Buying property In Tahiti with a dedicated expert

Property purchase prices in Tahiti vary significantly by commune and neighbourhood. The following overview is based on data published by Keller Williams Polynésie (updated February 2025) and Polyannonces.com (2026).

• Punaauia — Average: 676,000 XPF/m². The most sought-after residential commune on Tahiti's west coast, known for its lagoon views, upscale villas, and proximity to the international airport. Commands the highest prices on the island. Attracts expatriates, executives, and international buyers.
• Faa'a — Average: 600,000 XPF/m². Home to the international airport; a dense, mixed-use commune with a range of property types. More affordable than Punaauia for comparable sizes.
• Pirae — Average: 583,000 XPF/m². Residential commune immediately east of Papeete, popular with families and professionals. Good access to the city centre.
• Papeete (city centre) — Average: 576,000 XPF/m². The administrative and commercial capital. Apartments dominate the market here. Convenient for work and services, but with limited green space.
• Tahiti overall average — 573,000 XPF/m² (Keller Williams Polynésie, February 2025).
• Arue — Average: 537,000 XPF/m². Quieter residential commune east of Papeete, with a mix of houses and apartments at relatively accessible prices.
• Mahina — Average: 496,000 XPF/m². Further east along the coast; more affordable, with a local community feel. Longer commute to Papeete.
• Taravao / Tahiti Iti (the peninsula) — Prices are generally lower than in the greater Papeete area, offering more accessible entry points for buyers willing to accept a longer commute.

Properties with direct sea access or panoramic lagoon views typically carry a premium of 20–50% above equivalent inland properties (source: Keller Williams Polynésie, February 2025).

Buying property in Tahiti broadly follows French civil law, with some adaptations specific to French Polynesia. The process typically takes 3 to 6 months from the preliminary contract to the final deed (source: FenuaTravel / Atike Immobilier).

1. Define your budget and secure financing: Before visiting properties, obtain a financing certificate or mortgage pre-approval from a local or international bank. This step is essential to be taken seriously during negotiations.
2. Property search and viewings: Browse listings through local agencies or property portals. Sign a bon de visite (viewing certificate) for each property visited through an agent.
3. Make a written offer (offre d'achat): Submit a written purchase offer to the seller, specifying the proposed price and any conditions.
4. Sign the preliminary contract (compromis de vente): Once the offer is accepted, both parties sign a compromis de vente before a notary, usually within around ten days. This document is binding on both parties and sets out all conditions of the sale. Important: Unlike mainland France, there is no statutory cooling-off period for buyers in French Polynesia after signing the compromis.
5. Suspensive conditions period: The compromis may include suspensive conditions, most commonly the obtaining of a mortgage loan. This period typically lasts several weeks.
6. Notary due diligence: The notary requests the cadastral extract, mortgage status certificate, and all administrative documents. Checks on title, boundaries, and any encumbrances are carried out.
7. Sign the final deed of sale (acte authentique de vente): Once all conditions are met and funds are in place, both parties sign the final notarised deed before the notary. The buyer pays the full purchase price plus all fees at this stage.
8. Registration and handover: The notary registers the deed with the land registry. The buyer receives the keys and becomes the legal owner.

Never pay a deposit or sign any agreement without a notarised deed — informal transactions without a notary carry significant legal risks in French Polynesia (source: FenuaTravel).

Non-resident buyers can access mortgage financing to purchase property in Tahiti, though the conditions are generally more demanding than for local residents.

• Local banks: The main banks operating in French Polynesia — including Banque SOCREDO, Banque de Polynésie (Société Générale group), and Banque de Tahiti — offer property loans to qualifying buyers. SOCREDO, for example, offers fixed-rate home loans with a maximum term of 25 years (source: Banque SOCREDO website).
• Non-resident lending conditions: French banks and their overseas affiliates approach non-resident borrowers conservatively. Buyers should expect to provide a larger down payment — typically at least 30% of the purchase price — along with thorough income verification and proof of financial stability.
• International financing: Some brokers active in French Polynesia (such as Crédit Pro Tahiti) also facilitate access to financing from international lenders, including US-based banks that lend to non-residents.
• Mortgage brokers: Using a local mortgage broker (courtier en crédit immobilier) is strongly recommended for non-residents. Brokers can negotiate terms across multiple lenders and assist with the documentation process.
• Currency: Loans in French Polynesia are denominated in XPF (CFP francs), which is pegged to the euro. Buyers earning income in another currency should factor in exchange-rate considerations.
• Key documents for a loan application: Last three payslips or equivalent proof of income, last two years of tax returns, bank statements, proof of identity, and details of the property to be purchased.
• Cash purchases: A significant share of international buyers purchase without mortgage financing. Cash transactions simplify and accelerate the process considerably.

Obtain a financing certificate or pre-approval before making an offer — it strengthens your negotiating position and is expected by sellers and agents.

When buying property in Tahiti through a licensed real estate agency, the following fees and services apply.

• Agency commission on sales: According to the published fee schedule of Tahiti Homes (a leading agency in French Polynesia), the standard commission is 5% + VAT (13%) of the sale price. For properties priced below 10,000,000 XPF, the commission rises to 7% + VAT. For properties on remote islands, a surcharge may apply due to distance.
• Market range: Across agencies in French Polynesia, sales commissions generally range between 4% and 7% of the sale price (excl. VAT), to which 13% VAT is added (source: Cabinet Levy, Polynésie française).
• Who pays: Agency fees are typically included in the advertised sale price and paid by the seller, though the structure varies by mandate. Buyers should always clarify whether the listed price is inclusive or exclusive of agency fees.
• What the agency provides:
  • Property search, selection, and presentation of listings matching the buyer's criteria
  • Organisation and accompaniment of property viewings
  • Preparation and management of the bon de visite
  • Assistance with price negotiation between buyer and seller
  • Coordination with the notary for the preliminary contract and final deed
  • Guidance on local market conditions, legal requirements, and the acquisition process
  • Liaison with lenders and mortgage brokers where required
• Notary fees are separate from agency fees and are paid directly to the notary at the time of the final deed signing (see the budget field for details).