Your
European Venture starts here.
Seize high-value properties fast and crush your goals
your European life
Luxury Living
Châteaux, villas, Ski Chalets and historic estates for discerning buyers seeking the finest France and Spain have to offer.
Retirement
Peaceful villages, Mediterranean coasts, charming towns — the ideal places to plan a new venture or spend your golden years abroad.
Digital Nomad
Urban apartments and connected retreats for remote workers building a life between continents.
As Americans who've navigated the complexities of buying in France and Spain, we know exactly what you need — and what to watch out for.
Bilingual Guidance
We translate not just language but culture, law, and process every step of the way.
US Tax Awareness
We work with advisors who understand French, Spanish, and American tax implications.
Vetted Local Networks
Notaires, notarios, architects, banks, and contractors we trust from years of collaboration.
End-to-End Support
From first search to keys in hand — with you through every étape and paso.
The same budget that rents a modest Miami apartment buys a stone farmhouse in Provence or a seafront apartment in Mallorca.
See the Full ComparisonLuxury Living
Estate châteaux, Belle Époque villas, Balearic fincas — the pinnacle of European real estate for those who accept nothing less.
Enquire NowThe Art of Acquisition
Buying a luxury property in France or Spain is profoundly different from purchasing in the United States. The legal framework, negotiation culture, and hidden complexities of historic properties demand expert guidance — that is precisely what Aventure Living provides.
We specialize in off-market introductions, discreet representation, and white-glove coordination. Our clients range from Silicon Valley executives seeking a Provençal retreat to New York collectors acquiring a historic villa in Ramatuelle overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, or visionary entrepreneurs purchasing a Mallorcan finca to restore as a boutique agrotourism hotel.
France: Châteaux, Mas & Prestige Apartments
France remains the gold standard for luxury real estate in Europe. Bordeaux wine estates, Loire Valley castles, Provençal bastides, Parisian pieds-à-terre, and ski chalets in Megeve or Val d'Isere have captivated wealthy buyers for centuries. The SCI (Société Civile Immobilière) structure provides elegant solutions for ownership, estate planning, and rental income management.
Spain: Balearics, Costa Brava & Madrid
The Balearic Islands have become the premier luxury destination for international buyers. Mallorca and Ibiza offer world-class marinas, exceptional cuisine, and jaw-dropping properties ranging from ancient stone fincas to ultra-modern villas with infinity pools overlooking turquoise bays. Menorca, quieter and UNESCO-protected, appeals to those seeking unspoiled nature.
Off-Market Access
Exclusive introductions to properties never publicly listed.
Château, Finca & Estate Search
Bordeaux estates, Loire castles, Mallorcan fincas, Ibizan villas.
Riviera, Balearics & Urban Prestige
Cannes, Mallorca, Ibiza, Paris 7th, Madrid Salamanca.
Renovation Coordination
Both Paris and San Francisco based trusted architects and artisans for restoring historic properties.
Legal & Financial Structuring
SCI structures, estate planning, US–France–Spain tax coordination.
Lifestyle Concierge
Private staff, yacht berths, wine cellar consulting.
We do not provide financial services but refer clients to vetted, regulated providers or the latest and hottest fintech platforms.
Regions: Provence · Bordeaux · Loire Valley · Île-de-France · Normandy · Mallorca · Ibiza · Marbella · Costa Brava · Madrid · Barcelona
Schedule a Private ConsultationRetirement Abroad
Affordable elegance, slower pace, extraordinary quality of life — France and Spain offer an exceptional chapter for American retirees.
Start PlanningA New Beginning in Europe
France's healthcare system ranks among the world's finest. Spain offers warm Mediterranean weather, accessible healthcare, and a relaxed pace of life that retirees consistently describe as transformative.
France for Retirees
The Dordogne, Languedoc, and Brittany have long welcomed American retirees with affordable property, established expat communities, and an enviable lifestyle. France's PUMA healthcare system extends to legal residents, and the Visa de Long Séjour gives retirees the right to reside long-term.
Spain & the Balearics for Retirees
Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa is one of the most accessible residency pathways for American retirees, requiring proof of sufficient passive income. Mallorca and Menorca have thriving expat communities, excellent private healthcare, and a temperate year-round climate.
We refer clients to vetted advisors — we do not provide financial services ourselves.
