Buying an apartment in France appeals to overseas buyers who are looking for a holiday home with little maintenance. Most apartments are to be found in the large towns or along the Mediterranean coast, where they can offer good value for money. Unlike in the UK, where apartments are frequently owned on a leasehold basis, in France the ownership structure is one of 'en copropriete', or co-ownership.This means that as well as owning 100% of your own apartment, owners also have a share 'en indivision' in the ownership of the structure and communal areas and facilities. There is no landlord who retains ownership of the freehold to whom you pay a ground rent. Apartment owners are also afforded a strong degree of protection over control and management of the communal areas and facilities, but there is a reciprocal obligation concerning the use of you own apartment and it is vital that you check this out before buying an apartment.