Practical property

Tap water restrictions increase in France: 57 departments on ‘crisis’ alert

Millions see highest restrictions as threat of tap water being cut off looms

New map shows most of France at risk from clay soil cracking

Map is official tool for insurance and property sales

Man arranges bottled water at a distribution point in Montsalvy during France’s 2022 drought.

40,000 people in France see water cut off: what to do if it happens to you

Plus, worst-hit areas and authorities step up enforcement as water shortages increase

practical

How does France’s new ‘right to repair’ rule cover your purchases?

Certain electrical goods benefit from 10-year additional protection

Can I reuse shower or washing-up water in my French garden during drought?

Recent rule changes look to improve water recycling but systems face strict rules

French drought update: all departments face tap water limits or warnings

There are 48 departments where toughest restrictions are in place as new heatwave only set to worsen historic drought

Solar panels mounted on a terracotta-tiled roof with trees in the background.

Do solar panel electricity sellers in France need to sign up for electronic billing?

Changes to system applies to sales subject to VAT

Notaire data on how the French coastal property market is faring

Fluctuation in housing prices come as flats see more steady change

How to restore a staircase in a French farmhouse - one step at a time

It is better to save an existing staircase than to make a new one

How to use acrylic sheeting for window repairs in France

Transparent acrylic sheeting has advantages over glass for some applications

Collage showing office documents, call centre staff, a gas stove being adjusted and a car refuelling at a Beyour petrol station.

What changes for residents in France in August 2026

Bills will change for millions of households, fuel scheme extends, and savings accounts see new rates

France’s 2026 property tax bills: when they will arrive and what to expect

Taxe foncière is levied on all properties regardless of use with only a few exceptions

French government website helps check and manage risks where you live

Géorisques highlights how to stay safe from risks and dangers near you

Charred residential buildings stand amid scorched ground after a wildfire in Lege, France.

Why does French natural disaster insurance not cover wildfires?

Since most wildfires are caused by human activity, this affects insurance claims

More areas of France face highest level of tap water restrictions

44 departments now have at least one commune at ‘crisis’ level

Close-up views of water pouring from taps and a hose into a pool.

France water restrictions: Five questions answered

We review rules for rainwater, wells, filling swimming pools, and penalties for infractions

Blueprint,,Design,And,Hands,Of,Architects,Planning,Construction,,Strategy

What to do if your French property has a hidden defect

Hidden problems are called vices cachés and covered by Article 1641 of the French Civil Code

Electricity bills: French government announces 2.5% rise for regulated bills

Over 19 million households impacted, with the average bill rising €26 per year

Person wearing blue surgical gloves about to open a septic tank cover

Warning over impact of sewerage systems on property prices in France

Properties with sub-standard sewerage systems can be sold with an official certificate of non-conformity

A view of a private swimming pool at a home

Are we responsible if we let neighbours use our French pool when away?

Pool ‘squatting’ is an increasingly worrying problem for owners

France facing ‘exceptional’ early drought, almost all departments on drought alert

Waterways and aquifers affected by intense heat despite strong spring rainfall

A model of a house with construction items, a calculator, and DPE rating on a table

Do French renovation grants need to be repaid?

Payments are typically made directly to tradespeople rather than homeowners

A view of a fence in France saying ‘A vendre (for sale)’

‘Never seen this in 54 years’: French property market warning

Sale cancellations up as more mortgages refused, and rental market facing serious issues says major estate agency

Drought map: tap water restrictions tighten in France

Residents urged to check local rules

Close-up of a chrome kitchen faucet with a single drop of water falling.

Is France heading for a severe drought this summer?

‘This is the first time in 33 years that we’ve had to start releasing water this early in the season’

A view of an empty, unfurnished property

France to merge vacant home taxes from 2027

Two taxes levied on vacant homes to be replaced by a single tax

Replacing water filter in French home became a two-month DIY nightmare

Columnist Nick Inman tells of his ordeal changing a dedicated filtered drinking water tap

France set to end funding for most single-project renovations under MaPrimeRénov’

‘A responsible choice’ to focus funds on more comprehensive projects is planned

See what €50,000, €250,000 and over €1m buys in Tarn

The rural department is relatively expensive despite its low population

Check this before buying French property in a flood zone

One in four people – some 18 million – now live in an area at risk of flooding

Illustration of a market stall with fruit displays, shoppers, and signs reading citrus and oranges.

How usufruit works in France: inheritance, property and tax benefits explained

The concept can protect a spouse and reduce inheritance tax

How to compare and switch home insurance in France

You can change your provider after the first 12 months

Map: 79 French departments now on water restriction rules or alerts

Central departments already at highest restriction level

French property law: who pays for and maintains boundary fences?

Different rules apply to owners and tenants

Electric vehicle leasing, gas bill rises: what changes in France in July 2026

Card payments are also set to begin on Parisian public transport

A view of a beautiful old house in Brittany, France

French tax authorities now have more time to update incorrect second home tax bills

Deadline for officials to levy taxes missed due to calculation errors or owner omissions has been extended

Can I cut down tree in my French garden without permission?

