Practical property

Are French holiday lets affected by taxe d'habitation?

It's important to know the exemptions when it comes to holiday properties

How to protect your home in France against forest fires

Keeping gardens clear of undergrowth is important, and in several areas is a legal requirement

New water restrictions in France: which areas are affected and what changes for residents

Warnings are being raised from north to south with the exception of the south-west (for now)

practical

Does a pool still add value to French property despite water restrictions?

An increased selling price might look attractive but do not forget running costs, increased taxes and water bans

Hilltop windmill offers free night in Dordogne

Accommodation for two people can be booked for one night through town website

People with a second home in France should check their insurance policy

Cover can be reduced or voided for homes left empty for significant periods of time

Tips for keeping your home cool during heatwaves in France

France’s ecological transition agency has issued some tips that are also eco-friendly

Alarm raised over level of unpaid 'copropriété' fees in France

Authorities urge legal reforms as unpaid service charges suggest €2billion in arrears

Could property owners in France be obliged to combat heat in tenanted homes?

MPs from several parties want to tackle ‘boiler homes’

Surge in private swimming pool ‘squats’ in France

Warnings in place as owners can be held responsible for any injuries to pool squatters

Rennes becomes first city in France to limit size of swimming pools

Pools will be limited to 25m3 in size, 15m3 smaller than the average size in France

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

Table: Rural house price changes across France in 2024 – see how your department fares

Uneven shifts see falls of up to 19% and rises of nearly 12%

Partner article: What are the rules on noise from heat pumps in France?

Heat pumps are popular eco-friendly renovation choice

French court backs homeowners in capital gains tax dispute over primary residence

No capital gains tax is due on the sale of a person's main home

Is it best to sell usufruit property in France before returning to the UK?

You need to agree to sell the property with the person or people who own the residual legal rights

Can you cancel a joint loan in France following a separation from your partner?

There are several issues to consider

Estimate renovation gains to French home with new official tool

Studies claim properties in some regions could see their values increase by 20% following energy-efficiency upgrades

MaPrimeRénov' scheme in France paused – how are ongoing projects affected?

Excess fraud and the increase in applications lead to suspension of scheme

France’s ‘garden shed’ tax: how to check if it has been paid – and what to do if not

Taxe d’aménagement is payable on a wide range of structures including pools, garden sheds and other outbuildings

Are we required to connect our French home to new communal sewage system?

The process can be expensive but some financial aid is available

Is it possible to obtain a DPE energy audit remotely in France?

Property owners must obtain document before selling homes

Bridging loan alternative offers French property owners quick access to finance

Specialist agents can pay up to 60% of their property's value within weeks through a new initiative

How France's energy ratings system is affecting property prices

New study reveals significant differences in urban properties

Second-home market in France grows: who is buying and where?

In some departments close to 20% of properties are second homes

What is ‘electric box’ we have been asked to install at French home?

Grid manager Enedis must ensure all electrics are compatible with public domain

Partner article: What are the legal formalities of building a house in France?

The planning formalities in France can become an additional burden if you are ill prepared

Ensure your smoke detector in French home is maintained and legal

Detectors must conform to several safety rules to be valid

Important rules for property owners with a garden in France

Bonfires, undergrowth clearance, water usage… check you are on the right side of the law

Is there aid available for second-home owners to insulate a French property?

Several major schemes are limited to main homes

People in France with electric installations older than 15 years warned of anomalies and fire risk

In some areas close to 90% of homes have a faulty electrical appliance

Homeowner in France must remove security camera as it records public road

Any cameras pointing towards a public space are an invasion of privacy, court rules

French village pays families to buy a home there

A grant of €5,000 plus €1,000 per child is available in an attempt to attract young families

How to prepare your pool for the summer season in France

You must 'wake up' your pool and treat the water before taking a dip

What is ‘SRU number’ on French house sale document?

A 2000 law led to several major chances for buyers, sellers, and builders

Paper version of ‘property use’ form available to download in French and English

Property owners who have seen its status change must update information before July 1

Undergrowth clearance: Where in France must buyers be informed?

Mandatory vegetation clearing aims to prevent wildfires in at-risk areas.

Find a rural home in France for under €100,000 without renovation hassle

See country houses for sale within this budget that are ready to move in to

What are the rules on changing your windows in France?

