FRANCE

Buying property in Paris

It is widely known that Paris is the epitome of romance, a city that beckons couples from around the world with its timeless allure. With its elegant boulevards, picturesque gardens, and iconic landmarks, the city effortlessly sets the stage for love to blossom. Romance isn’t just an abstract idea in Paris; it is woven into the very fabric of daily life, waiting to be discovered at every corner, in every quaint café, every hidden alley, and along the banks of the Seine.

For centuries, Paris has been the muse for countless writers, artists, and filmmakers, who have sought to capture its beauty, mystery, and romance. This enchanting city has inspired famous novels, classic films, and timeless songs. Its cobblestone streets, majestic architecture, and ethereal light have become synonymous with love. Couples, from honeymooners to lifelong partners, find in Paris an irresistible charm that makes it the perfect destination for romance.

The city’s appeal is undeniably magnetic. From the charming sidewalk cafés where lovers sit hand in hand, sipping café au lait and watching the world go by, to the intimate gardens tucked away from the bustle of the city, Paris offers an endless array of romantic activities. Lovers can wander through the vibrant alleys, discovering hidden gems like boutique shops, secret courtyards, and beautiful little churches. It is a place where every corner seems to whisper of love and every moment feels like it could be part of a storybook romance.

One of the quintessential romantic experiences in Paris is to ascend the Eiffel Tower and toast to love with a glass of champagne. The view from the top is nothing short of magical, as the city’s rooftops stretch out beneath you, bathed in soft light. It’s a place where sparks fly, where couples can revel in the grandeur of Paris, and where the very act of being together feels elevated to something extraordinary.

In Montmartre, a district long associated with artists and bohemians, couples can find the famous Wall of Love, where hundreds of languages express the simple but profound sentiment, “I love you.” Sharing a kiss here is not just a romantic gesture but a tribute to the universal language of love that transcends borders.

A leisurely stroll through the winding streets of Montmartre is like stepping back in time. With its steep hills, iconic white basilica of Sacré-Cœur, and charming squares filled with artists at work, it is one of the most romantic places in the city. Every step through Montmartre feels imbued with the spirit of love, creativity, and inspiration, making it a perfect place to share with a partner.

A more relaxed, intimate experience awaits couples who choose to share breakfast at the iconic café, Les Deux Magots. Known for its famous patrons, including Hemingway and Picasso, this historic café provides the perfect setting for quiet conversation, delicious pastries, and the simple joy of being together in one of the world’s most romantic cities.

For those who wish to experience the beauty of Paris from a different perspective, a Seine River cruise is a must. As you glide along the gentle waters of the Seine, passing under Paris’s elegant bridges and past its most famous landmarks, the city unfolds before you in all its glory. By day, the cruise offers stunning views, and by night, the lights of Paris transform the experience into something truly magical.

Art lovers will find romance in the Musée Rodin, where the gardens are filled with beautiful sculptures that seem to capture the very essence of love. Wandering hand in hand through the gardens, couples can admire works like “The Kiss,” a famous sculpture that perfectly encapsulates the passion and intimacy of love.

For a more leisurely experience, couples can pack a picnic and head to one of Paris’s many beautiful parks or to the tranquil Canal Saint-Martin. Here, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, couples can enjoy each other’s company in a peaceful, idyllic setting. With the soft murmur of the city in the background and the beauty of nature all around, it’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Pont des Arts, one of Paris’s most famous bridges, has long been a symbol of love, with couples attaching locks to its railings as a sign of their commitment. While the practice of “love locks” has been discouraged in recent years to preserve the bridge, it remains a popular spot for couples to take a selfie and share a kiss with the breathtaking view of the Seine as a backdrop.

For a truly unique experience, couples can row to the Temple of Love, a beautiful neoclassical monument located on a small island in the Bois de Vincennes in southeastern Paris. This peaceful retreat offers a romantic escape from the city and is the perfect place to reaffirm love amid stunning surroundings.

The Musée de la Vie Romantique, nestled in the heart of the city, is another must-visit for those in love. This small museum, dedicated to the Romantic era, celebrates love, art, and the passion of the human spirit. It’s a wonderful place to explore the rich history of romance and to be reminded of the enduring power of love.

