How to buy land in France: a guide for UK buyers

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for reference purposes only. All information on this page should not be considered financial or tax advice. You are also solely responsible for calculating and paying your tax liabilities depending on the applicable law. All tax saving strategies or decisions should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor.

For many people, buying land in France is a lifelong dream. Not only is France one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, but it’s also home to world-class cuisine, rich history and a thriving tourism industry.

If you’re looking to buy land in France from the UK, our guide will cover everything you need to know about buying land in France as a foreigner, including average land prices, restrictions, taxes and additional fees.

If you’re also looking for ways to save money on currency exchange during the purchase, we’ll introduce a reliable and cost-effective way to send and receive large sums internationally from the money services provider Wise.

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Can foreigners buy land in France?

Yes, foreigners can buy land in France regardless of whether they are EU or non-EU citizens. So even if you are from the UK, you can buy land in France without restrictions and enjoy the same ownership rights as any French citizen.

However, note that buying land or any property in France as a UK citizen doesn’t guarantee you residency. To obtain residency in France, you'll need to apply for a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) and complete the standard registration process upon arrival.

What to consider before buying land in France

Usage restrictions

Land in France is generally classified into: for building (terrain à bâtir) and for agriculture (terres agricoles). If you buy agricultural land, you may not be able to build on it, and vice versa. So it's always better to check that the land meets your intended use before you buy land in France.

Condition of the land

When you do see land you like, request up-to-date diagnostic reports (Dossier de Diagnostic Technique) from the seller and go over it with your agent. It should specify whether there’s any presence of lead, and any natural disaster risk.

Construction restrictions

Some lands have strict policies on the types, sizes, and styles of buildings you can construct. It’s always a great idea to double-check this with the local plan for the area, it’s called a Plan d'Occupation des Sols (POS), Plan Local d’Urbanisme [PLU] or Carte Communale, depending on which part of France you’re considering.

Language barriers

Only 31% of French people speak English.¹ You may find it helpful when buying land in France to hire an interpreter. This way, you reduce any miscommunication that can affect the process.

Currency conversion fees

Buying land in France as a foreigner requires careful planning. During the process, you'll need to hire professionals, such as interpreters, project managers, real estate agents, and surveyors.

Paying these professionals from your UK bank account can sometimes be costly because of currency conversion fees. Sign up with Wise online and you can send money worldwide for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates.

Taxes and additional fees

When buying land in France as a foreigner, you'll need to pay notary fees, registration fees, transfer taxes, and property taxes. You’ll also need to report foreign land ownership and capital gains.

How to buy land in France

Set a budget

Do your homework, browse through property sites and listings and set a budget that can cover the land you want. Note that buying land in France also comes with additional fees and taxes. Including those in your budget ensures you aren’t caught off guard.

Work with an agent

Working with an agent saves you a lot of time and effort, making it easier to find land that meets your needs. You can find agents listed alongside properties in property portals.

Choose Land

Select the land you like best from the options you have on ground.

Review the diagnostic report

Request and review the diagnostic report (Dossier de Diagnostic Technique) to ensure your land is free of natural disaster risks.

Make an offer

Negotiate the land price with the seller and make an offer. After which, you sign a preliminary agreement known as a compromis de vente, which takes the land off the market until you complete your purchase

Pay a deposit

After signing the agreement, you'll need to make a deposit to the Notaire, typically 5-10% of the total price. The Notaire will conduct a background check on the land to confirm ownership rights, boundaries, easements, and planning rules, and also help draft the deed.

Complete the payment

Pay the remaining balance to the Notaire as well as the Notaire fees and taxes. After which, you sign the deed of sale, making it officially yours. If you intend to build on the land, check out our guide on how to build land in France for tips to get started.

Pay subsequent taxes and fees

Later, you’ll need to get a French tax number (numéro fiscal) so you can pay annual land/property taxes.

Is land expensive in France?

No, land is relatively affordable in France compared to the UK and other parts of Europe. However, land prices in France vary by region, with land generally more expensive in the south, along the Mediterranean coast. Also, agricultural land (terres agricoles) is often cheaper than buildable land.

Aside from the land price, there are some additional costs you should consider if you want to buy land in France:

• Transfer taxes (DMTO) - 5.8% - 6.3%²
• Notary fees and taxes: 7-9%²
• Translator or interpreter services: €300 and €1,500²
• Agent fees (if not already handled by seller): 3% to 10%²
• Extra legal checks: €300 to €1,500²
• Departmental registration tax - 3.8% - 4.5%³
• Annual Land tax (taxe foncière): varies by location

How much does a piece of land cost in France?

The cost of land in France varies by location and by whether it is agricultural, buildable, or residential. Agricultural land typically costs €6,400 per hectare ⁴ and can range from €2,900⁴ per hectare to over €40,000.⁵ On the other hand, the average cost of buildable land is €120 per square metre, and it can range from €20 to €300 per square metre⁶

Where is the cheapest place to buy land in France?

The cheapest lands in France are often in rural areas. Here are some places in France where you can buy affordable buildable and agricultural land.

Agricultural land

Buildable land

Make your investment go further with Wise

Buying land in France as a foreigner doesn’t have to be difficult. With careful preparation and consulting the right professionals, you can get land that’s accessible, has long-term value and is perfect for your intended use.

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**Investments in funds are never guaranteed and your capital can be at risk. In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets — this is the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Wise. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised as an investment firm and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA number is 839689. We do not give investment advice, and you may be subject to pay tax. If you're not sure, seek qualified advice. You can find more information about the funds on our website.

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Sources used:

1. Ministry of Culture - Langues et usages des langues en France
2. Investropa - France property taxes and fees
3. Estatefy - Land registry costs in France
4. REUSSIR - What will be the price of agricultural land in 2024 by department?
5. Chambres d’agriculture Hauts de France - Market values of agricultural land
6. Mon Immo Neuf - Price per square meter of building land by department (2025)
7. Le marche vert - Price per square metre of building land

Sources last checked on: 28 January 2026