Buying Property in Antibes
Discover the Antibes property buying process
Think lazy lunches by the sea, rolling vineyards and fresh croissants from the village bakery. Add in welcoming locals and a slower pace of life and you’ll soon see why so many people fall for this part of France. Whether you’re after a holiday home, a permanent move or an investment, buying here gives you the chance to enjoy all that charm whenever you like.
So why buy in Antibes? Access to the French Riviera and Provence, the great outdoors, the sea, the chance to earn a good rental income and investment in a popular destination, are all great reasons to buy here. Add in the chance to earn rental income or invest in a popular holiday destination and it’s easy to see the appeal. With good transport links and property prices still attractive compared to the UK, buying here has become more accessible than ever.
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Start buying property
There are several different routes to buying property in Antibes, each with its own advantages depending on your circumstances.
- Estate agents (agents immobiliers) – Licensed professionals who bring buyers and sellers together. Many in ski resorts speak more than one language. Properties are often listed with several agents, sometimes at different prices, so it’s worth comparing.
- Private sales – Buying direct from the owner can sometimes be cheaper, as there are no estate agent fees included in the price. Look on national property websites, in local papers, or even for handwritten “à vendre” signs in windows.
- Notaire sales – A notaire is a government-appointed legal official who oversees property transactions. Occasionally, especially with inherited property, sales are handled directly through their office.
- Auctions (ventes aux enchères) – Less common in France than in some countries, but occasionally they offer good opportunities. There are voluntary auctions (owners selling property) and judicial auctions (linked to inheritances or liquidations).
Property for Sale in Antibes
See all Property for Sale in Antibes-
Apartment for Sale
Boasting an exceptional location facing the sea, in the heart of a sought-after area, this property offers 160 sq m of living area, plus 200 sq m of seafront terraces and a 130sqm garden.
Price: €1,395,000
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Villa for Sale
A stunning stone property, boasting amazing sea views, with guest house, pool and double garage.
Price: €12,700,000
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Villa for Sale
Nestled in a peaceful green setting, this characterful property enjoys a privileged location just a short walk from the village center and one of the most sought-after shopping areas on the coast.
Price: €1,450,000
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Villa for Sale
Nestled at the summit of a prestigious residential estate, this new 575 sq m contemporary villa embodies the very essence of luxury.
Price: €7,700,000
Leaseback property
With leaseback you buy a new build, lease it back to the developer, and receive rental income while keeping a set number of weeks for your own use. Costs are low as management is included, but returns vary and you may have to repay tax rebates if you sell early.
Buying process
Buying property in France follows a structured process with clear stages. Knowing them in advance makes the journey much smoother.
- Make an offer (offre d’achat) – Put your offer in writing, usually via the agent, with any conditions clearly stated.
- Sign the preliminary contract (compromis de vente) – This legally binding agreement sets out the price, conditions, and timescales. Protective clauses (clauses suspensives) can be added, such as subject to finance or survey results.
- Pay the deposit – Typically 5–10% of the price. A ten-day cooling-off period applies, during which you can withdraw without penalty. After that, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
- Completion (acte authentique de vente) – The final deed of sale, signed at the notaire’s office. At this stage, full payment is made and ownership passes to you.
The notaire is a neutral party acting for the state, not just for one side. However, buyers can appoint their own notaire if they prefer.
Estate Agents in Antibes
See all Estate Agents in Antibes-
Savills Estate Agent
Part of the international property company Savills, Savills Cap d’Antibes promotes a range of luxury villas, apartments and contemporary developments for sale and lettings in Antibes and the surrounding popular locations of Juan les Pins, Golfe Juan, and Biot.
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Savills Estate Agent
Part of the international property company Savills, Savills Valbonne promotes a range of luxury villas, apartments and contemporary developments for sale and lettings in Valbonne, and the surrounding popular locations Grasse, Mougins, Biot and Roguefort-les-Pins.
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Agence du Vieil Antibes
This agency is now managed by the second generation of the family that founded it. Because of its history and longevity, it is ideally suited to help clients find a home and establish themselves in the area.
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Riviera Consulting Estate Agents
This estate agency is run by Eva Bessing who has a wealth of experience and offer properties from Antibes to Cannes to Nice.
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Exclusive Riviera Homes Estate Agents, Grasse
All their staff are bi-lingual speaking both English and French and available to assist you with your South of France experience, from finding the most suitable holiday property, rent out your existing property or indeed to find that dream French Riviera luxury villa.
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Carlton International Luxury Real Estate
A team of discreet, professional, experienced and multilingual staff are at your service to assist you whatever your property requirements may be.
Offer to completion process
During the buying process you will be required to sign official documentation and hand over the required funds to make the property legally yours. Buying property abroad can sometimes become a complicated process, and you should note that in many countries the process varies significantly.
It is strongly advised that before committing you arm yourself with all the relevant purchasing information, and complete all necessary financial and structural checks relating to your property. Before signing any official documentation you should make sure you fully understand the legal complexities involved in your purchase and, if possible, make sure you have a notaire fluent in both English and French, so they can explain to you exactly what you are signing.
It is also worthwhile ensuring that your notaire checks the debts against the property, as in some countries once the house sale has been registered you could be liable for any attached debt.
Property buying fees
Costs to Expect
Alongside the purchase price, you’ll need to allow for additional fees and taxes. These can vary depending on whether the property is new or old, and how the transaction is structured.
Notaire’s fees (frais de notaire): usually 7–10% for older properties, around 2–3% for new builds.
- Estate agent commission: often 3–10%, sometimes included in the asking price, sometimes added separately.
- Registration tax (droits d’enregistrement): about 5% on older properties, lower for new developments.
- VAT (TVA): charged at 20% on new builds and many associated fees.
- Other potential costs: surveys, mortgage fees, and currency exchange charges.
Mortgages
French mortgages usually last 7–25 years with strict affordability checks. Payments normally can’t exceed a third of your income. You’ll also need life insurance to secure the loan.
General taxes
Property ownership in France carries certain ongoing taxes. These can vary depending on the property and your circumstances, so it’s worth taking professional advice.
- Local taxes: taxe foncière (land tax) and taxe d’habitation (occupancy tax). Both apply even if the property is only used seasonally.
- Wealth tax: charged on assets above a certain threshold.
- Capital gains tax: payable when selling a second home or rental property.
- Inheritance rules: French succession law can override wills, with property often passing directly to children.
Final Tips
Buying a property abroad can feel daunting, but the French system is clear and well regulated. A few precautions will help everything run smoothly:
- Always have contracts translated or fully explained before signing.
- Consider arranging a survey, particularly for older Alpine homes.
- Be mindful of currency exchange fluctuations if funding your purchase from abroad.
- Take independent legal and tax advice tailored to your situation.