Can an American Buy a Vacation Home in France?

From the fine fashion labels and iconic monuments of Paris, to the rolling vineyards and rich culinary heritage of its southern regions, no wonder that France holds an enigmatic allure for travellers seeking a second home...

Legal Requirements

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Exploring the possibility of owning a vacation home in France is an exciting prospect, and while there are no general restrictions for Americans purchasing French real estate, there are several steps involved to ensure a smooth legal journey to ownership…

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1. Property Selection: The first step in the process is to find a French holiday home that meets all of your personal requirements. From city boltholes to rural farmhouses, searching with the help of a local estate agent can help narrow down the selection, and ensure you’re searching for a legally compliant property.
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2. Preliminary Agreement (Compromis de Vente): Once you’ve found the home, in France it’s customary to sign a Compromis de Vente, a preliminary, legally-binding contract that serves as a sale agreement. In order to complete the paperwork, you’ll need to provide identification and prove financial capability before paying a deposit of 5-10%.

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3. Final Contract (Acte de Vente): The process then moves onto the preparation of a final contract or Acte de Vente. This can take several months to complete, and includes checking land records and verifying the property’s legal status.
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4. Payment: Once the final contract has been signed (which must be witnessed by a notary), all that is left is for the remaining balance to be paid, alongside any additional fees and taxes. A proof of payment must then be shared among all parties.
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5. Transfer of Ownership: The notary is responsible for registering the sale, before the new buyer receives an official title deed, becoming the proud owner of a second home in France. 

Associated Costs

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‍With the buying process outlined above, it’s also worth considering the additional costs involved in addition to the purchase price. In France, legal fees tend to range from 6-8% of the property's total value, covering crucial notary fees. Buyers also face taxes such as stamp duty and registration, which can add another 5-7% overall. 

Once the property becomes your own, there will also be several ongoing fees to cover. Annual property taxes, including the French taxe foncière and taxe d'habitation, vary depending on the property's location and size. Maintenance costs, including utility bills and property management if required should also be considered. Of course, American citizens will also need to factor in currency exchange and the cost of international money transfers.

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Where to Buy In France
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France boasts a variety of attractive regions for vacation home ownership, with each destination offering its own unique character. Before you embark on your journey to homeownership in France, it’s worth narrowing down the choice of locations, considering your family travel style and personal needs - whether that be proximity to local amenities, ease of access for international flights, or an off-the-grid location, well-suited to outdoor adventures.

August favourites include the French Riviera, which entices those seeking a tranquil retreat, with glamorous beaches, rolling countryside, and vibrant nightlife, attracting all those in pursuit of coastal living. Then there’s Paris, the City of Light, with its world-class museums, fine cuisine, and historical landmarks and last but not least, the French Alps, well-suited to thrill seekers and fans of the great outdoors.

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Co-Ownership in France: An Attractive Alternative

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Co-ownership can mitigate some of the stresses for American citizens purchasing a vacation home in France, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more effortless journey into the French property market. With the unique August co-ownership model, not only is the entire purchase process taken care of - from initial paperwork to maintenance and aftercare - but our Expert Advisors work to source the best properties in the most enviable destinations, so you don’t have to. You’ll also become the co-owner of up to five holiday homes instead of just one.

In France specifically, August offers homes in Paris, the French Alps, Cannes and the French Riviera. Thes homes are then bought, renovated to August standards, and become part of our specially curated European property Collections, which are owned by up to 21 co-owners from across the globe, creating a growing international community. A community of like-minded travellers who share the same values and a love of travel. 

With August caring for the ongoing maintenance of their properties, co-owners are simply left to plan and enjoy their holidays, spending on average 12 weeks per year in their own homes across France and beyond. Hear from existing homeowner, Amy, a New Yorker who shared her journey as an American citizen buying a home in France with us in a recent interview.

“I didn’t know the quirks of the specific towns or villages, so I was worried about picking. Having August’s destination knowledge was key here. I also knew that I didn't want to be in the business of managing a property. Living 7,000 miles away, I feared what would happen if the oven was broken or the roof was leaking…The turnkey solution August provided was a huge draw.”

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More intrigued to buy a holiday home in France? Our next global webinar is the perfect place to start. Hosted by our team of Expert Advisors, the interactive session covers the entire August process, leaving no question unanswered. Your dream French second home could be closer than you think.

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