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Official Barnes partner

Discover how we support agencies, developers and investors

How does it work?

You are a real estate agency

Setting up the collaboration

Project presentation

Source of funds analysis

Drafting of the purchase agreement by the notary

Signing of the authentic deed and blockchain registration

1. Setting up the collaboration

You want to offer your clients the possibility to buy or sell real estate using cryptocurrencies to expand your audience and innovate.

  • We define together how your commission will be received.
  • Rest assured: the property seller will receive the sale amount entirely in euros, unless they wish to receive part or all of it in cryptocurrencies.

 

2. Project presentation

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

  • The property concerned.
  • The buyer’s profile and nationality.

 

3. Source of funds analysis

We analyze the origin of the cryptocurrencies from the buyer to confirm they come from a legal source.

  • If funds are suspicious: The transaction is immediately terminated.
  • If funds are legitimate: The transaction can proceed.

4. Drafting of the purchase agreement by the notary

The notary drafts the purchase agreement in collaboration with the parties and sends it to the agency.

5. Signing of the authentic deed and blockchain registration

We handle all legal procedures, including clearing preemption rights and drafting the authentic deed.
On signing day at the notary’s office:

  • The seller receives payment in euros (or in cryptocurrencies according to their preferences).
  • The authentic deed is signed and registered, making the property transfer official.
  • Blockchain registration: The transaction is recorded on the blockchain and the buyer receives a unique NFT in their wallet. This digital certificate, associated with the authentic deed signed by the notary, provides a secure and modern record of the sale.

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

You are an individual

Choose your property

Contact us

Source of funds analysis

Drafting of the purchase agreement by the notary

Signing of the authentic deed and blockchain registration

1. Choose your property

Choose the property you want to acquire, whether through a specialized website, real estate agency, or any other channel of your choice.

2. Contact us

Once you’ve selected your property, contact our firm to present your project, indicating:

  • The property you wish to acquire.
  • Payment terms for the property:
    • 100% in cryptocurrencies.
    • combination of cryptocurrency + euros.
    • crypto and/or euros and financing part of the purchase through a traditional mortgage.

 

3. Source of funds analysis

We analyze the origin of cryptocurrencies in the buyer’s crypto wallet to confirm they come from a legal source.

  • If funds are suspicious: The transaction is immediately terminated.
  • If funds are legitimate: The transaction can proceed.

4. Drafting of the purchase agreement by the notary

The notary drafts the purchase agreement in collaboration with the parties.

5. Signing of the authentic deed and blockchain registration

We handle all legal procedures, including clearing preemption rights and drafting the authentic deed.
On signing day at the notary’s office:

  • The seller receives payment in euros (or in cryptocurrencies according to their preferences).
  • The authentic deed is signed and registered, making the property transfer official.
  • Blockchain registration: The transaction is recorded on the blockchain and the buyer receives a unique NFT in their wallet. This digital certificate, associated with the authentic deed signed by the notary, provides a secure and modern record of the sale.

Who are we?

Elias Bourran

Maître Elias BOURRAN

Partner Attorney
Doctor of Tax Law from Paris Dauphine University
Attorney registered with the Paris Bar Association


Logo chambre des notaires de paris

Maître Gil LÉONARD

Partner Notary
Notary office located in the 16th Arrondissement in Paris
Notary registered with the Paris Chamber of Notaries for over 25 years

Contact us

Our firm is available to answer all your questions and consider a collaboration with your agency.

Request advice

Real estate purchase with cryptocurrency: an essential opportunity for real estate


Total number of cryptocurrency holders in 2023 (in millions)

Real estate purchase with cryptocurrency is rapidly gaining popularity and represents a real revolution in the sector. This innovative method attracts a growing number of investors and buyers, drawn by the possibility of conducting real estate transactions using their digital assets directly.
For real estate agencies, offering cryptocurrency transactions allows access to a rapidly expanding market, consisting of many crypto holders eager to acquire property without having to convert their assets into traditional currencies. This innovative positioning can help you expand your clientele and meet a constantly growing demand, both for full cryptocurrency payments and mixed transactions combining crypto and euros.
By offering properties in cryptocurrencies, you attract a dynamic audience, younger and ready to invest more quickly, including foreign buyers who appreciate the opportunity to acquire real estate in France without currency conversion constraints. It’s an opportunity to diversify your offering, to stand out from the competition and to meet the needs of these modern buyers seeking 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 illustrates the growing enthusiasm for this expanding sector and demonstrates increased global adoption.
Since 2021, Bitcoin has been enabling new people to become millionaires every day: according to a study published by Kaiko Research and reported by Bloomberg on March 11, 2024, approximately 1,500 millionaire wallets are created daily in 2024, compared to more than 4,000 per day during the 2021 bull market.

