Practical property

Round notary sign mounted on a building wall in Paris, France.

Notaire may have made an error in house purchase - what should I do?

There are several steps before cases can be taken to court

What can I do if neighbour’s hedge leans over into my property?

Neighbours must aim for amicable resolution

Most French departments on strictest tap water restrictions as drought continues

Another week without rain will see water table levels fall

property

Senator calls for improved visa rules for second home-owners in France amid wildfire risk

Issue is no longer about Brexit but safety amid record-breaking summer blazes

Can France’s heritage rules stop you replacing your windows?

Planning rules around historic buildings can restrict choices

What is the ‘mortgage portability’ policy Le Pen promises if elected?

Current homeowners with a mortgage could save hundreds of euros per month

France house sale cancelled over undisclosed wind farm project

Sellers claimed not to know of project

What costs and taxes are involved in selling our second home in France?

Several fees affect the final bill when you sell a French second home

Hundreds of French communes impose maximum surcharge on second homes

More than 1,600 communes will levy housing shortage surcharge of up to 60%

Are you responsible if your dog bites a burglar in France?

Home insurance policies often cover damage from pets

Nearly 40% of French rental properties breach rent control laws

New report shows findings as senators set to debate expansion of the reforms

Who is responsible for repairing the electrical system in a new house in France?

The seller must provide a dossier de diagnostic technique, including a diagnostic électricité for installations older than fifteen years

New rules for French heat pump grants require device to be made in Europe

Updated criteria for heat pump installation aid came into force this month

A view of an unfinished window with a thick layer of insulation around it

Renovating a house in France: what help is available for foreigners?

Aids for both main and second homes are available

France’s new e-billing rules: six questions answered

Staggered introduction, foreign companies, penalties: we review who is impacted and how

Tap water restrictions increase in France: 57 departments on ‘crisis’ alert

Millions see highest restrictions as threat of tap water being cut off looms

New map shows most of France at risk from clay soil cracking

Map is official tool for insurance and property sales

Man arranges bottled water at a distribution point in Montsalvy during France’s 2022 drought.

40,000 people in France see water cut off: what to do if it happens to you

Plus, worst-hit areas and authorities step up enforcement as water shortages increase

How does France’s new ‘right to repair’ rule cover your purchases?

Certain electrical goods benefit from 10-year additional protection

Can I reuse shower or washing-up water in my French garden during drought?

Recent rule changes look to improve water recycling but systems face strict rules

French drought update: all departments face tap water limits or warnings

There are 48 departments where toughest restrictions are in place as new heatwave only set to worsen historic drought

Solar panels mounted on a terracotta-tiled roof with trees in the background.

Do solar panel electricity sellers in France need to sign up for electronic billing?

Changes to system applies to sales subject to VAT

Notaire data on how the French coastal property market is faring

Fluctuation in housing prices come as flats see more steady change

How to restore a staircase in a French farmhouse - one step at a time

It is better to save an existing staircase than to make a new one

How to use acrylic sheeting for window repairs in France

Transparent acrylic sheeting has advantages over glass for some applications

Collage showing office documents, call centre staff, a gas stove being adjusted and a car refuelling at a Beyour petrol station.

What changes for residents in France in August 2026

Bills will change for millions of households, fuel scheme extends, and savings accounts see new rates

France’s 2026 property tax bills: when they will arrive and what to expect

Taxe foncière is levied on all properties regardless of use with only a few exceptions

French government website helps check and manage risks where you live

Géorisques highlights how to stay safe from risks and dangers near you

Charred residential buildings stand amid scorched ground after a wildfire in Lege, France.

Why does French natural disaster insurance not cover wildfires?

Since most wildfires are caused by human activity, this affects insurance claims

France’s property market is stabilising (and why this is not a bad thing)

Five key points from the most recent French notaire data

Up 17.3%, down 6.7%: how flat prices are changing across France

Largest cities saw little change but other areas vary considerably in fortunes

How are house prices changing in your area of France?

Notaire data shows strong growth in north but big cities such as Paris and Bordeaux see prices drop

More areas of France face highest level of tap water restrictions

44 departments now have at least one commune at ‘crisis’ level

Repairing cracked walls in our French home: what help is available?

Millions of homes at risk with early prevention and corrections now encouraged

Why does it take so long to get air conditioning approved for a flat in France?

Unit installation requires wider approval from co-owners

Close-up of water dripping from a metal tap against a blurred background.

French drought update: 40 departments on highest level of tap water restrictions

All but 13 departments have at least some restrictions in place

Mother and daughter loading a suitcase into the back of a silver car outside a house.

Free French police checks for your home and vulnerable relatives when absent

How to sign up for the Opération Tranquillité Vacances service and special wellbeing check

How can I prevent mosquitoes in my garden and home?

Tiger mosquitoes transmit several tropical diseases and are now present across all French regions

Close-up views of water pouring from taps and a hose into a pool.

