Buying a property in France may cost more from April as ‘notaire fees’ allowed to rise Departments can opt to increase fees by 0.5% under 2025 budget
Is property declaration form required for French second homes this year? The Biens immobiliers form was introduced in 2023
Is there an official complaints process against notaires in France? Notaires are legally responsible for their own practices
practical Five key points on French property market in latest notaire review The post-Covid slump is close to its end, but warning factors remain
French house prices 2024: how did your area fare in new notaire data? Cities including Reims and Dijon recorded sales price falls of over -10% - however the slump is said to be over
French house auction site opens up to estate agents Site aims for quick and transparent property sales
Does being an EU citizen affect rate of French property taxes? Two main property taxes may be due each year
France's ‘garden shed tax’ sees 2025 rise, find new rates below Completed property extensions and new constructions have to be declared to your mairie within 90 days
Is it right time to renegotiate mortgage on French home? Falling interest rates prompt many homeowners to consider new deals
Legal: French court rules against using neighbour's land for parking A droit de servitude (right of way) is not for mere convenience, rules France's highest court
French landlord faces questions over near 300% increase in heating costs Tenants face eviction after increase in bills leaves them facing heavy debts
France's heat pump market drops as second home owners opt for alternatives Despite government support, declining sales and high costs hinder heat pump adoption, especially in second homes
Little-known Linky meter trick can help people in France save on energy bills Information transmitters plugged into meter give real-time information about electricity consumption
Over-60s can now unlock capital from their home in France Mortgage solutions to tap into a niche market remain available after the closure one scheme MAP: French property price variations in 2024 by region French towns selling off land cheaply benefit from population growth What is cost of septic tank diagnostic when selling a French second home?
Is there a register of certified local chimney sweeps in France to use? Only professional sweeps can provide certificate that chimney has been swept French authorities use AI to help recoup €200 million in unpaid tax from one department alone Is taxe d’habitation required for flats let in French farmhouse? Landlords in France can now increase rent for some tenants: when and by how much? Confirmed: Electricity bills to drop by 15% from February for most French households Is it possible to apply for compensation after power cut at French home?
What is the role of an estate agent when buying a property in France? Some properties are advertised with multiple agencies
Can a mobile home remain parked in French home garden? Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader query
Could France follow Spain’s plan for 100% tax on non-EU buyers of second homes? Spanish prime minister says country must act to combat rising housing shortage
How should garden waste be disposed of in France if bonfires are not allowed? Some areas have also banned disposing of green waste at waste centres
MAP: How much can you negotiate off a property purchase in France in 2025? Chances of a successful offer vary considerably depending on the region
Chimney sweeping rules in France: Can you do this yourself - and how often is required by law? Insurance companies have their own requirements
French court orders withdrawal of Linky smart meter in home after health complaints Homeowners who do not install a meter now face annual surcharge on electricity bill
New formality for homeowners selling a property in France The new regulations also apply to those who let a property
Is it possible to leave French second home to nephews and not spouse? John Kitching, a director of French Law Consultancy Limited, answers a reader query
Five things they don't tell you about wood fires in France There are various types of logs you can purchase, but you must be careful about sourcing your own from woodlands
Buying property in France: Two key steps Property lawyer Ronald Sokol explains the practical steps, taxes and rules of purchasing a home
Commune to use drones to enforce planning rules in south of France The drones will be able to assess expansions to private properties as well as larger constructions by companies
15 changes in France from January 1, 2025 Pensions, gardens, boilers, registering cars and postal costs are just some of the areas which change
The trees in your French garden have a worth - here is how to value them online Owners of properties can see values rise thanks to trees, similarly to garages or barns
Revaluation of property data used to set local taxes delayed in France but concerns continue A reform of the valeurs locatives cadastrales, a theoretical annual rental value assigned to every property, has been planned for several years
Are French tax charges on foreign property rental income correct? France should award tax credits in some situations
Must I continue paying French property tax for second home sold in January? Property taxes can be split into ten monthly payments
French property: Share of foreign buyers increases for houses - which areas are popular? Non-French buyers make up more than 10% of purchases of non-new build houses in some departments
Property sales plummet in France but did any areas resist price drops? Values have increased in the last ten years across the board despite post-Covid slump in sales
