🇫🇷 France

Buying Property in France: A Guide for Foreign Buyers

Apartments in France cost from €5,100 to €12,500 per m² across the cities we track. Expect to pay another 7–9% of the price in taxes and fees.

Can foreigners buy property in France?

No restrictions for foreign buyers

There are no restrictions on foreign ownership of residential property in France for EU or non-EU buyers.

Tax ID you'll need: Numéro fiscal (assigned after purchase)

How to buy, step by step

  1. 1Make an offer and agree the price
  2. 2Sign the preliminary contract (compromis de vente) and pay a 5–10% deposit
  3. 310-day cooling-off period for the buyer
  4. 4Obtain the mortgage within the condition period
  5. 5Sign the final deed (acte authentique) before the notary about 3 months later
  6. 6The notary pays duties and registers the deed

What it costs

A 60 m² apartment in Paris at the average €12,500/m² costs about €750,000. Purchase taxes and fees add roughly €52,500–€67,500. Full breakdown of France property taxes and costs.

Lyon€5,100/m² · gross yield 4%Paris€12,500/m² · gross yield 3.1%

Mortgages and residency

Approx. 60–80% LTV for non-residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners buy property in France?↓
There are no restrictions on foreign ownership of residential property in France for EU or non-EU buyers.
How much are buying costs in France?↓
Typically 7–9% of the purchase price for a resale apartment, including transfer tax, notary or legal fees and registration.
How much does an apartment cost in France?↓
Average prices range from €5,100/m² to €12,500/m² across 2 cities; in Paris a 60 m² apartment costs about €750,000.
Can non-residents get a mortgage in France?↓
Approx. 60–80% LTV for non-residents.
Property prices in France →Apartments for sale in France →Rental yield calculator →

Last reviewed 2026-10. General information, not tax or legal advice: rates change and often depend on region and buyer status, so confirm with a local notary, lawyer or tax adviser. Sources: BOFiP: Mutations à titre onéreux d'immeubles.