Buying property in France: a complete guide for overseas buyers

Say bonjour to the City of Lights when you own a vacation home in Paris! Pacaso simplifies buying and owning in France and other global destinations. Co-ownership knocks down many of the hurdles traditionally associated with owning abroad. For a destination like Paris, Pacaso streamlines both the purchase and long-term ownership of a home so that you can buy with confidence. Clearing international real estate hurdles When When you co-own a Pacaso home, we are your trusted advisor throughout the buying process, helping you skip the mountain of preparation needed to buy property in Paris. Our local expertise and resources — combined with our innovative co-ownership model — make it easier to afford, buy and manage your home abroad. While there are no special restrictions on Americans buying property in France, there are  many legal elements to real estate transactions. Pacaso helps you navigate these aspects, ensuring your purchase is compliant with local laws and requirements. We consult our go-to advisors, who provide on-the-ground knowledge of the local area. The real estate purchase process in France requires a notary, who makes sure all your legal documents are in order. Pacaso coordinates with local notaries to handle any administrative tasks on your behalf. American buyers must pay the same property taxes and stamp duty as French citizens. Pacaso provides clarity on these costs and can offer guidance to you and your tax professional. We also structure our LLC co-ownership model in a tax-advantageous manner, minimizing tax burdens and ensuring compliance. As a co-owner, you are responsible for only your specific pro-rata share of stamp duty and other taxes. Co-owning in Paris with Pacaso also allows you to benefit from lower operational expenses long-term due to reduced international property taxes compared to the United States. This means you can co-own a luxury property for less than the cost of staying in luxury accommodations throughout the year.  When you buy a home abroad, you’ll of course have to furnish it. This means finding a designer and stores, and potentially dealing with language and cultural barriers. With Pacaso, we leverage our local network of vendors to fully furnish and design your home so that it is immediately stay-ready after purchase. Navigating remote property management While Pacaso’s buying process is faster than a traditional international purchase (which can take up to a year), owning a vacation home isn’t a sprint — it’s a long game. You’ll need to manage your vacation property in Paris from overseas, which can be challenging if you need to conduct regular maintenance and respond to any urgent issues. Pacaso’s fully managed co-ownership model takes the work off your hands by providing a dedicated local property manager. We communicate with local vendors across languages and time zones, ensuring things go smoothly both during your stay and when you’re not enjoying the home. This means your vacation home will be in top shape all year long, ready for your next visit. Exploring Pacaso’s international inventory Finding available Pacaso homes in Paris is a straightforward, user-friendly process, thanks to our tech-enabled marketplace. Here’s how you can get started and buy an international home In Paris, Pacaso currently has available inventory in the 7th Arrondissement on the Rue du Bac, a scenic street just steps from the River Seine and the Louvre, along with other exciting co-ownership opportunities. We leverage our market expertise and local agent network to Experience the epitome of Parisian living in this elegant 1,410-square-foot pied-à-terre. This meticulously renovated 1,087-square-foot Located in the upscale 16th arrondissement, this exceptional 2,260-square-foot Live your best life in the City of Light With Pacaso, making memories in Paris (or premier international destinations) is easy and stress-free. With streamlined purchasing and hassle-free management, Pacaso ensures that owning a vacation home in Paris is an enjoyable and seamless experience. By conducting Ready to find your vacation home? Contact our team to explore our

You keep coming back to the same streets in Paris, the same corner pub in Mayfair, the same market in Lisbon, and the thought surfaces again: what would it take to actually own a place there? Buying a second home in Europe used to mean navigating a foreign legal system, a foreign tax code, and a long list of local vendors on your own. It does not have to. This guide walks through the best places to look, what to expect as an international buyer, and how Pacaso's cross-border co-ownership in Europe gives you a real home abroad with local experts doing the heavy lifting. Europe is one of the rare places where short trips start feeling too short. A long weekend in Paris or London stretches a few days and you are already thinking about when you can come back. A second home turns that pattern into something you actually live, rather than rebook every year. Beyond the lifestyle, owning in Europe gives you a home base for the wider region. From Paris you can reach Amsterdam, Barcelona, or the Alps within a few hours. From London, the