As night falls, the Eiffel Tower lights up, offering one of the most enchanting views in all of Paris. Couples can enjoy this breathtaking sight from a distance or view it up close as they share a moment under the sparkling lights. There is something almost otherworldly about the Eiffel Tower at night, and for couples, it is a moment to savor and remember forever.

For an unforgettable dining experience, Paris is home to some of the finest Michelin-starred restaurants, including Arpege, Septime, Frenchie, and La Scene. A dinner for two at one of these establishments offers not just exceptional cuisine but an atmosphere of refinement and elegance, perfect for celebrating love.

Art and culture are an integral part of the Parisian experience, and a visit to the Musée de l’Orangerie, where couples can marvel at Monet’s stunning water lilies, is another way to add a touch of romance to the trip. The museum’s serene atmosphere and exquisite art make it a perfect place to reflect on the beauty of life and love.
For couples who enjoy shopping, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen offers a treasure trove of vintage finds. Wandering through the stalls, discovering hidden gems, and finding something unique to bring home is a delightful way to spend time together.
While Paris is a top destination for couples, it is also a dream for those considering a more permanent connection to France. Buying property in France has long been appealing to Britons, Americans, and other Europeans, offering a unique combination of lifestyle, affordability, and convenience. Many are drawn to France’s relatively lower property prices, particularly in rural areas where the cost of living is significantly lower than in the UK. These affordable prices attract retirees looking for peaceful, scenic surroundings as well as families or individuals seeking a holiday home to escape the fast pace of modern life.

The French lifestyle is a major draw, with the country being known for its excellent food, wine, and a relaxed yet culturally rich way of life. From the vibrant cosmopolitan allure of cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille to the slower, more traditional pace of life in the picturesque countryside or along the coast, France offers something for everyone. Whether it’s skiing in the Alps, exploring national parks, or enjoying life in charming villages with weekly markets, France’s diversity appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Buying a house in France has long been appealing for Britons, the Americans and other Europeans, offering a combination of lifestyle, affordability, and convenience.

One of the biggest draws is the relatively lower property prices, particularly in rural areas, where you can get more value for money compared to the UK. This is attractive to retirees looking for peaceful, scenic surroundings, as well as families or individuals seeking a holiday home.

The quality of life is a major factor too, with France known for its excellent food, wine, and a relaxed yet culturally rich lifestyle. Many are attracted to the diverse range of environments available—from the cosmopolitan allure of cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille to the slower, more traditional pace of life in the picturesque countryside or coastal towns. Whether it's skiing in the Alps, exploring national parks, or enjoying life in charming villages with weekly markets, there is something to suit a wide variety of tastes.

The French immigration bill passed last year has also made it easier for Britons to enjoy extended stays, thanks to long-stay visas now being available to those who own second properties. This flexibility has added another layer of convenience for British property owners, making France an even more attractive option for both holidaymakers and retirees.

Overall, the combination of affordability, lifestyle, and accessibility makes buying property in France a popular choice for many Britons.

Making an offer on a property
It can help to have your finances organised prior to making an offer, it saves time and puts you in a strong position for negotiation if everything is ready to go ahead.
If you want to apply conditions to your purchase, for example you need to get a mortgage, or you only want to proceed if you can put in a swimming pool, make sure your agent is aware of your requirements.

We will work with you on the negotiation process and may ask you to sign an ‘offre d’achat’, a commitment to purchase the property which will come via the other side.
Once your offer has been accepted the property is no longer shown to prospective buyers and the agent will quickly put together the details required to draw up the initial sales document, normally this is the Compromis de Vente.

Compromis de Vente
The Compromis de Vente is the first legally binding document of two which forms the normal route to the French property purchasing process. It is a contract of sale agreement which binds the seller and the buyer. It may be drawn up by Leggett Immobilier, or a Notaire (public official authorised to handle matters relating to purchases, sales, exchanges, mortgages etc.), or a combination of the two.
It is normal in France for the notaire to support both vendor and purchaser on an impartial basis.

Information contained within the Compromis de Vente includes

Full details of the ‘civil statuses of both purchaser and seller (including full names, date of birth, place of birth, marital status etc.)

