France real estate: 50,336 homes for sale in France (2023)

FAQs

Can a foreigner buy a house in France? ›

There are no restrictions for foreign investors buying a house in France, even non-residents. All investors need is a French bank account and a valid ID.

Mortgage interest rates have remained at low levels also meaning that a property purchase now may well prove to be an excellent investment in the future. Looking at the French property market over recent years, it has proved to be a wise choice, even during tough economic times.

Is It Possible to Buy Property and Get Residency in France? France doesn't enable foreigners to get residency for becoming an owner of a property, regardless of its price. Nevertheless, you can get a residency using other methods — for instance, tying the knot with a French citizen.

For any stay in France exceeding 90 days, you are required to apply in advance for a long-stay vis. In this instance your nationality does not exempt you from requirements. Whatever the duration of your planned stay, the duration of your long-stay visa must be between three months and one year.

The temporary long-stay visa is valid for up to a year, although it is typically issued for stays of between four to six months (remember, if you plan to spend longer than six months in France, it is likely that you will be classed as living in France for tax purposes).

Yes an American can retire in France. For visits longer than 90 days you will need to apply for a visa de séjour temporaire (a residence visa). You cannot apply while on vacation in France, you ust apply for this residency visa from your nearest French consulate in the U.S.

To obtain a VLS you must prove you have an income at least as high as France's minimum working wage (SMIC). As of 2022 this is around €1,250 net (€1,500 gross) per month, or about €2,000 for a couple. You can show that as a year's income ready in the bank, so around €20,000.

The seven best places for expats to live in France are: Paris, Brittany, Lyon, Montpellier, Luberon, Dordogne, and Provence. These choices are based on what we think will matter most to those of you that are thinking about moving. Check out the table below for our summary, and read on for further detail!

U.S. citizens/residents may purchase French real property in their individual names. If they do so, the French real property, as immovable property and under international private law rules, will be governed by French inheritance and tax laws.

What are the disadvantages of living in France? ›

In the case of the purchase of an old property, the total transfer of ownership costs and taxes payable for the purchase of an existing property is between 7% and 10% of the purchase price, excluding real estate agency fees.

A deposit of 5% to 10% of the purchase price is usually required. It's common to pay the deposit when the contract is signed. While you'll probably pay it to the notaire, it's possible you'll be asked to pay the agent instead.

To stay long-term, you'll have to apply for a one-year French visa, which has the option for annual renewals. Depending on your circumstances, it can take anywhere from three to ten years to obtain permanent residency. At that point, you assume nearly all of the responsibilities of a French citizen.

Most people living and working in France will need to file a French tax return. All US citizens are still required to file an annual US Federal Tax Return regardless of where they live.

U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one nationality or another. A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to his or her U.S. citizenship.

It can be hard to move here, especially if you do not speak French and want to settle in the countryside. However, a straightforward immigration system and extensive transportation infrastructure means that the practical elements of moving here alone or with family can be achieved with the correct planning.

France. The general requirement for financial means to obtain a visa for France in India is to have at least EUR 65 (equivalent to INR 5,643.61)* per day.

Visa requirements for American passport holders

American passport holders are not required to obtain a visa prior to visiting France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Why are people selling up in France? ›

“Prices have been going up because more and more people are coming from cities, who work from home and are looking for an environment that is more ventilated and not so confined as in an apartment, so are often looking for a house in a medium-sized town.”

Not so with the U.S.-France tax treaty. In laymen's terms, the U.S. and France agreed that social security income will be taxed based on its source, not where the resident lives: If you're a U.S. citizen with a U.S. retirement account (no matter where you live) that money is only taxable in the U.S.

Tax on pensions in France

In France, pensions are subject to income tax after the deduction of a 10% allowance per household (capped at €3858 based on 2021 figures). After you pass your tax-free allowance (€10,084 based on 2021 figures), income tax rises to 11%, rising to 45% for high-income earners.

In fact French people retire on average a few months later than the legal minimum of 62 [combining men and women], according to a 2022-study from a government statistics laboratory with women working the longest. The data, based on 2020 statistics, shows that on average people retired at 62 years and four months.

CSG is 7.5% on earned income and 6.2% on replacement income; CRDS is 0.5% of earnings. If you are not paying tax in France you don't have to pay contributions to either, but you must make contributions to employee's health insurance at a rate of 5.5% on total earnings.

Learning French to at least A2 level is an important requirement for getting your French resident card (Carte de Résident). So if you plan to stay here a while, better start learning! One of the main reasons you should learn French when living in France is to integrate into society and make friends with locals.