France water restrictions: Five questions answered

We review rules for rainwater, wells, filling swimming pools, and penalties for infractions

Blueprint,,Design,And,Hands,Of,Architects,Planning,Construction,,Strategy

What to do if your French property has a hidden defect

Hidden problems are called vices cachés and covered by Article 1641 of the French Civil Code

Electricity bills: French government announces 2.5% rise for regulated bills

Over 19 million households impacted, with the average bill rising €26 per year

Person wearing blue surgical gloves about to open a septic tank cover

Warning over impact of sewerage systems on property prices in France

Properties with sub-standard sewerage systems can be sold with an official certificate of non-conformity

A view of a private swimming pool at a home

Are we responsible if we let neighbours use our French pool when away?

Pool ‘squatting’ is an increasingly worrying problem for owners

France facing ‘exceptional’ early drought, almost all departments on drought alert

Waterways and aquifers affected by intense heat despite strong spring rainfall

A model of a house with construction items, a calculator, and DPE rating on a table

Do French renovation grants need to be repaid?

Payments are typically made directly to tradespeople rather than homeowners

A view of a fence in France saying ‘A vendre (for sale)’

‘Never seen this in 54 years’: French property market warning

Sale cancellations up as more mortgages refused, and rental market facing serious issues says major estate agency

Drought map: tap water restrictions tighten in France

Residents urged to check local rules

Close-up of a chrome kitchen faucet with a single drop of water falling.

Is France heading for a severe drought this summer?

‘This is the first time in 33 years that we’ve had to start releasing water this early in the season’

A view of an empty, unfurnished property

France to merge vacant home taxes from 2027

Two taxes levied on vacant homes to be replaced by a single tax

Replacing water filter in French home became a two-month DIY nightmare

Columnist Nick Inman tells of his ordeal changing a dedicated filtered drinking water tap

France set to end funding for most single-project renovations under MaPrimeRénov’

‘A responsible choice’ to focus funds on more comprehensive projects is planned

See what €50,000, €250,000 and over €1m buys in Tarn

The rural department is relatively expensive despite its low population

Check this before buying French property in a flood zone

One in four people – some 18 million – now live in an area at risk of flooding

Illustration of a market stall with fruit displays, shoppers, and signs reading citrus and oranges.

How usufruit works in France: inheritance, property and tax benefits explained

The concept can protect a spouse and reduce inheritance tax

How to compare and switch home insurance in France

You can change your provider after the first 12 months

Map: 79 French departments now on water restriction rules or alerts

Central departments already at highest restriction level

French property law: who pays for and maintains boundary fences?

Different rules apply to owners and tenants

Electric vehicle leasing, gas bill rises: what changes in France in July 2026

Card payments are also set to begin on Parisian public transport

A view of a beautiful old house in Brittany, France

French tax authorities now have more time to update incorrect second home tax bills

Deadline for officials to levy taxes missed due to calculation errors or owner omissions has been extended

Can I cut down tree in my French garden without permission?

Hundreds of trees have protected status in France

Homeowners must prove they took steps to stop drought cracking, French court rules

Landmark ruling in €40,000 compensation case may embolden insurance companies to deny claims

Ornate corner building with balconies and decorative façade against a lavender sky in Nice, France.

France heatwave: Minister unveils plan to help homes and cities cope

Measures include support for reversible heat pumps and easing flat renovation rules as France prepares for hotter summers

A view of outdoor wheelie bins on a street in Paris, France

Residents in France face fines of up to €450 if sorting rubbish incorrectly

‘Bin police’ can search waste to ensure recycling is properly carried out

Are French electricity bills set to increase in August?

Increased usage charges will affect bills, but changes elsewhere may lessen impact

Residents of village in south-west France told to evacuate due to cracks in homes

Landslides risk tearing down most properties

Close-up of a gas stove burner with blue flames around the ring.

France gas prices: all contracts to increase in July

Millions of households on variable-rate gas deals face the biggest rise as France's benchmark gas price increases.

Why is my French tip no longer taking green waste?

Several communes including major cities have recently changed rules

What are the rules about fitting electric shutters at my home in France?

These convenient systems can offer better security than traditional shutters

More options now available for home equity release in France

Prêt viager hypothécaire being offered more widely as well as other similar schemes

French ‘super off-peak’ contracts offer up to 60% discount on electricity

Households which can match consumption to special hours can see significant savings

Map: tap water restrictions and warnings by department as of June 2

Find information on restrictions in your commune

Key points and rules to consider if want a pool at your French home

Taxes, safety measures, running costs are all things you should factor in

Young man with arm cast in sling sitting in a wheelchair indoors

What to do if someone is injured on your property in France

Costs of such an accident can quickly accumulate

Worker using a power drill to demolish an interior wall seen through a hole

Renovating a house in France: the key mistakes to avoid

British architect based in France shares his tips for restoring homes

Map: Which departments paid the most property tax in 2025?

Average increase of 2.4% but wide variation in total cost