If you’ve spent any time in Facebook groups related to moving to France, you’ve probably seen posts like this almost daily:"We’re
starting our property search ahead of our move to France. We’ve found a
few homes online, but no one responds when we email or leave a
voicemail with the agency!"
Or this variation from people already in France on a scouting trip:
"We’re
currently in the Côte d’Azur. We’ve seen some great listings online,
but we only have a few days here—and the agencies aren’t responding to
us!"
It’s frustrating. Even for those of us working in
real estate, these posts are all too familiar. Usually, an agent or
two—often expats themselves—will jump in to offer help. But most
responses echo the same advice: “You have to walk into a real estate agency in person.”
This
is often the first eye-opener for newcomers: things don’t always work
the way they do back home. In France, following up on emails or
voicemails just isn’t a standard part of the real estate culture.
Understanding the French Approach
French
culture tends to be more private. Many agents prefer to establish a
personal connection before engaging in serious discussions. But once
that connection is made, you’ll often find a high level of loyalty,
trust, and support that can last for years.
France does have
real estate listing platforms similar to the MLS systems in North
America, but most agencies don't use them consistently. One internal
tool used between agencies is Apimo, but listings
there depend on mutual agreements between agencies. In practice, most
listings are still handled the old-fashioned way—locally and sometimes
exclusively.
Brick-and-mortar
agencies are still very common in France and are found on just about
every street in popular areas. That abundance can be confusing for
buyers, but these agencies can be valuable resources if you’re looking
in a specific area.
Back in the 1990s, many agencies in the French
Riviera appeared to only show properties they had exclusive mandates
for—there was no real system of shared listings. While that’s slowly
changing, most agencies today still prioritize their own listings.
However, if you spot a property elsewhere that interests you, ask the
agency you're working with if they can access it. Many will collaborate
behind the scenes and arrange a shared commission if needed.
Exclusive
mandates still exist, but they’re usually short-term. After the
exclusivity expires, listings often become available to a wider network
of agencies. You can also ask an agent if they have any off-market properties—sometimes, the best homes never get publicly listed.
Why Agencies Sometimes Don’t Respond
Sadly, part of the reason some agents don’t return emails and voice messages is due to what many in the industry call “online serial shoppers.”
These are individuals who request endless details about properties but
have no real plans—or funds—to purchase. They may be dreaming of a life
in France, but they’re not ready to make it happen. This has led some
agents to be cautious with new inquiries, especially if they’re vague,
have a seemingly fake email address or come in at odd hours (a.k.a.
"wine o’clock" as it is known here). One would be surprised at the high
percentage of inquiries coming in from online serial shoppers. It is
frequently a topic of conversation in the region as the same goes for
villa rentals.
As a couple of other examples, we’ve
had people from other countries ask if a property they have seen on our
Instagram account will still be available for sale in 10 years as that
is when they think they will be ready to buy. Or if a property will be
the same price in 6-8 years when they plan on retiring and moving to
France. Along with…is there any way you can hold that property for us?
They get a polite response but it has been proven over and again nothing
ever comes of it.
If you're serious about buying property in France, especially if you're coming from abroad, here are a few helpful tips:
Start with a well-known brand.
Large agencies with international reach are familiar with overseas
buyers and often have the infrastructure and language skills to help you
remotely. The downside? You risk getting lost in the shuffle if your
request isn't flagged as a priority or you aren’t insisting it is a
priority.
Better yet, work with a boutique agency that understands your background. Agencies like Experience The French Riviera
specialize in helping international clients. We speak your
language—literally and culturally. We know our inventory inside out and,
if you’re looking for something we don’t currently list, we’ll happily
refer you to one of our trusted real estate partners. These partners
take our introductions seriously, which means faster responses and more
reliable, dedicated service.
Visit agencies in person whenever possible.
In France, relationships matter. Meeting face-to-face establishes trust
and often leads to better service—not just in real estate, but in every
aspect of life here.
This is the time for you to ask all the questions.
Agents will be willing to help. Provide as many details as possible to
help narrow down the search and get the process moving. The budget range
you want to stay within is the most important aspect. Also, be prepared
to answer a number of questions back in order for the agents to provide
the best service.
At Experience The French Riviera, we do
respond to emails and calls—promptly. We understand the challenges
you’re facing, because many of us have been through the same journey.
Let’s make your transition to France smoother, more informed, and
ultimately more successful.
Contact us today—we’d be delighted to help you find your forever home or holiday villa rental.
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