-
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
Will I be charged taxe foncière on my empty French home?
Certain taxes are not charged on empty homes, however in some circumstances exceptions exist
Reader Question My second home (in France) is being renovated and has been empty of furniture since March 2021. I live in the UK. Should I be exempt from property taxes?
Taxe foncière is generally payable whether a property is furnished/used or not, and is payable on all homes in France, regardless of if they are main or second homes.
Taxe d’habitation however is generally not payable on property that is unfurnished and unused on January 1 of the tax year, so you could claim repayment for the 2022 tax year.
The main issue might be supplying proof, if it is requested by the tax authorities.
Some vacant homes are still taxed
In some cases, however, a type of taxe d’habitation is payable, even for unfurnished homes.
This is payable if your commune voted for it to be levied on vacant properties – however this only applies to homes vacant for more than two years as of the relevant January 1.
Communes deemed subject to housing pressure have a separate ‘vacant homes tax’, which applies to homes vacant for at least one year.
You can read our article below to learn more about these additional levies.
Related articles
Hundreds more areas in France to levy ‘vacant home’ tax: what is this?
Taxe foncière explainer: Who pays and the exemptions
Explainer: France’s taxe d’habitation property tax