Buying a prestigious residence in France is much more than a real estate investment: it is a lifestyle choice, a heritage and emotional adventure . Whether it is a castle, a country house, a private mansion or an architect-designed house, these exceptional properties require a specific approach, both from a legal, fiscal and heritage .
In this comprehensive guide, Propriétés De Charme guides you step by step to help you make a successful purchase with complete confidence, from the search for the property to the final signing.
1. What is a luxury home?
The term "luxurious residence" refers to real estate that stands out from the ordinary in terms of its architecture, history, location, size or level of services .
🏡 Typologies of exceptional residences:
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Castles and manors (15th – 19th century)
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Bastides, Provençal farmhouses, mansions
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Private mansions in town
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Lofts, high-end contemporary villas
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Listed or registered historic residences
These properties are often located in privileged environments : seaside, rolling countryside, old town center or close to a listed site.
2. Where to buy a prestigious home in France?
🗺️ Most popular regions:
| Region | Main assets | Examples of goods |
|---|---|---|
| Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur | Light, climate, sea view | Bastides, modern villas |
| New Aquitaine | Ocean, vineyards, heritage | Castles, mansions |
| Ile-de-France | Access Paris, royal heritage | Private mansions, estates |
| Occitania | Authentic hinterland | Farmhouses, stone houses |
| Loire Valley | Renaissance castles, vineyards | Listed manors and castles |
| Normandy | Chic countryside, close to Paris | Equestrian properties, manors |
3. The key steps to a successful purchase
1. Define your project
First of all, ask yourself the right questions:
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Intended use : main residence, secondary residence, seasonal rental, event?
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Desired level of comfort : renovation planned? Modern amenities?
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Total budget : does it include work, maintenance costs, taxes, furniture?
2. Study financing
Luxury goods require an appropriate financial strategy , even when purchased for cash.
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Customized banking package with mortgage guarantee
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In fine credit , sometimes used to optimize taxation
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Tax simulation : in particular if the property is classified (possible aid)
📌 Tip: Consult a wealth management advisor to study the tax and inheritance impacts.
3. Start the search
On Charming Properties, you can:
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Browse hand-picked luxury home listings
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Carry out a tailor-made search with the help of our experts
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Send your criteria: our agents will call you back with a personalized selection
4. Carry out the visits
For this type of property, visits must be thorough:
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General condition (structure, roof, sanitation)
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Elements of authenticity (beams, frescoes, fireplaces, etc.)
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Urban planning compliance and PLU
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Possibilities for development or extension
💡 Good to know: some homes may be in a protected area or require the agreement of the ABF (Architects of Buildings of France).
5. Negotiation & Compromise
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For rare goods, the room for negotiation is often reduced.
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Sales may include period furniture, outbuildings, forests, etc.
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A notarial expertise is strongly recommended
6. Signature & formalities
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Sales agreement signed at the notary's office (with or without suspensive condition)
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Legal withdrawal period of 10 days
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Final act within 2 to 4 months
4. Legal and tax points to know
📜 1. Taxation
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Transfer rights (approximately 7.5%)
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IFI (Property Wealth Tax) if net assets > €1.3 million
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Possible reduction via main residence or furnished rental investment
🏛️ 2. Properties classified or registered as Historic Monuments
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Tax benefits (deduction of work on property or overall income)
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Work supervised by the ABF
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Partial financing possible through grants (DRAC)
📄 3. Case of acquisition by SCI or company
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Allows the property to be structured by several
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Interesting in the event of transmission (donation-sharing, dismemberment)
5. Indicative prices by type in 2025
| Kind of good | Surface | Average price 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Renovated Provençal country house | 250 – 400 m² | €1.2 to €3 million |
| Private mansion in town | 300 – 500 m² | €2.5 to €6 million |
| Castle with park (Loire Valley) | 500 – 1000 m² | €1.8 to €5 million |
| Norman or Breton manor | 200 – 450 m² | €850,000 to €2 million |
| Stone house (Occitanie, South-West) | 180 – 350 m² | €700,000 to €1.6 million |
6. Why go through Propriétés De Charme?
✅ Selection of character properties only
We only publish listings for high-end homes , carefully validated for their authenticity, architecture and quality.
🛠️ Full service
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Support from our expert agents
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Writing and SEO optimization of your ad
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Help with visual enhancement (professional photography recommended)
🌍 International visibility
Your property is seen by a premium targeted audience , in France and internationally (52% Europe / 48% rest of the world).
7. Buying a luxury home: mistakes to avoid
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Underestimating maintenance costs (heating, roofing, garden, security, etc.)
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Forget renovation constraints (PLU, ABF, flood zone, etc.)
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Buying too quickly without comparing several properties
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Do not consult a lawyer or a specialized notary
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Neglecting inheritance or tax aspects
Purchasing a prestigious home in France is an exciting, strategic, and deeply personal project. To make this acquisition a success, you need to take the time to clearly define your needs, surround yourself with experts, and, above all, choose properties with historical value, charm, and heritage potential .
At Propriétés De Charme , our team supports you with discretion and professionalism, whether you are a buyer in France or internationally.
📩 Do you have a project?
Submit your criteria via our form or contact our customer service for a targeted, customized search.
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