Selling a property in France can seem complex, especially if you’re unfamiliar with French legal and tax systems. Whether you are a resident or a foreign owner, understanding the process is essential to avoid delays, unexpected costs, or legal complications.
The Selling Process Step by Step
Selling a property in France generally follows a structured process. Here’s an overview of the key stages you can expect:
1. Property Valuation
Start by getting an accurate valuation of your property. This can be done through a licensed estate agent or an independent property expert. A realistic price is crucial to attract buyers and avoid long delays.
2. Choosing Between Private Sale or Estate Agent
Decide if you want to sell the property yourself (vente entre particuliers) or work with an estate agent. While selling privately may save you agent fees, using a professional can simplify marketing, negotiations, and paperwork.
3. Gathering Required Documents
Prepare all necessary documents, including the title deed, mandatory diagnostic reports, recent tax bills, and co-ownership documents if applicable.
4. Signing the Preliminary Contract
Once you’ve accepted an offer, both parties sign a preliminary agreement: either a compromis de vente (binding for both sides) or a promesse de vente (binding only for the seller). This agreement outlines the conditions of sale, including any suspensive clauses (such as the buyer securing a mortgage).
5. Finalizing the Sale at the Notaire’s Office
The notaire, a public legal official, plays a central role in the French property sale. They check all documents, ensure compliance with the law, and prepare the final sale deed (acte de vente), which both parties sign to complete the transaction.
Required Legal Documents
When selling a property in France, having the right paperwork in order is crucial to avoid delays or legal complications. One of the most important documents is the title deed (titre de propriété), which proves your ownership of the property. Without this, the sale simply cannot proceed.
Another key requirement is the set of diagnostic reports, which assess various aspects of the property such as energy efficiency, the presence of lead or asbestos, termite inspections, and electrical or gas system safety. These reports are mandatory and must be provided to the buyer before signing the preliminary contract.
If your property is part of a shared building, such as an apartment in a co-owned residence (copropriété), you will also need to provide co-ownership documents. These include recent minutes from general meetings, details of shared expenses, and any upcoming work or repairs that have been voted on.
Finally, it’s essential to gather recent property tax bills and utility statements, as buyers often want to understand the running costs and confirm that all taxes have been paid up to date. The notaire will handle much of the verification process, but the seller is responsible for ensuring that all the necessary documentation is complete and accurate before the final sale.
Capital Gains Tax Considerations
One of the most important financial aspects to consider when selling property in France is the potential capital gains tax (CGT) you may owe. Capital gains tax applies if you sell the property for more than you originally paid, and it’s calculated on the difference between the sale price and the original purchase price, after certain allowable deductions such as renovation costs (with proper invoices) and agency fees.
However, not all sellers are affected equally. If the property has been your main residence, you are generally exempt from paying capital gains tax, no matter how much profit you make. For second homes or investment properties, the situation is different: French residents and foreign owners alike may be liable for CGT, as well as additional social charges, which can significantly increase the total tax burden.
The longer you have owned the property, the more tax relief you can benefit from. After five years, you start receiving partial exemptions, and after 22 years of ownership, the property is fully exempt from capital gains tax (though social charges only fall away after 30 years). It’s crucial to check your personal situation carefully, as cross-border tax treaties and local rules can also affect what you owe. Consulting a tax adviser or notaire can help you calculate your exact liability and avoid surprises when the sale is finalized.
Considering the Value of Furnishings in Capital Gains Calculations
When selling a furnished property, the value of included furniture can be subtracted from the total sale price, effectively lowering the taxable capital gain. This only applies to movable furniture (not fixtures), and you must provide a reasonable valuation.
Impact of Furnished Rentals on Capital Gains Tax
If you have been renting out your property furnished under the LMP (professional) or LMNP (non-professional) regimes, different capital gains tax rules may apply. For example, certain exemptions or allowances available to private individuals might not apply if the property is treated as a professional asset. Make sure to check your status carefully before the sale.
To understand more about the specific tax rules under the LMNP (non-professional furnished rental) or LMP (professional furnished rental) regimes, check out our detailed guides:
The different taxes in LMNP, Taxes on capital gain in LMNP, and Taxes on capital gains in LMP.
