Holiday Home in France
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Buying a second home: Everything you need to know before taking the plunge

Mahaut Fauquet
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Modified on
2/3/2025
Buying guide
Summary

Purchasing a second home in France means choosing a country with an exceptional quality of life and opting for an economically attractive investment! Whether you're looking for a peaceful haven for your holidays or an additional source of income, in the mountains or by the sea, France offers a multitude of opportunities for real estate investors.

Cost of buying a second home can be a way of generating rental income through seasonal lettings, while taking advantage of attractive depreciation and potential capital gains on resale. However, it is essential to assess the costs associated with a second home, such as tax, social security contributions and the audiovisual licence fee. With the right advice and careful planning, your purchase can become an excellent complement to your main residence.

Buying a Holiday Home in France

Unmatched Quality of Life

France is globally recognized for its quality of life: it's the country of gastronomy, local products, wine, and champagne, but also skiing, beach holidays, and long countryside walks. It’s a country that loves the finer things in life and good products. History is written everywhere, anchored in the streets and sketched on buildings, in large cities as well as in small medieval villages. The countryside is as peaceful as the cities are lively. There are rainy, green, and lush regions, and very sunny regions scented with lavender and rosemary.

France has as many climates as it has landscapes and different cultures, and everyone can find the lifestyle they desire!

A Dynamic and Diverse Real Estate Market

It's hard to generalize the French real estate market as it varies from one region to another, and from one city to another. Overall, it's a dynamic market offering a wide variety of properties, from city center apartments to country houses, including villas with swimming pools, mountain chalets, typical regional homes... Prices vary considerably depending on location and type of property, ranging on average from €1,500 per square meter in the Périgord, to €22,000 in some municipalities of the French Riviera.

This diversity makes France an ideal playground for investors looking for unique and characterful properties.

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A Top Tourist Destination

France is the world's leading tourist destination, which represents a major asset for owners of second homes. Indeed, this offers you the possibility to rent out your property during periods you are not staying there, ensuring an additional source of income!

A Protective Legal Framework

The French legal framework offers solid protection for property buyers and investors. Purchase procedures are regulated and secure, offering maximum transparency and security to the parties involved. In addition, French property rights are among the most protective in the world, giving investors peace of mind that their investment is secure. However, for foreign buyers, it is important to note that owning a second home in France does not exempt them from the visa requirements needed to stay beyond the period authorised by their country of origin.

Convinced About Buying a Residence in France?

Investing in a second home in France means choosing a country that combines quality of life, economic stability, french property tax benefits, and profitability opportunities. Whether you're looking to enjoy the French way of life or diversify your investment portfolio, France offers a unique combination of assets to attract investors from around the world. Convinced? Don't hesitate to look at our real estate listings to find the house of your dreams in France.

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