How long does it take to buy property in France?
Timing depends on many factors: pre-emption or not, loan timing, notary availability. Here are the steps and what to plan for.
Updated 23 October 2026
The main steps
- Search and viewings: highly variable
- Offer accepted by the seller
- Signing the sale agreement (compromis / promesse)
- 10-day withdrawal period for the buyer
- Obtaining the loan: file, approval, loan offer
- Possible pre-emption period (up to 2 months)
- Signing the final deed at the notary
Time between agreement and deed
Roughly three months is common between agreement and deed, as a guide: the agreement sets a deadline and includes a loan-condition clause, often of 45–60 days. The earlier your financing file is ready, the more controlled the timeline.
The loan within the timeline
Once you receive the loan offer, a 10-day reflection period applies before acceptance, and the offer stays valid at least 30 days. Plan for it so as not to exceed the agreement’s deadline.
How to save time
Prepare documents before searching, have your borrowing capacity reviewed upfront and contact the lender as soon as the agreement is signed, or before.
Frequently asked questions
Average time between agreement and deed?
Often around three months depending on circumstances, any pre-emption and loan timing.
When can I accept the loan offer?
After a 10-day reflection period from receipt.
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