Cotswolds, Edinburgh, and Dublin are all a short hop. One home becomes a doorway to dozens of future trips with family and friends. Europe also has deep real estate markets in its most loved cities, with centuries of demand behind them. Central Paris and central London have been desirable for generations, which is part of why they remain the go-to answer for buyers searching for the best places to buy a second home in Europe. The right European city depends on how you want to spend time there: long weekends, multi-week stays, holiday seasons, or a bit of everything. A few cities Paris is the classic choice: world-class food, art, and fashion inside a city you can cross on foot. Neighborhoods like London is an English-speaking launchpad into the rest of Europe. Mayfair, Chelsea, and Knightsbridge remain anchor neighborhoods for buyers who want Georgian and Victorian townhouse living steps from parks, restaurants, and theater. It is also a natural pick if you travel on business and want a home that doubles as your European base. Lisbon, Barcelona, Florence, Milan, and Amsterdam all earn regular spots on best-of lists. Each one trades sunshine, cost, and cultural flavor differently. The common thread: pick a city you already love visiting, then decide whether you want a full-time solo purchase or a share in a home that is already set up for co-ownership. There is no single best European country to buy a second home. The honest answer is that the best country for you is the one that matches how you want to spend time, what you are comfortable managing from overseas, and which rules you are willing to work inside. A quick side-by-side helps. Pacaso is a luxury second home company that offers fully managed co-ownership of real homes in real cities. You purchase at least one 1/8 share in a property-specific LLC (or the local equivalent structure), share costs with other owners, and For international homes, Pacaso layers local expertise on top of that model. Practically, that means: You keep the lifestyle of a second home in Europe. Pacaso quietly absorbs the cross-border complexity in the background. Pacaso's European portfolio is a curated collection of homes in Pacaso's Pacaso's Pacaso's Expect local transfer taxes, notary or solicitor fees, and often a foreign-buyer premium on top of the purchase price. In France, notaire fees typically run a few percent of the price. In the United Kingdom, Utilities, property management, insurance, local taxes, and maintenance are real line items whether you own a whole home or a share. With co-ownership, each owner pays their portion, and Pacaso handles the vendors and billing. Budgets are transparent and require owner approval, so there are no surprises. Buying a second home in Europe does not automatically confer residency, and it does not require it either. You own a home, you visit it, and you follow local stay limits and tax rules. Some countries offer residency pathways tied to real estate that change over time. Your Pacaso Crewmembers can flag what is currently available so you can plan with your own tax professional. Owning abroad on your own means managing a purchase in another language, another currency, and another legal system, then maintaining a home you only visit part of the year. Pacaso was built to take that weight off. Through Pacaso's cross-border co-ownership in Europe, you share ownership of a designed, What you get: a curated home in a neighborhood you actually want to live in, If you are ready to look at specific homes, you can

Is a vacation home on the coast of Portugal calling your name? Buying property abroad gives you a place to call home in a new destination, whether that's a Buying property abroad has its benefits, but the complexities can be intimidating. From navigating legal regulations and language barriers to working with local vendors and securing financing, buying a home abroad requires careful consideration and expert guidance. Below, learn more about what you need to consider when buying a house abroad — from the best place to invest in real estate to how Pacaso can help you confidently buy abroad. 1. Figure out the type of property you want Ask yourself the type of property you want, the ownership style you’re comfortable with and how you intend to use the property. Will it be your primary residence, or do you want a second home to be your 2. Think about where you want to buy Next, think about where you want your new property to be. Even if you already have a dream destination, it’s worth looking into global home-buying trends. For example, buying property abroad as an American remains a lengthy and complicated process in 2025, but, currently, many high-net-worth Americans We analyzed both luxury and average home prices across the globe. We found that some of the other 3. Find a local realtor Learning how to invest in international real estate can be challenging without the help of a local real estate agent who understands the lay of the land. Consider hiring an agent in your country of choice who understands When buying overseas property, an experienced local realtor can help you navigate exchange rates and tax implications, double-tax treaties, land registry, stamp duties, lawyer fees, hidden costs, financing options and zoning laws. Bonus Tip: If necessary, use a professional translator to ensure accurate communication and avoid misunderstandings. 