Buy real estate in France with crypto

Buying real estate in France with cryptocurrency is an innovative solution that is attracting more and more buyers.

If you are a real estate agency and want to offer property sales in France with cryptocurrency, our law firm, in collaboration with a Parisian notary, provides you with a turnkey, secure service tailored to this growing demand.

Offer your clients a new way to acquire real estate, securely, with our expertise.

If you are an individual, select the property you wish to buy in France and contact us to arrange payment in cryptocurrency. We handle all the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and worry-free transaction.

Transparent Fees

8.4 % of the sale price. Agency and notary are excluded.

Fast Availability

Appointments within 72 hours. Let’s discuss your project.

Expertise and Protection

Collaboration between Lawyers and Notary. Together, we ensure perfect legal compliance for the transaction.

Contact Us

They Trust Us

How Does It Work?

FOR REAL ESTATE AGENCIES

Step 1: Setting up the collaboration

You want to offer your clients the possibility to buy or sell real estate using cryptocurrencies, expanding your audience and innovating your services.

We will define together how your commission will be handled.
Rest assured: the seller will receive the full sale amount in euros unless they choose to receive part or all of it in cryptocurrencies.

Step 2: Project details

When a buyer wishes to pay in cryptocurrencies, you provide us with the project details:

The property in question.
The buyer’s profile and nationality.

Step 3: Verification of funds origin

We verify the origin of the buyer’s cryptocurrencies to ensure they come from a legal source.

If funds are deemed suspicious: The transaction is immediately halted.
If funds are legitimate: The transaction proceeds.

Step 4: Drafting the sales agreement

The notary drafts the sales agreement in collaboration with all parties and shares it with the agency.

Step 5: Signing the final deed and blockchain registration

We handle all legal formalities, including clearing preemption rights and preparing the final deed.

On the signing day at the notary’s office:

The seller receives the payment in euros (or cryptocurrencies, based on their preference).
The final deed is signed and recorded, officially transferring ownership.
Blockchain Registration: The transaction is recorded on the blockchain, and the buyer receives a unique NFT in their wallet. This digital certificate, linked to the notarized deed, provides a modern and secure record of the sale.

Once the transaction is complete, the agency receives its commission.

FOR INDIVIDUALS

Step 1: Choose your property

Select the property you wish to purchase, whether it’s listed on a specialized website, through a real estate agency, or any other channel of your choice.

Step 2: Contact us

Once you’ve selected your property, reach out to our firm and provide the following details:

The property you want to purchase.
Your preferred payment method for the property price:
- 100% in cryptocurrencies.
- A mix of cryptocurrencies and euros.
- A combination of crypto, euros, and partial financing through a traditional mortgage.

Step 3: Verification of funds origin

We verify the origin of the cryptocurrencies in the buyer’s wallet to ensure they come from a legal source.

If funds are deemed suspicious: The transaction is immediately halted.
If funds are legitimate: The transaction proceeds.

Step 4: Drafting the sales agreement

The notary drafts the sales agreement in collaboration with all parties.

Step 5: Signing the final deed and blockchain registration

We handle all legal formalities, including clearing preemption rights and preparing the final deed.

On the signing day at the notary’s office:

The seller receives the payment in euros (or cryptocurrencies, based on their preference).
The final deed is signed and recorded, officially transferring ownership.
Blockchain Registration: The transaction is recorded on the blockchain, and the buyer receives a unique NFT in their wallet. This digital certificate, linked to the notarized deed, serves as a modern and secure record of the sale.

Who are we?

Elias BOURRAN

Attorney at Law – Partner

PhD in Tax Law from Paris Dauphine University

Registered at the Paris Bar Association

Gil LÉONARD

Notary – Partner

Notarial firm located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris (France)

Notary for over 25 years

Buying Real Estate in Cryptocurrency : a key opportunity for the industry

Purchasing real estate in cryptocurrency is rapidly gaining popularity and represents a true revolution in the sector. This innovative method attracts a growing number of investors and buyers, drawn by the ability to conduct real estate transactions using their digital assets directly.

