-
How to assume property ownership in France
Usucapion can take place if you have acted as if you believed you owned the property for at least 30 years
-
Map: See how French flat prices have changed this year
Recovering property market has not meant a blanket increase in prices
-
French property market showing sign of recovery: five key points from latest notaire data
Global uncertainties may impact speed and level of recovery
Squatters changed locks in French holiday home
Pregnant woman and children among family illegally occupying property on south coast of France

The prospect of squatters moving in is a nightmare scenario for second home owners - and it turned into a horrible reality for one couple who headed to their holiday property in the south of France, only to discover it was already occupied.
When the couple, who had travelled from their home in Lyon, arrived at their property in Théoule-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes, they found it had been taken over by a family, who had changed the locks and had also altered the homeowners' name on the electricity bill.
Read more: Your rights if squatters move into empty French home
Unable to enter their home, the property's legitimate owners spent the night in their car, but according to the couple, evicting the squatters is proving difficult and time consuming.
The family occupying the house includes a pregnant woman and children, which has prevented officials from acting quickly, BFMTV reports.