Fees and agency rules (Loi Hoguet)
French agencies are regulated under Loi Hoguet and must follow strict rules on handling client funds. In practice, agency fees are settled in EUR and subject to AML obligations. If your capital originates from crypto, assume EUR settlement and prepare documentation early.
Legal context:
/en/guide/crypto/legal-framework
Rent and deposits: EUR by default
Crypto is not legal tender in France, and no party is obliged to accept it for rent or deposits. Any crypto use is by agreement only and typically happens before settlement (conversion to EUR).
If you are planning rental income or property management, align the payment rails with the bank and agency early.
Crypto-origin funds and AML
Even for rent or fees, compliance can matter:
- a clear source-of-funds pack,
- documented conversion records,
- consistent bank statements for EUR flows.
Practical checklist:
/en/guide/crypto/source-of-funds
Common fee points in a purchase
Crypto-origin capital can touch several payments:
- buyer-side fees or agency commissions,
- notary-related costs and deposits,
- property management or short-term rental setup.
Each payment typically runs in EUR, so the conversion path should be planned around these milestones.
Deposits and escrow (high level)
In France, deposits are typically handled through the notary or a regulated agent. This usually means EUR transfer from a bank account, not direct crypto. If your funds originate from crypto, make sure the conversion is completed early enough and documented cleanly.
The exact steps depend on the parties involved, so confirm the required payment rails before signing any pre‑contract.
Rental management and recurring payments
If the property will be rented, ongoing payments (management fees, maintenance, rent) are almost always handled in EUR. That makes the conversion timing and bank account setup part of the planning, not an afterthought.
If you plan to rely on crypto-origin funds long‑term, keep a consistent trail that can support periodic reviews.
Practical timeline considerations
- Start documentation before you sign the offer.
- Allow time for KYC/AML if a provider is used.
- Avoid last-minute conversions that could delay settlement.
Timeline reference:
/en/how-it-works
Illustrative payment milestones (not advice)
Every transaction differs, but a typical payment map might look like:
- pre‑contract deposit in EUR via the notary or regulated agent;
- agency fees paid in EUR once conditions are met;
- notary balance settlement in EUR at signing;
- later rental or management payments in EUR if the property is leased.
If your funds originate from crypto, align conversion timing so EUR is available at each milestone with a clear trail.
Coordination tips if the property will be rented
If you plan to rent the property, set up the EUR flows early. Property managers and landlords usually require a bank account that can receive EUR and provide statements. A consistent trail helps with periodic compliance checks and avoids interruptions to rent collection.
Documentation checklist for fees and rent
Beyond the core SoF pack, consider keeping:
- agency or management agreements;
- invoices for fees and services;
- EUR bank statements tied to each payment;
- confirmations for any crypto → EUR conversions.
These documents are useful if the bank, notary, or property manager requests additional verification.
If you use a buyer's agent
Buyer-agent fees in France are typically settled in EUR and supported by an invoice or mandate. If your capital originates from crypto, keep the same conversion and documentation discipline as you do for the purchase price. A clear invoice, bank statement, and conversion confirmation usually simplify this step.
If you need the service overview:
/en/buyer-agent
If financing is involved
When a mortgage or bank financing is part of the purchase, documentation expectations can increase. Banks may request additional proof of funds and timing details, even for fee payments or deposits. Plan extra lead time and keep your conversion records organized.
This is another reason to align payment rails before the offer is signed.
Common misunderstandings
- “Fees can be paid in crypto by default.”
- “Stablecoins automatically remove AML checks.”
- “Deposits can be sent directly from any wallet.”
In practice, banks and notaries prioritize EUR settlement and documented trails.
Red flags to avoid
- Mixing funds from multiple sources without a clear narrative.
- Converting at the last minute with no buffer.
- Paying fees from accounts that are not linked to your documented trail.
- Assuming informal P2P routes will be accepted.
Treat fees and rent as part of the compliance chain, not separate from it.
Next step: clarify your payment plan
We can help align fees, rent, and conversion timing with your transaction calendar.
- Start here:
/en/contact - Buyer-side support:
/en/buyer-agent
Sources
Disclaimer: Educational content only (not legal advice). Requirements vary by agency, landlord, bank, and transaction profile.