Real Estate in France

How do I find a place to live in France?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"My husband asked his new collegues about the neighborhoods. One of his collegues (from HR) helped us find our home, we did a lot ourselves and my father, who lives here already, helped us too," said one expat in Dijon.

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Furnished Rentals in France from Homelike

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in France. If you're moving to France, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in France.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in France?

"I live in an apartment that I share with someone else. Most of the few expats I know in my town also rent appartments, as buying is very expensive in this coastal town," said one expat in Saint Raphael.

"We live in a four bedroom house with 1920 sf (176 sm)of space. It has three full bathrooms but small closets. The kitchen was empty of everything except the sink so we had to buy a complete kitchen cabinet set which we will take with us if and when we move. The house has a very nice front and back yard (garden for the Europeans) but we planted all the flowers in it. The house backs up to a small town park and sits on a street that is a closed loop so only residents and delivery people drive on the street so it is very quiet," remarked one member in Orleans.

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We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in France. If you're moving to France, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in France.

SEARCH RENTALS

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in France. If you're moving to France, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in France.

SEARCH RENTALS

What is the average cost of housing in France?

If you are thinking about moving to France, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"They are somewhat cheaper than San Antonio, Texas, where we moved from. They have, however, gone up by at least 25% since we bought in the summer of 2000," said one expat in Montpellier.

"I don't know what the average is, but renting is much more expensive than in the Netherlands. Renting a house is not very common here. The housing costs are twice the price we paid in Holland. Half of it is paid by the company, so we don't pay more or less than before," remarked one member in Dijon.

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Should I buy or rent a home in France?

If you have not spent a lot of time in France, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"We had bought our home in 2004 and spent all our holidays (winter and Summer) at the house making a few changes and keeping the garden in check. Like any purchase in a foreign country there are different rules and regulations so it is as well to ensure you have a reliable agent and notaire to guide the process. If French is not your first language, or you are not fluent,or your notaire is not bi-lingual, then it is a requirement to have an authorised translator at the signings," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Aude and Herault Departments.

"I bought a 400 year old village house after living a year in an apartment in Montpellier. The process is difficult due to the searching and then the closing takes months," explained one person living in Pezenas, France.

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What do I need to know when buying property in France?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in France, they said:

"1. You should research the local property market to understand the competition, as well as the local regulations concerning property taxes and registration. 2. You should also be aware of the process of buying property in France, and the documents and paperwork required. 3. Consider hiring a professional interpreter or attorney to guide you through the process and make sure your rights are fully protected. 4. You should research the development potential of the property, so you understand the risks associated with buying. 5. Make sure you are aware of the legal requirements for owning and living in France, such as residency and work permits, and the specific regulations per region. 6. Account for any additional costs that may be associated with buying French property, such as notary fees, insurance, and renovation costs. 7. Research options for financing your purchase, such as mortgages and other loan options available in the French market," explained one person living in France.

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Are foreigners allowed to own property in France?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in France, they said...

"Foreigners are allowed to own property in France. They must meet certain requirements according to the Republican system of acquisition, which states that any person wishing to purchase land in France must first be authorized by the state. However, with the presence of a Schengen visa, they do not need a work permit. In addition, EU citizens have completely free access to land ownership in France. Non-EU citizens can purchase land in France but will likely need to seek permission from the French government to do so," remarked one foreigner who made the move to France.

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What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in France what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"A rental property in France typically includes basic kitchen appliances such as a refrigerator and stovetop, as well as a washing machine and dryer. In some cases, air conditioners and heating systems are also included. Furnishings, such as a bed and chairs, are usually not provided," said one foreigner living in France.

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Additional Information about Searching for a Home in France:

We asked foreigners in France what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expatriates often search for homes in France by scouring listings on popular real estate websites, such as Se Loger or Le Bon Coin. Many expats also reach out to local real estate agents for advice about available properties in the area, as well as for support with navigating the intricacies of French real estate law. Additionally, expats may check local newspapers, online forums, and social media for listings. Talking to other expats in the area is another great way to get advice about available homes, as well as about neighborhood dynamics," explained one person living in France.

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