How to get retrospective approval for building works on French home after completion Unauthorised home improvements potentially lead to problems when selling
Is my information safe with French estate agents? Using major national estate agencies is an option if you need to have more confidence
French grants for home renovations are changing Act now if you want to fit a wood stove before the MaPrimeRénov grants are reduced in 2025
This will be the minimum property tax increase in 2025 in France Actual bills are likely to increase by more in many communes
Weighing up costs of renting a home versus buying in France Rent increases and property price drops make it better to purchase in some areas but significant regional differences persist
Off peak hours, Linky meters: electricity and gas bills are set to change in France Hours for cheaper electricity set to differ depending on season under new rules
New tough tax rules apply on French holiday rentals from 2025 Short-term holiday lets are the target of a new law
Notaire fees expected to rise for home purchases in France Local authorities set to increase fees to combat budget cuts
Must you remove snow in front of home in France? Rules to respect Icicles must be removed from roofs in some cases
What is process for building work near a site listed as historic monument in France? The Architectes des Bâtiments de France must approve of external renovations within 500m of a listed site
Neighbour’s chimney blows smoke into our French home: what can we do? Chimney stacks must be a certain length from nearby rooftops
Property slump eases in France but sellers still need to be patient The drop in prices is steadying but the situation is not the same across the country
How a builder's creative tip helped me in my farmhouse renovation Nick Inman continues with his project to restore an old farmhouse
What you can challenge on a French taxe d’habitation bill - and how to do it Over €700 million was erroneously collected for the property tax last year
What are the documents that a landlord cannot request from a tenant in France? Renters can refuse certain invasive demands from property owners
Properties: see what you can buy in Orne in rural France for €40,000 and €1.123m Explore Orne's scenic routes, traditional sausages, and surprisingly affordable property market
Is French second-home property tax levied on garages? Tax may also be levied on parking spots in certain situations
AirBnb rental laws to be toughened in France Tax reductions will be partially brought in line for long and short-term rentals, with communes having more power over the market
French fire service asks people to check for empty or unused gas bottles at home Canisters can be returned to points of sale, reducing fire risk
Are drain unblockers for septic tanks commercially available in France? Supermarkets offer a variety of standard unblockers
400 French communes declared natural disaster zones after October floods Property owners have 30 days to make insurance claim
How much does a house cost in ‘the healthiest department’ in France? This area scored well in a national study on air pollution, green spaces, healthy shops, and hiking trails
French property market: Six key points from latest notaire data Signs of recovery in view from post-Covid slump although sales numbers and prices remain low
MAP: house price falls in France - see how your area fares in new notaire data Only a handful of cities avoided a fall in price at the start of 2024
What are the rules for domestic wind turbine installation in France? Turbines of all sizes can be purchased
Why home insurance costs are expected to rise in France next year Properties in the south face higher costs as natural disasters and droughts hit hard
Further crackdown on tourist rentals under debate in France Communes would be given more autonomy to manage tourist rental market as tax allowances drop
Some main homes in France targeted for capital gains tax under new plan The length of ownership would be an important factor
Is it illegal to fit a boiling water tap in France? Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader query
How to identify and destroy toxic plants that grow in French gardens Some can cause illness or even be fatal if eaten
Widow loses right to live in French property due to lack of maintenance ‘Total and long-standing failure’ to maintain home means it requires complete renovation
Why have we not been paying taxe d’habitation on our French second home? Exemptions exist but only apply in a very limited number of scenarios
What is the procedure if septic tank is classed as non-conforme? Rules are different when buying a new home
17 new and recent changes in France Many of the recently-announced measures will come into effect from January 2025
Home buyers given wrong French bank details and must now pay again Cooperative gave them IBAN of a tradesperson it employed in error. Court has ordered that couple must pay a second €70,000 payment for the property
Explained: rent increase limits in France as latest inflation figures published Many renters will face price increase in January
More second homes in France face higher tax under new proposal Far-left proposal would see all communes able to levy additional surcharges on second-home tax
Oise: Properties you can buy from €39,000 to €1.9m in the north of France The department is just north of Paris so buyers may have to look hard for a bargain
How I revived the rusty railings at our old French farmhouse Columnist Nick Inman explains how an inventive use of copper tubing gave his garden wall a new lease of life