Building permit woes, taxe foncière refunds: French property round up

Building permit cancelled after home built

A couple in the Dordogne have seen their building permit revoked, but only after they finished building their new property.

Neighbours complained that the couple’s property – despite being granted permission from local authorities – would spoil their views of the landscape.

Although opting for a speeded up court process, the property was built before the court invalidated the permit.

The couple may now face a fine, or potentially will need to demolish the building.

Read more: Couple build house - then court cancels permit in south-west France

Rules for shared walls in gardens

Here we look at the rules relating to shared walls in gardens.

The article provides an overview of what classes as a garden wall, as well as what work can – and cannot – be done on your side of it.

It also looks at what work would require a planning / building permit.

We also provide information on what to do if rules are broken.

Read more: Explainer: Rights and obligations for shared garden walls in France

Turkish villa up for sale in Brittany

A rare ‘Turkish style’ villa built on the Breton coast is up for sale.

The building is neo-Moorish in design and is well over 100 years old.

It is beautiful, adhering to the unique design both inside and out, but does come with a hefty price tag, a little over €2.5 million.

Read more: PHOTOS: Rare Turkish-style villa is up for sale… in Brittany

Check for possible taxe foncière refunds

The French government has earmarked over €1 billion in refunds (and special exemptions) for overpaid taxe foncière bills.

Around €600 million of this is for mistakes caused by land registry errors, causing people to pay part of somebody else's bill in error.

We show readers how they can contact local authorities if they believe they are due for a refund. Do take into account, however, that there have been increases for most people for this year’s taxe foncière bill, both at a national and local level.

Read more: Was your French taxe foncière bill high this year? Check for a refund