When learning French, understanding the vocabulary related to real estate and housing can be incredibly useful, especially if you are considering buying or renting property in a French-speaking area. In this article, we will explore essential terms that will help you navigate the complexities of real estate transactions and housing discussions in French.
Agence immobilière – A real estate agency.
Je vais rencontrer un agent dans une agence immobilière demain.
This term refers to a business that facilitates the buying, selling, leasing, or renting of properties.
Agent immobilier – Real estate agent.
L’agent immobilier nous a montré plusieurs maisons aujourd’hui.
This is a person who is licensed to negotiate and arrange real estate transactions.
Appartement – Apartment.
Ils louent un appartement au centre-ville.
A set of rooms forming one residence, typically in a building containing a number of these.
Bail – Lease.
Il a signé un bail de trois ans pour son nouvel appartement.
A contractual agreement where a tenant is granted temporary use of a property under certain conditions.
Bien immobilier – Property.
Ils ont investi dans plusieurs biens immobiliers cette année.
This term refers to any property consisting of land and the buildings on it.
Chalet – Chalet.
Nous avons passé nos vacances dans un chalet à la montagne.
A type of building or house, typically found in the Alpine regions, made of wood with a heavy, gently sloping roof.
Charges – Utilities.
Les charges incluent l’eau, l’électricité et le chauffage.
General expenses required for the maintenance of a property, such as water, electricity, and heating.
Copropriété – Condominium, often shortened to “condo.”
Il vit dans une copropriété près de la rivière.
A large property complex divided into individual units and sold.
Dépôt de garantie – Security deposit.
Elle a payé deux mois de loyer comme dépôt de garantie.
A sum of money held in trust either as an initial part-payment in a purchasing process or as a bond for the rental of a property.
État des lieux – Inventory of fixtures.
L’état des lieux a été réalisé en présence du locataire.
A document that provides detailed information about the condition of a property at the time of renting.
Frais d’agence – Agency fees.
Les frais d’agence étaient inclus dans le prix de vente.
Fees charged by an agency to cover the services related to a property transaction.
Hypothèque – Mortgage.
Ils ont pris une hypothèque pour acheter leur maison.
A legal agreement by which a bank or similar organization lends money at interest in exchange for taking title of the debtor’s property.
Locataire – Tenant.
Le locataire a renouvelé son bail pour une autre année.
A person who rents or leases a property from a landlord.
Location – Rental.
La location de cet appartement est assez élevée.
This refers to the act of renting or the cost or fees associated with renting a property.
Maison – House.
Ils ont acheté une vieille maison à rénover.
A building for human habitation, especially one that consists of a ground floor and one or more upper storeys.
Propriétaire – Landlord or owner.
Le propriétaire a accepté de réparer le chauffage avant l’hiver.
This term is used for a person who owns a property or land.
Quittance de loyer – Rent receipt.
Le locataire a demandé une quittance de loyer pour ses dossiers.
A document provided by the landlord to the tenant each time rent is paid, acknowledging that it has been received.
Résidence secondaire – Second home.
Ils utilisent leur résidence secondaire pendant les vacances d’été.
A home owned in addition to one’s primary residence and used typically during part of the year.
Taxe foncière – Property tax.
La taxe foncière est due chaque année au mois d’octobre.
A tax on property owned, usually levied by the local government.
Villa – Villa.
Ils ont loué une villa avec piscine pour l’été.
A large and luxurious country house in its own grounds.
Understanding these terms can greatly enhance your ability to engage in real estate discussions, read rental or purchase agreements, or simply follow housing-related news in French-speaking countries. Whether you are planning to relocate or just want to expand your vocabulary, these terms are fundamental to know.
