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THE WORLD'S CHEAPEST REAL ESTATE
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Real estate in France offers strong investment potential, no ownership restrictions for foreigners, and some of the world’s most desirable rental markets.
France has no restriction on foreigners owning property.
Most importantly, France is the most visited country on earth. As a result, it’s one of the safest real estate investments markets in the world.
You can buy and collect guaranteed returns every year or live in France part time and cash the rent checks while you’re away.
Paris, in particular, is perhaps the world’s most proven rental market. If you’re considering a real estate purchase in the French capital, think about a place you could use yourself from time to time… and then rent when you’re out.
Reviewed By Lief Simon
Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.
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Paris, obviously, is the highest-priced property market in France (and one of the highest-priced in the world).
The good news is that not all France is nearly as costly a place to call home. Outside of Paris, property prices drop dramatically, sometimes to bargain levels.
And, of course, not all neighborhoods in Paris are as costly as one another. Paris divides into 20 districts, or arrondissements, numbered in an outward spiral starting in the center of the city on the right (or northern) bank of the River Seine.
The most sought-after of these, the best in terms of typical Parisian experience, are the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th. They are all near the river in the heart of the city…and all at the top of the property pricing scale.
The lowest property prices in Paris right now are in the 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements, followed by the 10th and the 13th.
Every arrondissement is distinct, a village or small town unto itself, with its own character.
If buying or investing in property in Europe appeals to you, purchasing a home in France is one of the most sensible options. The dollar surpasses the Euro with more value than in the last ten years.
French property is affordable, in abundant supply, and real estate sales in France aren’t complicated.
Most transactions finalize in eight to twelve weeks. You may be searching for a Chateau for sale in France to fulfill a lifetime dream. However, if you want to increase your assets, bargain property for sale in France can be an excellent investment.
Real estate in France is a good investment, especially if you buy property in Paris, which is one of the most desirable cities in the world in which to live. As a result, the value of apartments in several Paris neighborhoods continues to rise.
The cost of real estate in Paris can be reasonable, especially outside the city. In short, it’s possible to renovate a home for less than $100,000. Since France has more tourist visits more than any other country, it’s a safe investment.
If you choose to live in Paris part-time, you can buy property, and rent it when you’re away. The cost of real estate in France isn’t always expensive. Some Paris neighborhoods are less expensive than others, and if you look outside the city, prices for property drops drastically, sometimes to bargain levels.
Buying a home or apartment in France is straightforward. Here is the checklist for real estate transactions:
Hire an attorney or independent notary to handle the transaction and represent you. Although you’re paying for the government official, his purpose is to ensure that the sale is legal under French law. Government officials are required to act for the buyer and seller but aren’t required to call your attention to any potential problems.
Inheritance laws in France get complicated and even though you might have had a will drawn up in your country, don’t assume that your spouse or family will automatically inherit your French property. A lawyer who specializes in complicated real estate transactions can assist you.
The amount of the deposit is usually ten percent of the purchase price. The deposit goes into an account and held by the real estate agent or the notary. If you need financing, you’ll have 45 days in which to secure a mortgage. If you’re denied a mortgage, the transaction is null and void, and you have your deposit returned.
The title of the property is searched as it is with a real estate transaction in the United States, to ensure that you have clear title to the property. You are then required to provide legal documents proving your identity. When the title search completes, the buyer and seller meet at the notary’s office. The notary must read the final deed, which is then signed by the purchaser and seller.
You have to pay the balance of the sale price in full at the time the property transfers to the new owner. When the deed to the property is recorded, you will receive a copy for your records. The original deed is kept in the notary’s office.
Prices for France real estate correspond with some areas or neighborhoods. Homes in the cities cost more than homes in rural areas.
A Chateau for sale in France costs more than a modest home, and Southern France real estate is expensive in comparison to homes on the French West Coast. You can still find a bargain property for sale in France if you have patience and spend some time on your search.
Southern France real estate is more reasonable in Carcassone than in other cities in the South of France. The medieval city features cobblestone streets, boutiques, excellent restaurants, and a famous summer festival.
Apartment prices range from 50,000 to 200,000 euros. If you search about 5 kilometers from the city center, the housing market is more diverse. The Mediterranean, the Pyrenees, and wine country are a short distance from Carcassone.
The cost of real estate is expensive in Paris. However, you can find luxurious apartments in the city. The best way to find a place is to contact real estate agents in the neighborhoods that you find most desirable. Tell the agents what you want and what your price range is. If you’re persistent, the agents will start calling when something in your price range is available. If luxury is what you want, the Marais is a trendy neighborhood with cafes, boutiques, restaurants, art, and culture.
Positioned in the wine country, it is the ideal location if the European lifestyle is what you seek. Languedoc is a charming community with a small town atmosphere, yet has everything you need to live comfortably. The area is a mecca for expats and retirees to invest in and live for a few months or all year-round.
