Who handles the transaction              

Real estate agents coordinate the process and represent buyers and sellers through negotiation, contract preparation, and closing. Title companies handle title searches and escrow, and buyers typically purchase title insurance to protect ownership rights.

A Notaire (a government-certified neutral official) manages the entire legal process, from title checks to registration and final deed signing.

Contractual phases

Contract → negotiation →  inspections → closing. Real estate agents guide clients through these steps, ensuring contingencies (financing, inspections, appraisal) are included and deadlines met.

 The purchase process follows a structured sequence:

• Offre d’Achat (Offer to Purchase) – A written offer sometimes requested by an agent immobilier. No deposit is allowed at this stage. If accepted, it forms the basis for a contract. Sign only in the presence of your own notaire.

• Compromis de Vente (Bilateral Agreement) – The most common contract, binding both buyer and seller. It sets the price, deposit (around 10%), and any clauses suspensives (special conditions) such as financing. After signing, the buyer has 10 days to withdraw without penalty; beyond that, backing out without meeting a stated condition means losing the deposit.

• Promesse de Vente (Unilateral Promise to Sell) – Similar to an option contract where the seller grants the buyer exclusive rights to purchase at an agreed price within a set time. Since 2015, all property documents (Loi Carrez measurement, required inspections, energy reports, co-ownership meeting notes) must be ready before signing.  

Mandatory inspections / diagnostics

Buyers usually order home inspections and may renegotiate based on the results. Agents help coordinate these steps and advise on repair negotiations.

Sellers must provide a “Dossier de Diagnostic Technique,” which includes energy performance, lead, termite, and other mandatory reports. These are primarily for information, but the buyer must be aware of their content before signing.

Surface area measurement

Square footage reporting varies by jurisdiction and can
include or exclude elements like walls or balconies. Real estate agents rely on local standards (e.g., MLS definitions) to market property size.

The Loi Carrez requires precise measurement of usable interior area for condominiums. If the final measurement differs by more than 5% from what was advertised, the buyer can request a price adjustment.

Representation model

Agents can represent either the buyer or  the seller. Buyer’s agents work exclusively to protect their client’s interests—negotiating price, drafting and reviewing offers, advising on contingencies, and coordinating inspections and appraisals.

Primarily represents the seller. The agent immobilier is hired by the seller to market and sell the property. While buyer's agents (chasseurs immobiliers) exist, the practice is far less common, and many buyers deal directly with the listing agent. 

Scope of work

Full-service guidance: market analysis, pricing strategies, home search, offer preparation, negotiating repairs, and oversight of all steps until closing. Agents also coordinate with lenders, title companies, inspectors, and appraisers.

Primarily marketing and matchmaking: advertising, arranging viewings, handling offers, and relaying terms to the notaire. Property finders may assist buyers with search and negotiation, but do not take on the legal role of U.S. agents.

Compensation

Traditionally about 2.5–3% of the sale price per side, but sellers are no longer required to pay the buyer’s agent commission. Sellers can decide whether to offer any compensation when listing or during negotiations. If none is offered, buyers must arrange to pay their agent directly, which can raise closing costs.  

Commission (often 3–5%) is generally included in the
listed price and paid by the seller. If a buyer hires a property finder, an additional fee—often 1–3%—may apply.

Mortgage availability & terms

Wide range of mortgage products; competitive environment; down payments from as little as 3–5% for some first-time programs; credit scores play a big role.

Non-residents can borrow, but banks often require 20–30% down (sometimes more) and more documentation.

Interest rates

Rates fluctuate with Federal Reserve policy and market conditions.

Historically lower and mostly fixed; but foreign buyers may pay a premium.

Approval process

Buyer’s credit history, income, employment, and appraisal
drive approval; contingencies protect the buyer.

Financing contingencies must be explicitly written into the preliminary contract to avoid forfeiting deposits.

Closing costs

Typically 2–5% of the purchase price, covering title insurance, title company and escrow services, transfer/recordation taxes, and inspections. If the seller does not offer a buyer’s agent commission, the buyer must cover their agent’s fee directly, which can increase total closing costs.  

Around 6.5–7.5% of the purchase price, primarily for notaire fees and registration taxes. In France, the seller traditionally pays the listing agent’s fee, and the buyer does not pay a separate buyer’s agent commission unless a private agreement states otherwise.

Ongoing property taxes & fees

Annual property tax varies by counties; condo/HOA fees cover building maintenance.

Annual taxe foncière (land tax), taxe d’habitation (residence tax for some properties), and charges de copropriété (condo fees).

Inheritance & estate planning

Flexible with trusts or wills under U.S. law.

France enforces forced heirship, reserving part of the estate for children, unless special planning is done.

Typical closing timeframe

Often 30–60 days, depending on financing and inspections.

Commonly 2–4 months, including a 10-day cooling-off
period.

Negotiation style

Buyers and sellers negotiate through agents, often after inspections.

Negotiation occurs before signing the preliminary
contract; after that, terms change little.

Cooling-off rights

Contingencies allow exit for financing or inspection issues.

Buyers automatically receive a 10-day cancellation window after signing the compromis de vente.