Can I leave furniture in French second home when I sell it?

Reader Question: We are looking to sell our second home in France and return to the UK. As we already have a home there we do not want any of the furniture. Can we leave this in the house?

Many home sales in France include the sale of kitchen appliances (usually a fitted kitchen) as this is easier for both buyer and seller. 

There are no regulations against leaving furniture and appliances in the property but this should be agreed in the terms of sale / with the buyer beforehand. 

This can be achieved by advising the estate agents what will stay so it can be included in the property listings.

If the furniture has a value it may be possible to factor this into the overall price of the property.

Read more: Four factors that can lower the value of French property

Items should be mentioned in sales deed

Generally the process for leaving any furniture or appliances in the property is to draw up a document signifying exactly what will be left, this will be part of the preliminary sales deed.

It needs to note all items being transferred with the sale of the home, alongside their value. 

This document can be used by the parties to check if there are any promised pieces of furniture or appliances missing during the handover of the property. 

If there are the purchase price may need to be reduced relating to the value – as detailed in the document – of what is missing.

This can also help reduce notaire fees which are only payable on the cost of the property itself and not on additional items such as furniture. 

The document will help provide clear information on how much of the sales price is for the property and how much is for appliances. 

You should not simply leave furniture in your home without following these steps.

Read more: If I order a sofa in France does firm have to take away my old one?