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Yes, that is absolutely possible. Whether you are an expatriate, a non-resident, or simply away for an extended period, there are now many solutions to purchase property in France without being physically present at every step. Notarial power of attorney, virtual tours, electronic signatures… as long as you are well supported, everything can be done remotely with complete security, in full compliance with legal and practical requirements.
Buying property remotely from abroad has become a common practice, made easier by digital tools and professionals who can adapt to the realities of expatriates.
Discover how to buy in France from abroad thanks to digital solutions, notarial power of attorney, and the personalized support of Fairway Luxury Real Estate.
French law places absolutely no restriction on non-residents acquiring property. Whether you live in London, Singapore, Dubai, or Montreal, you are fully entitled to invest in French real estate.
More importantly, recent legal and technological developments now make the process much easier:
- Notarial power of attorney: to sign official documents remotely,
- Virtual tours and personalized videos: to explore properties before traveling,
- Electronic signatures: recognized by notaries and banks,
- Streamlined professionals: such as Fairway Luxury Real Estate, capable of coordinating every step on your behalf.
At Fairway, our approach is designed to meet the needs of expatriates: seamless communication via phone or WhatsApp, flexible scheduling, fully digitalized documentation, and on-demand video reports. You remain in full control of your project—even from a distance.
1. Define your project
What is your objective? A primary residence, a rental investment, or a pied-à-terre in Paris? Your strategy will shape the choices of location, size, budget, and timing.
2. Identify the right property
We create a targeted shortlist for you, with recorded tours and detailed feedback. You receive a complete file for each selected property, including its advantages, points of caution, and concrete elements to support your decision-making.
3. Secure financing
It is possible to obtain a mortgage from abroad. Generally, you should anticipate:
- A larger down payment (20% to 40%),
- Opening a bank account in France,
- A well-prepared file, sometimes with documents translated.
4. Sign remotely
The signing of the preliminary contract and the final deed can be completed remotely through a power of attorney, either with a notary in France or via a consulate. In some cases, electronic signatures are accepted.
Contrary to common belief, our clients never sign without having seen the property. What we make possible is centralization and efficiency.
Case 1: Buying a primary residence from London
An executive based in London, with a very demanding job at Société Générale, wanted to purchase a family apartment in Paris before moving back. We carried out a targeted search, organized the viewings, and provided detailed video reports. Once negotiations with the seller were concluded, he arranged a round trip to Paris to visit the property, confirm his choice, and meet with an architect and a contractor. Thanks to our thorough preparation, everything was planned for a single day. He then signed with full confidence and guarantees in hand.
Case 2: Rental investment from Singapore
An expatriate investor in Singapore wanted to secure a long-term asset in Paris. We identified a top-floor apartment with an open view in a highly sought-after address. After validating all the details remotely, he made a short trip to Paris to visit the property, confirm his decision, meet with a rental manager, and proceed with the signing. We then coordinated the notarial and rental management processes.
As a non-resident buyer, you need to be aware of certain tax rules:
- Obtaining a French tax identification number,
- Taxation in France of rental income (minimum rate of 20% + social contributions),
- Capital gains tax in the event of resale, depending on the holding period,
- Wealth Tax on Real Estate (IFI) applicable starting at €1.3 million of real estate assets in France.
Tax treaties between France and your country of residence may help avoid double taxation.
We specialize in assisting expatriate and non-resident clients, with a method designed specifically for their needs and an active partnership with the UFE (Union des Français de l’Étranger).
Concretely, we provide you with:
- A tailor-made shortlist, built according to your goals,
- Commented video tours and objective feedback,
- Administrative, banking, and notarial support at every stage,
- Smooth coordination with all stakeholders in the project (banks, notaries, architects, property managers…).
Buying real estate in France from abroad is not only possible but also very common today. With rigorous support, the right tools, and a responsive team, you can become a homeowner safely, without making multiple trips back and forth.
Do you have a property purchase project from abroad?
Write to us at bonjour@fairwayluxuryrealestate.com or via our website to arrange an initial consultation.
1. Can a non-resident buy property in France?
Yes. French law fully allows expatriates and non-residents to purchase an apartment or a house in France, with no nationality restrictions.
2. Do I have to travel to France to buy a property?
You are not required to travel for every step. However, at Fairway Luxury Real Estate, our clients always visit the property before signing. We prepare everything in advance (video tours, negotiations, mortgage file) so your visit is optimized: property validation, meetings with architects or contractors all in a single day.
3. Can the deed of sale be signed remotely?
Yes. Signatures can be completed via notarial power of attorney or electronic signature, depending on the case, with prior validation by your notary.
4. How can I obtain a mortgage from abroad?
French banks accept financing for expatriates and non-residents but usually require a down payment of 20% to 40%, a French bank account, and a complete file—sometimes with translated documents.
5. What taxes apply to a non-resident buyer?
You will need to obtain a French tax identification number. Rental income is taxed in France (minimum 20% + social contributions), and capital gains tax may apply in case of resale. The Wealth Tax on Real Estate (IFI) applies to property portfolios above €1.3M.
6. What are the advantages of working with Fairway Luxury Real Estate?
We provide targeted shortlists, detailed video tours, complete legal and banking support, and coordination with all parties (notary, bank, property manager) for a smooth and secure purchase process.
7. Is it possible to have the property managed after purchase?
Yes. We work with trusted rental management partners to handle leasing, inspections, key handovers, and property maintenance.
8. What types of properties are most sought after by expatriates?
The most in-demand are family apartments in Paris (8th, 17th, 16th districts), pied-à-terre in central neighborhoods, and rental investments that offer solid returns and long-term value growth.
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