Region Matching
Dordogne, Languedoc, Mallorca, Menorca — matched to your lifestyle.
Visa & Residency
Long-stay visas in France, Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain.
Healthcare Navigation
PUMA in France, Spain's public and private options.
Budget Planning
Realistic cost-of-living breakdowns, with financial partner referrals.
Community Integration
Connections to established expat communities and associations.
Property Search
Village houses, fincas, countryside cottages — to fit your budget.
Popular destinations: Dordogne · Languedoc · Brittany · Loire Valley · Mallorca · Menorca · Costa Blanca . Alicante
Book a Free Discovery CallDigital Nomad
Work remotely. Live beautifully. Base yourself in France or Spain with the right visa, right property, and seamless setup from day one.
Get Set UpEurope as Your Base
The rise of remote work has opened a remarkable door: living the European lifestyle while maintaining your US income. France and Spain both offer visa pathways for remote workers, and cities like Paris, Bordeaux, Barcelona, and Palma offer world-class connectivity at a fraction of major US city costs.
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa
Spain launched a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa in 2023 — one of the most straightforward legal routes into European residency for Americans. The visa allows you to live and work in Spain for up to 5 years with a path to permanent residency. The Balearics, particularly Mallorca and Ibiza, have seen significant demand from American nomads.
France's Talent Passport & Long-Stay Visa
France offers the Visa de Long Séjour for those wishing to reside without working locally, and the Talent Passport for entrepreneurs and qualified professionals. Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux consistently rank among the world's most livable cities for digital professionals.
We refer our clients to the most effective cross border platforms. We do not provide financial services ourselves.
Visa Strategy
France Talent Passport, Spain's Digital Nomad Visa — the right path for you.
Short-Stay Rentals
Furnished apartments in Paris, Barcelona, Palma, Bordeaux.
Long-Term Leases
Unfurnished rentals, lease negotiations, guarantor solutions.
Property Purchase
Buying a pied-à-terre in Europe as a US resident, made simple.
Banking & Setup
Referrals to international banking specialists and expat advisors.
Tax & Compliance
CPAs specializing in US expat taxation, FBAR, FATCA, tax treaties.
Top nomad cities: Paris · Lyon · Bordeaux · Nice · Barcelona · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Ibiza Town
Plan Your MoveUS vs. Europe
A candid comparison of what your money buys in America's most expensive cities versus the best of France and Spain.
These are approximate comparisons based on 2024–2025 market data. Individual circumstances vary; consult a financial advisor for personal guidance.
Property purchase comparison
| City / Region | $1M Gets You | Size | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami, FL | Small condo, Brickell/Wynwood | ~750 sq ft | High HOA + taxes |
| New York, NY | Studio/1BR in Manhattan | ~600 sq ft | Maintenance fees |
| San Francisco, CA | 1BR condo, outer neighborhoods | ~700 sq ft | High property tax |
| Provence, France | Stone farmhouse + pool + land | 3,000+ sq ft | Excellent |
| Mallorca, Spain | Seafront apartment or finca | 2,000+ sq ft | Strong appreciation |
| Languedoc, France | Château or large village house | 4,000+ sq ft | Outstanding |
| Menorca, Spain | Villa with sea views | 2,500+ sq ft | UNESCO protected |
| City | Rent 1BR | Groceries | Healthcare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | $2,800–4,500 | $400–600 | $400–800/mo insurance |
| New York | $3,500–6,000 | $500–700 | $450–900/mo insurance |
| San Francisco | $3,200–5,500 | $450–650 | $400–800/mo insurance |
| Paris | $1,500–2,800 | $250–400 | ~€50/mo after residency |
| Mallorca | $900–2,000 | $200–350 | Low-cost private plans |
| Montpellier, FR | $800–1,400 | $200–320 | Covered after residency |
| Palma, Mallorca | $1,000–1,800 | $200–340 | Quality private options |
| Factor | US Major Cities | South France / Balearics |
|---|---|---|
| Climate | Varies; extreme heat/cold | 300+ sunny days/year |
| Commute | 45–90 min average | 10–20 min or walkable |
| Food culture | Good but expensive | World-class, affordable |
| Work–life balance | Often poor | Central to culture |
| Healthcare quality | High cost | Excellent & affordable |
| Vacation access | Flights required | Italy, Morocco in hours |
All figures are approximate and illustrative only — not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor and a CPA specializing in US expat taxation before making any decisions.
