Buying a property in France remains one of the most popular long-term plans for British expats. Whether you are dreaming of a countryside home, a coastal retreat, or a base for retirement, France continues to offer lifestyle, stability, and value that many UK buyers find increasingly hard to match at home.
However, buying in France as a British national in 2026 is not the same as it was pre-Brexit. While UK citizens are still free to purchase property, the legal, banking, visa, and travel landscape has changed, and understanding those changes early can save you time, money, and frustration.
This article explains how buying a property in France works in 2026 for British expats, including market conditions, financing, visas, border rules, and the real costs to budget for.
Table of Contents
Can British citizens still buy property in France after Brexit?
Yes. Brexit did not restrict the right of British citizens to buy property in France.
You do not need residency or a visa to purchase real estate.
What has changed is what happens around the purchase.
As a non-EU buyer, you should expect:
- More documentation requests (identity, income, source of funds)
- Stricter checks from banks and notaires
- Tighter rules on length of stay in France
- Additional compliance steps if you plan to live in the property long term
In practice, British buyers remain very active, especially in rural, coastal, and lifestyle-driven regions.
The French property market in 2026: What buyers should expect
After the sharp adjustment seen between 2022 and 2024, the French property market in 2026 is best described as mixed and localised.
Key points for buyers:
- Prices have broadly stabilised nationally, but trends vary sharply by region
- New housing supply remains constrained, supporting long-term values
- Competition is lower than during the ultra-low-rate years
- Sellers in some areas are more open to negotiation
Official housing data in France is primarily published through Notaires de France and INSEE house-price indices, which show:
- Strong resilience in cities and desirable lifestyle zones
- Continued affordability in rural and secondary markets
- Significant variation within the same department or city
Average property prices in France in 2026
The national average property price in France is now 3,141 €/m². However, prices vary widely depending on the location and type of property:
| Location | Average price (€/m²) |
|---|---|
| Paris | 9,718 € |
| Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur | 4,148 € |
| Nouvelle-Aquitaine | 3,242 € |
| Languedoc | 2,905 € |
| Dordogne | 1,830 € |
| Charentes | 1,614 € |
| National average for apartments | 3,910 € |
| National average for houses | 2,546 € |
For lifestyle inspiration, see The 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in France
Where British buyers are still focusing in 2026
British expats continue to favour regions that combine value, accessibility, and lifestyle.
Popular choices include:
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Dordogne, Charente, Charente-Maritime)
- Occitanie (inland and Mediterranean areas)
- PACA for those with higher budgets seeking climate and amenities
- Selected Atlantic and western regions with strong transport links
Rural areas and small towns remain particularly attractive for buyers prioritising space and long-term living rather than short-term resale.
Financing a French property as a British expat in 2026
Buying in France is possible for non-residents, but you’ll need to plan your financing carefully:
In practice:
- Non-resident buyers are commonly asked for a 15–30% deposit
- Maximum mortgage term is typically 25 years
- The official 35% debt-to-income (DTI) cap applies
- All loans are subject to the taux d’usure (usury rate cap), updated quarterly by the Banque de France
Rather than quoting fixed interest-rate ranges, buyers should expect:
- Rates to vary by lender, loan structure, and borrower profile
- Approval decisions to focus heavily on income stability and documentation quality
Working with a broker experienced in international buyers is often essential.
Is a French bank account required?
A French bank account is not legally mandatory to buy property, but it is often required in practice, especially for:
- Mortgage repayments
- Utility direct debits
- Property taxes and local charges
- Ongoing ownership costs
Many notaires and lenders strongly prefer a French account for smooth completion.
Visa rules for British buyers planning to stay in France
The 90/180-day rule (Schengen)
British citizens may stay up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.
This rule applies regardless of property ownership.
Entry/Exit System (EES): now operational
A major change for 2026 is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES):
- Launched 12 October 2025
- Phased rollout through early 2026
- Full operation expected by 10 April 2026
EES records biometric data and automatically tracks entries and exits. Overstays of the 90/180 rule will become far easier to detect.
ETIAS: expected late 2026 (not yet open)
ETIAS (the EU travel authorisation system) is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026.
- It is not operational yet
- No application is currently required
- When launched, use only the official EU website
Long-stay visas for living in your French property
If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you will need a long-stay visa. Most British buyers use a VLS-TS (long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit).
Key points:
- Application is made via the French consulate in the UK
- Proof of accommodation, insurance, and financial means is required
- VLS-TS visas must be validated online within 3 months of arrival (critical compliance step)
The real cost of buying property in France in 2026
Notaire fees and purchase costs
For older property:
- Approximately 7–8% of the purchase price
For new builds:
- Approximately 2–3%
Important 2026 update:
- Since the 2025 Finance Law, departments may raise DMTO (property transfer tax) up to a 5% cap
- This increase is optional and depends on local votes
- As a result, acquisition costs can be higher in some departments through April 2028
Always check the applicable departmental rate at the time of purchase.
> You might be interested in this article: Frais de notaire: Understanding the notary fees in France
Other costs to budget for
- Mortgage arrangement and brokerage fees
- Survey costs (optional but recommended)
- Ongoing property taxes
- Currency exchange costs when transferring GBP to EUR
For large transfers, working with a specialist FX provider, like Ibanista, can materially reduce costs compared with retail banks.
FAQs: Buying a property in France as a British expat
Can I still buy a property in France after Brexit?
Yes. British citizens can legally buy property in France with no restrictions, though you’ll need a visa for stays over 90 days.
Do I need a visa to buy a house in France?
No. But you do need a long-stay visa if you plan to live in the property full-time or stay more than 90 days.
How much does property cost in France in 2026?
On average, property costs 3,141 €/m² nationally. Rural regions like Charentes and Dordogne offer prices under 2,000 €/m², while Paris averages 9,718 €/m².
Can I get a French mortgage as a UK citizen?
Yes. French banks do offer mortgages to non-residents, but expect to provide more documentation and a higher deposit.
What regions are popular with British buyers?
The Dordogne, Charentes, and Occitanie remain top choices for affordability and lifestyle, especially for those seeking rural charm and a slower pace of life. For city lovers, Bordeaux and Nice are also popular, offering vibrant culture, international connections, and strong property markets.
Final thoughts: Buying in France as a British expat in 2026
Buying a property in France in 2026 is absolutely achievable for British expats, but it requires clear sequencing, realistic expectations, and proper preparation.
France continues to offer:
- Strong legal protection for buyers
- A diverse and resilient property market
- High quality of life
- Long-term lifestyle value rather than speculation
The key difference post-Brexit is not whether you can buy, but how carefully you plan everything around the purchase.
With the right structure, professional advice, and an understanding of the 2026 rules, buying property in France remains one of the most rewarding long-term moves a British expat can make.
Updated in January 2026
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