Real Estate Investment in France
- Real Estate Investment in France
Are You Abroad and Want to Invest in French Real Estate?
France remains one of the most secure and attractive real estate markets for African investors seeking stable returns in euros.
Best Cities
Strategic locations for real estate investment in France — each offering distinct advantages for African investors.
Paris
Capital PreservationThe safest long-term investment. Paris real estate holds value through economic cycles and offers prestige, but yields are lower (2–3% gross). Ideal for wealth preservation and family legacy.
Marseille
High Rental YieldFrance's second-largest city offers strong rental demand and yields of 4–6%. Lower entry prices make it accessible for investors seeking cash flow and capital appreciation.
Lyon
Balanced GrowthA dynamic economy with tech and pharmaceutical sectors. Lyon combines stable appreciation (3–4% annually) with moderate yields (3.5–4.5%), offering balanced risk-return.
A €300,000 property in Marseille can generate €1,000–€1,300 per month in rental income.
Taxes to Consider
Rental income is taxed as personal income in France. Non-residents pay a flat rate of 20% (plus 17.2% social charges) on net rental income after deductions.
Annual property tax (taxe foncière) varies by location — typically 0.5–1.5% of property value. Paid by the owner, not the tenant.
19% tax on capital gains (plus 17.2% social charges) when selling. Reductions apply after 5 years of ownership — full exemption after 30 years.
The Process
From Lagos to Paris Property Owner
Exactly what happens after you click "Make An Appointment." 8 steps, fully managed by Kouamou Capital — from property search to keys in hand.
Initial Consultation & Profile Assessment
We assess your budget, investment goals, preferred zone, and timeline. We verify your eligibility for mortgage financing and identify the right property type for your profile — rental yield, capital appreciation, or personal use.
Strategic Property Search & Shortlist
We source matching properties — including off-market opportunities — based on your criteria. You receive a curated shortlist with rental yield projections, price per m², and investment rationale for each property.
Virtual or In-Person Viewing
Whether you're in Lagos, Abidjan, Nairobi, or Douala — we provide high-quality digital tours and on-site inspections through our local Paris agents. You can visit in person or approve remotely with full confidence.
Due Diligence & Legal Verification
We verify ownership title, check building permits, confirm zoning status, review tenant history, and engage a licensed French notary. No property is presented to you without passing our full legal and financial vetting process.
Fund Transfer & BCEAO / CBN Compliance
This is the most critical step for African investors. We prepare all central bank declaration documents, source of funds letters, and authorised dealer bank instructions — covering BCEAO (8 UEMOA countries), BEAC (6 CEMAC countries), CBN (Nigeria), BOG (Ghana), and CBK (Kenya).
Mortgage Application (If Applicable)
We introduce you to our partner French banks specialising in non-resident African investor profiles and manage the full application — income documentation, contribution proof, property valuation, and bank submission. Minimum 30% personal contribution required.
Notary Signing & Property Purchase
The purchase is completed in two stages: the preliminary agreement (compromis de vente) followed by the final deed (acte authentique) before a French notary. You can sign in person in Paris or via power of attorney — most of our African clients use POA and never need to travel.
Post-Purchase Management
Our relationship doesn't end at the keys. We offer full property management: tenant placement, rental income tracking, maintenance coordination, renovation oversight, French tax filings for non-residents, and annual portfolio reviews.
Find Your Paris Investment Zone
Select your budget, investment goal, and property type — we'll show you which Paris neighborhoods and suburbs match your profile, with price per m², average yield, and tenant demand score.
- Real Estate Investment in France
Our Real Estate Advisory Services for International Investors
Strategic Property Search
We help you identify high-potential residential or commercial properties based on location, rental yield, and future value.
Virtual & In-Person Viewings
Whether you're in Lagos, Abidjan, or Nairobi, we provide digital tours and on-site inspections through our local agents.
Property Sourcing & Due Diligence
We verify ownership, check permits, confirm zoning status, and review tenant history, ensuring full legal compliance before purchase.
Market Insights & Tax Analysis
Receive tailored reports on market trends, pricing forecasts, and tax implications for foreign investors.
Negotiation Support
We negotiate on your behalf, securing price reductions, better contract terms, and tax-efficient structures.
Legal & Administrative Assistance
Our team handles everything: purchase agreements, notary services, visa-related filings, and tax registrations.
Post-Purchase Management
We offer full property management: tenant placement, maintenance coordination, renovation oversight, and income tracking.
Budget Planning & Financing Guide
Understand total ownership costs, taxes, and explore mortgage options available to non-residents through our partner banks.
