Buying Process — France
The four stages of buying property in France, from offer to completion — and what happens at each step.
Updated February 2026
France
Stage 1 — Verbal offer and acceptance
Make your offer in writing (email is sufficient) to the agent or vendor. No legal commitment at this stage.
Stage 2 — Compromis de vente (promise of sale)
Once accepted, a compromis is drawn up — either by the agent or the notary. This is a binding bilateral commitment. Both parties agree on price, conditions suspensives (typically mortgage, title clear), and completion date. The buyer pays a 10% deposit (séquestre) into the notary's escrow.
Stage 3 — 10-day cooling-off (délai de rétractation)
French law gives the buyer 10 calendar days after signing the compromis to withdraw with full deposit return, for any reason. Sellers have no equivalent right.
Stage 4 — Acte authentique (notarised completion)
After due diligence (3–4 months typically), the final deed is signed before a notary. The buyer pays the balance plus frais de notaire. Keys are handed over at this meeting.
Important nuances
- France uses a single notary system — the notary is a neutral public officer, not acting for either side
- The buyer can (and should) appoint their own notary as well — the fees are split between the two notaries from the same total pool, so there is no extra cost
- If the compromis has a mortgage condition (condition suspensive de prêt), the buyer can withdraw without penalty if mortgage is refused
- Agricultural land triggers a mandatory SAFER pre-emption process (2 months minimum) before the acte can complete
Based on Notaires de France and Service-Public.fr
Last reviewed: Feb 2026