Buying property at auction in France can save you up to 50% of the market price, but the process is unlike a regular sale. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate it safely and confidently.
1. What Is a Property Auction in France?
In France, property auctions are public sales organized when a property must be sold quickly, often after:
- a bank foreclosure,
- a judicial liquidation, or
- an inheritance or divorce process.
Auctions take place in tribunaux judiciaires (courts) and are handled by notaries or lawyers. They’re completely legal, transparent, and often significantly below market value.
Blissets aggregates these opportunities so you can see them all in one place, instead of searching dozens of regional court websites.
2. Main Types of Auctions
There are three main auction formats in France:
| Type | Organized by | Example | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial Auction (Vente aux Enchères Judiciaires) | Local court | Repossession or debt recovery | Requires lawyer to bid |
| Notarial Auction (Vente Notariale Volontaire) | Notary office | Estate sales or urgent disposals | Open to public |
| Domaines Auction (Vente des Domaines) | French State (Domaines.gouv.fr) | Public buildings, land, official assets | Public access |
Blissets lists properties from all three, giving you a complete view of the hidden market.
3. How to Prepare Before the Auction
a. Find listings early
Use Blissets to discover upcoming auctions, with details like date, location, starting bid, and property description.
b. Visit the property (if possible)
Viewings are often scheduled once or twice before the auction date.
If you can’t visit, check the photos, diagnostics (DPE), and surface details carefully.
c. Get a lawyer (avocat)
For judicial auctions, bids must be placed through a lawyer authorized by the court.
Blissets can show you the contact details of the notary or court handling the sale.
d. Prepare a deposit (“chèque de consignation”)
Usually 10% of the starting price, certified check or bank transfer required before bidding.
4. The Auction Day
- Arrive early (or your lawyer does).
- The auctioneer announces the property and starting bid.
- Bids increase in small increments until no one bids higher.
- Once the hammer falls, the sale is provisional, subject to a short confirmation period.
If you win:
- You pay the balance (usually within 45 days).
- You cover legal and notarial fees (often 10–15% total).
5. After the Auction
Within about 10 days, if no appeals are filed, the sale becomes final.
You’ll receive:
- The adjudication report confirming ownership.
- The keys, usually via the notary or court.
At that point, you can begin renovation, rental, or resale plans.
6. Tips to Succeed
- Research the area: Blissets’ market data can show ROI and yield trends.
- Set a max bid: and don’t exceed it in the heat of the moment.
- Inspect carefully: some auction properties require renovation.
- Budget for taxes and fees: typically +10–15% of bid price.
- Act fast: once published, auctions move quickly.
7. Why Use Blissets
Blissets simplifies everything by:
- Centralizing judicial, notarial, and Domaines listings.
- Translating complex legal terms into clear summaries.
- Sending real-time alerts for new opportunities.
- Offering tools to calculate ROI, renovation costs, and yield instantly.
You focus on choosing, not on searching.
8. Final Thoughts
Buying property at auction in France isn’t just for insiders anymore.
With the right preparation and the right tools you can uncover unique opportunities at incredible prices.
Start exploring French property auctions today.
Join Blissets and access verified, off-market listings updated daily.