4. Research the country’s real estate process Every country has its own real estate process, from property search and negotiation to closing and ownership transfer. When getting into overseas property purchases, always research the specific process in your chosen country to know what to expect. Things to look into include local customs on making offers, negotiating and closing — things might be done quite differently. Also, find out about any specific documentation or permits that may be required.  5. Consult your financial advisor Before buying luxury property abroad, consult a financial advisor specializing in foreign real estate. They can help you take a holistic approach, considering your financial goals and the risks and rewards of owning a home abroad. An advisor can also guide you on currency exchange rates, tax implications and estate planning considerations. Bonus Tip: Use our 6. Learn about your tax obligations  If you’re buying property overseas, tax implications are important to be aware of. Here are some to keep in mind: You’ll need to have a tax expert in both the U.S. and the country where you’re buying property and a legal expert to help you navigate these waters.  7. Discover other options to finance an overseas property  While Pacaso offers Bonus Tip: Connect with a property broker like 8. Review residency requirements If you plan to spend extended time or Some countries where Americans can buy property may have specific visa programs for foreign property owners. For example, some countries offer the Golden Visa, which is an investment immigration program that lets you live in another country in exchange for a significant investment in the economy of that country, often real estate.  Others may restrict your stay without obtaining a visa or have other limitations. In Mexico, for example, foreigners cannot own property within 50 kilometers of its coastlines, but it can be done through a Mexican bank trust. Research the residency options available or ask your local agent to help you find the option that best suits your needs.  Bonus Tip: Familiarize yourself with cultural nuances and negotiation styles that may differ from your home country. 9. Know the risks  Buying a property abroad isn’t without risks. A purchase like this can come with long sale times, high transaction costs and hidden fees. Plus, changing local laws can impact value and liquidity, and currency fluctuations can impact the transaction as well. Make sure to consult someone for legal advice and representation. 10. Look into property management services A good property management service can help make buying property overseas less stressful. Someone will need to take care of the home’s security, cleaning and maintenance while you’re not there. Pacaso’s international vacation homes come with a team of local experts and Things to consider with foreign real estate International real estate investing comes with much to consider, and there are many When learning how to buy a house in another country, consider the following factors: laws and eligibility, currency, culture and language differences. Laws and eligibility  It’s crucial to understand the local laws and regulations governing international real estate when looking at overseas property for sale. Research the specific requirements and restrictions for foreign buyers before making any decisions. Your local agent or financial advisor can also guide you on property taxes and any other potential restrictions to be aware of.  Language barriers Unless you’re fluent in the local language, think about how you will communicate in your country of choice — especially with agents and local authorities during the purchasing process. So, before you Difference in currency Investing in foreign real estate involves dealing with different currencies. Fluctuations in exchange rates can impact the value of your home and potentially increase or decrease your return. Stay informed about currency trends as you navigate your purchase.  Culture  Understanding the country's culture where you plan to buy a second home is essential. Research political stability, social customs and overall feel for various regions or neighborhoods. Be aware of cultural faux pas or scams targeting foreign buyers.  Confidently buy a vacation property abroad with Pacaso Pacaso leverages our local expertise to help you bypass burdensome legal and tax intricacies, and we offer tailored financing solutions and remote home management to help own with confidence. This full-service experience is all streamlined so you can fully enjoy your home, whether you’re there or miles away. Our Ready to find your dream vacation home? Contact our team to explore our curated listings of