Pau is a lively, university community with an abundance of green spaces and woodlands in the French wine country. If your dream is to live in France, but Paris prices are out of your reach, Pau is an incredible alternative. Many retired couples live a comfortable lifestyle in Pau for about €1,800.
Several taxes associate with the purchase of France real estate. Taxes you may pay are:
A transfer tax of 7.5 percent proceeds when a property in France is sold. When you buy a home in France, the government charges a tax on the mortgage. The amount charged depends on the amount of the loan. Property taxes are the most complicated to calculate and bases on:
Apartment buildings are similar to condos in the U.S. and have a monthly fee attached to them.
The tax depends on the size of the apartment and the area in which its located. Beneficiaries of an estate must pay the inheritance tax.
For example, the amount depends on the relationship between the surviving family member and the deceased owner of the property.
The wealth tax is paid by individuals that have more than 720,000 euros in assets. And, if you aren’t a legal resident, the tax is only based on your French assets.
France is one of the best places to live or retire in Europe. In this article, we take a look at the best places to buy real estate in France. It is a country with a range of living options to suit every taste. France has it all. Mountain living, beach towns, historic towns, and city life. France also suits all budgets. You can live an affordable lifestyle here or enjoy luxury living in your Parisian penthouse.
France benefits from some of the best health care in the world. Public transport is modern and reliable, and the infrastructure is well developed. However modern France is becoming, it remains a lot of its traditional charm.
People still go to the local bakery for fresh baguettes and croissants every morning. At lunchtime, everything closes for an extended lunch break. France is a perfect example of when old meets new.
Nice is one of the best places to buy real estate in France. That´s because the French Riviera and breathtaking Cote d’Azur coastline attracts over 5 million visitors per year. Known for its “300 days of sunshine” Nice attracts many tourists year-round. The season peaks with summer between May and August. With two shoulder seasons, the only time Nice is quiet is from November to late February. Even then, there are still tourists passing through. You will be able to navigate the purchase of a property through one of the many English-speaking property specialists.
The French government has recently issued a rent cap. Homeowners with renting intentions need to first seek permission from local authorities. The laws mostly affect the bigger cities
The price of property in France continues to steadily rise. You should easily be able to sell your property whenever you like. You will have to go through a Notaire, who may or may not charge you selling fees of between 5 and 10 percent.
The city of Pau (population 84,000 according to a 2006 census), also known as the “Green City” or “Garden City” has one of the highest ratios of greenery per square meter per person of any European city. For this single reason, many consider the city of Pau as one of the best places to buy real estate in France.
Not only does it have a wealth of greenery, there is also a staggering variation: trees from Japan, the Caribbean, plants from Mexico, the Lebanon, the Mediterranean, Chile, California…this huge variety is in part thanks to the English settlers with their love of gardening and parks, who came here after the Napoleonic wars. You can take a delightful tour through the parks and gardens of Pau with a bilingual guide from the Pau Tourist Office.
Bearn attracts a moderate number of tourists from mid-June to the end of September. The rest of the year finds Bearn rather cold and rainy. This leaves the rental potential of this peaceful French town rather low. It’s unlikely that you could rent it out for a lucrative amount during offseason. However, it is possible that you could find a tenant for a modest rate. There are many English speaking estate agencies that can assist with the purchase of a property in Bearn. However, you may need to hire an expert translator for the legal documentation.
You’ll find everything you need for daily living, including three large supermarkets, a medical center with family doctors, radiologists, blood analysis, physiotherapists, dentists, and podiatrists. There’s a veterinary center, an animal protection center, schools, banks, bakeries, butchers, newspaper shops, and florists. Morlaas has a very active community center offering classes in classic dance, jazz, rock and salsa, sewing, embroidery, walking, swimming, tennis, photography, and guitar…there’s something for everyone and every age.
When purchasing a property in Bearn, it is better to buy with a long term view. Transactional fees range from between 5 and 10 percent of the property price.
Generally speaking, you’ve got two options for a home in Occitanie: a townhouse in a village or a villa-style house in the countryside. Villas are larger and typically come with a good bit of land and often a pool. Townhomes are smaller and so less expensive.
If you opt to live in town, you’re near to all conveniences and properties are significantly cheaper, but your space is smaller. You’ve still got a quiet life, but you’re near activities, markets, shops, you have neighbors, etc.
A significant portion of real estate here are second homes owned by folks that live elsewhere in the country. They follow the seasons to the south to enjoy their beach or mountain home only for parts of the year. This means that the rental market is flush with holiday lets but long-term leases can be harder to find. All agencies deal with sales and leases, so you can ask any agency to help you find rentals.
Long-term rentals are generally unfurnished and would typically only come with stove/oven—no fridge or other appliances. This is why short-term rentals are better for those who are only renting until they buy—this way you aren’t forced into buying appliances for one house that might not fit in your forever home.