Capital Gains Tax Exemption for Non-Residents
Under certain conditions, non-residents may benefit from a capital gains tax exemption when selling a French property — for example, if they previously used the property as their main residence or under the specific provisions of article 244 bis A of the French Tax Code. Check carefully if you qualify for this valuable relief.
Tips for Preparing a Property for Sale
First impressions matter greatly when it comes to selling property in France. Preparing your home carefully can make a significant difference in attracting buyers and achieving a good sale price. Start by thoroughly cleaning and decluttering each room — buyers need to imagine themselves living there, so removing personal items, excessive furniture, or bold décor can help create a more neutral, inviting space.
It’s also worth addressing small repairs or maintenance issues before putting the property on the market. Fixing leaky taps, repainting scuffed walls, or replacing broken light fixtures may seem minor, but they can boost the perceived value and reduce negotiation points for the buyer.
Don’t overlook the exterior either: a tidy garden, clean entrance, and well-maintained façade can make a strong positive impact even before a potential buyer steps inside.
Lastly, prepare for buyer visits by making the space feel bright and welcoming. Open curtains, let in natural light, and ensure the rooms are aired out and at a comfortable temperature. While these details may seem small, they help create a positive atmosphere that can speed up the sale process and potentially even increase offers.
The Role of Estate Agents and Other Professionals
While it’s entirely possible to sell your French property on your own, many sellers choose to work with an estate agent to benefit from their market expertise, marketing reach, and negotiation skills. A good agent can help position your property at the right price, attract serious buyers, and guide you through the administrative process, which can often feel overwhelming — especially for non-residents.
Beyond the estate agent, one key professional in every French property sale is the notaire. This public official is legally required to oversee property transactions, ensuring that all documents are valid, taxes are calculated correctly, and the sale is registered with the land registry. Even if you sell privately, the notaire remains central to finalizing the deal.
At French Tax Online (FTO), we know that selling a property in France raises not just legal, but also complex tax questions — especially for foreign owners. That’s why we offer dedicated services to help you navigate your capital gains tax obligations, determine whether you need a tax representative, and assist with any related French tax declarations. You can even use our free online simulator to estimate your potential capital gains tax and reach out to our team for personalized advice.
In addition, if you need help with other tax matters — such as filing your French income tax return, handling IFI (wealth tax), managing VAT, or deciding between the micro and régime réel rental income systems — FTO is here to support you. We believe in making the French tax system clearer and less stressful for foreigners, and our team of accredited professionals, led by a chartered accountant, is ready to guide you every step of the way.
Our mission is simple: to offer you trusted, expert advice so you can focus on your property sale without unnecessary costs or stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I really need an estate agent to sell my French property?
No, you are not legally required to use an estate agent — many owners successfully sell privately (vente entre particuliers), especially if they already have an interested buyer. However, an estate agent can provide valuable support with pricing, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork, making the process smoother, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the French market.
What legal documents are absolutely necessary for the sale?
The most important are the title deed (titre de propriété), mandatory diagnostic reports, and any co-ownership documents if applicable. Without these, the notaire cannot process the sale.
How is capital gains tax calculated on my French property sale?
Capital gains tax (CGT) is calculated on the difference between your sale price and the original purchase price, minus allowable deductions like renovation costs (if you have proper invoices).
The rate also depends on how long you’ve owned the property. You can use FTO’s free capital gains tax simulator to get an estimate and contact us for a precise calculation and advice on appointing a tax representative if needed.
I’m a foreign resident — do I need to file a French tax return after the sale?
It depends on your situation. If you’re not a French tax resident but have earned capital gains from a French property sale, you may need to file a declaration and pay taxes in France. FTO can help you assess whether you need to submit a return, and we offer services for income tax, wealth tax (IFI), and more.
If you’re a UK tax resident, don’t miss our detailed article: The French Real Estate Capital Gain for UK Tax Residents or Selling a French Property: What Did Brexit Change?.
How can French Tax Online help me with the selling process?
At FTO, we specialize in assisting foreign property owners with all their French tax obligations. We provide expert advice, free online tools, and tailored services to help you calculate capital gains tax, appoint a tax representative if necessary, and file any required declarations. Our team ensures you stay compliant and minimize unnecessary costs — giving you peace of mind throughout the selling process.
When Do You Need to Appoint a Tax Representative?
Non-residents selling French property worth over €150,000 are legally required to appoint a fiscal representative (représentant fiscal) to ensure correct tax reporting and payment.