About Us
Americans who've made the leap — now helping others do the same with confidence.
We've walked this path ourselves
Aventure Living was born from a simple frustration: the process of buying property in France and Spain as an American is genuinely complex — and the guidance available was either too generic, too local, or too expensive to be practical for most buyers.
Over the past fifteen years, our founder has developed an intimate knowledge of European living that few advisors can match. Together with his wife, their explorations have taken them through nearly every corner of both countries — from the secluded coves of Ibiza and the romantic hilltop streets of Valldemossa, to the lavender-scented plateaus and medieval villages of Provence, and along the wild, luminous coastline of the Côte d'Azur from Menton to Saint-Tropez. They have wandered the cobblestone lanes of Ramatuelle perched above the Gulf, lingered in the morning markets of Aix-en-Provence, and traced the vineyard roads of Bordeaux deep into the Dordogne valley. Paris they know not from guidebooks, but arrondissement by arrondissement — from the grand Haussmann boulevards of the 8th to the quiet courtyards of the Marais and the village-like streets of Montmartre. In Spain, their focus turns to the Balearic Islands, where they have personally explored nearly every village across Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca — from the sun-drenched port towns and ancient stone fincas of Mallorca's interior, to the storied hillside retreats of Ibiza and the unspoiled, UNESCO-protected shores of Menorca. It is this depth of firsthand experience that sets Aventure Living apart: when Shahram recommends a region, a neighborhood, or a property, it comes not from research alone, but from years of living, walking, and breathing these places the way his clients one day will.
We are advisors and connectors and lifestyle consultants. Our interest is your interest: the right property, in the right place, at the right price.
Primary focus: France (Cote d'Azur, Provence, Languedoc, Île-de-France) and Spain (Balearic Islands — Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca). Real estate partner networks in Portugal and Greece. Reisdency network in Malta and Cyprus.
Shahram Irajpour
Former Global Banking and Insurance Executive Director, San Francisco-based, with 15 years exploring Europe and uncovering distinctive lifestyles across France and Spain.
Pauline Boillot
Brittany native, Paris-based. Specialist in off-market Parisian properties, Île-de-France estates, and southwest France.
Naz Mansour
Ibiza-based with deep local connections across the Balearic Islands. Specialist in Mallorcan fincas, Ibizan villas, and Spanish property law for American buyers.
Frequently Asked
The questions Americans most commonly ask about buying property in France and Spain.
Do I need to be a citizen or resident to buy property?
No. American citizens can purchase property in France and Spain without any residency requirement. In Spain you will need a NIE (tax identification number), which we help you obtain.
What is a notaire (France) / notario (Spain)?
In France, a notaire is a state-appointed legal officer who handles all property transactions. In Spain a notario performs a similar role. Both are public officials who verify legality and register the transaction with the state — different from and in many ways stronger than the US system.
How long does a purchase take in France?
Typically 2–4 months from accepted offer to completion. After signing the compromis de vente (preliminary contract), there is a mandatory 10-day cooling-off period, then title searches before the final acte de vente.
How long does a purchase take in Spain?
Usually 1–3 months. The process involves a reservation contract (contrato de arras), obtaining your NIE, due diligence, and signing the final escritura pública before the notario. Spanish purchases often move faster than in France.
What are the total buying costs?
France: budget 7–10% on top of purchase price (notaire fees 6–8% plus agency fees). Spain: budget 10–13% (ITP transfer tax 6–10% by region; Balearics 8–11.5%). New-build properties attract VAT (10% in Spain, 20% in France) rather than transfer tax.
What makes the Balearic Islands special for American buyers?
Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca offer a rare combination: Mediterranean climate with 300+ sunny days, world-class food and culture, excellent connectivity, strong property values, and a well-established international community. Menorca, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, appeals to those seeking unspoiled beauty.
Will I owe US taxes on a European property?
Yes. As a US citizen, you are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where you live. US–France and US–Spain tax treaties prevent double taxation in most cases, but FBAR and FATCA reporting may apply. We strongly recommend consulting a CPA specializing in US expat taxation.
How should I transfer money for a property purchase?