Occitanie will appeal to someone looking for:
If you are looking to flip a property, Occitanie is an excellent choice. Its popularity among tourists and the steadily rising French property market are guaranteed to line your pockets. High transactional fees of between 5 and 10 percent of the selling price apply. This fee is not always reflected in the first selling price you see as per French custom.
On a brief visit, you might think this region just had a pretty “coastal face;” but you’d be wrong. The French Basque region, and particularly the Coastal area, has a thriving business environment where new businesses are actively encouraged and supported by the local chambers of commerce.
The Investor relations department of Invest Pays-Basque states, “National and International companies that have been set up in this area for some time express their satisfaction with the low turnover of staff, their high productivity, low absenteeism, and excellent linguistic skills (many are bilingual – French/Spanish – and some are trilingual – French/Spanish/English).”
There are no restrictions on foreigners wanting to buy property in France. There are, as in many countries, tax implications (See “French Taxes”) but that shouldn’t stop you if this is where you want to be and you find your dream home.
Over the last 40 years, the number of new homes built in the French Basque region has doubled. The highest growth has been in the second home category with the majority of those on the coast or in the intermediate area. In the interior, one house in two was built before 1949; the interior, therefore, is the more likely place to find housing bargains (see “Interview with Cathy King”). In 2006, 59.4% of the population were home-owners while 36.8% rented.
There is a huge holiday rental market along the coastal strip. The year-round rental
market seems to be scattered all over the region. A good starting point for apartments is Carmen Immobilier.
I found a gorgeous B&B in Biarritz through the site www.ownersdirect.co.uk (property reference: FR3193). It’s owned by a lady who was raised in the Basque country, loves to travel, and loves to welcome folks to her home. You can read more about her on the site. Owners Direct has other holiday properties in the area (Guéthary, Bidart, and Anglet). You can contact the owners directly to ask if they do longer-term rentals.
With a steady stream of tourists every month of the year, Bordeaux is one of the best places to buy real estate in France. Since there is hardly an off-peak time of the year, you could easily rent out a property year-round. Due to the global popularity of this incredible location, there are a host of English property management companies you can get in touch with if you want in.
Vineyard prices are still recovering from a low period a couple of years ago. If the rising prices of property all around France is anything to go by, this could be a lucrative investment.
There is high liquidity in the Bordeaux property market. You could easily buy and resell without being tied down by legal complications. There are reasonably high transactional costs involved. However, these are designed to protect both the buyer and the sell in the long term.
One of the best places to buy real estate in France is Cantal, known for its low prices and tourist potential. July, August, and May are the busiest months. The cold weather for most of the year makes off-season rental unlikely. That said, if you still want to go ahead and buy a house in this winter wonderland, you can find numerous English speaking property management companies to facilitate the purchase.
Due to the large number of hotels and small holiday season in the Alps, rental might not be the best way to go as it is a competitive market to enter.
French properties are gaining popularity. If are buying with a long term view, you could easily sell for a profit later down the line. The transactional fees will be substantial, but the investment will be worth it in the end.
Indre has some of the lowest property prices in France. Small tourist season peaks between July and September. Buying a property in Indre is a great investment, but has a low rental potential. You will be able to negotiate a purchase through an English property management company.
You may find many English speaking property management companies. However, you will probably need to hire an expert translator for the documentation.
Despite moderately high transactional fees, you will still be able to resell a property in Indre at a tidy profit.
Plenty of tourists flock to Marseille every year, making this location one of the best places to buy real estate in France. Season peaks between May and August. Another shoulder season comes in from September to November. The oldest city in France is the third-largest urban area in the country. This means, that you will definitely be able to rent out your property in off-peak season.
Estate agents in France require you to sign a “Bon de visite”. This legally declares that you have been shown the property by the agent you went through.
Marseille is one of the top tourist destinations in France. Although transactional fees are moderate to high, you will easily be able to resell a property quickly and at a profit.
Known for its high tourist magnetism, Lyon attracts tourists almost year-round. This makes it one of the best places to buy real estate in France. Popular with both national and international tourists, Lyon could be rented both in season and off-peak. You will find a number of reputable English property management companies that can assist you in purchasing a Lyon property.
You are required by law to pay taxes on any income you earn from a French rental property. If the property is furnished, this type of rental is classified as commercial activity. That said, you´ll need to register with local authorities.
If you are looking to flip a property, Lyon is an excellent choice. It’s popularity among tourists and the steadily rising French property market are guaranteed to line your pockets. Properties here are also less expensive than Paris, but the high transactional fees still apply.
Reviewed By Lief Simon
Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.
Start Your New Overseas Life Today
A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we’ll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas Today 2025
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Foreigners can purchase property in France under the same conditions as locals, but it might be more complex for those from outside the EU.
After buying property in France, if you want to move there or stay for more than 90 days, you need a visa. Getting this visa is straightforward if you own a property. You might consider applying for a Long Stay Visa for residence (VLS-TS).
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