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Building & Renovation
Smoke Alarms Obligatory in 2015
The installation of at least one smoke alarm in all residential properties in France will become obligatory from March 2015.
07 Jan 2015
Confusion Over Septic Tank Rules
In recent years there has been a major overall of the regulations concerning the installation and control of local sewerage systems, but implementation has yet to catch up with the law.
04 Dec 2014
Diagnostics on Statutory Property Surveys
A study by the government consumer watchdog in France has criticised the pricing ethics adopted by building diagnostics professionals.
04 Nov 2014
Increased Grant for Energy Conservation Works
In a significant relaxation of existing rules the government have increased to 30% the level of the grant for any single work of home energy conservation.
07 Oct 2014
Builder Responsible for Tax Credit Estimate
A builder who provided incorrect advice on the level of the tax credit for solar panel installation has been obliged to compensate their client.
05 Aug 2014
Renovating a Derelict Property in France
As what stage does the renovation of an derelict property in the countryside cease to be permitted development?
03 Jun 2014
Highways Consents for Building Works in France
Use of the public highway as part of a building works project requires a particular type of administrative authorisation.
06 May 2014
Transfer of a French Planning Consent
Is it possible to transfer a planning consent on land and property in France?
08 Apr 2014
Grants and Tax Breaks for Home Energy Conservation
There are significant changes this year to the tax credits and grants for works of energy conservation to the main home.
05 Feb 2014
Local Councils and Planning Advice Certificates
A certificat d’urbanisme provides formal advice on your entitlement to carry out building works in France, useful at the time of property purchase.
07 Jan 2014
Energy Performance Study for New Buildings
Planning application procedures have been tightened, with a requirement for an energy study of proposed new buildings with a surface area of over 50m².
05 Dec 2013
Creating a Building Plot on Your Property
How to go about dividing up land on your property and obtaining planning permission to create a building plot.
05 Nov 2013
New Restrictions on Planning Appeals
Planning appeal procedures have been tightened up in order to speed up the construction of new housing.
03 Sep 2013
Attic Conversions and French Planning Procedures
The planning procedures that apply for loft conversions depend upon the nature of the works, and sometimes where you live and the type of property you occupy.
02 May 2013
Undeclared Building Activity Invalidates Insurance Cover
Only those activities declared by a builder to his insurer are covered by the ten year building warranty, a French court has ruled.
05 Feb 2013
Couple Win 'Right of Light' Case
A couple have won a ‘right to light’ legal case over a new development constructed on adjoining land.
05 Feb 2013
New Energy Efficiency Standards
Substantial new home energy efficiency requirements have been introduced for new construction work, including house extensions.
08 Jan 2013
Managing Your Septic Tank
Buying a French property is often the start of many a new experience, writes Catharine Higginson.
04 Dec 2012
Bordeaux Chateau Demolished 'In Error'
A listed 18th Century chateau near Bordeaux has been demolished by its new owner ‘in error’.
04 Dec 2012
Planning Hurdles in Rural Areas
National planning regulations in France mean that you cannot assume you will be able to construct a pool or a garage on your property.
01 Aug 2012
