Practical property

Household bin collection tax in France: many communes found to be overcharging

Authorities charging up to 160% of actual fees risk legal action, but say money is being used to improve waste services

Work starts on knocking down Brittany houses threatened by erosion

Large dune that previously protected at-risk homes has eroded

How does the 30% allowance for rental income in France really work?

There are two situations where there are rules on a 30% allowance

practical

Can you negotiate an estate agent’s commission in France?

Agency fees can be paid by either the buyer or the seller

What are the rules on installing air-conditioning in your French home?

Local building regulations should be consulted before installing a unit

2025 taxe foncière bills arrive: five questions answered

Increases, second homes, property extensions: your questions answered

Energy aid: 2025 sees changes to France’s chèque énergie scheme

Electronic version of the voucher now available

Are there compensation payouts for French home losing internet?

Free mediator is available for cases not resolved amicably

Which areas suffer most burglaries in France and what items are targeted?

Thieves are working together to take more items from a home

Wall cracks due to heat are a growing problem in France

Up to 10 million homes affected by issue linked to clay soils that swell when wet and shrink in heat

New tricks by burglars in France and how to better protect your property

Increasingly high-tech methods are being used to break into homes

'Our French farmhouse was rebuilt by hundreds of helping hands'

Discover how a New Zealand-English couple transformed a dilapidated farmhouse into a vibrant home with the help of 145 volunteers

How to find the history of your home in France, including prior owners

The means of searching records can vary dependent upon a property’s age

What taxes are levied on second homes in France?

The taxes, and possible exemptions, depend on your personal situation

What are the restrictions on lawn mower usage in France this summer?

Aimed at reducing noise pollution, the rules can result in limited periods when grass can be cut

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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