Case Studies: Real Estate Purchase with Cryptocurrencies

achat appartement paris crypto

Example 1

Purchasing an Apartment in Paris with Cryptocurrency (USDT)

A buyer wishes to purchase an apartment in Paris for €500,000 using cryptocurrency, specifically USDT (Tether), a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar (1 USDT = 1 USD).
Assumption: The exchange rate between euro and US dollar is 1 USD = €0.90. This means to cover €500,000, the buyer will need to transfer approximately 555,556 USDT (€500,000 ÷ €0.90)

Step 1: Initial Contact and Project Presentation

The buyer or real estate agency contacts us to inform about their intention to conduct the transaction in cryptocurrency. We collect the following information:

Details of the property concerned.
Desired payment distribution (here 100% USDT cryptocurrency).
Seller’s preferences for receiving funds (100% euros, 100% cryptocurrency, or mixed).

Step 2: Fund Origin Verification

In accordance with anti-money laundering regulations (Articles L561-2 to L561-4 of the Monetary and Financial Code), we must analyze the cryptocurrency’s origin.
Procedure:

  1. The buyer provides us with the public address of their crypto wallet that will be used for payment. This address functions like a bank account number, allowing us to trace transactions made from or to this wallet. For example, a public wallet address might look like this: 1A1zP1eP5QGefi2DMPTfTL5SLmv7DivfNa
  2. Using this number, we conduct a thorough verification to confirm the funds come from a legal source.
  • If funds are suspicious: The transaction is immediately terminated.
  • If funds are legitimate: The transaction can proceed.

This step takes 2-3 days. Reassure the buyer: no cryptocurrency transfer occurs before confirming the legitimate origin of funds. They remain in control of their cryptocurrency throughout the procedure.

Step 3: Drafting the Sales Agreement by the Notary

The notary prepares the sales agreement including:

  • Payment methods chosen by the buyer (100% USDT cryptocurrency).
  • Fund reception methods preferred by the seller (100% euros, 100% cryptocurrency, or mixed).

Once the agreement is signed, parties confirm their commitment to these terms.

Step 4: Signing the Authentic Deed and Final Payment

On signing day at the notary’s office, we complete the operation:

  • Fund Conversion and Transfer:
    • If seller wants euros: The 555,556 USDT are converted to euros and transferred to their bank account.
    • If seller accepts cryptocurrency: Funds are directly transferred from buyer’s to seller’s wallet.
  • Signing and Registration: The authentic deed is signed and registered, officializing the property transfer.

The transaction is recorded on the blockchain for total transparency. A unique NFT is issued and sent to the buyer’s wallet, providing a modern and secure digital trace of the transaction.
The agency receives its commission.

Ready to Get Started?

acheter appartement crypto paris

Example 2

Purchasing an Apartment in Paris with Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin)

An investor wishes to purchase an apartment in Paris valued at €1,000,000 using Bitcoin (BTC).
Assumption: Bitcoin price at transaction time 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 Presentation

The buyer or real estate agency contacts us regarding Bitcoin payment. We collect:

Property details.
Payment distribution (here 100% Bitcoin).
Seller’s fund reception preferences (100% euros, 100% Bitcoin, or mixed).

Step 2: Fund Origin Verification

Following anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations, we analyze the cryptocurrency’s origin.
Procedure:

  1. Buyer provides their Bitcoin wallet’s public address.
  2. We conduct thorough analysis to confirm legal source of funds.
  • If funds are suspicious: Transaction stops immediately.
  • If funds are compliant: Transaction proceeds.

Verification takes 2-3 days. No fund transfer occurs before legitimate origin confirmation.

Step 3: Sales Agreement Drafting

Notary prepares agreement including:

  • Buyer’s chosen payment method (100% Bitcoin).
  • Seller’s preferred fund reception method (100% euros, 100% Bitcoin, or mixed).

Both parties sign to confirm commitment.

Step 4: Authentic Deed Signing and Final Payment

At notary’s office on signing day:

  • Fund Conversion and Transfer:
    • If seller wants euros: 20 BTC converted to euros and transferred to bank account.
    • If seller accepts Bitcoin: 20 BTC transferred directly between wallets.
  • Signing and Registration: Authentic deed signed and registered, officializing property transfer.

Transaction recorded on blockchain for transparency. Unique NFT created and sent to buyer’s wallet as secure digital proof complementing notarial deed.
Agency receives commission.

acheter immobilier crypto

Example 3

Villa Purchase in Nice with Mixed Payment (Cryptocurrency and Euros)

A buyer wishes to purchase a villa in Nice valued at €750,000, with mixed payment: €300,000 in Ethereum (ETH) and €450,000 in euros.
Assumption: Ethereum exchange rate at transaction time is €1,500 per ETH. To cover the crypto portion of €300,000, buyer needs to transfer 200 ETH (€300,000 ÷ €1,500).

