Award-Winning French Real Estate Law Firm

With offices in Lyon, Paris, and the UK, Giambrone & Partners is an award-winning full-service law firm providing expert guidance for individuals and businesses purchasing property in France. Our English-speaking, multilingual lawyers combine strategic expertise with personalised support, ensuring your investment is secure and legally compliant.

BEST FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

Finance Monthly Awards

LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR IN THE ISLES

Top Legal Awards

CONTENTIOUS TRUST AND ESTATES TEAM OF THE YEAR

British Legal Awards (Shortlisted)

CROSS BORDER LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR 2024

Corporate INTL

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Expert French Real Estate Services

France is a popular destination for foreign buyers, particularly British nationals, seeking holiday homes, retirement properties, or investment opportunities. With no restrictions on foreign ownership, France offers a flexible and attractive property market.

Giambrone & Partners’ real estate lawyers have extensive experience guiding clients through both residential and commercial property purchases, ensuring full compliance with French law and protecting your interests at every stage.

How Property is Held in France

Several ownership structures exist, each with implications for succession and taxation:

En pleine propriété (Full Ownership): Exclusive right to possess and dispose of the property
En indivision (Co-ownership): Shared ownership between parties; inheritance rights apply according to French succession law
En tontine (Joint tenancy with survivorship): The deceased’s share passes automatically to the surviving partner

It is strongly recommended to consider how property is held, particularly for unmarried couples, as ownership affects inheritance rights and succession planning.

The Property Purchase Process

Purchasing property in France involves several key steps:

Property Search and Offer: Properties are typically found through an Agence Immobilière. Once a property is selected, a formal written offer (offre d’achat) is made, accompanied by a deposit.
Preliminary Contracts (Avant-contrats):
- Promesse Unilatérale de Vente: Seller undertakes to sell; buyer has a period to decide
- Compromis de Vente (Promesse Synallagmatique de Vente): Legally binding contract for both parties once conditions are met
Due Diligence: Review of ownership, encumbrances, debts, and the Dossier de Diagnostic Technique (DDT) survey.
Notary Involvement: A Notaire ensures the legality of the sale, verifies the origin of funds (TRACFIN compliance), and oversees registration of the transfer of ownership.
Transfer of Ownership: Finalised at the notary’s office, completing the legal and financial requirements.

It is strongly recommended that buyers instruct an English-speaking real estate lawyer to review all documents, including boundaries and public ownership records.

Financing and Taxation

Bank Transfers: Large transfers are verified by intermediaries; notaries ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations
Taxes and Fees: Buyers must consider registration duties, notary fees, and ongoing taxation based on the property’s use (main residence or rental investment)

Budgeting 5–10% of the purchase price for additional costs is advised.

Visas and Residency for Property Buyers

Foreign buyers intending to live in France or stay longer than 90 days require a visa. Popular options include:

Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS): For stays up to one year, including study, retirement, or extended visits
Talent Passport (Passeport Talent – Business Investor): Multi-year residence permit for investors and business owners; may lead to French citizenship within 5-10 years, depending on investment.

Our immigration lawyers assist with visa applications, documentation, and compliance, ensuring a smooth transition to French residency.

What Our Clients Say

"
Excellent service and attention to detail from Giambrone Law. My case was handled with expert knowledge and thoroughness from start to finish.

"
I found all the people I dealt with at Giambrone to be very professional, helpful, efficient and courteous. I was very satisfied with their service and would definitely use them again and recommend them.

"
My company has used the legal services of Giambrone & Partners and I must recognize the great professionalism of the team of lawyers, from the most junior to the most senior. They have handled the matter in an impeccable way, giving us all the support and sparing no effort.

"
I am really grateful for the service provided by Giambone Law. They supported me throughout the whole project with kindness and precision. I definitely recommended the firm to anyone looking for reliable law services!

Why Choose Giambrone & Partners?

With extensive experience advising clients in France, Giambrone & Partners is a leading law firm specialising in real estate, cross-border transactions, and associated immigration matters. Our award-winning, multilingual lawyers guide clients through every stage of the property purchase process, ensuring clarity, compliance, and peace of mind.

We combine the convenience of offices in Lyon, Paris, and the UK with in-depth knowledge of French property law, making us the ideal partner for local and international property buyers. Known for our strategic guidance, professionalism, and client-focused approach, our team ensures your purchase is smooth, secure, and fully compliant.

Contact our French offices today for tailored, multilingual advice and take the first step towards purchasing property in France with confidence.

Lyon Office

Giambrone & Partners

41 Cours De La Liberte
Lyon
69003
France
+33 481 061 385

Paris Office

Giambrone & Partners
9 Boulevard Gouvion Saint-Cyr
Paris
75017
France
+33 481 061 385