Skip to content

Seller guide

Selling a prestige property on the French Riviera, the steps

From valuation to the deed of sale, the journey of a prestige property sale, mandate, file, offer and preliminary contract.

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

Selling a prestige property follows a clear path, with a reasoned valuation, choosing a mandate, assembling the file and diagnostics, targeted (often discreet) marketing, qualified viewings, then the offer, the preliminary contract and finally the deed of sale before the notaire.

Price it right

It all starts with a well-supported valuation, weighing the property’s features, location, market references and positioning. A fair price from the outset protects value and attracts serious buyers, whereas overpricing tends to stall the sale.

Choose the mandate and prepare the file

The seller signs a mandate (simple or exclusive) framing the agency’s brief. In parallel, the file is assembled, with the title deed, mandatory diagnostics and, for co-owned property, the regulations and related documents. A complete file smooths everything that follows.

Market, often discreetly

In prestige, discretion comes first. Marketing can be handled confidentially, to a qualified clientele and a targeted network, rather than through wide exposure. Viewings are prepared and reserved for genuinely positioned buyers.

From offer to deed of sale

The sale unfolds in stages:

  • Receiving and negotiating the purchase offer
  • Signing the preliminary sale contract
  • A 10-day cooling-off period for the buyer
  • Lifting the conditions, then the deed of sale before the notaire

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Simple or exclusive mandate, which to choose?

An exclusive mandate focuses resources on a single point of contact and often suits prestige and confidentiality; a simple mandate opens the property to several agencies. The choice depends on your selling strategy.

What is the buyer’s cooling-off period?

After signing the preliminary contract, a non-professional buyer has a legal 10-day cooling-off period.

What are the fees for a sale?

Transaction fees are payable by the buyer and are not deducted from the net selling price. The rate is on the Fees page and in the sale mandate.

Can you sell confidentially (off-market)?

Yes. In prestige, confidential marketing to a targeted clientele is common, to preserve discretion while reaching the right buyers.

A question?

Speak with a Liberty House advisor

From the French Riviera to Saint-Barth, our team guides renters, owners, sellers and buyers.

Request a valuation