The trend of buying properties sight unseen continues even after COVID settled. While the pandemic initially drove buyers to make remote purchases out of necessity, many have found that the convenience and efficiency of virtual home buying still appeal today.
At the onset of COVID, I expected that interest in my fractional ownership properties would die on the vine. Actually, the opposite was true; interest in IPS shares doubled and nearly all of the purchases were done sight-unseen.
What would I attribute this unexpected result to?
After speaking to others in the real estate industry, a few main themes arose:
- Increased confidence working with local experts remotely
- Advancements in virtual tour technology
- Growing comfort with handling transactions online
Buyers, especially in competitive or international markets, now see purchasing sight unseen as a viable option when time and access are limited. In addition, when it comes to shared vacation homes, testimonials and first hand accounts from other co-owners in the property can offer first hand experience.
Don Spradlin from Joiedevivre Homes and I spent the month of August & September exploring new fractional properties. Along the way, the reality of Canadians and American buying a property 3,000+ miles away from where they live came to light.
To help with local insights, we interviewed Andrew Guck at Leggett Immobilier International – one of the people responsible for arranging visits to a few of our favorite co-ownership property picks in Southern France.
Another particularly helpful resource was Pierre Guillery from Uzes Property Finders. He really knows his way around the real estate market in S. France and will save you both time and money. Also- a charming fellow and completely bilingual!
Why Canadian and American clients buy property in France sight unseen?
An Interview with local French real estate expert
Andrew Guck
Leggett Immobilier International
Q: What is the profile of your typical American or Canadian property buyer?
A: They tend to range in age from mid-fifties to mid-seventies. These clients have often traveled in France over the years but now have the time and financial resources to spend more time there.
Q: Where are most of your clients located?
A: Along the West coast (California, Oregon, and Washington) as well as the East coast (Florida and New York)
Q: Let’s talk about people buying sight unseen. Has this happened very often?
A: Yes, it has. Covid was a bit wake-up call for a lot of people, and they decided that they wanted to be away from the big cities and following their dream. The fact that they really couldn’t travel in person but that they had loads of time to actively hunt for properties online, led them to find ways to feel safe while buying sight unseen. Another factor was that if they found the perfect property, with a surge of interest in the marketplace, if they didn’t act quickly, some else was going to end up owning the jewel they
had found.
Q: You mention finding ways to feel “safe” while buying sight unseen. Can you talk more about that?
A: Sure. WhatsApp visits to our properties and our YouTube channel have made virtual visits very effective. In the two Covid years, 12 out of 30 sales were made sight unseen.
Q: Are there other factors which build trust in a sight-unseen buying relationship?
A: Yes. French real estate transactions are very transparent and relatively easy to transact remotely. You can provide the notaire Power of Attorney to sign for you remotely. Also, the buyer receives complete diagnostic reports including electrical, termite, asbestos, energy, gas and septic details. Of course, Zoom calls help to answer any other questions about the buying process. Of all of the sight-unseen transactions, I can tell you that we’ve never had a bad experience.
Q: What advice can you give to American’s and Canadians who are considering purchasing property sight unseen?
A: With inflation so high where you live, you’ll find that the cost of living is much less here in France. There is a large expat community on hand to offer suggestions and to help you feel a sense of community.
Q: You said that more and more Americans are buying in France right now. What
are the main reasons for that?
A: Fear, Trust and the Ease of Process. The fear is mainly geo-political and motivates buyers to seek places where life seems calmer, more sane. So quality of life. Trust is a big one- can your buyers trust you? Trust that the property is everything it is purported to be. Ease of process- will the transaction be done logically, sensibly and easily.
Carefully selecting properties you can trust
As the trend of sight-unseen real estate purchases continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that buyers need more than just a great property—they need someone they can trust to do the groundwork.
At International Property Shares, we understand the weight of that responsibility. That’s why we go above and beyond to ensure each property we offer is personally scouted, thoroughly vetted, and held to high standards.
With a deep understanding of what makes a fractional ownership property truly special, we’ve carefully curated homes that buyers can confidently invest in, even from afar.
In addition to our currently available fractional ownership vacation homes for sale – we are always keeping our eyes open for new properties. To whet your appetite, here’s a couple fractional ownership opportunities we especially liked:
Bordeaux Fractional Ownership Possibility
If the bustle and buzz of city life calls out to you, this recently discovered 2 bedroom Urban gem in Bordeaux may be a great vacation co-ownership option.
Why do we like Bordeaux? Bordeaux is a prime example of a city that has successfully reinvented itself while preserving its historical charm. Over the past few decades, Bordeaux has become a modern, vibrant, and dynamic city. Easy to access by air or by rail, offering a possible city co-ownership home simply makes sense.
Property Highlights
- Bright and charming 2 bedrooms apartment of 82m² in the historic heart of Bordeaux (St Paul district). The apartment is located in a quiet street a few steps from Porte Cailhau, the river quays and Place du Palais.
- Located on the 4th floor of a stone building built at the end of the 18th century, it has an entrance, two beautiful bedrooms, a large living/dining room offering a lovely view of the roofs of the old town, a beautiful, equipped kitchen, a laundry room and a bathroom as well as a separate toilet.
- Beautiful parquet floors, fireplace, double glazing, light coming from both Southwest and North East.
- Completely redone in 2017. Structural renovation work on the building completed in 2023. Renovation work on the roof of the building has just been done.
Théoule sur Mer Fractional Ownership Possibility
Prefer a coastal getaway? Théoule-sur-Mer is a tucked away treasure along the French Riviera. It offers a blend of stunning sea views, tranquil beaches, and a more laid-back vibe compared to its more famous neighbors.
Why do we like Théoule-sur-Mer? Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Esterel mountains, it’s perfect for those seeking a retreat with both natural beauty and luxury. With its proximity to Cannes and the charm of a small town, it’s a place where you can escape the hustle while still enjoying the vibrant French Riviera.
Property Highlights
- 2-room apartment in perfect condition in Théoule Miramar
- Located on the heights of the hill of Villa Bulle with breathtaking panoramic views of the Estérel red rocks and the sea
- Beautiful expansive terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
- Quiet residence on the edge of the Esterel natural park, just minutes from Miramar beaches
- Access to a swimming pool with sea view
- Private Garage Included
If you are interested to know more about these properties, or others that may be coming soon, don’t hesitate to drop us a line!
25 years of Expertise on Your Side
With over 25 years of experience, you might say I’ve learned a few tricks that I’m happy to share in our monthly webinars. You can register here and explore the process closer. Ask questions and get to know our current curated properties and learn more about new ones coming soon.
Whether you are just curious, want to buy remotely — or arrange a private showing, International Property Shares ensures a smooth and trustworthy experience every step of the way.
