top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Am I entitled to money for doing up home?

I live with my English partner who bought the  property we live in two years ago. We have been doing it up together but sadly we are parting. I would like to know – am I entitled to any money as I worked hard on the house for two years and it is worth a lot more than it was before? We are not married. H.N.

Franco-British honorary avocat Gerard Barron said there is no French equivalent of ‘palimony’ (compensation for members of unmarried couples who split up) and so unmarried, un-pacsed parties have no financial claims on each other when they split up unless they have expressly (in writing) agreed otherwise in relation to a joint project such as this, or they have had children together.

In the latter case, however, the claim is for financial support and would be unlikely to allow the non-owner any actual property rights.

Mr Barron said the situation might be different for a married or pacsed couple, but it would depend on the terms of the marriage contract or the pacs and when the property was acquired (before or after marriage or pacs) and by whom.

However, Mr Barron added that the general law on real estate is that all improvements to it accrue automatically to the owner without compensation in the event that someone else has contributed.

He added: “A contribution in kind – physical work on the house and/or garden as you say is the case here – does not give the non-owner any financial or other entitlement against either the property or its owner.

“If you are able to prove financial input, for the purchase or improvements, not simple up-keep, then a claim may be available depending on circumstances and available evidence, but that sort of claim is always quite difficult.”

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France