Buying Property in Reunion Island
as a Foreign Investor

Step 1 · Define your project with us

A 30-minute exploratory call covers: your budget, preferred zones, intended use (rental, holiday, future residence), timing, and any tax-optimization objectives. We assess feasibility and draft a written brief.

Step 2 · Shortlist & virtual tours

Based on your brief, we pre-select properties matching your criteria — both listings on the market and off-market opportunities from our network. Every shortlisted property comes with full documentation, professional photos, floor plans, video tour, environmental diagnostics (DPE, PPR, PLU).

Step 3 · Optional visit to the island

You can travel to Reunion to visit in person (2–3 days are typically enough) or decide remotely based on our documentation and video tours. Many of our international clients conclude without ever visiting. If you do come, we organize a tight schedule — viewings, notary meeting, bank meeting.

Step 4 · Written offer

Once you pick a property, we draft a written offer with standard protection clauses:

• Financing condition (typically 45–60 days)
• Satisfactory technical diagnostics
• Satisfactory planning/urban certificate
• Any specific contingency (e.g., residence permit conditions)

Step 5 · Compromis de vente (preliminary contract)

Signed at a notary's office. The notary is a public officer who represents the transaction, not the seller or the buyer — their role is to ensure legal security for both parties. Two ways to sign remotely:

• Notarial proxy (procuration notariée): you visit a notary at your home location, sign a proxy authorizing someone in Reunion to sign on your behalf. Then the Reunion notary executes with the proxy.
• Electronic signature: many French notaries now accept qualified electronic signatures over video-call. We confirm with the Reunion notary whether this option is available for your transaction.

After signature, you have a 10-day legal cooling-off period during which you can cancel without penalty (French consumer law). A deposit (5–10% of the price) is typically placed in the notary's escrow.

Step 6 · Financing (if applicable)

French banks lend to foreign buyers, with stricter conditions than for residents:

• Deposit: 20–30% required (vs 10% for residents)
• Full income and tax documentation from your home country
• Life insurance (delegated assurance possible)
• Mortgage registered at the French land registry

As IOBSP-certified banking intermediaries, we can introduce you to our partner banks. Typical process: 30–60 days from file to firm offer.

Step 7 · Due diligence period

During the weeks between compromis and final signature:

• Financing secured and wired to notary escrow
• Title search confirmed
• Property tax status verified
• Syndic (if condominium) contacted for approval
• Translation of relevant documents (we can arrange sworn translations if needed)

Step 8 · Signing the final act (acte authentique)

2–3 months after the compromis. Same two options: via notarial proxy from your home country, or remote electronic signature. Funds transferred through the notary escrow account. Keys handed over to your representative (us, or your appointed property manager).

Step 9 · Post-purchase

• Property tax (taxe foncière) registered in your name, paid annually
• Home insurance mandatory (we introduce you to local insurers)
• Property management — we set up with our partner Immo Transac for tenant sourcing, maintenance, rent collection, annual reporting
• Tax declaration — French tax ID (NIF) obtained, annual return filed

Typical timeline

Costs to budget

• Notary fees: 7–8% on old property, 2–3% on new-build (included in total price you wire to escrow)
• Agency fees: per our published rate card, typically charged to the buyer and shown in the advertised price
• Financing costs: file fees (~€1,000), mortgage registration (~1–2% of loan), insurance (~0.3–0.6%/year of loan)
• Translation: sworn translation of key documents if required (€150–€400)
• Annual taxe foncière: varies by municipality, typically 0.5–1.5% of fiscal rental value

Common concerns answered

Do I need a French tax ID?

Yes — the notary obtains a French tax ID (numéro fiscal) for you as part of the purchase. Takes a few weeks. Needed to declare rental income and pay property tax.

Do I need a French bank account?

Not mandatory, but convenient. Some banks (Crédit Agricole, La Banque Postale) open accounts for non-residents with French property. Useful for rent collection and property-tax payment.

What about double taxation with my country?

France has tax treaties with most OECD countries and many emerging markets. Rental income is taxed in France first; your home country may credit the French tax or exempt it. We provide initial guidance — always pair with your home-country advisor.

Can my heirs inherit?

Yes. French civil law applies to succession on French property. EU nationals can choose to apply their home-country succession law under EU Regulation 650/2012. Non-EU nationals: French rules apply by default, plus your home-country rules if applicable.