1. No Restrictions on Ownership
France permits non-EU and non-resident foreigners (including US, UK, and Australian citizens) to purchase and hold full freehold property title without local partnership requirements.
Foreign Buyer Legal Guide · Updated July 2026
Buying Property in Franceas a Foreigner.
Notary contracts, cooling-off rights, diagnostic reports, property taxes, and long-stay visas—everything US, UK, Australian, and non-EU buyers must verify.
Legal & Visa Desk
Freehold ownership with full legal protections.
Notaire Protection
State Sealed.
French notaries guarantee title authenticity and handle escrow funds safely.
Visa Path
Visiteur Visa
1-year renewable long-stay residency option for non-EU buyers.
Legal Framework
Four Pillars for Foreign Buyers.
2. The French Notary System
All real estate sales are legally governed and executed by a public official called a Notaire. The notary represents the state, inspects land registry titles, collects taxes, and handles escrow funds.
3. Mandatory Diagnostic Reports (DDT)
Sellers in France are legally required to provide a complete Dossier de Diagnostic Technique covering lead, asbestos, termites, electrical safety, gas, drainage, and DPE energy performance.
4. Visas & Long-Stay Rules
Property ownership does not grant automated residency. Non-EU/UK buyers can stay up to 90 days in every 180 days tax-free, or apply for a 1-year renewable Long-Stay Visitor Visa (Visiteur).
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Notary Legal Process & Long-Stay Visas
Compromis de vente, diagnostic reports (DDT), property taxes (Taxe foncière), and Schengen 90/180 visa rules for foreign buyers.
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Foreigner FAQ
Legal & Visa Answers.
Can Americans or UK citizens buy property in France?
Yes. Non-EU citizens (including Americans, UK expats post-Brexit, and Australians) have identical property purchase rights to EU citizens in France.
What is the legal process of buying a house in France?
The process involves two main contracts: the initial preliminary contract (*Compromis de vente*) with a 10-day cooling-off period, followed 2–3 months later by the final deed (*Acte authentique*) signed at the Notary's office.
What property taxes do foreign owners pay in France?
Property owners in France pay annual local property tax (*Taxe foncière*). Second-home owners may also pay *Taxe d'habitation* depending on municipal rules.
How does the Schengen 90/180 rule work for foreign home owners?
Non-EU/UK owners without a French visa can stay in France (and the Schengen zone) for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day window.
What is the "Visiteur" Long-Stay Visa for France?
The Long-Stay Visitor Visa (*Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour - Visiteur*) allows non-EU citizens to live in France for up to 1 year (renewable) without working for a French employer, provided they show sufficient income or savings.
Do I need a French bank account to buy real estate?
While you can transfer purchase funds to the Notary's escrow account from abroad, having a local French bank account is essential for setting up automatic utility payments, insurance, and local tax billing.
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