Selling real estate in France from abroad (Fairway Luxury Real Estate)

Can You Sell Real Estate in France from Abroad ?

Yes, selling property in France from abroad is entirely possible. With notarized power of attorney, secure electronic signatures, and a trusted partner like Fairway Luxury Real Estate, expatriates and investors can complete their sale with full peace of mind.

Discover how expatriates and non-residents can legally and securely sell real estate in France with Fairway Luxury Real Estate.

Selling from Abroad: A Legal, Secure, and Well-Regulated Process

French law fully authorizes non-residents to sell property located in France. You are under no obligation to be physically present to initiate or finalize a transaction, provided you are properly advised.

You can:

- Appoint a real estate agency in France
- Sign the sales mandate, the preliminary contract, and the final deed via power of attorney or qualified electronic signature
- Follow the entire process from abroad, without disrupting your professional life or traveling unnecessarily

Every year, many French expatriates choose this option to anticipate their return, adjust their assets, or sell a property that no longer suits their lifestyle.

How to Sell Property in France from Abroad?

1. Appoint a Trusted Professional

At Fairway Luxury Real Estate, we handle the entire process locally, from the valuation of your property to the final signature:

- Professional photos and videos
- Drafting and publishing the listing on the right platforms
- Organizing visits and selecting qualified buyers
- Negotiation and coordination with the notary

You remain in control, even from abroad.

2. Sign a Remote Sales Mandate

Two options are available:

- Secure electronic signature via a certified platform
- Notarized power of attorney, established in your country of residence or via the consulate

We support you in both cases with a clear, compliant, and transparent procedure.

3. Gather the Required Documents

We organize all mandatory technical diagnostics (energy performance, asbestos, electricity, etc.) on your behalf.
We also assist you in collecting the necessary administrative documents (title deed, co-ownership regulations, latest service charge statements, etc.).

4. Organize Visits and Negotiate

Our agents conduct the visits and keep you informed in real time. Offers are analyzed, compared, and reported to you with complete transparency.
Our goal: to defend your interests as if you were present.

5. Sign the Preliminary Contract and the Final Deed

Signatures can be completed:
- Via notarized power of attorney signed before a notary or consulate
- Or, in certain cases, via qualified electronic signature, validated by the notary

We also assist with fiscal and banking aspects, in full compliance with AML-CFT regulations.

Real Case Studies of Remote Sales

Expatriates in Seoul: Selling to Prepare Their Return

A French-Korean couple living in Seoul for 15 years owned an apartment in Paris’s 10th arrondissement. Preparing their return to France, they wished to sell it to finance a larger property.
Fairway managed everything from Paris: diagnostics, photos, visits, and securing a strong buyer.
A notarized power of attorney enabled them to sign remotely, and they received the funds needed for their new purchase before even setting foot back in Paris.

Early Return from New York: Selling the Old, Buying the New

A family in New York with two children at the French-American School was planning a return within 8 months. They owned an apartment in the 9th arrondissement, no longer suited to their needs.Their goal: sell the old property before their return and acquire a new home near Parc Monceau.

Fairway handled the entire sale remotely and simultaneously launched a targeted search. When they visited Paris for two days, everything was ready: viewing the selected apartment, signing the contract, and meeting with an architect. Their transition was seamless and stress-free.

What Tax Rules Apply to Non-Residents?

Capital Gains Tax

Capital gains are taxed at:

- 19% income tax
- 17.2% social contributions


Allowances apply:

- Partial exemption after 6 years of ownership
- Full exemption after 22 years (income tax) and 30 years (social contributions)


A special exemption may apply for returnees if:

- You have not owned your main residence in France for the last 4 years
- And if you repatriate the sales proceeds

Tax Representative

If you reside outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and the sale price exceeds €150,000, a certified tax representative is required.
Fairway connects you with trusted, approved professionals.

Why Choose Fairway Luxury Real Estate?

A complete, structured, and transparent service:

- Full management of your sale from abroad
- Flexible sales mandate tailored to expatriates
- Coordinated notarial and fiscal procedures
- Smooth communication adapted to your time zone (WhatsApp, video calls, phone)
- Rigorous, results-oriented negotiation
- A single dedicated point of contact from start to finish

We are partners of the Union of French Abroad (UFE) and fully understand the challenges of international mobility.

Conclusion

Selling real estate in France from abroad is entirely possible, legal, secure, and increasingly common.


With the right tools, solid organization, and bespoke support, you can achieve your project without unnecessary travel or compromise on results.


Are you abroad and looking to sell property in Paris or elsewhere in France?
Contact us at bonjour@fairwayluxuryrealestate.com or via our contact form.
We will respond clearly, in your time zone, and with full regulatory compliance.

FAQ – Selling Real Estate in France from Abroad

Is it legal to sell property in France while living abroad?
Yes. French law fully allows expatriates and non-residents to sell property in France. The transaction can be managed remotely through notarized power of attorney or secure electronic signature.


Do I need to be physically present in France to sign?
No. You can sign via notarized power of attorney at a local notary or consulate. Some French notaries also allow secure electronic signature.


What are the tax obligations if I sell property from abroad?
Capital gains tax applies: 19% income tax and 17.2% social contributions. Exemptions apply depending on ownership duration. Non-EU residents must appoint a certified tax representative if the sale exceeds €150,000.


Can I sell and buy simultaneously while abroad?
Yes, this is common for expatriates preparing their return. Fairway coordinates the sale and acquisition seamlessly.


What if my property is rented at the time of sale?
You can sell a rented property, subject to tenant rights. Fairway helps manage notifications and evaluates the impact on your sale strategy.


What mandatory diagnostics are required?
Energy performance, asbestos, lead, electricity, gas, risk assessments, etc. Fairway organizes all diagnostics remotely.


How long does it take to sell from abroad?
On average, 1–3 months to secure a buyer, then 2–3 months until final signing.


Why is Fairway the right partner for expatriate sellers?

We specialize in remote transactions: one dedicated advisor, transparent reporting, expert negotiation, and seamless handling of legal, fiscal, and administrative aspects.

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