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," said one person 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 who made the move to 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 who made the move to 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.

"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," explained one person living in 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," explained one person living in Pezenas, 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," said one expat in Aude and Herault Departments.

"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.

"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 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," explained 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," explained one person living in 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 foreigner living in France.