Property Investment in France as a Foreigner

Foreigners can freely buy, lease, and sell real estate in France.

Statistics confirm the liquidity of investments: residential real estate prices grow every quarter by an average of 1.1%. Seven years ago, an apartment of 100 m² cost an average of €437,000, and today it is sold for €580,000.

€5,800

Average price per 1 m²

1.1%

Average price growth per quarter

8.6—29.7 %

Associated costs, of the property value

How the residential property price index is growing in France

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Cost of a 3-bedroom apartment in France

€6 million

Apartment in the centre of Paris

€1.2 million

Apartment within a 30-minute drive from the Eiffel Tower

€350,000

Apartment in Bordeaux

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France residency or citizenship by real estate investment

France has a Visitor Visa program, VLS-TS Visiteur, which allows you to live in France for up to 12 months. The status can be updated an unlimited number of times.

The Visitor Visa is suitable for financially independent individuals who plan to live in France. The visa provides the same rights as a residence permit, but prohibits the holder from working or doing business in the country.

To obtain a visa, the applicant confirms the presence of passive or remote income of €1,800 per month. It is also necessary to buy or rent residential property in France.

After 5 years of residence in France, a foreigner has the right to apply for a passport by naturalisation.

Discover real estate market trends in 41 European countries

Discover real estate market trends in 41 European countries

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  • Estimate costs accurately

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Taxes and associated costs

Purchase taxes

Property buyers pay a value-added tax for new builds, a registration tax for resale properties, and additional fees.

The associated costs are approximately 8.6 to 29.7% of the purchase agreement value. When buying a new apartment for €1 mln, the investor will spend €1.25 mln, including additional costs.

New buildings — VAT20% of the transaction amount
Resale housing — registration tax4.9%
Notary fee3.6—12% — depends on the complexity of the transaction, VAT included
Registration fee0.1%
Agency fee — share paid by the buyer2—6% of the transaction amount, VAT included

Ownership taxes

Owners of real estate in France pay taxes on property and residing.

The property tax is municipal. The rate varies, depending on the property location and value.

The residing tax is not levied if the property is the primary residence of the household. If the property is leased, the renter pays the tax. The rate depends on the property state, location, and area.

The wealth tax of up to 1.5% is levied on properties worth more than €1.3 mln. The highest rate of 1.5% applies to properties valued over €10 mln.

An income tax of 20% is paid on the rental income.

Electricity, gas, water, heating, and garbage collection€180—200 per month
Internet, TV, and telephone€30—50 per month

Sale taxes

When selling real estate in France, French residents pay a capital gains tax of 19% on the difference between the sale and purchase prices. Besides, social contributions are levied at 17.2%

The agency fee ranges between 2—6%.

Capital gains tax — paid on the difference between the sale and purchase prices19%
Social contributions — paid on the difference between the sale and purchase prices17.2%
Agency fee — share paid by the seller2—6% of the transaction amount, VAT included

Countries to buy a property and get residency or citizenship

We offer proven properties that comply with the conditions of government programs for investors. You can buy real estate and obtain a residence permit or citizenship.

Country and status
Investments
Status
Time required
mt-flagmt-flag
Malta29 properties

€375,000+

Permanent residency

6+ months

Show 29 properties

€375,000+Permanent residency6+ months
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gd-flaggd-flag
Grenada44 properties

$270,000+

Citizenship

8+ months

Show 44 properties

$270,000+Citizenship8+ months
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ae-flagae-flag
UAE158 properties

AED 750,000+

Residence permit

2+ months

Show 158 properties

AED 750,000+Residence permit2+ months
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es-flages-flag
Spain38 properties

Not limited

Residence permit

4+ months

Show 38 properties

Not limitedResidence permit4+ months
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pt-flagpt-flag
Portugal68 properties

Not limited

Residency after D Visas

6+ months

Show 68 properties

Not limitedResidency after D Visas6+ months
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40+ guides with European countries

Find out how much it costs to buy and rent real estate in each country, what the market dynamics are and what taxes you need to pay when buying and selling.

it-flagProperty Investment in Italy as a Foreigner

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€4,000

Average price per 1 m²

1%

Average price growth per quarter

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Hungary doesn’t limit sales of properties and land to foreigners, except for agricultural land and architectural monuments. However,...

€2,900

Average price per 1 m²

3.4%

Average price growth by quarter

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dk-flagProperty investment in Denmark: updated guide for foreign buyers in !year

Denmark limits real estate sales to foreigners: one must have a residence permit and live in the country for at least five years to buy...

€5,300

Average price per 1 m²

1.5%

Average price growth per quarter

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Igor Buglo

Material prepared by Igor Buglo, Head of the Maltese office, MBA

Updated:

​Frequently asked questions

  • Can a foreigner buy property in France?

    Yes, foreigners in France can buy and sell real estate without restrictions, and rent it out.

  • Are property prices falling in France?

    No. While real estate prices in France are growing slower than the European Union average, they still grow by approximately 1.1% each quarter.

  • What is the average cost of a house in France?

    The average cost of residential real estate in France is €5,800 per 1 m2.

  • What are the pitfalls of buying a house in France?

    Common things to be cautious of are:

    • buying property for renovation — the estimated costs of renovation works can be significant; 

    • additional fees and taxes that accompany the property purchase;

    • French inheritance law — those buying real estate in France must put a certain clause into the sales contract from the get-go. Without that, they won’t be able to put the property in their will.

    France also doesn’t have any residency or citizenship by investment programs.

  • How much tax do you pay when buying a house in France?

    In France, real estate owners pay property and residence taxes. The municipal property tax rate varies by property location and value. Residence tax is exempt for primary residences but charged to renters if the property is leased, with rates depending on condition, location, and size. 

    Properties valued over €1.3 million incur a wealth tax up to 1.5%, with the top rate applying to properties over €10 million.

  • What is the return on investment in real estate in France?

    The return on investment (ROI) in real estate in France can vary depending on factors such as location, property type, market conditions, rental demand, and financing costs.