First, we'll have a non-binding discussion about the key details of your search, and you'll grant us the search mandate. This mandate is exclusive but can be cancelled flexibly on a monthly basis. Naturally, commission is only paid upon successful completion. The mandate merely secures our commission claim against other agencies. We would be happy to send you a sample for review upon request.
We actively search the market for you, contact our partner agencies, create German exposés, and present our suggestions. Through regular communication, this selection is narrowed down until about 3-8 favorites remain.
Tour with multiple viewings, possibly a second viewing, checking all property documents, and obtaining a creditworthiness confirmation from your bank. In most cases, our clients find what they're looking for on the very first tour.
Submission of a verbal purchase offer and price negotiations. Upon agreement: Submission of the written offer with a digital signature. Once the offer is accepted in writing by the seller, the property is reserved for you.
The first notarization takes place approx. 1 - 4 weeks after the offer. We recommend you travel for this appointment. Bring identification documents and an EC card, as an advance payment for initial registration fees is due directly at the appointment. Apply for birth and marriage certificates in international format now. We work with several German-speaking notaries, but the contract is in French.
You pay the deposit (5-10% of the purchase price) into the notary's escrow account a few days after notarization, and the notary will confirm receipt of the funds.
As a buyer in France, you have the right to withdraw from the sale within 10 days of notarization without stating any reasons. You will not lose your deposit in this case. Should you wish to withdraw after this period, you would lose the 10% deposit to the seller.
Period of approx. 2-3 months for all notarial checks, deadlines, and registrations, e.g., checking for any potential pre-emptive right of the municipality, deletion of encumbrances from the land register, waiting for a potential loan approval from the buyer.
Once the notary informs us that all registrations are complete, the buyer will be requested to pay the purchase price into the notary's escrow account. Only once payment receipt is confirmed will the final notarization take place.
Joint viewing of the property one day before the final notarization, recording of meter readings, clarification of any remaining questions, etc.
Second notarization: final purchase agreement and key handover. No further changes to the contract are possible. Bring your German bank details in paper form (e.g., bank statement with name and address, as well as IBAN) so that the notary can transfer the purchase price to Germany.
In France, the broker's commission is part of the notarized purchase agreement. It is not payed directly to us, but via the notary's escrow account — along with the other ancillary purchase costs at the very end of the purchase process.
In most cases the seller pays the agent commission. This must be noted in the advert.
Because the commission is included in the purchase price, French acquisition taxes are calculated on the total amount, including commission. If, however, the commission is borne by the buyer (instead of the seller), then the land transfer tax on the commission portion is waived. It is a small tax benefit for the buyer.
We'll guide you through your search and put together a tailored tour for you. Free of charge!
Initially, it's fun: browsing charming houses online on the Côte d'Azur, planning initial viewings during your holiday, dreaming. But eventually, it becomes clear: The market is vast, the search area too broad, the budget still undefined — and communication with French real estate agents isn't always straightforward.
What's more: Addresses are rarely disclosed in advance in France. And some "dream homes" turn out to be a disappointment upon arrival, located right on a main road.
This is where we come in.
With an exclusive search mandate, we share the commission with the seller's agent. Financially, nothing changes for you — but you gain an experienced partner who knows the market, speaks the language, and filters for you.
We have our own properties in our portfolio, but we are not limited to them. Unlike traditional real estate agents, we search the entire market for you — in close cooperation with all local agencies in the region. The result: You have access to truly all available properties, including off-market properties that are never publicly advertised.
In France, the commission is generally 6% of the purchase price — however, it is already included in the advertised offer price and is borne by the seller. As a buyer, you therefore do not pay any additional commission on top. Exception: If the listing states "charge acquéreur", the buyer bears the commission.
It all starts with a conversation: We discuss your search criteria, wishes, and budget together. The exclusive search mandate is then simply signed digitally — uncomplicated and paperless. From then on, we take over: We regularly present suitable properties to you and stay closely attuned to the market. Have you found an interesting listing yourself? Just send it via WhatsApp — we'll gather all further information and coordinate directly with the responsible agency.
Once you've identified your favorites, we organize a joint viewing tour — usually in cooperation with various local real estate agents. Typically, we visit two to five properties per day, depending on location, travel times, and your schedule.
We meticulously prepare each tour — that makes all the difference. Our clients regularly report how surprisingly efficient and focused these days are. And by the way: a viewing tour is also a wonderful opportunity to get to know the Côte d'Azur and its various locations firsthand.
France is captivating – but the path to owning your own home is often more complex than expected.
It's a good thing you found us!
We are happy to answer all your questions. Our blog section also contains a lot
of additional information about real estate and life in France.
Our real estate agent commission is 6% TTC (i.e., including French VAT at 20%). The agent's commission is already included in the advertised price! It is usually paid by the seller (advertisement text "charges vendeur").
Here in the region, there are significant price differences between the various municipalities. The region is very price-stable and has not significantly lost value during the recent real estate crisis. Sellers, therefore, often still expect very high prices and overprice their properties. It is more important than ever to view properties with an expert and submit a realistic purchase offer.
In addition to the purchase price, the so-called "frais de notaire" are incurred in France -- primarily land transfer tax, not the notary's fee. For existing properties, they amount to around 7 to 8% of the purchase price; for new builds, 2 to 3%. Payment is made on the day of notarization and should be factored in from the outset.
A buyer's market has developed. It's a good time to buy, as buyers can often negotiate prices significantly. For sellers, it's more important than ever to engage a professional.
Yes, absolutely. An initial, no-obligation consultation costs you nothing. Contact Juliane Cremers directly at +33 06 40 67 09 48 -- we'll take the time to answer your questions.
In addition to the purchase price, the so-called 'frais de notaire' are incurred in France. The term is misleading: the majority of this is land transfer tax for the state, not the notary's fee.
For an existing property, the 'frais de notaire' amount to approximately 7 to 8 percent of the purchase price. For a new build, they are around 2 to 3 percent.
Payment is made on the day of notarization via the notary's escrow account and should be factored into your overall budget from the outset.
Get a French mobile number immediately after the first signature. You'll need this later to register for electricity, water, or insurance, and it's often essential for furniture deliveries from French manufacturers.
Our recommendation: Simply order an eSIM (e.g., from Orange, SFR, or Sosh with a monthly cancellable contract. These contracts are cheaper than in Germany. Sometimes it's easier online than directly in a store.
Interestingly, to order such a French number, you also need an existing French mobile number! Call us, we'll explain how to solve this.
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Even for those who are still hesitant: a consultation will show you what suits you — and where to find it.
