Yes, you can buy a house in France and live there permanently, but buying property does not grant automatic residency; non-EU citizens (including UK, US, Canadian, Australian) must obtain the appropriate long-stay visa (like a Visitor or Retirement Visa) and then apply for a residence permit (Carte de Séjour) after arriving, showing sufficient income and integration to live in France long-term.
If you wish to spend longer than 90 days in France in every 180, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa, known as La Visa Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour (VLS-TS). Please note, it is possible to own a property in France and visit it without a visa in accordance with the 90-day rule.
Buying in France offers numerous advantages, but it doesn't automatically grant you a residency visa. However, purchasing real estate can support your visa application by showing your ties to the country. This is particularly important if you plan to live there part-time or make France your permanent residence.
Australians are able to buy French property with limited restrictions. Because foreign property purchases are quite popular in France, there are a few banks who will provide non-EU nationals with a mortgage, although there may be some limitations.
Hidden costs and taxes
One of the biggest pitfalls when buying property in France is underestimating the additional costs involved. Beyond the purchase price, buyers also need to budget for notary fees, real estate agent fees and different taxes.
The "5 to 7 rule" in France, or le cinq à sept, traditionally refers to a secret, after-work rendezvous (5 PM to 7 PM) with a lover for an illicit sexual encounter before returning home to family, but it's also used more broadly for discreet romantic meetings or even just a casual happy hour, though its meaning varies by region, with Québec using it more for social gatherings than affairs.
While the market is no longer red-hot, France remains a safe haven for real estate investment, particularly for lifestyle buyers and long-term investors. Prices are unlikely to surge, but they're also unlikely to collapse, especially in areas where demand outstrips supply and international buyers are active.
You can also obtain French permanent residency or citizenship status (provided you meet all requirements) if you live in France for at least 5 years, that is spending a minimum of 183 days yearly in the country.
Villers-Bretonneux is now a civic tribute to the valor of those Australian, British and Canadian soldiers, with the hotels and streets named after Australian cities. Rue de Melbourne runs through the centre of Villers-Bretonneux and L'hotel is a favourite watering hole for many locals.
You may be able to get Age Pension for the whole time you're outside Australia, even if you're leaving to live in another country. If you leave within 2 years of returning to Australia to live, your payment may stop if you: came back to Australia to live. started getting Age Pension after you returned.
Proof that you have sufficient financial resources
Normally, individuals who do not hold a passport of an EU-member country, will need to show that they have an annual/monthly income of more than the French minimum wage, which 01 1 January 2024 was €1,766.92 per month (Gross), around €1,400 per month (net).
George Clooney gets French citizenship, spars with Trump The French government says it granted George and Amal Clooney citizenship because of their contributions to its international influence. Their family has primarily lived in France since 2021.
Do you own a home in France used as your primary residence? If you own a home in France and use it as your primary residence, this will be one of two property taxes you can expect to pay. The first being your French property tax (Taxe Foncière) and the second being this French Council Tax (taxe d'habitation).
Taxes and ownership
Property purchase fees are roughly 7.5% of the purchase price, although some fees and costs can vary slightly. The French wealth tax starts at 0.5% for properties between €800,000 and €1.3 million, rising progressively to 1.5% for property over €10 million.
After 5 years of legal and uninterrupted residence in France, you get a right to permanent residence. You can prove your right to stay for the previous 5 years by any means (employment contract, unemployment certificate, registration in the trade and businesses register, etc.).
The 15 July 2025 decree on residence permits
It rewrites the conditions of “republican integration” for long-term statuses by requiring proof of A2-level French for a first multi-annual residence card and B1-level French for a first resident card, in both cases through recognised diplomas or certifications.
Best Places to Live in France for Expats
While the United States (US) is Australia's key strategic ally and often seen as a very close partner by leaders, public opinion polls consistently show New Zealand as Australia's "best friend" in the world, followed by the US and then the United Kingdom, reflecting deep cultural and historical ties with both neighbors.
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel held great respect for Australian soldiers, viewing them as tough, skilled, and formidable fighters, especially in attack, famously stating he'd use Australians to take hell and New Zealanders to hold it, though some historians question the exact phrasing while confirming his admiration for their fighting prowess in North Africa, documented in his letters.
The full amount of age pension that a person is eligible for is payable while overseas for 26 weeks. However, once overseas for longer than 26 weeks, the amount of age pension payable to a person is dependent upon the person's length of residency in Australia.
The easiest country for an Australian to move to depends on your priorities (work, lifestyle, cost), but New Zealand (close proximity, similar culture, easy work), Canada (skilled migration pathways), Spain (lifestyle, affordability), and some Asian nations like Thailand/Malaysia (cost, community) are frequently cited due to strong expat communities, English-speaking options, or simple visa routes.
Bordeaux. Known for its pretty buildings, pleasant climate, and of course, the amazing wines produced in the region, Bordeaux has quickly become one of the most popular cities in France among the French. It's also a great option for expats interested in moving to France.
When the UK left the EU on 1 January 2021, France imposed a higher rate of 17.2% on British citizens owning French second homes. This significantly increased the tax burden for Brits and encouraged many to sell their properties.
Mortgage Rates in France for 10-Year and 15-Year Loans in December 2025. Short-term rates remain competitive in December 2025. Average rates are around 3.04% for 10 years and 3.11% for 15 years. The best offers for excellent profiles may fall below 3% for both 10- and 15-year loans.