French real estate terms

22 Nov 2024

Navigating real estate market both in France and internationally, can be challenging because of industry specific jargon and expressions. There we have listed some of the main terms that often come up when searching a new apartment or development opportunity. Translated from French to English.

Faire une demande de permis de construire : To apply for an application / for a building permit
Construire : To build
Acheter un appartement : To buy a flat
Visiter une maison : To go over/to view a house
Emménager : To move in
Déménager : To move out
Rénover : To renovate
Louer une chambre : To rent a room
Vendre : To sell
Signer un contrat : To sign a contract
Sous-louer : To sub-let

These are already enough to get anyone started, anyhow list continues in hopes to find people in need.

The parties involved in a construction, sale or purchase project

When dealing with different industry players . Here are a few vocabulary words that will help buyers to identify other professionals.

Professionals in Real Estate and Construction
- Maçon: Builder
- Agence immobilière: Real Estate Agency
- Agent immobilier: Real Estate Agent
- Expert foncier: Land Expert
- Promoteur immobilier: Property Developer
- Propriétaire / Logeur: Landlord
- Propriétaire: Owner
- Locataire: Tenant
Property Types and Real Estate Terms
What can you buy, sell, or rent? Explore the types of properties in French real estate:
- Maison: House
- Appartement: Apartment / Flat
- Logement: Accommodation
- Château: Castle
- Propriété: Estate / Property
- Un terrain: Land
- Résidence secondaire / principale: Second Home / Primary Home
- Logement social: State-subsidized Housing
- Terrain non-constructible: Land without a Building Permit
- Superficie: Surface Area
- Copropriétaire: Co-owner
For construction and development:
- Chantier: Construction Site
- Bâtiment: Building
- Locaux: Premises
- Toiture: Roofing
- Maçonnerie: Masonry
- Plomberie: Plumbing
- Menuiserie: Carpentry / Joinery
- Terrassement: Foundation / groundwork
Legal Agreements and Administrative Terms
For navigating contracts, taxes, and legal obligations:
- Acte de vente: Deed of Sale
- Attestation de propriété: Certificate of Ownership
- Bail: Lease
- Caution: Security Deposit
- État des lieux: Walkthrough Inspection
- Clause particulière: Special Condition
- Lu et approuvé: Read and Approved
Financial and Payment Terms in Real Estate
Key terms for transactions and budgeting:
- Acompte: Deposit
- Frais: Fees
- Crédit immobilier: Mortgage
- Remboursement mensuel: Monthly Repayment
- Taxe foncière: Property Ownership Tax
- Le loyer: Rent
- Taux d’intérêt: Interest Rate
- Prêt immobilier: Home Loan / Mortgage
- Prêt à taux fixe: Fixed-Rate Loan
- Prêt à taux variable: Variable-Rate Loan
- Durée du prêt: Loan Term