At some point, most second-home owners ask themselves: is this property still working for me? If you're carrying the full cost of a luxury home but only using it a fraction of the year, selling a second home(or at least part of it) could be the best financial decision you make. That said, selling a second home isn't quite like selling your primary residence. There are tax considerations to work through, timing decisions to weigh, and a different kind of buyer to find. This guide walks you through all of it and shows you why Pacaso offers an exit (or partial exit) that a traditional listing simply can't. Before you list your second home, it helps to get clear on what you actually want out of the process. A few questions worth considering: Getting clear on your goals upfront will shape not just whether to sell, but how and whether Pacaso's model makes more sense than a traditional listing. This is where selling a second home gets meaningfully different from selling your primary residence and where a lot of owners get caught off guard. The tax implications of selling a second home are specific to your situation, so it's always worth a conversation with a qualified tax advisor before you do anything. If your second home is in The bottom line: California second-home sellers should be working closely with a tax professional who knows the state's rules well before finalizing anything. South Carolina has quietly become one of the most desirable second-home markets on the East Coast, with destinations like As always, a South Carolina-based tax advisor will give you the most accurate picture for your situation. When you sell a second home for more than you paid, that profit is a capital gain.  With no exclusion available, it's fully taxable. Here's how the math works. One more thing worth knowing: a Pacaso resale involves transferring an It's one of the most common questions second-home owners wrestle with, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you're optimizing for. Rather than choosing between holding the entire home or walking away entirely, Pacaso lets you sell a portion of your second home, freeing up equity and handing off the hassle, while keeping the ownership share that still fits your lifestyle. You get time in the home you love, without everything that comes with owning it outright. For owners who are emotionally attached to the property but tired of what full ownership demands, this middle path may be most satisfying. If you're selling a second home with plans to buy another, there are a few things to keep in mind before you assume the process works like it might for a primary residence. France is home to some of the world's most sought-after second-home markets like the Côte d'Azur, the Dordogne, the most beautiful corners of Paris. If you own property there and are thinking about selling, the tax and legal framework is quite different from a U.S. transaction. When you list a luxury second home on the MLS, you're essentially hoping the right buyer finds you. When you list with Pacaso, that buyer is often already there. Pacaso has completed over 400 resales and maintains an active pipeline of pre-qualified, high-net-worth buyers who are specifically looking for co-ownership opportunities in premium destinations. These aren't casual browsers. They're motivated buyers who have already decided that luxury co-ownership is the right model for them, and who are ready to move when the right property appears. That changes the whole dynamic of selling a second home. Instead of casting a wide net and waiting, Pacaso matches your property with buyers already in their system,  while also listing on the local MLS to maximize reach. You get the depth of a dedicated buyer network plus the breadth of the open market, backed by Pacaso's brand recognition in the luxury second-home space. The numbers speak for themselves: A 99-day average only happens when there's a ready, waiting buyer pool. And 73% of resales closing above the original purchase price tells you these aren't distressed or reluctant transactions; they're competitive ones. For context, research from the Concierge Auctions 2025 Luxury Home Index shows that ultra-luxury homes can take roughly four times longer to sell than the average home. Properties that sit beyond 180 days often close at a significant discount. Pacaso's resale track record looks quite different. On the open market, your second home competes with every other luxury listing in the area. Buyers are weighing all kinds of options: whole homes, vacation rentals, properties across a wide price range. Pacaso's marketplace attracts a different kind of buyer. These are high-net-worth individuals who have specifically chosen the That means: This buyer pool doesn't exist anywhere else. It exists because Pacaso built it. At every stage, Pacaso isn't just waiting for buyers to appear. They're actively matching your property with people from their existing pipeline, leveraging their marketplace and MLS presence, and using their brand recognition in luxury second-home destinations to drive real, qualified interest. Not every property qualifies, but if your second home is genuinely high-end and well-located, it may be a strong fit. Here's what Pacaso looks for: If that sounds like your property, Pacaso's team can assess fit quickly and walk you through what comes next. Right now, there are buyers in Pacaso's pipeline actively looking for luxury co-ownership opportunities in premium markets. If your second home is the right fit, those buyers could be waiting for exactly what you have.

