A deferred-price sale lets you unlock cash from your French property now while you receive the remaining balance at resale, with every step authenticated by a French notary. The simulator below estimates your potential upfront advance, indicative fees, net cash today and deferred balance later. Owners use this model for tax calls, bridging before sale, relocation timing, or short-term obligations when a traditional sale is not fast enough. All funds move through the notary’s escrow account, your occupancy is contractually protected, and ownership rights remain fully secured by law.
How the deferred-price sale works
The mechanism unfolds in two notarial stages. First, you sign a deed that states the upfront sale price (the advance) and your right of occupancy for a defined period. Second, when the property is resold on the open market, you receive the deferred balance after standard closing costs. Because this is a staged sale, there is no interest and no monthly repayment; settlement simply occurs at final resale. Ownership is never compromised: the deed records your occupancy and the payment sequence, and the notary enforces the timetable exactly as written.
Good to know
The deferred-price model belongs to the same legal family as equity release in France. The national framework is explained in equity release in France, and its product branches are detailed on lifetime mortgage in France and mortgage-backed loan in France.
Steps from simulation to funds
The practical sequence is standardised and fully transparent.
- Eligibility and document check (title deed, identity, occupancy conditions).
- Independent valuation to establish current market value.
- Notarial deed defining the upfront price, the deferred price and the occupancy timeline.
- Upfront funds released to your bank account from notary escrow.
- Deferred balance paid at resale after the notary settles standard costs and any mortgage payoff.
Key takeaway
The notary manages both settlements: the advance now and the deferred balance later. Your occupancy remains protected until the final date specified in the deed.
When this model is useful
The deferred-price sale is designed for owners who cannot wait for a classic sale to complete but do not want a loan. Typical scenarios include paying a tax call, clearing an immediate obligation, bridging a delayed sale, or funding a move on a fixed timeline. It suits asset-rich, cash-constrained profiles who prefer a notary-supervised route with no interest and no monthly repayment, while maintaining occupancy for a clearly defined period.
Common mistake
Assuming this is an equity-release loan. It is not a loan; it is a staged sale. That is why there is no interest and no amortisation schedule. Where a loan is preferred, owners compare with the mortgage-backed loan in France for amortising or interest-only structures.
How to use the simulator
Enter your property value and any outstanding mortgage. Choose the desired occupancy duration and the upfront percentage you wish to model. The calculator will estimate your upfront sale price, indicative fees (valuation, notarial, service), mortgage repayment where relevant, your net cash today and the deferred balance at final resale. These results are indicative; final terms are always confirmed after valuation and notarial review. For legal continuity and inheritance clarity, the entire sequence is managed within the same notarial file, consistent with equity release regulations in France.
Reading your results correctly
“Net cash received” shows the amount you could receive now after indicative notary fees, service fees, any prepaid indemnities tied to the occupancy period, and repayment of any outstanding mortgage. “Deferred price” shows the balance payable to you at final resale; the deed fixes the order of settlement and the date by which occupancy ends. Because proceeds are sale prices, not income, there is no income-tax impact on the advance; usual notarial and closing costs still apply.
Sale with Deferred Price Simulator
Costs, timing and occupancy
Costs include valuation, notarial fees and a transparent service fee. All items are disclosed in the draft deed before signature. Typical timing ranges from eight to ten weeks from eligibility to funds release. During the interim, you remain in the property under the occupancy clause stated in the deed. Settlement occurs at final resale without loan interest or instalments; the notary first clears costs and any mortgage payoff, then transfers the deferred balance to you.
Example scenario
A property valued at €900,000 with no mortgage may release a 50 % advance of around €450,000. After notarial and service fees, net cash today may range between €410,000 and €425,000. The deferred balance at resale would be approximately €450,000 less any standard closing costs. The entire transaction is handled by the same notary who authenticated the initial deed and manages the final resale settlement, ensuring consistent legal control.
Eligibility and documentation
The property must be located in France and held with clear title. You provide identity and address proofs, the title deed and mortgage statements where applicable. If there are co-owners, all must consent and sign. A certified valuation is required to substantiate market value. The notary verifies the legal chain and registers the deed, then manages both disbursements — the upfront advance and the deferred balance — through escrow.
Risks and safeguards
The main operational risk is timing: if the resale takes longer than expected, the balance arrives later. The deed mitigates this by defining occupancy rights, key dates and settlement order. Because funds move via notarial escrow and the deed is recorded in the land registry, the advance and the final balance are documented, auditable and enforceable.
Why PraxiFinance
PraxiFinance has structured deferred-price transactions across France since 1990 for residents and non-residents. The firm manages valuation, creates bilingual documentation with its notarial partners, and ensures a fast, compliant release of funds. The approach is conservative and transparent: the priority is legal safety and net results for owners, rather than headline percentages that ignore costs and timelines. For reference on the wider legal framework, the page on equity-release regulations in France summarises the governing rules.
Alternatives and complementary routes
If you prefer a loan secured on property with structured repayments, the page on mortgage-backed loan in France explains amortising and interest-only models. For senior owners seeking no monthly repayments and full ownership retention, the page on lifetime mortgage in France provides the relevant conditions. Each route belongs to the same national framework of equity release in France, which preserves ownership and notarial security.
FAQ – Deferred-Price Sale (France)
Is this a loan?
No. It is a staged sale with an upfront price now and the remaining price later; there is no interest and no monthly repayment.
Do I keep occupancy?
Yes. Your right of occupancy is written into the notarial deed for a defined period.
What happens to my mortgage?
Any outstanding mortgage is repaid at the first settlement; the notary pays your bank directly before transferring your net cash.
How long does it take?
Typically eight to ten weeks from file opening to funds release, depending on valuation and notarial scheduling.
Is the advance taxed as income?
No. It is a sale price, not income. Standard notarial and closing costs still apply.
Can foreigners use this model?
Yes. French law applies to all properties located in France regardless of nationality or residence.
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