Buying or selling property in France

If you're planning to buy or sell property in France, it's essential to understand how the legal process differs from conveyancing in England and Wales. In France, property transactions must be overseen by a notaire, who plays a central role in drafting and authenticating contracts, handling funds, and registering ownership.

We work closely with L'Office Notarial de L'Europe, a long-established notarial office based in Lyon, to support UK clients buying or selling property throughout France.

Expert guidance from a cross-border notaire

Maître Coralie Perrier-Favre is an associate notaire at the firm and leads on all cross-border work involving UK clients. She specialises in Franco-British property matters and has particular expertise in supporting British nationals with second homes, relocations, and inherited property.

Whether you're purchasing a holiday home, moving permanently, or selling an inherited asset, we can provide the guidance and legal support you need.

Maître Perrier-Favre is responsible for handling a wide range of formalities in French property transactions, including:

• Preparing and authenticating the compromis de vente (sale agreement)
• Conducting title checks and verifying property boundaries
• Managing deposits and coordinating completion
• Calculating and collecting relevant taxes and fees
• Registering the change of ownership with the Service de la Publicité Foncière

How we assist UK clients

While Maître Perrier-Favre handles the formalities required under French law, our team provides practical legal support from the UK side. We help ensure the process is clearly explained, legally secure, and aligned with your wider financial or estate planning goals.

We can assist by:

• Reviewing and explaining the French sale or purchase process in plain English
• Preparing or checking powers of attorney for use in France
• Providing legal opinions or certificates of English law where required
• Advising on inheritance implications linked to the property
• Supporting with the sale of inherited property, including providing UK probate documentation required by the notaire

Joined-up legal support

Property transactions involving two distinct legal systems often proceed more smoothly when both parties are well-coordinated. Our collaboration with Maître Coralie Perrier-Favre ensures that nothing is lost in translation—legally or practically.

If you're buying or selling property in France and want clear, reliable support from solicitors familiar with both French and English systems, get in touch to discuss your plans with our team.