Description of the property and details of the plot including buildings.
Note: you can also get details of the cadastraux, a plan of boundaries and land parcels held by the Cadastre (the land registry in France). The local Mairie (town hall) holds copies.

Confirmation of ownership of the title deeds
The agreed price, full estate agency fees and estimated notaire’s fees
Deposit - this is usually 10% and it is paid to, and held by, the notaire.
Circumstances in which the deposit may be forfeited, obligations of the purchaser and declarations from the vendor.

Provisional conditions (Clauses Suspensives) to your offer (for example, getting a mortgage) which can protect you from forfeiting your deposit if you are unable to complete the purchase.

Results of the DDT (Dossier de Diagnostic Technique)
A target completion date – this is not definitive and can be amended if buyer and seller agree.

A list of any furniture, fixtures or fittings included in the purchase.
Details of penalties should either side fail to complete the contract.
It’s critical that you understand all aspects of the compromise de Vente and we will go through the document in detail with you. If it has been drawn up by Leggett Immobilier’s in-house contract department, you will receive an English translation.

Promesse de Vente
A promesse de vente is effectively an option to buy the property, granted to the buyer by the owner. It is rarely used and not the same as the more commonly issued Compromis de Vente, but it is a legally binding document. In essence, the Promesse de Vente gives the purchaser an exclusive option to buy for a limited time which can range from a few weeks to several months. The buyer must pay a deposit of up to 10% to the seller and has up to ten days to change their mind. If the buyer withdraws after this, the deposit will be forfeited. In return the seller must take the property off the market. It’s rare for most buyers to go for this type of agreement option but is sometimes used when for instance, gaining a planning permit is essential.

Purchase costs
The price that you see advertised on the Leggett Immobilier website includes the estate agency fee. The only additional fee is the notaire’s charge for conducting the sale process. Notaire fees vary slightly by region but are usually around 7-10% of the purchase price of the property. The notaire also collects and pays land taxes on your behalf.

The Ten-Day Cooling-Off Period
There is a ten day “cooling off” period available to the buyer at the end of which the deposit must be paid and the Compromis de Vente have been returned. During this period the buyer can withdraw from the purchase without penalty. After the ten days, if you change your mind, you’ll have pay a 10% penalty fee (usually the amount of the deposit).
The ten days includes bank holidays and weekends and starts the day after the fully signed Compromis de Vente is delivered - whether by post or email. If you want to withdraw you must send written confirmation to the notaire before the end of the ten days.

It is not available for the isolated purchase of any other land, including a single building plot, or a garage, or other ancillary buildings. So, if you are buying a single building plot (other than within a housing development), there is no cooling off period available to you.

Neither is it available if you are buying through certain types of company (for example, some Société Civile Immobilière (SCI)), or if you are a registered property professional in France, engaged in the buying and selling or development of property.

Paying the deposit
A deposit, normally 10%, should be transferred to the notaire’s bank account at the end of the ten-day cooling off period.
At this stage the Compromis de Vente is signed by the vendor who is then legally bound to sell the property to you. If they wish to withdraw after this, they must pay you damages equating to 10% of the property price and you will also have your deposit returned.

You are legally bound to purchase the property at this stage and if you wish to withdraw you will have to pay damages equating to 10% of the property price (or your 10% deposit). You may also have to pay a portion of the estate agency fee.
However, you may not be liable to pay penalties if any of the suspensive clauses outlined in the Compromis de Vente are not met.

Acte de Vente
Typically, it takes about three months from the signing of the Compromis de Vente to get to the Acte de Vente, the final document in the buying process. The signing of the Acte de Vente takes place at the office of the notaire who prepared it. The buyer, seller and notaire must be present at this meeting, although if any of the parties is unable to attend, a power of attorney can be granted (though not to an estate agent). A date is usually set well in advance, but it is subject to change. The Leggett Immobilier can also attend the meeting.

Much of the same information listed in the Compromis de Vente is repeated in the Acte de Vente.

You will need to ensure that the balance of funds to complete the purchase of the property is in the notaire’s bank account, this includes any funds which are being paid by a mortgage company. You will not be able to pay on the day by cheque or cash.
You also need to ensure that you have insurance on the property before you take ownership on the day of signing.