We do not provide transfer services ourselves but refer clients to vetted, regulated providers, private bankers or state-of-the-art fintech platforms
What visa options exist for living in France or Spain?
France offers the Visa de Long Séjour (Visitor visa) and the Talent Passport for remote workers. Spain offers the Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees and the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. Both countries offer paths to permanent residency.
What regions do you focus on?
France — especially Provence, Languedoc, Occitanie, Dordogne, Normandy, Brittany, and Île-de-France — and Spain, particularly the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca), Barcelona, and Madrid. We also have real estate partner networks in Portugal and Greece and residency consulting networks in Malta and Cyprus.
What are the real estate transaction costs in Spain?
Buyer Costs — Vary Significantly by Region: Tax rates vary enormously by autonomous community. Madrid is the cheapest (6% ITP), Catalonia and Valencia the most expensive (10%).
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer tax — ITP (existing property) | 6–10% | Varies by region: Andalusia 7%, Madrid 6%, Catalonia 10%, Valencia 10% |
| VAT — IVA (new builds) | 10% | Replaces ITP for new builds |
| Stamp duty — AJD | 0.5–1.5% | Applies to new builds and mortgages; varies by region |
| Notary fees | 0.2–0.5% | Regulated, based on property value |
| Land registry fees | 0.1–0.25% | Registration of title deed |
| Legal fees (gestoría/lawyer) | 0.5–1% | Recommended, not mandatory |
| Mortgage arrangement fee | 0–1% | Bank dependent |
| Property valuation | €300–600 | Required for mortgage |
| Agency fee | Usually seller pays | Unlike France, typically a seller-side cost |
Key Process Steps & Timeline:
- NIE number: Mandatory foreign buyer ID (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
- Contrato de arras: Preliminary contract; typically 10% deposit. If buyer pulls out, deposit is forfeited. If seller pulls out, they pay double
- Due diligence: Land registry checks, debt searches, community fee verification
- Escritura pública: Final deed signed at notary
- Total timeline: 1–3 months from offer to completion — faster than France
Key Spain-Specific Points:
- Regional variation: Tax rates vary enormously by autonomous community — Madrid (6%) vs Catalonia/Valencia (10%) is a significant difference on a large purchase
- Non-resident withholding: If seller is non-resident, buyer withholds 3% of purchase price and pays directly to tax authority as advance against seller's capital gains
- Community fees: If buying in a building or urbanización, monthly community charges apply — typically €50–500+/month
- IBI: Annual municipal property tax, similar to France's taxe foncière
- Mortgage law (2019): Since 2019 reform, bank pays most mortgage-related taxes — a significant change from prior practice
What are the real estate transaction costs in France?
Buyer Costs — "Frais de Notaire": Despite the name, these are mostly taxes not notary fees. They run 7–8% for existing properties and 2–3% for new builds.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer tax | ~5.8% | Main tax on existing property purchase price |
| Notary Fees | 0.8–1% | Actual notary remuneration, regulated by state |
| Land registry fees | ~0.1% | Registration of title |
| Administrative Costs | ~0.4% | Disbursements, searches |
| VAT — new builds only | 20% on purchase price | Replaces transfer tax for new builds |
| Agency fee (if buyer pays) | 3-6% | Can be seller or buyer paid — listing check needed |
Key Process Steps & Timeline:
- Compromis de vente: Preliminary contract; 10-day buyer cooling off period; typically 5–10% deposit required
- Notary period: 2–3 months for searches, mortgage arrangements, and due diligence
- Acte authentique: Final deed signed at notary; keys exchanged at completion
- Total timeline: 3–4 months from offer to completion
Key France-Specific Points:
- Single notary system: All transactions go through a notaire (state-regulated lawyer/conveyancer). Buyer and seller can each have their own notaire at no extra cost — fees are split
- Loi SRU: Mandatory 10-day cooling off period for buyer after signing compromis
- Assurance emprunteur: French mortgages require life insurance, adding 0.1–0.5% annually to mortgage cost
- Taxe foncière: Annual property tax paid by owner — €500 to €3,000+ depending on property and location
- Taxe d'habitation: Now abolished for primary residences but still applies to second homes
How can I apply for Mortgage in France and Spain?