Properties in certain protected areas face strict regulations

Can stepchildren inherit property under French succession law?

French succession laws can affect inheritance of property from a step-parent

Why short-term rentals face declining profitability in France

Stricter regulations and rising costs are challenging landlords, prompting a reclassification as 'touristic accommodation'

Graph: see latest flat price changes in your area of France

Nice was among the cities to see prices rise last year

What are the rules for installing wooden shutters in France?

Some areas require shutters to conform to aesthetic rules

Map: see house price changes for your area of France in latest notaire data

Some areas saw prices fall by up to 16% in 12 months, but others are finally seeing growth

Is compensation possible if a neighbour’s pet damages garden at French second home?

Disorderly pets can wreak havoc on gardens

Repairs on dry stone wall in France: Must stones be bought or can they be picked up?

You may need to consult your neighbour to repair border walls

Tips for Americans considering a French mortgage

With the number of Americans moving to France on the rise, we ask the experts for some tips for those considering applying for a French mortgage

Fines over missing Biens immobiliers French property declarations to start in 2026

Property owners must still declare any 2024 changes to property by July 1 this year

Property watch: See what €50,000, €180,000 and over €1million buys in Pyréneés-Orientales

Pyréneés-Orientales is one of the few departments in France where residents can go to ski resorts as well as the seaside

Is any financial aid available to pay for installing a septic tank for our French property?

Homeowners installing a tank must work closely with local authorities

Who is liable for repair costs after the sale of a property in France?

Sellers can be liable for repairs in the case of hidden defects

French wealth tax: Six ways to reduce what you have to pay

The property valuation threshold for France's impôt sur la fortune immobilière (IFI) in 2025 is €1.3million per tax household

New natural disaster zones declared in south-east France

Property owners have 30 days to make a claim due to damage by landslides, mudslides, or flooding

List: The French departments where property notaire fees have risen (or will soon)

Only nine have declined to increase them

Do roof repairs need to be declared to French tax authorities?

Repairs do not usually require planning authorisation to be issued

French energy vouchers: 2025 date confirmed – and it is much later than usual

Five million people are eligible for the physical voucher, which can be up to €277

How to value a property for France's wealth tax

Here is how to check if you have to pay the impôt sur la fortune immobilière (IFI) – and how much it will be

New rules lower aid for home solar panels in France

Installation bonuses have also been cut as government looks to promote ‘self-consumption’ of power

Can neighbour force us to put fence up in French garden?

Rules on undergrowth clearance and habitat protection come into play

Gale warnings: how to limit damage to your home in France and errors to avoid

Securing outdoors furniture is a key step to help avoid serious damage

Garden clearing obligations to be extended in south of France

Owners who fail to clear undergrowth face fines

What are the rules for installing an electric fence on French property?

Electric fences are not solely for agricultural purposes

Why this widely-used gardening tool can land you a large fine in France

Stores are banned from selling the item

Water leak leaves home owner in France facing €35,000 bill

Expert report states broken pipes were result of earthworks by local mairie, but they refuse to pay

Property watch: See what €50,000, €250,000 and over €1million buys in Hautes-Pyrénées

Its main city Tarbes has good transport links and there are many mountain property bargains to be had

Understand France's inheritance tax rules and nue-propriété

Question relates to situation when holder of a nue-propriété predeceases the holder of the usufruit

Good news for buyers and sellers as French mortgage rates fall and are open to negotiation

Some banks are offering special mortgage deals as property market recovering – but will this continue?

List: these are the French home improvement works that must be declared

Inform tax authorities separately even if you have construction permit

Can we bring UK digger to France to work on our second home?

There is a time limit on how long machinery can be brought over to avoid import fees

What is the best way to deal with ‘stink bugs’ in our French home?

The bugs arrived from Asia and are considered an invasive species

What are the rules for burning garden waste in France in 2025?

Spring is a popular time to clean up in garden

Is it necessary to sign up to a local déchetterie in France before using it?

Rules are changing in several areas to cut down on excessive waste

Can we gift French property to our daughter?

Gift taxes will be levied if certain thresholds are passed

French property owners and tenants: what are rules for obligatory undergrowth clearance?

Land in many areas must be cleared to reduce risk of forest fires

French home energy cheque aid will be sent later in 2025 - who gets this?

