Negotiating and making an offer

Property prices

While the French property market has become more price-sensitive in recent years, particularly following the rise in interest rates after 2022, sellers’ expectations are gradually firming again as transaction volumes recover.

Nationally, the average reduction achieved through negotiation on older (non-new-build) property has been around six to nine percent, according to recent figures from major estate agency networks. 

However, this headline figure masks significant regional variation. In more competitive and higher-priced areas – such as Paris, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur or parts of Alsace – discounts are often modest, sometimes only a few percentage points or less. 

In lower-priced or less liquid markets, including parts of central France, negotiations of 10% or more may still be possible.

Several factors influence how much room there is to negotiate, including how long the property has been on the market, local supply and demand, and the property’s energy performance rating (DPE). 

Buyers who do not require a mortgage are often in a stronger negotiating position, as a cash purchase can significantly speed up the process and reduce uncertainty for the seller. Estate agent fees are also negotiable, particularly where an agent is keen to secure a sale.

Making an offer

Offers in France are often made informally at first, either verbally or by email. However, estate agents frequently ask buyers to submit a written offer once a price has been discussed. This is usually framed as evidence of serious intent, particularly if there are competing buyers.

Buyers should be cautious at this stage. Under French law, a sale is considered to exist in law once there is agreement on the property being sold and the price (accord sur la chose et le prix, i.e. 'agreement on the thing and the price’). This agreement can be verbal or written, although in practice it is almost always written. In theory, it means that a clearly worded written offer, if accepted by the seller, can create a binding commitment, even before any contract is signed.

In practice, many written offers are drafted in a deliberately informal way, but buyers should resist pressure to move too quickly or to sign documents they do not fully understand. 

It is reasonable to state clearly that any offer is subject to the signing of a formal preliminary contract (compromis de vente) and to agreed conditions, including financing where relevant.

It is also sensible to make clear that the estate agent’s commission is only due on completion of the sale. While this is the legal position, agency mandates are not always explicit, and agents may push for rapid progress in order to secure their fee.

Sale contracts

Once a price has been agreed, the purchase process moves into a more formal phase. In France, buying property typically takes place in two main stages.

The first is the signing of a preliminary contract, usually a compromis de vente. This sets out the agreed price, identifies the property, and specifies the conditions under which the sale will proceed. At this stage, the buyer is usually asked to pay a deposit of around 5% to 10% of the purchase price.

The second stage is the signing of the final deed (acte de vente définitif), which normally takes place around two to three months later. This interval allows time for legal checks, searches, and (where relevant) mortgage arrangements to be completed.