For real estate agencies, offering cryptocurrency transactions allows access to a rapidly expanding market, composed of many crypto holders eager to acquire properties without converting their assets into traditional currencies. This innovative positioning can help you expand your client base and meet the increasing demand, whether for payments entirely in cryptocurrency or mixed transactions combining crypto and euros.

By offering properties in cryptocurrency, you attract a dynamic audience, younger, and ready to invest quickly, including foreign buyers who appreciate the opportunity to acquire real estate in France without the constraints of currency conversion. It’s a chance to diversify your offerings, stand out from the competition, and meet the needs of modern buyers who seek simplicity, speed, and flexibility in their real estate transactions.

In 2023, the number of cryptocurrency holders jumped from 432 million to 580 million, marking a 34% increase, according to a Crypto.com report. This figure highlights the growing enthusiasm for this expanding sector and demonstrates increased global adoption.

Total number of cryptocurrency holders in 2023 (in millions)

Case studies: real estate purchase in cryptocurrency

Example 1: Buying an apartment in Paris with cryptocurrencies (USDT)

An individual wishes to purchase an apartment in Paris for €500,000 using cryptocurrencies, specifically USDT (Tether), a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar (1 USDT = 1 USD).

Scenario: The exchange rate between the euro and the US dollar is 1 USD = €0.90. This means that to cover the €500,000, the buyer will need to transfer approximately 555,556 USDT (€500,000 ÷ €0.90).

Step 1: Initial contact and project details

The buyer or real estate agency contacts us to inform us of their intention to proceed with a cryptocurrency transaction. We collect the following information:

– Details of the property.

– Payment method (here, 100% in USDT).

– The seller’s preference for receiving funds (100% in euros, 100% in cryptocurrencies, or a mix).

Step 2: Verification of funds origin

In compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, we are required to verify the origin of the cryptocurrencies.

Procedure:

The buyer provides the public address of their cryptocurrency wallet to be used for the payment. This address functions like a bank account number, allowing us to trace the transactions made to and from this wallet. Example: A public wallet address might look like this: 1A1zP1eP5QGefi2DMPTfTL5SLmv7DivfNa
We perform a thorough verification to confirm the legality of the funds.

If the funds are suspicious: The transaction is immediately stopped.
If the funds are legitimate: The transaction proceeds.

This verification is completed within 2 to 3 days.

Reassurance for the Buyer: No transfer of cryptocurrencies is made until the origin of the funds has been confirmed. The buyer retains full control of their funds throughout the process.

Step 3: Drafting the sales agreement

The notary drafts the sales agreement, detailing:

The payment method chosen by the buyer (100% USDT).
The seller’s preferred method for receiving funds (100% in euros, 100% in cryptocurrencies, or a mix).

Once the agreement is signed, both parties commit to the agreed terms.

Step 4: Final deed signing and payment

On the signing day at the notary’s office, the transaction is finalized:

Conversion and fund transfer:

If the seller prefers euros: The 555,556 USDT are converted into euros and transferred to the seller’s bank account.
If the seller accepts cryptocurrencies: The funds are transferred directly from the buyer’s wallet to the seller’s wallet.

Signing and recording:

The final deed is signed and recorded, officially transferring ownership of the property.

The transaction is registered on the blockchain for complete transparency, and the buyer receives a unique NFT in their wallet. This NFT acts as a modern, secure record of the transaction, in addition to the notarial deed.

Outcome

The seller receives their payment as agreed (euros, cryptocurrencies, or a mix).
The buyer officially owns the property and holds a digital certificate (NFT) as proof of the transaction.
The real estate agency receives its commission.

Example 2: Buying an apartment in Paris with Bitcoin

An investor plans to acquire an apartment in Paris valued at €1,000,000 using Bitcoin (BTC).

Scenario: The price of Bitcoin at the time of the transaction is €50,000 per BTC. To cover the total amount of €1,000,000, the buyer will need to transfer 20 BTC (€1,000,000 ÷ €50,000).

Step 1: Initial contact and project details

The buyer or real estate agency contacts us to express their intention to pay in Bitcoin. We gather the following details:

– The property in question.

