Why UK Buyers Start with Rightmove
Rightmove is the UK's most trusted property portal. When British buyers dream of a French Riviera home, Rightmove Overseas seems like a natural starting point — familiar interface, English language, trusted brand.
But here's the reality:
Rightmove Overseas aggregates a small selection of French properties, primarily those marketed to international buyers. The vast majority of French Riviera properties never appear on the platform.
Rightmove Overseas Limitations for France
1. Limited French Market Coverage
Rightmove Overseas shows perhaps 10-15% of available French Riviera properties. The platform:
- Relies on agents who pay to list internationally
- Misses most local French agency listings
- Has no off-market access whatsoever
- Shows properties already on the market for months
The best French Riviera properties sell within weeks through local networks. By the time they reach Rightmove, they're often already sold or have issues.
2. No French Language Support
Every French property transaction requires:
- French legal documents (compromis de vente)
- Communication with French notaires
- Understanding copropriété rules
- Reviewing French diagnostic reports
Rightmove provides an English interface but zero help with the French-language process that follows.
3. UK-Centric Approach
Rightmove is designed for UK property. The French section:
- Uses UK property categories that don't match French types
- Doesn't explain French transaction processes
- Lacks local market insights
- Can't help with post-Brexit complexities
What a Buyer's Agent Provides
Complete Market Access
We search 200+ French sources including:
- All local French portals (SeLoger, LeBonCoin, Bien'ici)
- Regional agency networks
- Private seller contacts
- Off-market databases
- Pre-market opportunities
You see the full market, not just what's marketed to foreigners.
Full Language Support
We handle all French communication:
- Property enquiries
- Viewing arrangements
- Offer negotiations
- Legal document review
- Notaire coordination
You receive everything in English while we manage the French side.
Expert Local Negotiation
Our average saving is 8% below asking price. We know:
- Fair market values by neighborhood
- Which properties are overpriced
- Seller motivations and timelines
- French negotiation culture
Complete Legal Protection
French property law differs significantly from UK law. We verify:
- Title and ownership rights
- Building permits (often problematic)
- Co-ownership finances and rules
- All mandatory diagnostics
- Tax implications for UK buyers
Real Cost Comparison
| Scenario | Rightmove DIY | With Buyer's Agent |
|---|
When Rightmove Makes Sense
Rightmove Overseas is useful for:
- Initial market research and dreaming
- Understanding rough price ranges
- Seeing what €X buys in different areas
- Properties specifically marketed to UK buyers
When You Need a Buyer's Agent
Consider an agent if you:
- Want access to the full French market
- Need French language support
- Are making a significant purchase (€500K+)
- Have limited time for searching
- Want protection from legal issues
- Need post-Brexit residency guidance
Our Verdict
Rightmove Overseas is fine for dreaming but inadequate for actually buying on the French Riviera. The limited coverage, lack of French support, and absence of professional guidance make it a risky starting point for a major purchase.
Our 2% fee typically costs nothing when you factor in negotiation savings and avoiding the expensive mistakes we see UK buyers make when going it alone.
Ready to access the full French Riviera market? Contact us for a free consultation.