Cartade Legal

Clémence Cartade

Avocate · Berlin & Paris

French Law · Berlin & Paris

French Real Estate Law: Buying, Selling and Managing Property in France

As a French real estate lawyer based in Paris and Berlin, I advise English-speaking clients on the purchase, sale and ongoing management of property in France — guiding you through every step of the French legal process.

Clémence Cartade – French real estate lawyer Berlin Paris

As a French real estate lawyer with experience in French notarial practice, I support my clients on all legal and tax aspects of property transactions in France.

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Legal advice on French real estate law

Buying, selling or managing property in France presents English-speaking clients with specific legal and tax challenges. French property law differs significantly from English, German or American law — particularly with regard to the preliminary contract, the notarial process, transaction costs and ongoing taxation.

As a French-qualified lawyer with several years of experience in French notarial practice in Paris and Lyon, I advise my clients on all aspects of a property transaction in France — from the initial offer to the final deed of sale and beyond, including ongoing management and tax compliance.

My services

01

Buying property in France

Legal guidance for the purchase of houses, apartments and land in France — from contract negotiation to notarial completion.

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02

Selling property in France

Support for the sale of property in France: negotiating with buyers, coordinating with agents and notaires, reviewing the sale agreement.

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03

Buying a flat in a copropriété

Legal review of all copropriété documents, charges, rules and obligations when purchasing an apartment in a French condominium.

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04

Ongoing management and taxation

Advice on letting, ongoing taxation (IFI, taxe foncière, taxe d’habitation on second homes) and owners’ association obligations.

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05

Mandatory technical surveys (diagnostics)

Review and legal assessment of the mandatory technical surveys (DPE energy certificate, asbestos, lead, electrical installation…) required for sale or rental.

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06

Viager — sale with lifetime annuity

Legal and tax advice for buyers and sellers on the purchase or sale of French property under a viager arrangement.

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Why instruct a French property lawyer?

The notaire in France acts as a neutral public official — not as an advocate for either the buyer or the seller. Having your own legal counsel is therefore strongly recommended for cross-border property transactions, particularly if you are unfamiliar with French law or the French notarial process.

Thanks to my professional background in French notarial practice, I am familiar with the specific risks and pitfalls of French property transactions and can coordinate efficiently with the notaire — which in practice can significantly speed up the process.

Notarial background

Several years as a notarial trainee in Paris and Lyon — efficient communication with French notaires, land registries and tax authorities.

Dual bar admission

Admitted at the Berlin Bar and the Barreau de Paris — advising clients in English, Deutsch & Français from offices in Berlin and Paris.

Planning to buy or sell property in France?

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Frequently asked questions

French real estate law — FAQ

What are the main differences between French and English property law?
In France, the preliminary contract (compromis de vente or promesse de vente) is legally binding and typically requires a 5–10 % deposit. The notaire acts as a neutral public official, not as a solicitor for either party. Buyer’s transaction costs are approximately 7–8 % of the purchase price for existing properties. There are also extensive obligations to provide mandatory technical surveys (diagnostics immobiliers) before any sale or rental.
Can British or American citizens buy property in France?
Yes, there are no nationality restrictions on buying property in France. EU citizens face no additional requirements. Non-EU nationals (including post-Brexit British citizens and Americans) may purchase freely, though certain tax and inheritance considerations differ and should be reviewed in advance. Legal advice is strongly recommended before signing any preliminary contract.
What is the role of the notaire in a French property transaction?
The notaire is a state-appointed public official who authenticates property transactions, carries out legal due diligence, drafts the deed of sale and registers the transfer of ownership. The notaire is neutral — they do not act exclusively in the interests of either the buyer or the seller. Having your own legal counsel alongside the notaire is therefore strongly recommended.
What are the transaction costs when buying property in France?
For existing properties, buyer’s transaction costs (“frais de notaire”) typically amount to 7–8 % of the purchase price, covering transfer taxes, notaire’s fees and land registry charges. For new-build properties, costs are usually lower. Estate agent fees may be payable by the buyer or seller depending on the mandate.
What taxes apply to property owners in France?
The main annual taxes are the taxe foncière (land tax, payable by all owners) and, for second homes, the taxe d’habitation. Property wealth tax (IFI — Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière) applies above a net property value of €1.3 million. Rental income from French property is also subject to French income tax regardless of the owner’s country of residence.
What is a compromis de vente?
The compromis de vente is the preliminary sale agreement in France. Unlike an English memorandum of sale, it is legally binding on both parties once signed. The buyer has a statutory 10-day cooling-off period. A deposit of 5–10 % is typically paid on signing. The final deed of sale (acte authentique) is then signed before a notaire, usually 2–3 months later.
Why should I instruct a French property lawyer alongside the notaire?
The notaire acts as a neutral public official and does not advise exclusively on your behalf. A French property lawyer reviews contracts from your perspective, identifies legal risks early, negotiates on your behalf, coordinates with the notaire and helps optimise your tax position — which is particularly important in cross-border transactions.
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