We help Americans buy property in France
The property is only one part of the move.
Asher helps bring the whole process together: the search, financial preparation, the notaire, currency transfer, financing, ownership questions, renovation, schools and settling into life in France, working alongside independent professionals at each step.
A French purchase, step by step
Who is involved at each stage, and what Asher does. Timings vary by property and financing; the notaire confirms the schedule.
- Step 1
Objectives, lifestyle and budget
What you want from a property in France, how you'll use it, and a realistic budget including purchase costs.
Involved: Asher
- Step 2
Financial preparation
Asher explains how financing and currency affect your budget. French mortgage brokers, private banks and foreign-exchange specialists are introduced independently.
Involved: Independent lenders and FX specialists
- Step 3
Search and viewings
Publicly marketed and privately offered properties, with virtual viewings first and in-person visits when you travel.
Involved: Asher
- Step 4
Offer and negotiation
Pricing advice based on comparable properties, and negotiation on your behalf.
Involved: Asher
- Step 5
Preliminary contract
The compromis or promesse de vente, usually prepared by a notaire. A deposit is typically paid, and a private buyer of residential property has a statutory 10-day cooling-off period.
Involved: Notaire
- Step 6
Conditions and preparation
Financing conditions are met, diagnostics are reviewed and, if you plan work, architects and contractors are consulted.
Involved: Lender, architects, contractors
- Step 7
Final deed
The acte authentique is signed before the notaire, in person or by power of attorney, once funds have been transferred.
Involved: Notaire and FX specialist
- Step 8
After closing
Insurance, utilities, property management, seasonal rental, renovation, schools and local life, through trusted introductions.
Involved: Professional network
What Asher does, and who he introduces
Asher, directly
- Understands your objectives, lifestyle and budget
- Explains the French purchasing process in clear English
- Identifies publicly marketed and privately offered properties
- Arranges virtual and in-person viewings
- Advises on pricing and negotiates the offer
- Coordinates with the notaire, lenders and advisers
- Remains available after closing
Through the professional network
- French mortgage brokers and private banks
- Foreign-exchange specialists
- Notaires, attorneys, accountants and tax advisers
- Inspectors, surveyors, architects and contractors
- Insurance, utilities and property management
- Seasonal rental, relocation and school contacts
These professionals are independent. Asher does not provide legal, tax, mortgage, foreign-exchange or insurance advice.
The France Buyer Guide
A clear, English-language guide to how buying in France works, written for Americans at the research stage.
- How a French purchase works, start to finish
- The notaire, the preliminary contract and the final deed
- Financing and currency: the questions to ask
- Paris, Monaco and the French Riviera compared
- Owning and enjoying property in France
Thank you.
What American buyers ask
- Can Americans buy property in France?
- Yes. France does not generally restrict foreign nationals, including Americans, from buying residential property.
- Do I need to live in France to buy?
- No. Buying property doesn't require French residency. Living in France is a separate question of visas and residence permits, best discussed with an immigration adviser.
- Can I get a mortgage in France as an American?
- Some French banks and brokers lend to non-residents, including Americans. Availability and terms vary. Asher can introduce independent brokers and private banks.
- How does tax work for an American owner?
- Owning property in France can have tax consequences in both countries. Asher can introduce cross-border tax advisers; he does not provide tax advice.
- Do I have to be in France to complete the purchase?
- Not necessarily. Searches can begin with virtual viewings, and the final deed can often be signed by power of attorney, arranged through the notaire.
Begin your French property search
Share what you're looking for, even if it's early. Asher will reply personally with a sensible first step.