Changes mean vouchers can no longer be used for eco-renovations

Practical property

Are French holiday lets affected by taxe d'habitation?

How to protect your home in France against forest fires

New water restrictions in France: which areas are affected and what changes for residents

Does a pool still add value to French property despite water restrictions?

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Photos: snow returns to French Alps in July

Driving in summer in France: rules and tips to remember

Roads closed, homes burnt, residents told to stay indoors: latest on major fire in south of France

France summer holiday traffic: worst days to travel in July and August 2025

Tap water bans in France: contamination risk and how to check quality of your water

Does a pool still add value to French property despite water restrictions?

South of France hit by series of major wildfires: alert level raised to maximum

Hilltop windmill offers free night in Dordogne

People with a second home in France should check their insurance policy

Tips for keeping your home cool during heatwaves in France

Alarm raised over level of unpaid 'copropriété' fees in France

Could property owners in France be obliged to combat heat in tenanted homes?

Surge in private swimming pool ‘squats’ in France

Rennes becomes first city in France to limit size of swimming pools

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

Table: Rural house price changes across France in 2024 – see how your department fares

Partner article: What are the rules on noise from heat pumps in France?

What are arrival timelines for declaring property wealth tax in France?

What are the rules on fitting air conditioning into homes in France?

French ‘property use’ declaration deadline: who has to submit before July 1?

French court backs homeowners in capital gains tax dispute over primary residence

French renovation grants maintained for insulation and boiler replacements

Did you know? These items are banned at a French vide-grenier clear-out sale

Map: Latest water restrictions across France and how public is affected

What do you risk if paying a friend to do work at French home without a contract?

What types of water can be used to fill swimming pool at French home?

Is it best to sell usufruit property in France before returning to the UK?

Can you cancel a joint loan in France following a separation from your partner?

Estimate renovation gains to French home with new official tool

MaPrimeRénov' scheme in France paused – how are ongoing projects affected?

France’s ‘garden shed’ tax: how to check if it has been paid – and what to do if not

Are we required to connect our French home to new communal sewage system?

Is it possible to obtain a DPE energy audit remotely in France?

Bridging loan alternative offers French property owners quick access to finance

How France's energy ratings system is affecting property prices

Second-home market in France grows: who is buying and where?

What is ‘electric box’ we have been asked to install at French home?

Partner article: What are the legal formalities of building a house in France?

Ensure your smoke detector in French home is maintained and legal

Important rules for property owners with a garden in France

Is there aid available for second-home owners to insulate a French property?

People in France with electric installations older than 15 years warned of anomalies and fire risk

Homeowner in France must remove security camera as it records public road

French village pays families to buy a home there

How to prepare your pool for the summer season in France

What is ‘SRU number’ on French house sale document?

Paper version of ‘property use’ form available to download in French and English

Undergrowth clearance: Where in France must buyers be informed?

Find a rural home in France for under €100,000 without renovation hassle

What are the rules on changing your windows in France?

Can stepchildren inherit property under French succession law?

Why short-term rentals face declining profitability in France

Graph: see latest flat price changes in your area of France

What are the rules for installing wooden shutters in France?

Map: see house price changes for your area of France in latest notaire data

Is compensation possible if a neighbour’s pet damages garden at French second home?

Repairs on dry stone wall in France: Must stones be bought or can they be picked up?

Tips for Americans considering a French mortgage

Fines over missing Biens immobiliers French property declarations to start in 2026

Property watch: See what €50,000, €180,000 and over €1million buys in Pyréneés-Orientales

Is any financial aid available to pay for installing a septic tank for our French property?

Who is liable for repair costs after the sale of a property in France?

French wealth tax: Six ways to reduce what you have to pay

New natural disaster zones declared in south-east France

List: The French departments where property notaire fees have risen (or will soon)

Do roof repairs need to be declared to French tax authorities?

French energy vouchers: 2025 date confirmed – and it is much later than usual

How to value a property for France's wealth tax

New rules lower aid for home solar panels in France

Can neighbour force us to put fence up in French garden?

Gale warnings: how to limit damage to your home in France and errors to avoid

Garden clearing obligations to be extended in south of France

What are the rules for installing an electric fence on French property?

Why this widely-used gardening tool can land you a large fine in France