Cannes – a resort town located on the French Riviera is a popular spot known for its international film festival and holiday beaches. Curving along the coast, the city is surrounded with sandy beaches, palatial hotels and upmarket boutiques. It is home to the rich and the famous with extravagant festivals, bustling nightlife and grand casinos making it one of the most glamourous locations in the Riviera.

Nice – the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera. It is surrounded with pebbly shores and full of historical buildings from the Belle Epoque era. It has established itself as the go-to retreat for the European elites with its rich artistic history and beautiful seaside, which are the best places for wonderous views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a place of elegance and style which is reflected in its buildings as well.

St. Tropez – a small coastal town on the French Riviera in south eastern France. St. Tropez is a popular tourist destination with its artistic history, sandy beaches and exciting nightlife. It has a cobblestoned quarter which dates back to its history as a famous fishing village. However, the fishing boats have since been replaced by luxurious yachts at all its ports. Miles of rugged landscapes and a series of chic resorts is what St. Tropez is all about. The cruises on the clue ocean and magnificent atmosphere boast unrivalled sophistication and style.

These hotshot locations on the French Riviera are a haven for luxury investment properties.

The French Property Buying Process

1. Signing the Agreement

After finding the property you want, you can negotiate the terms, conditions and price of the house with the owner. After an agreement is reached, you sign a preliminary contract called the Compromis de Vente. It is a legal document that binds both parties after ten days of its signing. This Compromis is signed in front of a notary and an agent. You can add different clauses in the agreement if the title deed hasn’t been finalized. Details about the mortgage are also included.

2. Paying the Deposit

You will then be required to pay a deposit which is typically ten percent of the agreed-upon sale price. This deposit is paid to the Notaire and is deducted from the final balance that you will have to pay. However, if your agent has a carte professionelle, you can also pay them. This deposit will be refundable if you change your mind about the purchase and inform the Notaire on time.

3. On Completion

The purchase takes about two to three months before it is completed. All documents are handed over to you when the balance has been paid.