Practical property

Taxe foncière: how to ask for delay, reduction, or cancellation of French property tax

Taxe foncière relief is possible at any time

Last day to benefit from free online call with a French notaire

‘Virtual fair’ provides opportunity to ask notaires about matters relating to property, inheritance etc

Requirement to equip French homes with programmable thermostats postponed

Homeowners now have until 2030 to set up the devices

practical

Reduce temperature of French home by one degree to save money and even win gifts

One of several ways to reduce electricity usage – and bills – this winter

Local officials in south-west France search dumped bin bags to identify culprits

Around half of residents yet to collect access cards for new communal bins

What do French notaires do?

If you have bought property in France you will have dealt with one. But what else can they help with?

What are the rules for putting up cameras at my French home?

People have a right to install cameras, but must respect privacy laws

Property tax hike for 7.4 million homes in France postponed

Update of rates due to ‘comfort’ features such as inside toilets and sinks is deferred

‘Optimism’ for French property market as demand and prices increase

First-time buyers make up over half of all new mortgages as prices slowly rise

I want to sell French house but siblings do not: what can I do?

Buying siblings out may be possible

Can power of attorney be given to sell French home while abroad?

Several regulations were relaxed during the pandemic

How do septic tank inspections work in France?

The checks take place at least once every 10 years

Can I ask French police to check on my home when away in winter?

Rules are different for main and second homes

Property owners’ tax to rise for 7.4 million French homes

Average increases are expected to be €63 and come after a reevaluation of ‘comfort features’ such as indoor toilets

Energy efficiency ratings affect French property price by up to 25%, notaire data reveals

A ban on letting ‘G’ rated properties came into effect this year

Struggle to find tradespeople for home repairs in France, survey finds

67% of respondents believe 'the government could implement more measures to improve the situation'

French second home tax: over 1,600 communes opt for additional levy

Communes deemed to face housing shortage can opt for surtax of up to 60% more on top of taxe d'habitation bill

Bills for France’s second-home property tax will start to arrive next week

More than 1,600 communes have opted to raise additional rates for the taxe d’habitation this year

Plan for capital gain tax to apply to some main French homes

Current exemption would only apply after five years of ownership with some exceptions

Undergrowth clearance rules now in place across Var

New regulations affect most of department but aim to protect biodiversity

Neighbour of French home has camera recording our garden – what can we do?

Installation of security equipment recording private areas can infringe privacy

Do we need permission to install pond in garden at French home?

Several planning and environmental factors must be taken into account

Refuse collection charges in France set to rise amid pollution tax hike

Change estimated to add €40 to €76 to average household bills by 2030

No notaire fee increase for 17 departments in France for property purchases

Higher fees in other areas result in increased cost of €500 per €100,000 when buying a home

What is the tontine option for property in France?

Option should be considered if buying for the first time

Is it possible to transfer my apartment to my daughter in France?

Gifting only residual ownership is one of many options

French property tax payment deadlines begin today – check your bills for errors

Payment by cash, cheque or bank transfer must be made tonight. Other deadlines fall next week

Heat pumps three times more efficient than oil or gas boilers, French study reveals

Pumps could be an economical and ecologically sound heating solution

How is capital gains tax calculated for en viager properties in France?

Amount is calculated taking account of both increase in value and ongoing 'rent' income

Plastic versus copper plumbing in France

Columnist Nick Inman charts the ups and downs of renovating an old French farmhouse

French home insurance: average costs are on the rise

Location and weather risks biggest contributor to increase

French homeowners using fuel or wood heating can benefit from purchasing discount

Bulk-purchasing of goods can lower costs

Returning to the UK from France? Start planning early - Partner article

New regime provides clarity and potential gains for returnees

How do I stop post piling up at French second home?

It is possible to pay to have mail redirected, including internationally

How to save money when relocating to France: moving, fees and property tips

Buying a home is one of the most expensive things you may ever do. Here we look at ways to make your money go further before moving in

Homeowners turn to flood defence systems with government backing

Financial support is available against extreme weather events

French property renovation grant system reopens in reduced form

Rules are tightened for MaPrimeRénov’ scheme that offers funds for eco-renovations

Explained: local property taxes in France

Bills can vary significantly due to a number of factors

Renting out a furnished holiday let in France: what you need to declare

Here are the key steps involved - including making contact with the local marie

What taxes are collected on a rented out second home in France?

Taxe d'habitation applies to all housing not used as a main residence

Equity release in France: do you need your children’s consent?

Plan may be complicated if your home purchase is shared with a partner

Landlords must declare rent in French property declaration form from 2026

New requirement relates to the Biens immobiliers online property ownership form

Can mairie force me to cut down trees at French home?

Rules are complex but there should be a valid reason for such an order

More French communes levy additional tax charge on second homes

Over 650 communes voted for the maximum permitted charge

Why you should expect to see more spiders in your French home in September

France is home to more than 1,700 spider species

More French areas face ‘housing strain' - what this means for home owners

Rules regarding property taxes, renting, and home purchasing loans all set to change

What is the role of France's Architectes des Bâtiments service?

Select group ABF provides protection for preservation and maintenance

Partner article: What are the risks of buying a flat off-plan in France?

Buyers only need to pay a 5% deposit on reservation

Who pays French property tax following shared house inheritance?

People with a lifetime right to use a house are usually responsible for paying

French holiday rental property energy rating requirements to change

Other changes including some related to tax also come into force

Taxe foncière bills - why many French communes are not raising rates this year

Less than 13% of communes have implemented additional increases

Map: French water tables by department at end of summer

Only one department is at very low levels

Landlords: Take note of this French tenancy rule

If you rent out a home, watch out for locataire protégé rules

Does holiday home in France need specific insurance?

Second homes can often be added to existing policies

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

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?

Authorisation is usually required before you can have a new unit put in

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

How to assume property ownership in France

Usucapion can take place if you have acted as if you believed you owned the property for at least 30 years

Map: See how French flat prices have changed this year

Recovering property market has not meant a blanket increase in prices

French property market showing sign of recovery: five key points from latest notaire data

Global uncertainties may impact speed and level of recovery

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

How do French authorities check and enforce drought restrictions?

Some exceptions allow pools to be ‘topped up’ even at highest drought alert levels

Map: Tap water restrictions extended as drought intensifies in France

Map shows position as at August 3, 2025 with several communes now facing ‘crisis’ alerts

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