Step 1: Initial Contact and Project Presentation

Buyer or agency contacts us. We collect:

Property information.
Payment distribution (€300,000 in Ethereum, €450,000 in euros).
Seller’s fund reception preferences (100% euros or mixed euros + cryptocurrency).

Step 2: Fund Origin Verification

Per regulations, we analyze the origin of 200 ETH.
Procedure:

  1. Buyer provides Ethereum wallet’s public address.
  2. We conduct thorough analysis for legal compliance.
  • If funds are suspicious: Transaction cancelled immediately.
  • If funds are legitimate: Transaction proceeds.

Process takes 2-3 days, no crypto transfer before legitimate origin confirmation.

Step 3: Sales Agreement Drafting

Notary prepares agreement specifying:

  • 200 ETH (€300,000 in Ethereum)
  • €450,000 in euros

Agreement includes seller’s preferred fund reception method (100% euros or mixed euros + Ethereum).

Step 4: Authentic Deed Signing and Final Payment

At notary’s office:

  • 200 ETH Transfer: Sent directly between wallets or converted to euros per seller’s preference.
  • €450,000 Payment: Via bank transfer.
  • Signing and Registration: Authentic deed signed and registered, officializing property transfer.

Transaction recorded on blockchain for transparency. Unique NFT created and sent to buyer’s wallet as digital certificate complementing notarial deed.
Agency receives commission.

Ready to Get Started?

Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Purchase with Cryptocurrencies

Why Buy Real Estate with Cryptocurrencies?

Using cryptocurrencies to acquire real estate offers several distinct advantages:

Reduced Sale Time

If the buyer has the full amount in crypto, the transaction can be significantly accelerated, potentially reducing the time between the sales agreement and authentic deed signing.
Unlike traditional financing which involves delays related to obtaining credit and bank guarantees, cryptocurrency payments allow for immediate fund availability. This accelerates exchanges, making authentic deed signing possible much faster, depending on parties’ availability and necessary verifications (right of first refusal, etc.).

International Accessibility

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

Precautions When Buying Real Estate with Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrency Price Volatility

One characteristic of cryptocurrencies is their high volatility. Bitcoin or Ethereum prices can vary significantly within days, which can affect the final property price if the transaction isn’t properly structured.
To eliminate this risk, we set precise conditions in the sales agreement, such as:

  • Converting cryptocurrencies to euros at a rate determined at transaction time.
  • Using stable cryptocurrencies (stablecoins) like USDT (Tether), whose value is pegged to the US dollar, to ensure price stability.

These provisions, written into the sales agreement, ensure a clear transaction without surprises for both parties.

Fund Origin Verification

It’s essential to pay special attention to regulations surrounding cryptocurrency use in large transactions.
This includes fund origin verification. We ensure each transaction step complies with these requirements to guarantee a transparent and secure operation for all parties.

Fund Security

Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, making rigorous oversight essential to avoid any risk of fraud or error. To ensure security at every step, we work exclusively with a partner cryptocurrency exchange platform holding PSAN (Digital Asset Service Provider) registration from the Financial Markets Authority (AMF). This registration ensures the platform meets the strictest security and compliance standards.
This is precisely where collaboration between lawyers, notary, and exchange platforms becomes crucial. Each actor plays a complementary role in securing funds, ensuring transaction legality, and protecting involved parties’ interests. This synergy guarantees a smooth, risk-free transaction.

Which Professionals Can Help with Your Cryptocurrency Real Estate Purchase?

To ensure a secure and compliant real estate purchase with crypto, you need experienced professionals:

Lawyers

They ensure the transaction meets all legal obligations, including anti-money laundering laws. They can also advise on tax aspects.

Notary

The notary plays a key role in drafting legal documents, such as sales agreements and deeds. They guarantee the process’s legality and compliance.

Centralized Exchange Platform

The exchange platform plays an essential role in cryptocurrency transactions. We work closely with a platform registered as PSAN (Digital Asset Service Provider) by the Financial Markets Authority (AMF). Through an electronic money institution license (granted by ACPR), it provides the following services in France:

  • Opening crypto accounts for buyer and/or seller in France.
  • Converting cryptocurrencies to euros.
  • Opening bank accounts with French IBANs for buyers to simplify financial management (property charges, utilities, etc.).
  • SEPA transfers, facilitating euro payments.
  • Payment cards (CB), useful for managing daily expenses.

Working closely together, lawyers, notary, and centralized exchange platform ensure maximum fluidity and security throughout the purchase process.

barnes logo

Official Barnes Partner
Discover how we support agencies, developers, and investors