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Yes, without restriction. There is no nationality or residency requirement to buy property in France. A non-resident buys on the same terms as a resident.
The transaction is overseen by a notaire, a public officer who secures it. The steps: a written offer, signature of the preliminary contract, a ten-calendar-day cooling-off period reserved for the buyer, fulfilment of the conditions precedent including financing, then signature of the final deed. Allow around three months between the preliminary contract and the deed.
On resale property, they come to roughly 7–8% of the price: transfer duties, the notaire's fees and disbursements. A point in Cannes's favour: the Alpes-Maritimes has kept one of the lowest duty rates in France, around 5.81%, whereas many départements raised theirs in 2025. On new-build, costs fall to 2–3%.
The displayed price generally includes agency fees. The mandate states the share borne by the seller or the buyer. Before any offer, we set out the net-to-seller price and the fees clearly.
Yes. French banks lend to non-residents, usually with a higher deposit, often 20–30% minimum. Many international buyers pay in cash. We introduce you to banking contacts used to foreign clients.
The taxe foncière is payable annually by the owner. The taxe d'habitation now applies only to second homes. Above €1.3 million of net real-estate wealth, the IFI applies — for a non-resident, only on French assets, and without the 30% allowance reserved for a main residence.
The capital gain is taxed at 19% income tax plus 17.2% social levies, i.e. 36.2%. Taper relief for length of ownership applies: exemption from income tax after 22 years and from social levies after 30 years. Residents of the European Economic Area affiliated to an EEA social security scheme are exempt from CSG/CRDS. A fiscal representative may be required for sellers based outside the EEA.
The notaire is mandatory. They guarantee the security of the transaction and represent no party. Seller and buyer can share one notaire or each appoint their own at no extra cost — the fees are then shared.
Yes, a common strategy on La Croisette, especially around the trade shows. In Cannes, furnished tourist letting requires a change-of-use authorisation, a declaration to the town hall and a thirteen-digit registration number that must appear in every listing. Since the Le Meur law, an energy rating of at least E is required, and the city caps the number of furnished rentals. We guide you through these steps and can manage the rental for you.
Yes. Buying through an SCI or a suitable structure is possible and sometimes advisable for joint ownership or succession. We put you in touch with a notaire or tax lawyer to confirm the right structure for your situation.
A first conversation about your project — budget, use, district —, a focused selection, viewings in person or by video call, then the offer. We coordinate notaire, bank and surveys through to the handover of keys. Get in touch to begin.
This information is provided as guidance and changes with regulation. Your notaire and Darkstone Estate will cost your project precisely.
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