The property buying process in France for international buyers

A French dream within reach

Each year, France attracts international buyers drawn to its heritage, culture, and art of living. Uzès, a historic town nestled in the Provençal Gard, is one of those discreet yet highly sought-after destinations where acquiring a property is both a pleasure and a strategic investment.

At Sotheby’s International Realty Uzès, we assist clients from all over the world in securing exceptional homes. Here are the key steps to understanding—and successfully navigating—the French property buying process as a foreign buyer.

Step 1: Define your project with clarity

Before anything else, it's essential to refine your expectations:

• A second home or a rental investment?
• In the historic center or the surrounding countryside?
• A stone house, a bastide, or a contemporary villa with a pool?

Our multilingual advisors help you fine-tune your criteria and identify properties best suited to your lifestyle.

Explore: Our properties for sale in Uzès

Step 2: Select and view properties

Once your brief is established, we organize fully tailored viewings—either in person or remotely via video tours, complete files, floor plans, and diagnostics. Each property is carefully curated to match your expectations, both architecturally and legally.

We take pride in showing you places that are truly unique—often off the public market.

Step 3: Submit a formal offer

Once you’ve found your dream property, you submit a written offer. If accepted, a preliminary contract (compromis de vente or promesse de vente) is prepared by a notaire, the French public officer responsible for legal oversight and securing the transaction.

At this stage, a deposit (typically 5–10%) is placed in escrow.

Step 4: Administrative checks and approvals

Between the preliminary and final contract (usually 2–3 months), the notaire conducts a full range of legal verifications:

• Pre-emption rights
• Any easements or restrictions
• Urban planning documentation
• Validity of technical reports

For non-resident buyers, no visa or special permit is required to purchase property in France. However, a French bank account is needed for the final payment.

Step 5: Final signing of the deed

The final deed (acte authentique) is signed at the notaire’s office—either in person or by power of attorney if you are abroad. Ownership is officially transferred on this day, and you receive the keys immediately.

Closing costs typically range from 7–8% of the purchase price (including registration duties and notary fees).

What comes next? Long-term peace of mind

At Sotheby’s Uzès, our support doesn’t stop at the sale:

• Introductions to trusted local providers (concierge, architects, contractors)
• Tax guidance for non-residents
• Rental management if desired
• Strategic advice for renovation or resale

Our mission is to simplify every step and offer a seamless, human, and secure experience—one that matches your expectations and investment.

Tailored guidance, the Sotheby’s way

Buying property in France is more than a transaction—it’s often a life project. With our global network, deep local roots, and understanding of international needs, we’re your trusted partner for making this transition with confidence.

Contact a Sotheby’s Uzès advisor to begin your journey.

Also explore: Uzès, a gem of Languedoc : why invest in a second home here?