How it works
Invest in France without travelling: we handle every step
One team handles the search, the purchase, the works, the furniture, the tenant and the management. You approve every decision that commits your money, from wherever you live.
1. A video call to set the brief
Thirty minutes, free, with no obligation. We talk about your goals (income, long-term wealth, a future home in France), your budget, where you live and how you are taxed there. You leave with a shortlist of cities that fit, and an honest view of what your budget buys.
2. Financing, checked before the search
Our partner broker asks several banks in parallel and gives you an estimate of your borrowing capacity within 48 to 72 hours. Knowing your budget before visiting saves weeks. If you use the broker, their fee is 1% to 2% of the loan. Details on our mortgage page.
3. Search, visits and a written report
We sign a search mandate with you, as French law requires, then shortlist and visit. For each apartment worth your time, you receive a video, photos, a written report with our rent estimate, a works budget and our recommendation. You choose; we never buy without your written go-ahead.
4. Offer, negotiation and the notary
We negotiate the price and coordinate with the notary and the bank. The preliminary contract is followed by a statutory 10-day cooling-off period for the buyer, and completion typically takes place around three months later when a mortgage is involved. You can sign both the preliminary contract and the final deed through a power of attorney. The notary checks the origin of the funds, as anti-money-laundering rules require.
5. Renovation and furnishing
Our works team, RGE-certified since 2024, renovates the apartment and fits it out with the furniture and equipment French law requires for a furnished let. You get photo reports at each stage and a final walkthrough on video. Supervision is charged at 10% of the works budget.
6. Letting and management
We find and vet the tenant, draw up the lease and the inventory, collect the rent, handle repairs and send you a monthly statement. Management costs 5% of rents plus VAT in Paris, 6% elsewhere and 7% for house shares.
Who does what
| Stage | You | Expat'Immo |
|---|---|---|
| Brief | Share goals, budget, country of residence | Advise on cities and strategy |
| Financing | Send documents to the broker | Coordinate broker and bank |
| Search | Choose from our shortlist | Visit, film, report, negotiate |
| Purchase | Sign, in person or by power of attorney | Coordinate notary and bank |
| Works | Approve the budget | Run the site, report with photos |
| Letting | Read your monthly statement | Find the tenant, draw up the lease, collect rent, handle repairs |
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from the first call to the first rent?
It depends mainly on the search and on the works. Between an accepted offer and completion, allow around three months when a mortgage is involved; renovation then adds a few weeks to a few months depending on the scope.
Can I visit the apartment myself?
Of course. Some clients come for one visit before signing, others never travel. Either works for us.
Do I need a French bank account?
Most lending banks ask you to open an account with them. Rents are then paid into it and the repayments are taken from it.
What if I want to sell later?
We can handle the sale too. Capital gains rules for non-residents are summarised on our tax page.
Sources
- Expat'Immo, fee schedule in force since 24 June 2026 (in French)
- Notaires de France, “Purchase in France by a non-resident”, updated 18 September 2023
- service-public.gouv.fr, buyer's cooling-off period (F2965), updated 10 April 2026
- Expat'Immo, company facts checked 20 October 2026 (in French)
Consulted on 26 October 2026.
Get a clear plan for your French investment in 30 minutes
A free video call with Antoine or Isabelle. You leave knowing your budget, your financing options and the cities that fit, whether or not you work with us afterwards.