Paris, France | €575,000 per 1/8 ownership Bask in Sunlight pours through floor-to-ceiling windows into this light-filled 2-bedroom apartment in the City of Light. The elegant living/reception room is on the bel étage (second floor) of a fine 18th-century building in the 7th arrondissement (district), a quintessentially Parisian neighborhood filled with shops, cafes and some of Paris' best-known landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. With exposed stone walls, beamed ceilings and a stunning stone fireplace, the expansive living space features a semi-open plan kitchen, dining area and powder room. Upstairs, you'll find a primary suite offering an en suite bathroom with dual vanities and soaking tub, along with a guest suite with bathroom. The fully air-conditioned home, which includes a cellar, is currently undergoing Pacaso "Our international success, particularly in places like London and Cabo, has underscored the universal appeal of co-ownership. Current owners and enthusiastic buyers have been begging us to extend our reach to Paris, and we’re kicking off 2024 by responding to that demand," said Pacaso CEO and Co-Founder Austin Allison. "At Pacaso, we recognize the challenges American buyers face when purchasing and managing homes internationally. We provide a unique solution that sets us apart, making international ownership a seamless experience." The best way to co-own a vacation home Pacaso offers co-ownership of turnkey, fully managed vacation homes. Own an epic home in your favorite destination to enjoy with your whole family without any of the hassles. Explore our

Luxury real estate trends: Paris & London 2025 Luxury real estate trends in Paris and London point to a year of selective growth, more choice at the top end, and faster deal timelines. For a second home, that translates to better access to prime addresses and turnkey quality in both cities. Globally, prime prices rose 2.8% year over year in Q1 2025, underscoring steady demand for high-caliber homes in world capitals. Pacaso makes ownership in these prestigious markets more attainable through fractional ownership. Instead of buying an entire property, buyers purchase a share of a luxury home in Paris or London. This approach lowers costs while preserving the benefits of equity, appreciation, and personal use, making world-class real estate more accessible to second-home buyers. Paris in 2025 market signals buyers should watch Paris rebounded decisively to start 2025. Lower mortgage rates below 3% and stable pricing have doubled the pool of active buyers and shortened timelines, especially for renovated, move-in-ready residences in prime districts. That momentum is also evident on the Left Bank, where Saint-Germain combines classic architecture with updated comforts, a profile exemplified by Beaux Arts. Set steps from galleries and the Seine, London in 2025 pricing, policy and prime demand London is set for modest 2025 gains of about 2%, supported by strong cash-buyer demand and improving choice at the top end. Across luxury segments, inventory is at a two-year high, with single-family listings up 40.4% and multifamily up 42.6% year over year. Price performance is bifurcated: the best-designed, turnkey listings still command premiums, while buyers have more room to negotiate on homes needing updates. For everyday access to Key luxury real estate trends shaping buyer choices Paris vs London lifestyle essentials for a second home Paris offers How co-ownership supports 2025 buyer behavior Today’s buyers value time and certainty. Pacaso co-ownership provides access to high-demand neighborhoods with professional management and streamlined scheduling, so you spend your time enjoying the city rather than handling home logistics. In Paris, that can look like a classic Left Bank address steps from museums, cafes and the Seine, such as What it means for your next move Here is the bottom line for 2025. Paris is accelerating, with faster transactions in top districts and a broader base of active buyers. London should post around 2% annual growth with more inventory at the high end, giving shoppers greater choice. With global prime prices trending higher and considering these luxury real estate trends, selecting a property that is truly turnkey and well-located remains the clearest path to lasting enjoyment. Ready to explore prime addresses in two world capitals? Browse Pacaso listings in