– The payment method (here, 100% Bitcoin).

– The seller’s preference for receiving the funds (100% in euros, 100% in Bitcoin, or a mix).

Step 2: Verification of funds origin

In compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing regulations, we analyze the origin of the cryptocurrencies.

Procedure:

The buyer provides the public address of their Bitcoin wallet (wallet address) to be used for the payment.
We conduct a thorough review to verify that the funds are from a legitimate source.

If the funds are suspicious: The transaction is stopped immediately.
If the funds are legitimate: The transaction continues.

This verification is completed within 2 to 3 days. No transfer of funds occurs before confirmation of the lawful origin of the Bitcoin.

Step 3: Drafting the sales agreement

The notary drafts the sales agreement, specifying:

The payment method chosen by the buyer (100% Bitcoin in this case).
The seller’s preferences for receiving funds (100% euros, 100% Bitcoin, or a mix).

The agreement is signed by both parties, confirming their commitment to the specified terms.

Step 4: Signing the final deed and payment completion

On the signing day at the notary’s office, the transaction is finalized as follows:

Conversion and fund transfer:

If the seller requests euros: The 20 BTC are converted to euros and transferred to the seller’s bank account.
If the seller accepts Bitcoin: The 20 BTC are directly transferred from the buyer’s wallet to the seller’s wallet.

Signing and registration:

The final deed is signed and recorded, officially transferring ownership.

The transaction is registered on the blockchain, ensuring complete transparency. A unique NFT is created and sent to the buyer’s wallet, serving as a secure and modern digital record of the transaction, in addition to the notarial deed.

Outcome

The seller receives their payment as agreed (euros, Bitcoin, or a mix).
The buyer officially owns the property and receives a blockchain-certified NFT as a digital proof of the transaction.
The real estate agency receives its commission.

Example 3: Buying a Villa in Nice with mixed payment

A buyer plans to purchase a villa in Nice valued at €750,000 using a mixed payment method: €300,000 in Ethereum (ETH) and €450,000 in euros.

Scenario: The Ethereum exchange rate at the time of the transaction is €1,500 per ETH. To cover the €300,000 crypto portion, the buyer will need to transfer 200 ETH (€300,000 ÷ €1,500).

Step 1: Initial contact and project details

The buyer or real estate agency contacts us to present the project. We gather:

– Details about the property.

– The exact payment split (€300,000 in Ethereum and €450,000 in euros).

– The seller’s preferences for receiving funds (100% euros or a mix of euros + cryptocurrencies).

Step 2: Verification of funds origin

In compliance with AML regulations, we verify the origin of the 200 ETH the buyer intends to use.

Procedure:

The buyer provides the public address of their Ethereum wallet.
We conduct a thorough analysis to ensure the funds comply with legal requirements.

If the funds are suspicious: The transaction is canceled immediately.
If the funds are legitimate: The transaction proceeds.

This step is completed within 2 to 3 days, and no cryptocurrency transfer occurs until the funds’ legality is confirmed.

Step 3: Drafting the sales agreement

The notary drafts the sales agreement, specifying:

The payment breakdown: 200 ETH (€300,000) and €450,000 in euros.
The seller’s preferences for receiving funds (100% euros or a mix of euros and Ethereum).

Once signed, the agreement confirms the parties’ commitment to these terms.

Step 4: Final deed signing and payment completion

On the signing day at the notary’s office:

Fund transfers:

200 ETH: This portion is either transferred directly from the buyer’s wallet to the seller’s wallet or converted into euros if the seller prefers.
€450,000: This portion is paid via bank transfer.

Signing and Recording:

The final deed is signed and officially recorded, transferring ownership of the villa.

The transaction is registered on the blockchain, ensuring full transparency. A unique NFT is created and sent to the buyer’s wallet, providing a secure and modern digital proof of the transaction alongside the notarial deed.

Outcome

The seller receives the agreed payment (euros, Ethereum, or a mix).
The buyer officially owns the property and receives a blockchain-certified NFT as a digital record of the transaction.
The real estate agency receives its commission.

