Buying an apartment in Nice as a foreign buyer: from offer to signature

Who buys in Nice?

In the Alpes-Maritimes, roughly 10% of sales involve foreign non-resident buyers, one of the highest shares in France, according to Arch & Square (consulted 3 October 2026). The most often cited nationalities are Belgians (about 17%), Italians (about 15%) and British buyers (about 11%). These are market-summary orders of magnitude, not official statistics. The sometimes-quoted figure of over 60% international buyers applies to properties above €5 million on the Riviera, not to the market as a whole.

Can a non-resident buy property in France?

Yes. France does not restrict property purchases by nationality or residence. A French bank account is convenient (utility bills, property tax) but not required to sign. Buyers from non-EU countries may face longer fund-transfer and compliance checks.

The steps of a purchase

• 1. Viewing and written offer.
• 2. Preliminary contract (compromis de vente) with a deposit, usually 5–10% of the price.
• 3. A 10-day cooling-off period for non-professional buyers, counted from notification of the contract.
• 4. Conditions precedent, such as mortgage approval (usual window: 45–60 days).
• 5. The notary's checks: title, co-ownership documents, planning, and the source of funds.
• 6. Signing of the notarised deed (acte authentique), about three months after the offer.

Signing remotely

You do not need to be in Nice on signing day. You can grant a notarial power of attorney (signed before a notary or, depending on your country, a consular authority) to a notary's clerk or a trusted person. Foreign-language documents come with a translation. Some notary offices also offer remote electronic signing.

Costs, tax and financing

In the Alpes-Maritimes, transfer duty is 5.81% of the net price — the département did not raise its share, unlike 88 others that now charge 6.32% — and overall buying costs are generally 7–9% for older properties. For a €1,190,000 purchase that means roughly €83,000–107,000 (estimate; ask a notary for a written breakdown). Mortgage rates for 20 years were around 3.4–3.5% in September 2026 (CAFPI, Meilleurtaux), with stricter conditions for non-residents.

Owning in Nice also means annual property tax and, for a second home, a housing tax surcharge that Nice applies at the maximum 60%. Capital-gains rules differ for non-residents: take tax advice before you commit.

Example: Le Vert Boron, Mont-Boron

A 3-room apartment of about 83 m² on the 8th and top floor of a secure residence with a caretaker: 11 m² terrace, 180° view of the Bay of Angels, two en-suite bedrooms, closed garage and cellar. Price: €1,190,000, agency fees included (about €14,337/m²). Viewings are by appointment and remote video visits can be arranged. See the listing or read our French-language market guide.

Checklist before you travel

• A valid passport or ID and proof of address.
• Information on your marital status and matrimonial regime, which the notary records in the deed.
• Proof of the source of funds (savings, sale of a property, inheritance): French notaries are bound by anti-money-laundering rules.
• A tax identification number from your country of residence.
• If you borrow: employment and income documents, translated if needed, and recent bank statements.
• A trusted contact in France or a representative able to act for you under a power of attorney.

Allow time for each step; a well-prepared file shortens the overall timeline. Contact us to arrange a viewing: see the apartment.

Sources and consultation date

• Arch & Square, « Marché Côte d'Azur — vendre à un acheteur étranger 2026 », consulted 3 October 2026
• mesfraisnotaire.fr, cpim.fr — transfer duty by département 2026, consulted 3 October 2026
• CAFPI, Meilleurtaux — mortgage rates, September 2026