The USA's national index is 71.05 while the French national index is 74.14. Therefore, the cost of living is 4% higher in France than it is in the USA.

New Orleans, Louisiana

But beyond its buildings, New Orleans is steeped in French culture. From the French bread used in the city's iconic po'boy sandwiches, to street names, and holiday celebrations like Mardi Gras and Bastille Day, a visit to NOLA is about as close to France as the U.S. gets.

France allows both local and foreign citizens to open bank accounts here. Also, there also several types of accounts one can set up, in accordance with their needs. The French banking system is a modern one allowing for certain transactions to be carried out online.

Are French taxes high? ›

The tax-to-GDP ratio in France has increased from 43.4% in 2000 to 45.1% in 2021. Over the same period, the OECD average in 2021 was above that in 2000 (34.1% compared with 32.9%). During that period, the highest tax-to-GDP ratio in France was 46.1% in 2017, with the lowest being 41.5% in 2009.

French banks and mortgage providers are often just as willing to lend to international buyers as they are to residents¹. This means that in theory, you should have no trouble getting a mortgage to buy your dream French property.

France runs a statutory health insurance (SHI) system providing universal coverage for its residents. The system is financed through employee and employer contributions, and increasingly by earmarked taxes on a broad range of revenues.

Toulouse is a cultural melting pot with many expats and international students. The French love Toulouse and have frequently voted it the most attractive place to live in France.

But the French economy also faces many structural challenges, including a relatively weak competitiveness position, high unemployment and weak public finances compared to other Western European countries.

In France, it's the buyer that pays all the fees when purchasing a property and these can be quite considerable (as much as 20% of the property price in some cases). So make sure you account for all of these in advance and deduct them from your initial budget when property searching.

As a non-resident, you are taxed on your income from French sources subject to the provisions of the tax treaty between France and your country of residence.

An employee residing in France for less than 183 days does not owe tax on income earned through their work in the country, as long as their remuneration is paid by or on behalf of an employer which is not established in France.

It's Affordable to Live in France

When compared to the US, education, healthcare, and transportation are significantly cheaper. For starters, education and healthcare are available to everyone, regardless of income. Both are paid for by the taxes, making the out-of-pocket cost nearly zero.

France is a land of rich history, culture and diversity. It's a country that boasts beautiful people and stunning scenery. It has so much to offer from its bustling cities and quaint towns to its beautiful countryside. The French people are known for their laid back attitudes and impressive appreciation for food.

What is the minimum French mortgage amount? ›

Most mortgage providers in France have a minimum amount they will agree to lend. This is typically between €50,000 and €100,000, although it may be higher with some lenders. It may also be higher for non-EU/EFTA nationals.

In most cases, home loan lenders will lend up to 80% of the property value, meaning you'll need to come up with the other 20% (your deposit). For a property of $400,000, for example, you'll need a cash deposit of $80,000.

Unlike british banks, who tend only to offer fixed terms of 5 years or less, French banks offer long term rates that are fixed for the entire term of the mortgage. The French like this because it means the financial system and property market both benefit from stability and security over the long term.

You may enter the Schengen area, including France, for up to 90 days for tourist and business purposes without a visa. Immigration officers may also request you show sufficient funds for your intended stay and a return airline ticket.

Immigration to France from the United States date back to the 19th century and according to the American embassy in Paris, as of 2015, there are about 150,000 to 200,000 American citizens residing in France.

You are able to purchase a home in France to use as your second home, or as your permanent residence if you obtain the right to live in the country.

Yes, there are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in France. Even if you are not a resident, you can still buy and own French property with the option to rent it out if you want to. You will need a French bank account, valid identification, and the correct visa if you are going to live there.

Yes an American can retire in France. For visits longer than 90 days you will need to apply for a visa de séjour temporaire (a residence visa). You cannot apply while on vacation in France, you ust apply for this residency visa from your nearest French consulate in the U.S.

French income tax rates for U.S. expats

There are two sets of income tax rates in France: One for residents and one for non-residents. French residents are taxed on worldwide income. Americans living in France who are not considered residents for tax purposes are only taxed on income from French sources.

In general, a good salary for a comfortable life in France is €3,200 for a single person or €5,600 for someone supporting a family of 3. Cities like Paris, Nice, and Lyon have higher living costs than the other French cities.

How much are property taxes in France? ›

In the case of the purchase of an old property, the total transfer of ownership costs and taxes payable for the purchase of an existing property is between 7% and 10% of the purchase price, excluding real estate agency fees.