An online real estate transaction refers to the entire process of buying, selling, or renting conducted through digital tools, from the initial contact to the signing of the deed. Under French law, no text requires the buyer to physically visit a property before purchasing it. Since the decree of November 20, 2020, the authentic power of attorney can even be established remotely via secure videoconferencing with a notary. This legal framework paves the way for almost entirely dematerialized transaction processes, provided the right tools are chosen and recent regulatory constraints are respected.
Remote Notarial Power of Attorney and Qualified Electronic Signature
Before discussing software or platforms, it is essential to understand the legal foundation that makes a real estate transaction without travel possible. The dematerialized authentic power of attorney allows a buyer or seller to authorize a third party to sign on their behalf, via a videoconferencing system approved by the notarial profession.
The qualified electronic signature (SEQ) represents the highest level of security recognized by the European eIDAS regulation. It holds the same legal value as a handwritten signature. Solutions like GoodFlag now offer this level of certification, which was previously reserved for large groups, to more modest entities.
The stakes are real: an electronically signed sales agreement with an SEQ cannot be contested based on its form. For professionals managing multiple simultaneous transactions, this reduces physical back-and-forth and processing times. Those wishing to centralize the management of their properties and mandates on a dedicated platform can learn more about 123 Net Immo to evaluate the features offered.
Consent and Telemarketing: A Legal Constraint to Integrate into the Online Process
The Cazenave law n° 2025-680 of June 30, 2025, and decree n° 2026-662 of July 23, 2026, have tightened the rules regarding telemarketing in real estate. Any call without prior explicit consent is now prohibited, even when the prospect’s contact details are listed in an online advertisement.
The new article L223-1 of the Consumer Code specifies that publishing an advertisement does not equate to consent. A mandate or agreement initiated after an unsolicited call can be declared null. This rule directly affects agents who relied on telemarketing as their primary prospecting lever.
What Consent Implies in Practice
Consent must be proven by a structured, dated, and time-stamped recording. It should mention the time slots accepted by the prospect and be retained for three years. No tacit renewal is possible: consent expires after one year.
Online transaction platforms that integrate a contact management module must therefore provide a system for collecting and archiving consent that complies with these requirements. A traditional real estate CRM, without this component, exposes the agency to real legal risks.
Real Estate Transaction Software: The Functions That Really Matter
Comparisons of real estate software often focus on the number of features. In practice, three technical components determine the smoothness of a dematerialized transaction.
- Multidiffusion and centralization of mandates: publishing an advertisement on multiple portals from a single interface, with automatic synchronization of changes (price, availability, photos), avoids inconsistencies between platforms and reduces administrative management time.
- Document management with time-stamping: diagnostics (DPE, asbestos, lead), mandates, and offers must be stored in a secure space, with version traceability. This function becomes critical when a dispute arises over the content of a document transmitted to the buyer.
- Regulatory compliance module: mandatory display of fees, collection of telephone consent, archiving of proof of DPE transmission. Software that does not integrate these obligations forces the agent to juggle multiple tools, increasing the risks of oversight.
Virtual Tours and Home Staging by Artificial Intelligence
The virtual tour is no longer a marketing gimmick. For a buyer located in another region, it sometimes replaces the first physical visit and speeds up decision-making. Several solutions allow for the creation of immersive tours from photos taken with a smartphone, without expensive professional equipment.
Virtual home staging using AI goes further: it allows for digitally furnishing an empty property or modifying the existing decor to project the buyer into a realistic layout. A property staged virtually attracts more qualified contacts than an advertisement featuring empty rooms.
The use of AI in real estate is regulated. Professionals must adhere to transparency rules: indicate that an image has been generated or modified by an algorithm, and not mislead about the actual condition of the property. A retouched visual without mention can hold the agent liable under their duty to inform.
Cybersecurity of Notarial Platforms: An Underestimated Risk
The dematerialization of transactions concentrates sensitive data (identity, assets, bank details) on servers that become targets. A large-scale cyberattack recently shook the French notary profession, reminding us that IT security conditions the reliability of any online transaction.
For both professionals and individuals, some checks are necessary before entrusting documents to a platform:
- Data hosting in France or the European Union, with ISO 27001 certification or equivalent
- End-to-end encryption of document exchanges, not just web traffic (HTTPS)
- Mandatory multi-factor authentication to access spaces containing deeds or identity documents
A transaction software that performs well functionally but is weak on security exposes its users to severe consequences: identity theft, document forgery, blocking of an ongoing sale.
The choice of an online real estate transaction solution is not limited to comparing pricing grids or lists of features. Compliance with the legal framework of 2025-2026, the robustness of the electronic signature, and data protection are the three criteria that separate a reliable tool from a mere advertisement aggregator.
