Real Estate in France

"One way to find a place to live in France is to search online and compare different listings. You can search websites like Immobilier.fr and SeLoger.com to find property listings. Additionally, you can search for a French real estate agent who can help you find a property in your desired area. You can also look for online forums where people post about their experiences in France, as well as ask for advice from locals. Another way to find a place to live is to reach out to contacts in France; people you know can provide tips on the best places to look for rental properties. Once you have narrowed down your choices, you can contact the landlords to see if you can view the property before deciding if it's the right place for you," explained one person living in France.

"My husband asked his new collegues about the neighborhoods. One of his collegues (from HR) helped us find our home, we did a lot ourselves and my father, who lives here already, helped us too," said one expat in Dijon.

"Generally, an expat home or apartment in France would be equipped with the necessary comforts, such as a living space, fully equipped kitchen, and modern amenities like WiFi and television. Expat homes and apartments often have great views due to their prime location, and most often come with balconies and terraces. Security, comfort and privacy are of great importance when it comes to expat homes and apartments in Paris, so tenants can often expect to find modern locks and smart-home technology. Additionally, many expats also find themselves living in furnished or serviced apartments, which often come with a concierge, amenities, and all the necessary furniture for a comfortable stay," said one expat in France.

"When moving to the dept 62 pas de Calais, remember to bring wet weather clothing for all the year round, and at least warm clothing for the 6 months of winter," remarked one member in France.

"I live in an apartment provided by the state as my husband is a government employee. This is definitely NOT typical of expats because most of them would not be allowed to have this kind of housing. Most american expats would want something in better condition. We are willing to do work ourselves though because the rent is less than half of what it would be normally. Also, we were on a waiting list for a LONG time before we got this place. Most expats don't have that much time. Most of them also make more money too. I love our huge terrace and the view of the Eiffel Tower! I love our neighborhood - no tourists, near a nice park, friendly neighbors. I like that the toilet is separate from the bathroom, but wish there was a sink in there with it. I hate how kitchens in France are completely empty and closets don't even have shelves or something to hang clothes on. I love that our apartment has a large walk-in closet, but he had to construct the inside ourselves," explained one expat living in Paris, France.

"Three storey town house with no garden - enables us to travel by car around Europe with no home-worries," said one person in Eymet.

"The cost of housing in France varies greatly depending on the area and type of accommodation. Overall, it is generally more expensive to rent than to own property, although buying a property in France can be an expensive venture due to high taxes and notary fees. The cost of housing in Paris is particularly high, but in other parts of the country, prices can be quite affordable," said one person in France.

"Well, because it's a state home our rent is very cheap. Still you can't compare to all of America. Normally rent here is much cheaper than New York City. But it's still much higher than, say, in Tucson, Arizona where I also lived. I know before, apartments in Paris could run from 125 - 150 FF per square meter. You do the math for Euros," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Paris.

"Buying a home in France is an attractive option for long-term residence and investments, but renting a home may make more sense for short-term stays. Renting can be more cost-effective when factoring in upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees. You may also be able to find rentals that provide access to amenities that may not be available when purchasing a home. It all depends on your goals and budget. Renting can also provide you with some flexibility in case you decide you want to move to a different part of the country. Ultimately, it is important to do your research and consider both your goals and budget before making a decision," remarked one member in France.

"We had bought our home in 2004 and spent all our holidays (winter and Summer) at the house making a few changes and keeping the garden in check. Like any purchase in a foreign country there are different rules and regulations so it is as well to ensure you have a reliable agent and notaire to guide the process. If French is not your first language, or you are not fluent,or your notaire is not bi-lingual, then it is a requirement to have an authorised translator at the signings," explained one expat living in Aude and Herault Departments, France.

"I bought a 400 year old village house after living a year in an apartment in Montpellier. The process is difficult due to the searching and then the closing takes months," said one person in Pezenas.

"1. You should research the local property market to understand the competition, as well as the local regulations concerning property taxes and registration. 2. You should also be aware of the process of buying property in France, and the documents and paperwork required. 3. Consider hiring a professional interpreter or attorney to guide you through the process and make sure your rights are fully protected. 4. You should research the development potential of the property, so you understand the risks associated with buying. 5. Make sure you are aware of the legal requirements for owning and living in France, such as residency and work permits, and the specific regulations per region. 6. Account for any additional costs that may be associated with buying French property, such as notary fees, insurance, and renovation costs. 7. Research options for financing your purchase, such as mortgages and other loan options available in the French market," said one expat in France.

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in France. Non-residents of France are allowed to purchase property in the same way as French citizens, however, there are some restrictions. For example, non-residents are not allowed to purchase agricultural land or property in certain protected areas. Additionally, non-residents may be subject to additional taxes and fees. It is important to research the laws and regulations in the specific region of France before purchasing property," said one foreigner living in France.

"A rental property in France typically includes basic kitchen appliances such as a refrigerator and stovetop, as well as a washing machine and dryer. In some cases, air conditioners and heating systems are also included. Furnishings, such as a bed and chairs, are usually not provided," wrote one expat who made the move to France.

"Expats can search for homes in France by using online real estate websites, such as SeLoger.com, Bienici.com, and Leboncoin.fr. They can also contact local real estate agents who specialize in helping expats find homes in France. Additionally, expats can search for homes in France by attending open houses and visiting local neighborhoods," explained one person living in France.