Buying property in Spain or France is a popular goal for American buyers. Both countries offer stable real estate markets, attractive mortgage products, and well-established legal frameworks. However, each has its own requirements, costs, and processes that buyers must navigate carefully.The table below summarises the key parameters of a mortgage in each country as of May 2026.
| Factor | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇫🇷 France |
|---|---|---|
| Max LTV (Residents) | Up to 80% | Up to 85% |
| Max LTV (Non-Residents) | 60–70% | 70–80% |
| Typical Term | 15–30 years | 15–25 years |
| Fixed Rate (approx.) | 3.5–5.0% | 3.2–4.8% |
| Variable Rate (approx.) | Euribor + 0.6–1.5% | Euribor + 0.8–1.5% |
| Arrangement Fees | 0–1% of loan | 0.5–1.5% of loan |
| Stamp Duty (Transfer Tax) | 6–10% (region-dependent) | 5.8–8.7% (dept.-dependent) |
| Notary & Registry Costs | ~1.5–2% | ~1.5–2.5% |
| Min. Income Proof Period | 2 years employment | 2 years employment |
| Debt-to-Income Max | ~35% DTI | ~35% DTI (legal cap) |
| Language of Process | Spanish | French |
Still have questions? We're happy to help.
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Legal Notice, Terms of Use
& Privacy Policy
Last updated: April 2026 · Aventure Living LLC
1. About Aventure Living LLC
This website is owned and operated by Aventure Living LLC, a real estate advisory and relocation consulting firm. Aventure Living LLC provides guidance, referrals, and coordination services to Americans seeking to purchase or rent property in France and Spain. Aventure Living LLC is not a licensed real estate agent in France (agent immobilier) or Spain (agente inmobiliario) and does not directly execute property transactions. All transactions are carried out through licensed local notaires, notarios, or estate agencies.
2. Terms of Use
By accessing this website, you agree to these terms. All content is provided for informational purposes only. You may not reproduce, distribute, or commercially exploit any content without prior written consent from Aventure Living LLC. Aventure Living LLC reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of any updated terms.
3. No Legal or Tax Advice
Nothing on this website constitutes legal, tax, financial, immigration, or investment advice. Cost comparisons and estimates are illustrative and approximate — they do not constitute financial advice. You should consult qualified legal and tax professionals in both the United States and your target country before making any decision regarding property purchase or relocation.
4. No Financial Services
Aventure Living LLC does not provide currency exchange, money transfer, banking, mortgage brokerage, investment advice, or any other regulated financial services. References to third-party providers — including Wise, OFX, Moneycorp, Revolut, or CurrencyFair — are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. Always conduct your own due diligence before using any financial service provider.
5. Accuracy of Information
Aventure Living LLC endeavors to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, laws, regulations, visa requirements, tax rules, and market conditions change frequently. Aventure Living LLC makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided on this website.
6. Third-Party Referrals
Referrals to third-party service providers are made in good faith but do not constitute endorsements. Aventure Living LLC is not responsible for the actions, advice, or outcomes of any third party, and receives no financial compensation for referrals unless expressly disclosed in writing.
7. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Aventure Living LLC and its members, employees, and partners shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from use of this website, reliance on any information provided herein, or any property transaction undertaken following contact with Aventure Living LLC.
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Personal information submitted through our contact form — including name, email address, phone number, and enquiry details — is collected and processed by Aventure Living LLC solely to respond to your enquiry and provide advisory services. We will not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties without your explicit consent, except where required by applicable law.
Aventure Living LLC retains personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, and implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.
If you are located in the European Union or European Economic Area, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) — including the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of your personal data. To exercise these rights or request deletion, contact: [email protected].
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9. US Tax Obligations
American citizens and US tax residents are subject to US taxation on worldwide income regardless of where they reside or where property is located. Nothing on this website should be construed as tax advice. Aventure Living LLC strongly recommends consulting a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) specializing in US expatriate taxation before purchasing property or establishing residency abroad. FBAR and FATCA reporting obligations may apply to foreign bank accounts and assets.
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11. Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of France. Any disputes arising from use of this website or engagement with the services of Aventure Living LLC shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of Paris, France, unless otherwise required by applicable consumer protection law in your jurisdiction.
12. Contact
For legal, privacy, or data protection enquiries, please contact Aventure Living LLC at: [email protected]