Thank you for showing an interest in our News section.
Our News section is no longer being published although our catalogue of articles remains in place.
If you found our News useful, please have a look at France Insider, our subscription based News service with in-depth analysis, or our authoritative Guides to France.
If you require advice and assistance with the purchase of French property and moving to France, then take a look at the France Insider Property Clinic.
French Property
Service Charges in Apartments in France 2016
The annual service charge for an apartment in France rose 4% last year, according to a recently published survey.
08 Aug 2017
Brexit Negotiations and Citizens' Rights
The British government and European Commission look set to agree on the protected status of UK expats in Europe following Brexit.
11 Jul 2017
Notaire Cannot Ignore 'Catastrophe Naturelle'
Sellers who deceived a buyer over the condition of their property successfully sue the notaire for negligence!
11 Jul 2017
Survey Guarantees on Diagnostics Immobilier
Buyers have a legal right to compensation for errors occurring as part of the 'diagnostics immobilier', but on what basis?
04 Apr 2017
Brexit and Long-Term Residents in France
Despite Brexit the right of residence and of health care for most expatriates in France will not be at the whim of the withdrawal negotiations.
04 Apr 2017
Farm Tenancy Despite No Rental Payment
A recent ruling in the French courts has once again demonstrated the risks associated of allowing a local farmer even informal use of your land.
04 Apr 2017
Lifetime Mortgages in France
A leading French bank has launched a new fixed interest lifetime mortgage offer, lowering the eligible age limit to 60 years.
04 Apr 2017
Notaire Must Make All Enquries
A notaire has a responsibility to make all appropriate enquiries, including verification of key assertions made by the seller, a French court has ruled.
03 Mar 2017
Owner Paying Neighbour's Rates
The French land registry records can usually be relied upon, but just occassionally errors do occur.
06 Feb 2017
Property Owner Obliged to Remove Trees
A property owner has been obliged to cut down trees on their land due to roots intruding into their neighbour's garden.
04 Nov 2016
French Property Sales by Candlelight
The 'ventes à la bougie' are auction sales organised by the notaires, open to all, and potentially offering a substantial discount on the open market value of the properties offered for sale.
04 Oct 2016
Buyer Cannot Alter Mortgage Demand
A buyer seeking to rely on a mortgage rate lower than that stated in the sale and purchase contract risks losing their deposit.
04 Oct 2016
SAFER and the Gift of Property
In order to thwart the rural land agency SAFER of their right of pre-emption a couple decided on a simple solution - to give away the land they had proposed to sell.
05 Sep 2016
Forest Fires in France and Property Protection
In many areas of France there is a legal obligation on owners to maintain the grounds of their property to reduce the risk of fire spread near forests and woodlands.
05 Sep 2016
Brexit Vote Aftermath
The vote to leave the EU puts the UK through the looking-glass, but it is quite possible that things will not be very different to what they are today.
05 Jul 2016
Farming Licence Requalified as Tenancy
Agricultural land licenced without charge to a local farmer has been requalified as a tenancy by a French court.
05 Jul 2016
Pre-Contract Enquiries on Property Purchase
The notaire undertakes a verification of the property title prior to signing of the deed, but you would be wise to also make your own pre-contract enquiries.
05 Jul 2016
Notaire Concealed Planned Wind Farm
A notaire and the French rural land agency SAFER have been found guilty in a French court of concealing a planned wind turbine development adjoining a property sold to an unsuspecting buyer.
07 Jun 2016
Potential Implications of Brexit
The consequences of a Brexit for UK citizens owning property in France remain uncertain, writes George Peretz QC.
03 May 2016
Sale and Purchase Contract Procedure
Sellers were not entitled to retain the deposit on withdrawal of the purchasers due to procedural non-compliance, a French court has ruled.
03 May 2016