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France – Finding Property to Buy

Popular Estate Agencies

  • Century 21: One of the largest international real estate agencies, Century 21 has a presence in France with over 300 branches. They offer a wide range of properties, from apartments to villas and commercial properties.
  • Leggett Immobilier: Specializing in properties in rural and coastal areas of France, Leggett Immobilier has a large selection of houses, châteaux, and vineyards for sale.
  • Laforet: With over 650 branches in France, Laforet is one of the country’s largest real estate agencies. They offer a wide range of properties, including apartments, houses, and commercial properties.

  • Estate agents in France are required to hold a professional card known as the “Carte Professionnelle” which is issued by the government. This card certifies that the agent has met the legal requirements to practice as a real estate agent and is updated every five years.
  • Agents are also required to have a minimum of two years of professional experience and to have passed a professional examination.

Estate Agent Fees in France

  • In France, estate agents typically charge a commission on the sale of a property. This commission is usually around 5-8% of the sale price and is typically split between the buying and selling agents.
  • Additionally, the seller may be responsible for covering other costs associated with the sale, such as advertising, legal fees, and Notary fees.

Other Sources of Property Information in France

  • Property websites such as SeLoger.com, Leboncoin.fr and Pap.fr
  • Expat websites such as EasyExpat.com, Angloinfo.com and Internations.org
  • Local newspapers and magazines such as Le Journal des Particuliers and Le Point Immo
  • Word of mouth and recommendations from friends or acquaintances.

Use of Buyer’s Agents in France

  • The Use of a Buyer’s Agent, or property finder, is not as common in France as it is in other countries.
  • A qualification or license is not required for a buyer’s agent in France.
  • The cost for a buyer’s agent service varies, but it is usually a commission based on the purchase price of the property, typically between 1% and 3%.

Organizations for Foreign Property Buyers in France


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  • The French Property Owners Association (FPOA) is an organization that provides information and support to foreign property buyers in France.
  • Contact details:
  • The Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP) is another organization that provides information and support to foreign property buyers in France.


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