-
Photos: Unusual tower for sale in France (could it make a quirky home?)
The seller claims the four-bedroom property could be converted into a comfortable home
-
Is it difficult to switch home insurance companies in France?
Long-term contracts are more easily cancelled, particularly for renters
-
Are French tax charges on foreign property rental income correct?
France should award tax credits in some situations
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.