Buyer guide
The compromis de vente explained
For a foreign buyer, the moment that feels biggest in a French purchase is signing the compromis de vente, the preliminary contract. It is more binding than an offer in some other countries, so it pays to understand exactly what you are agreeing to and how you are protected.
What it is
The compromis de vente is the contract where buyer and seller commit to the sale, set the price and terms, and agree to complete on those terms. It is signed well before the final deed, usually with the notaire involved, and it is the document that turns a handshake into a deal.
What you commit to, and the deposit
On signing, you normally pay a deposit of around 10 percent, held securely. From this point both sides are committed to the agreed terms, subject to the protections below. If you walk away later without a valid reason covered by the contract, you can lose the deposit, which is why the next two points matter so much.
Your 10-day cooling-off period
As a buyer you have a legal cooling-off period of 10 days after signing the compromis de vente. During this window you can withdraw for any reason, with no penalty, and recover your deposit. It is a genuine protection, so use the time to be sure.
Conditions that protect you
The contract can include suspensive conditions, which let you exit and recover your deposit if a specified thing does not happen. The most important for many buyers is the mortgage condition: if your financing falls through, you are not trapped. Others can cover planning matters or the results of certain checks. Make sure any condition you rely on is actually written in.
This is exactly why getting your financing conversation going early matters. Read our guide to non-resident mortgages and make any offer conditional on the loan.
Then what
After the cooling-off period and once the conditions are met, the notaire completes the checks and prepares the final deed, the acte authentique, usually signed two to three months later. You pay the balance and the fees, and you get the keys. See the full process in our main buying guide.
Get your own eyes on it
The notaire makes the sale legally secure, but for a cross-border purchase it is wise to have a lawyer review the compromis on your behalf before you sign, especially the conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is the compromis de vente binding? Yes, once the cooling-off period passes and the conditions are met. Both sides commit to the agreed terms, which is why the deposit and the conditions matter.
How long is the cooling-off period? Ten days for the buyer after signing. You can withdraw in that window for any reason and recover your deposit.
What is a suspensive condition? A clause that lets you exit and recover your deposit if a specified event does not happen, such as your mortgage not being approved. Make sure the ones you need are written into the contract.
How much deposit do I pay? Usually around 10 percent on signing, held securely until completion.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Have a professional review your contract before signing.
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