Property

UK home insurance hassle for Briton living in France

Change of underwriters left woman without insurance for second home in Scotland

High fees on British assets normal under French law, says notaire

‘We’ve got nothing to reproach ourselves about,’ says professional at heart of fees dispute

French police can check your home (and vulnerable relatives) when you are away

Here is how to sign up for the service, as well as the special wellbeing check

practical

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

There are several issues to consider

Burglaries, scams, and climate change: what to be aware of when insuring a home in France

Some regions in France are more susceptible to burglary than others

Property exchanges: How to save thousands on French property sale taxes

Swapping your property rather than selling it can result in lower notaire fees

Invasive Japanese beetles detected in eastern France

Residents are being asked to report beetles

Red drought alerts raised in south-west France: restrictions on water usage in place

Obtaining water from natural sources is now banned

Can a large age gap invalidate a tontine agreement in France?

Tontine clauses are inserted at time of property purchase but can be invalidated at a later date

What documents are required to sell a home in France?

Property diagnostics are required as part of sales process

French officials order the destruction of a house in Perpignan

The villa was constructed over ten years ago

Wasps, mosquitoes, hornets, ants: how to deal with summer insects in France

Natural repellents can keep some pests away

Out of the red: Energy audit reforms to improve rating for 850,000 properties in France

New calculations will benefit homes heated by electricity and aim to put smaller rental units back on the market

Enedis reinforces anti-fraud checks on Linky meters in France

More than 100,000 meters found to have been tampered with to provide false readings

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

Photos: four historic French châteaux on sale for under €1 million

Grand abandoned properties are looking for new owners

Tips for keeping your home cool during heatwaves in France

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

Growing problem of unpaid ‘copropriété’ charges in blocks of flats 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

Why your garden in France may look unusually ‘yellow’

Crops in northern France have been harvested early due to warmer temperatures

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

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

There is a ‘grace’ period available for wealth held overseas

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

Work declaration, noise levels, professional certification - we review what is needed

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

Declarations have been required since 2023

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

French renovation grants maintained for insulation and boiler replacements

Applications for ‘monogestes’ will not be paused during summer months

French land agency reduces €1m field sale to €15,000

Intervention of rural land management agency causes massive price reduction in Brittany

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

You should be aware of prohibited items if planning to declutter this summer

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

A dry spring in the north has left many areas under drought alert

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

This can often be for smaller projects such as repainting a room, mowing the lawn or laying new carpet.

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

New pools can be filled in for the first time despite drought restrictions

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

France’s home renovation grant system to resume in September

MaPrimeRenov' scheme is being paused for the summer to tackle fraud and backlogs

Property watch: See what €50,000, €150,000 and over €1m buys in Haut-Rhin

The north-east department is known for its strong German influences

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

Tips on how to manage a French chateau - and how to get your own

Chateau owners Lionel and Claire Cherruault share their experience

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

Private swimming pools boom in France: 5 key statistics

Home pools have become more popular in the past few decades

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

What are the rules for changing your front door in France?

We review the rules, from planning permission to paint colours

Where in Paris is property becoming more affordable?

Seven arrondissements have now fallen below the €9,000 per square metre bracket

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

New ranking shows the best places to live near Toulouse

The list advises places to get that south-of-France village feel without sacrificing city living

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

An entire village in Provence is up for sale

Twenty Flemish families spent four decades bringing the ancient hamlet back to life

Seven key points to consider before you begin a home renovation project in France

Ask what work is needed, how to avoid scams, and the savings available, advises a consumer group

How long to receive French renovation grants - and why it is getting longer

Protestors accuse the scheme of ‘malfunctioning’, but the managing authority disputes this

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

These districts of Paris are most popular amongst Americans in France

More arrondissements are seeing US buyers in the wake of the Trump presidency, specialist estate agencies say

Photos: Louis XIII château near Paris up for auction

The 400-year-old property has 32 hectares of parkland

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

How quickly do homes near you go under offer in France?

68 days in Paris, 86 in Bordeaux: the average time is falling across much of the country

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

French property: See what €50,000, €150,000 and over €2m buys in Bas-Rhin

This small department on the German border is home to the historic city of Strasbourg

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