Why buy real estate in France with cryptocurrencies?

Using cryptocurrencies to purchase real estate offers several distinct advantages:

Faster sales process

If the buyer has the full amount available in cryptocurrency, the transaction can be significantly accelerated, potentially reducing the time between the sales agreement and the signing of the final deed.

Unlike traditional financing, which involves delays due to loan approvals, bank guarantees, or administrative procedures, cryptocurrency payments offer immediate availability of funds. This speeds up the process, making it possible to sign the deed much more quickly, depending on the availability of the parties and required verifications (e.g., preemption rights).

Global accessibility

Cryptocurrencies enable international transactions without dealing with exchange rates or traditional administrative complexities. Additionally, you can now reach buyers worldwide who hold cryptocurrency and wish to acquire property directly without converting their assets into euros.

Precautions when buying real estate in cryptocurrency

Volatility of cryptocurrency prices

One of the key characteristics of cryptocurrencies is their high price volatility. The value of Bitcoin or Ethereum can change significantly within a few days, potentially impacting the final price of a property if the transaction is not properly managed.

To mitigate this risk, we include specific measures in the sales agreement, such as:

Conversion of cryptocurrencies into euros at a fixed exchange rate at the time of the transaction.
Using stablecoins like USDT (Tether), which are pegged to the US dollar, ensuring price stability.

These measures, outlined in the sales agreement, guarantee a clear and predictable transaction for both parties.

Verification of fund origin

It is crucial to pay close attention to regulations governing the use of cryptocurrencies in high-value transactions.

This includes verifying the origin of the funds. We ensure that every step of the transaction complies with legal requirements, providing a transparent and secure process for all parties involved.

Securing the funds

Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, making it essential to have strict oversight to avoid any risk of fraud or error.

To ensure maximum security:

We work exclusively with a cryptocurrency exchange platform that holds a DASP license (Digital Asset Service Provider) issued by the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF). This license ensures that the platform adheres to the highest standards of security and compliance.
The collaboration between lawyers, notary, and exchange platforms is key. Each plays a complementary role in:
- Securing the funds.
- Ensuring the legality of the transaction.
- Protecting the interests of all parties.

This synergy guarantees a smooth, transparent, and risk-free transaction.

Which professionals can help?

To ensure a secure and compliant cryptocurrency real estate purchase, it is essential to surround yourself with experienced professionals:

Lawyers

Lawyers ensure that the transaction complies with all legal obligations, including anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. They can also provide advice on the tax aspects of the operation.

Notary

The notary plays a critical role by drafting legal documents, such as the sales agreement and the final deed of sale. They ensure the legality and compliance of the entire process.

Centralized Exchange Platform

The exchange platform is an essential part of the cryptocurrency transaction ecosystem. We work closely with a platform licensed as a DASP (Digital Asset Service Provider) by the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF). Through a mandate from an e-money institution (licensed by the French ACPR), it provides the following services in France:

Opening a crypto account in the name of the buyer and/or seller in France.
Converting cryptocurrencies into euros.
Opening bank accounts with a French IBAN for the buyer, simplifying financial management (e.g., paying condo fees, electricity bills, etc.).
SEPA transfers, facilitating euro payments.
Issuing payment cards for managing everyday expenses.

By working closely together, lawyers, notaries, and centralized exchange platforms ensure maximum efficiency and security throughout the entire purchase process.

Conclusion

Offering real estate transactions in cryptocurrencies is a unique opportunity to diversify your client base and modernize your services. However, this requires professional guidance to ensure operations are secure and compliant with legal, regulatory, and tax requirements.

For Real Estate Agencies

Our firm provides tailored and secure solutions, allowing you to take full advantage of this innovative sales channel with confidence.

For Individual Buyers

Purchasing real estate with cryptocurrencies is an innovative and convenient way to achieve your goals while benefiting from a smooth and secure process. We guide you through every step to ensure a simple and reassuring experience.

For more information about our services and how we can facilitate your real estate transactions in cryptocurrencies, contact us today.