Total Cost of Ownership — France
Most investors underestimate the true cost of buying in France. This calculator shows every cost — notary fees, taxes, annual charges, and net yield after French tax — so you invest with full clarity.
Real Estate Investment in France
Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Investors
In order to facilitate your real estate investment in France, here are the main eligibility criteria for the acquisition of real estate and access to mortgage financing.
Nationality and Residence
- Nationality: Foreign investors can buy property in France, regardless of their nationality.
- Residence: You do not need to be a resident of France to buy a property, but certain conditions may apply if you wish to finance your purchase with a loan.
Mortgage Loan for Non-Residents
- Stable income: Proof of stable income (pay slips, tax returns, etc.)
- Personal contribution: A minimum of 30% of the purchase price. This may vary depending on the bank.
- Necessary documents: Passport, proof of address, bank statements, proof of income, and any other documents requested by the bank.
Fund Transfer Compliance
- BCEAO / BEAC / CBN: Funds must be transferred through your central bank's approved channels with a foreign investment declaration.
- Source of funds: French banks require documented proof of the origin of your personal contribution.
- Kouamou Capital: We prepare all compliance documentation and coordinate with your African bank on your behalf.
Non-Resident Mortgage Eligibility Checker
French banks have strict criteria for non-resident investors. Answer 4 questions to see your eligibility score, estimated loan amount, required contribution, and which partner banks are accessible to you.
- Discover Excellence at Your Service
Why Choose KOUAMOU CAPITAL?
Experts in Non-Resident French Investment
Yes, we manage full legal, financial, and operational vetting before presenting any opportunity.
Dedicated team supporting African investors
Your financial journey is unique, as is our approach. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our team of experts develop tailor-made investment strategies, adapted to your specific needs, whether to invest in Paris real estate, unlisted companies, bonds or other high-potential opportunities. Your portfolio will be as unique as your goals.
Full-service advisory: real estate, legal, and financial
Your financial journey is unique, as is our approach. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our team of experts develop tailor-made investment strategies, adapted to your specific needs, whether to invest in Paris real estate, unlisted companies, bonds or other high-potential opportunities. Your portfolio will be as unique as your goals.
Access to off-market properties and premium deals
Yes, we manage full legal, financial, and operational vetting before presenting any opportunity.
100% transparent pricing, no hidden commissions
Yes, we manage full legal, financial, and operational vetting before presenting any opportunity.
Real Estate in France
Invest in Paris. Build Generational Wealth.
Whether you're in Lagos, Abidjan, or Nairobi — we guide you through every step of buying French real estate as a non-resident, from property search to keys in hand.
Make An Appointment
FAQ
France Real Estate Questions
Yes. France imposes no nationality or residency restrictions on property ownership. Any foreign investor — regardless of nationality or country of residence — can purchase real estate in France. You do not need a French visa, residency permit, or bank account to buy. Kouamou Capital handles the full process remotely.
No. Most of our African clients complete the entire purchase without visiting France. We use a power of attorney (procuration) — a legal document that authorises our notary partner to sign on your behalf. You sign the POA in your home country before a local notary, and we handle everything in Paris from there.
Kouamou Capital has pre-approved transfer pathways for 15+ African markets — including full BCEAO (UEMOA), BEAC (CEMAC), CBN (Nigeria), BOG (Ghana), and CBK (Kenya) compliance. We prepare all central bank declaration documents, source of funds letters, and authorised dealer bank instructions. This is the most complex part of the process for African investors — we handle it entirely.
Yes, but French banks apply stricter criteria to non-residents. You will need a minimum personal contribution of 30% of the purchase price, proof of stable income (payslips or 2 years of tax returns), and full documentation of your financial situation. Kouamou Capital works with partner banks that specialise in non-resident African investor profiles and manages the full mortgage application on your behalf.
Beyond the purchase price, you should budget for notary fees (7–8% for existing properties, 2–3% for new builds), annual property tax (taxe foncière, ~0.5–1% of value), building charges (charges de copropriété), and property management fees (~8% of annual rent). Use our Total Cost of Ownership Calculator on this page for a personalised breakdown.
Non-resident landlords pay a flat 20% income tax on net rental income in France. Social charges (17.2%) may apply but are often exempt for non-EU residents under tax treaties. Kouamou Capital provides a personalised tax analysis during the advisory process and can connect you with a French tax specialist for non-residents.
From initial consultation to keys in hand, the process typically takes 3–5 months: 2–4 weeks for property search and viewing, 4–6 weeks for due diligence and legal setup, 4–8 weeks for fund transfer and mortgage (if applicable), and 2–4 weeks for notary signing and registration. Kouamou Capital manages every step with a single point of contact.