Buying property in France through an SCI or company

Yes, it is possible to buy property in France through a company. Many international buyers use either a French property company known as an SCI (Société Civile Immobilière) or, less commonly, a foreign company.

The main benefit is flexibility. If several people are buying together, a company structure makes it easier to define ownership shares and manage succession planning. It can also help with inheritance issues, as company shares can be passed on more easily than property itself.

For apartments and chalets that are used for holiday renting, a company can sometimes allow more tax planning opportunities, particularly if the business is set up to offset expenses.

Buying property in France through a company usually involves higher setup and running costs compared to personal ownership. You’ll need to factor in legal and notary fees, annual accounting and administration expenses, and potentially higher taxes depending on the company structure. While this route can offer benefits such as shared ownership or estate planning advantages, it is generally more complex and costly than buying in your own name.

An SCI (Société Civile Immobilière) is a French property-holding company commonly used by families or groups of investors. It is relatively straightforward to set up and allows property to be owned collectively through company shares. The SCI is not itself a trading company but a vehicle to hold and manage property.