Hundreds of trees have protected status in France

Homeowners must prove they took steps to stop drought cracking, French court rules

Landmark ruling in €40,000 compensation case may embolden insurance companies to deny claims

Ornate corner building with balconies and decorative façade against a lavender sky in Nice, France.

France heatwave: Minister unveils plan to help homes and cities cope

Measures include support for reversible heat pumps and easing flat renovation rules as France prepares for hotter summers

A view of outdoor wheelie bins on a street in Paris, France

Residents in France face fines of up to €450 if sorting rubbish incorrectly

‘Bin police’ can search waste to ensure recycling is properly carried out

Are French electricity bills set to increase in August?

Increased usage charges will affect bills, but changes elsewhere may lessen impact

Residents of village in south-west France told to evacuate due to cracks in homes

Landslides risk tearing down most properties

Close-up of a gas stove burner with blue flames around the ring.

France gas prices: all contracts to increase in July

Millions of households on variable-rate gas deals face the biggest rise as France's benchmark gas price increases.

Why is my French tip no longer taking green waste?

Several communes including major cities have recently changed rules

What are the rules about fitting electric shutters at my home in France?

These convenient systems can offer better security than traditional shutters

More options now available for home equity release in France

Prêt viager hypothécaire being offered more widely as well as other similar schemes

French ‘super off-peak’ contracts offer up to 60% discount on electricity

Households which can match consumption to special hours can see significant savings

Map: tap water restrictions and warnings by department as of June 2

Find information on restrictions in your commune

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

Young man with arm cast in sling sitting in a wheelchair indoors

What to do if someone is injured on your property in France

Costs of such an accident can quickly accumulate

Worker using a power drill to demolish an interior wall seen through a hole

Renovating a house in France: the key mistakes to avoid

British architect based in France shares his tips for restoring homes

Map: Which departments paid the most property tax in 2025?

Average increase of 2.4% but wide variation in total cost

Buyer disappears after signing property deal in France - should estate agents be liable?

Buyer paid a €10,000 deposit before vanishing

Most homeowners in France to be spared property declaration fine

Authorities instead target ‘large property owners’ of more than 200 units

Electricity bills: homes to be selected in France to trial new tariffs

New off-peak hours based on renewable consumption may lead to cheaper bills

Crackdown on undeclared second homes in south-west France

Owners who falsely declare properties as main homes risk fines and backdated tax payments

A view of a rubbish truck collecting waste in France

As renters, do we have to pay the local rubbish collection tax in France?

Two main types of bin tax exist in France

Bag with pellets and firewood in the living room

French consumer group launches bulk-buy wood pellet scheme

Scheme looks to bring down cost of pellets via bulk buying

Rises of +9.9%, drops of -5.6%: see how French flat prices have changed near you

Majority of cities recording price increases as property slump ends

Most French cities see house prices rise: latest notaire data

Tours (8%) and Metz (6%) see highest rises Oct-Dec 2024 - 2025 whilst south-east remains most expensive region outside of Paris

Property owners in France reminded of June ‘property-use’ deadline

Updates must be filed via the biens immobiliers system or fines may apply

Water restrictions begin in south-west France: who is affected?

Residents can check restrictions near them using government website

France to end eco-renovation funding for homes with a gas boiler

Properties must not have gas boiler by end of works to access grant scheme

France chases ‘one million annual heat pump’ goal, but is it feasible?

Sector leaders cite need for more aid and say ‘leasing scheme’ may be limited in effect

French tax authorities expand AI checks for undeclared property expansions

Verandas, pagodas, and sheds targeted in new €100 million campaign

Selling a home in France: what should I tell the utility companies?

The transfer of utilities is a separate task from the notarial sale process

How do landlords register an Airbnb let with French commune?

New system requires all mairies to give tourist rentals a number

French ‘swimming pool’ tax falls for first time in nearly a decade

New pool installations must be correctly declared

Air heat pump in a garden by a modern house

France’s heat pump leasing plan explained

Homeowners will pay back installation costs over three years, with payments cheaper than current bills

Five questions about plans to raise French property tax on millions of homes

Mairies will be able to assume that homes contain basic features omitted from official information, raising taxes

EDF to provide €240m in grants to help home-owners and firms switch to electric

Money will be available for installing heat pumps and buying electric vehicles

Who can benefit from new €1,000 grant for a heat pump in France?

First-come-first-served basis for 80,000 grants to boost switch to electric

When do you really need to clean your roof in France?

Columnist Nick Inman is in two minds about this particular job

Gas prices in France set to shoot up: Tips to reduce costs

A 15% rise is already expected from May 1, 2026

What are the recycling rules in France?

We are all encouraged to go greener, but making sense of what can and cannot be recycled is not always obvious. We cover what objects can and cannot go in yellow French recycling bins