Acquisition and Sale of Property in France
Legal support for foreign clients investing in French real estate
Cellard Notaries a Associes has the trust of its foreign institutional ano private clients in the acquisition and sale of property in France. Our specialized team understands the unique challenges faced by international investors.
Trusted by International Customers
We assist clients from around the world in their French property investments
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇺🇸 United States
🇦🇺 Australia
🇨🇭 Switzerland
🇮🇹 Italy
🇳🇴 Scandinavian countries
🇨🇳 China
Specialized Services for Foreign Clients
Comprehensive support from initial consultation to transaction completion
Property Acquisition
Complete legal support for Ourchasina real estate in France
Tax Advisory
Expert guidance on French tax obligations for non-residents
Legal Documentation
Preparation and review of all leaal documents in multiple languages
Investment structuring
Optimal legal structures for foreign property investments.
Why Foreign Clients Choose Cellard
Our process
A Proven Methodology to Secure Your French Property Investment
01
Initial consultation
A first call or video meeting to understand your project, your tax residence and your timetable.
02
Tax and structuring advice
The right ownership structure and the French tax consequences, settled before you commit.
03
Legal documentation
Preparation and review of all leaal documents in multiple languages
04
Signature and follow-up
Signature in person or by power of attorney, then registration of your title and long-term support.
Buying property in France as a non-resident
Every French property sale is handled by a notaire — the public officer who secures the transaction and registers your ownership. For international buyers, we explain each step in English and coordinate with your bank and advisors.
Compromis de vente
Terms reviewed before you commit, with the cooling-off period explained.
Due diligence
Title, planning, mortgages and mandatory surveys.
Financing
Support with the conditions precedent if you buy with a mortgage.
Final deed
Signed before the notaire — in person or by power of attorney.
You don't need to be in France — we can act for you by power of attorney.
Cross-border succession & estate planning
Owning French assets raises succession questions specific to your situation. Our notaires and tax lawyers help international families plan ahead.
Brussels IV
In some cases, choose the law of your nationality to govern your estate — with advice.
Ownership structure
Direct purchase, SCI or démembrement, matched to your goals.
Inheritance tax
Anticipated according to the relationship between heir and deceased.
Coordination
With your foreign wills and advisors, to avoid conflicts between jurisdictions.
Taxation for non-residents
Owning, renting or selling French property triggers specific tax rules. We work alongside your advisors at home to secure the French side.
Capital gains tax
On the sale of French property, incl. fiscal representative where required.
Wealth tax (IFI)
On higher-value French real-estate holdings.
Rental income
Taxed in France, in line with your country's tax treaty.
Coordination
Working with your home-country advisors on the full picture.
FAQ
Yes, with no restriction of nationality or residence. The procedure is the same as for a French resident, with a few additional formalities: documents translated and apostilled (Hague Convention, 1961), a French tax number, a French bank account, and a power of attorney if you sign from abroad. Living abroad does not increase the cost of buying. Our English-speaking team acts regularly for clients based in the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland and Italy.
Under EU Regulation 650/2012, your estate is governed by the law of your habitual residence at the time of death. A will may elect the law of your nationality instead (professio juris). A European Certificate of Succession then makes the cross-border formalities easier. One point of caution: France and the United States have no inheritance tax treaty, so a French-American estate can face double taxation.
Yes, in several ways: an authenticated power of attorney signed at a French consulate or before a local notary (Hague apostille or legalisation), a private power of attorney validated by a sworn translation, or a remote electronic deed exchanged between French notaires. Our offices are equipped for remote electronic signature.
Yes. Our team works in English every day and acts regularly for clients from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and Switzerland. We hold video meetings (Zoom, Teams, Meet) in your time zone, and the key legal terms are explained to you in English before signature.
