure transactions.

We offer residential and investment properties across France — from apartments in Paris to castles in the Loire Valley.
All our platform’s services are free for buyers: you pay the same price as if buying directly from the agency but receive analytics, expert advice, and full transaction support.