English Speaking Notaries French Riviera
Why do you need a notary?
If you’re considering buying property in the French Riviera, a good notary is vital. When it comes to French real estate, the notary plays an important role all the way through the sale/purchase process. As a public official, the notary will hold the title of Maitre in the French legal system. They will be able to advise you about not only property law but also family and succession law for later down the line. Below is a quick breakdown of their role during the purchase process.
Before purchase
The notary will be able to inform you about the area where your future home is located. And they’ll also be able advise you if there are any major building works planned by the commune. Thanks to them, you won’t find yourself living near a brand new motorway or railway line a couple of years after you move in!
During the purchase
The notary will confirm that the current owner has the right to sell the property so as to avoid any last minute problems. They will also check that there is no existing mortgage on the property and if they find any outstanding contracts, they will ensure they are repaid once the sale is complete. They will then prepare the all-important final sale deed for your new French home.
On completion day
On the day you officially purchase your French Riviera property, the notary will read the entire title deed to both you and the seller. If everyone’s happy they will then hand you the keys to your new home before transferring the money to the seller.
After the purchase
The notary will have your brand new title deed registered at the Land Registry. They’ll then keep the original deed and send you a copy for your records. This usually takes a couple of months to be finalised.
English speaking notaries
Stéphane Serratrice
5 Place de Gaulle, BP 659
06632 Antibes
Tel: 04 92 90 62 62
Fax: 04 93 34 35 40
E: [email protected]
Fairfield Patrimoine
150 avenue du Golf
06250 Mougins
Tel : +33 614 757 466
E: [email protected]
W: www.fairfield-avocat.fr
Marie Ozenda Avocat
9 Avenue Mirabeau
06600 Antibes
Tel: 09 81 61 89 40
Fax : 09 81 61 07 40
E: [email protected]
W: www.avocats-antibes.fr
Arpège Law Firm
37 rue d’Antibes
06400 Cannes
Tel: + 33 (0)4 93 99 64 41
E: [email protected]
W: www.arpege-avocats.fr
Brahin Avocats
1 Rue Louis Gassin
06000 Nice
Tel: +33 04 93 83 08 76
Fax: +33 04 93 18 14 37
E: [email protected]
W: www.brahin-avocats.com
Christelle Hallot
5 Quai Rauba Capeu
06300 Nice
Tel : +33 (0)4 93 84 15 03
Fax : +33 (0)4 93 27 28 03
E: [email protected]
W: www.hallot-avocat-nice.com
What to look for in a notary
As previously stated, a good notary is vital when it comes to purchasing a property in France. So what do you need to look for when choosing your notary in the French Riviera.
1. Specialisation
Check that your chosen notary has the right qualifications to represent you during your property purchase. Some notaries have several speciality fields, but real estate and construction law is key here.
2. Location
Finding a notary who is based close to your new property will make it easier when you have to go to the office to sign documents or ask for information.
3. Communication
Being able to communicate with your chosen notary is very important. Ideally, you want to choose someone who is easily reachable by phone or email. Open communication will ensure your property purchase runs smoothly. These are just a few tips to help you choose your English-speaking notary on the French Riviera.
Enquire
If you’d like more information about our high-end personalised property management services, please get in touch with our team. We’ll be delighted to take care of your French Riviera property on your behalf.
BEAUCHAMP ESTATES
CANNES
19 Rue des États-Unis
06400 Cannes
France
BEAUCHAMP ESTATES
SAINT-TROPEZ
2 Avenue Marechal Foch
83990 St Tropez
France
BEAUCHAMP ESTATES
MOUGINS
31, Avenue Saint Basile
06250 Mougins
France
BEAUCHAMP ESTATES
ST-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT
5, Avenue Claude Vignon
06230 St Jean Cap Ferrat
France
Your essential French Riviera property guides
Elevate your property journey with Beauchamp Estates. Our curated collection of expert guides has been designed to give you absolute clarity at every stage of buying, selling, or settling into life on the French Riviera. From understanding the purchase process to finding trusted English‑speaking notaries and navigating local regulations, each guide offers clear, reliable insights shaped by our decades of market expertise. Explore the essentials and move forward with confidence.
