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Buyer guide

Buying a luxury property on the French Riviera, the journey

From search to handover, with offer, preliminary contract, financing and deed of sale for a prestige purchase on the French Riviera.

By Arthur Merlino, Founder of Liberty House
7 min read
Property purchase

Buying a prestige property on the French Riviera follows precise steps. Define your search, view, make a purchase offer, sign a preliminary contract (with a 10-day cooling-off period), lift the conditions, then sign the deed of sale before the notaire, where the price and acquisition costs are settled.

A precise search helps, covering area (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Mougins, nearby Monaco), property type, budget and use (residence, pied-a-terre, investment). Guided support also opens access to confidential properties, off the public market.

View and make an offer

After targeted viewings, the buyer makes a purchase offer. Once price and terms are agreed, the preliminary contract is prepared for signature.

Preliminary contract, cooling-off and conditions

Signing the preliminary contract binds the parties. A non-professional buyer has a 10-day cooling-off period. The pre-contract can include conditions, for example securing financing.

Financing and deed of sale

The final stretch includes:

  • Arranging financing, where applicable
  • Lifting the conditions
  • Signing the deed of sale before the notaire
  • Settling the price and acquisition costs, then the handover of keys

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What cooling-off period after the preliminary contract?

A non-professional buyer has a legal 10-day cooling-off period from the day after the preliminary contract is notified.

Can you buy as a non-resident?

Yes, buying property in France is open to non-residents. Support covers the practical and tax specifics, to check for your situation.

What is a condition precedent?

It is a condition set in the pre-contract that must be met for the sale to proceed, for example obtaining a loan. If it is not met, the sale may not complete.

Are there off-market properties to buy?

Yes. In prestige, part of the opportunities are handled confidentially; guided support opens access to these off-market properties.

A question?

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