Farming Licence Requalified as a Tenancy

5th July 2023

A recent case in the French courts highlights the risks of letting your local 'friendly' farmer use your land.

In France, such is the level of security of tenure granted to a farmer on an agricultural tenancy (bail rural) it is impossible to terminate the tenancy without a significant breach of the terms by the farmer.

3rd July 2023

The level of service charges paid by owners of apartments in France, by size and department.

As is common practice, apartment owners in France pay a service charge to cover the costs of management and maintenance, as well as improvements to the building.

These charges are set by the owners themselves at a general meeting, on the advice of the managing agents - the syndic.

The Month in View

30th June 2023

A snapshot of the articles we published this month.

Rural House Prices 2022

Notaires and Wills

29th June 2023

Notaires have proposed simplifying the currently onerous process of making a will.

Such are the complexities of international succession law that making a will is a rite of passage for most real estate owners in France.

Terminating French Service Contracts

27th June 2023

Terminating French insurance, telecoms, and electricity contracts has been made easier.

Declaration of Property Occupancy

24th June2023

The government have extended the deadline for completion of the declaration of occupancy until the end of July.

As a result of the abolition of the taxe d’habitation on principal homes from 2023, all property owners in France are required to complete a 'Déclaration d'occupation'.

Tax Controls on Micro-Entrepreneurs

23rd June 2023

Government to reinforce tax controls on micro-entrepreneurs.

Announcing last month a new plan to combat tax fraud, the Minister of Public Accounts, Gabriel Attal, stated that specific tougher action would be taken against social security fraud by micro-entrepreneurs.

Sunniest Departments in France

20th June 2023

The top twenty sunniest departments in France in 2022, plus the hottest, coldest, driest and wettest.

According to Météo-France, 2022 was the hottest year on record this century, reflected in higher than normal levels of sunshine across the country.

Surtax on Taxe d'Habitation

19th June 2023

The government have published the list of councils permitted to impose a surtax on the taxe d'habitation.

Although the taxe d'habitation has been abolished for principal homes, it remains in place for second homes.

Housing Crisis – What Crisis?

16th June 2023

Talk of a ‘housing crisis’ is widespread in France, but just what is the problem?

Barely a day passes in France without a headline warning about the parlous state of the housing market, with concern being expressed about a potential propery market 'crash'.

Remote Working in France and Visitor Visas

14th June 2023

What are the rules about remote working in France on a long-stay visitor visa?

Energy Audits on Sale Properties

12th June 2023

The implications of obligatory energy audits on properties for sale are starting to cause concern among property professionals.

Estate Agent Fees in France

9th June 2023

The French competition authority has declared that estate agent fees are too high, and that reform of the profession is overdue.

Top Ten Articles on France Insider

7th June 2023

What have been the most popular articles on France Insider over the past year?

How to Transfer French Property to Children

Declaration Procedures for Minor Building Works

5th June 2023

Most minor building works in France do not require planning consent, but you may still be required to obtain administrative authorisation.

If you are proposing any significant building works to your French property the chances are that you will need consent from the local council to carry it out.

Rural House Prices 2022

2nd June 2023

Rural house prices rose by a national average of 5.7% last year, but with significant differences between departments.

According to the report by the French national rural land agency 'SAFER' (Sociétés d'aménagement foncier et d'établissement rural), on a national basis the average sale price of a maison de campagne in 2022 was €211,000, an increase of 5.7% over 2021. That compares to annual price increase of 9.3% in 2021.

The Month in View

31st May 2023

A snapshot of the articles we published this month.

Drought Crisis in France

Notaires and the Sale of French Property

29th May 2023

Notaires are permitted to engage in the sale of French property, but only on a restricted basis.

Although not widely appreciated by international buyers, many notaires throughout France sell French property in the much same way as estate agents. A fee is of course payable, which is freely negotiable, but generally it is in line with those charged by estate agents.

France Insider for €20 a Year

28th May 2023

Authoritative, independent and inspiring insights about France for €20 a year.

France Insider is a leading on-journal for objective intelligence about the practical aspects of life in France, building on a track record of over 15 years of success in a previous incarnation through www.french-property.com.

We offer a specialist on-line journal with a reverence for facts, bringing readers valuable guidance on the ownership of French property and living in France. It is a publication that is written for both non-residents and residents.

Taxe Foncière by Department 2022

26th May 2023

How much is the taxe foncière rates bill in each department of France?

A recent report by the French tax authority provides an analysis of average taxe foncière bills across the country.

Sale of Property on Inheritance

25th May 2023

What tax rules apply on the sale of an inherited French property?

Inheriting a property in France inevitably brings with it a liability to French taxes. The most important of these is likely to be inheritance tax (droits de succession) although each child is granted an allowance of €100,000 from each parent.

How Safe is your Money in a French bank?

22nd May 2023

Recent banking failures in the USA and Switzerland inevitably beg the question about the resilience of French banks.

Such speculation is not common-place in France, where in a recent Harris poll nearly 70% of French nationals expressed confidence in their bank. Indeed, banks in France consistently enjoy one of the highest ratings of any institution in the country.

19th May 2023

A Place in the Sun Live: London 2023

France Insider will be hosting the ‘French Village’ at A Place in the Sun Live international property exhibition, London Olympia, 2nd to 4th June.

UK based readers planning to buy property in France can visit the French Village theatre at A Place in the Sun Live. Talk to estate agents and get a free consultation from experts on everything you need to know about relocating or purchasing a holiday home in France.

Digital French Driving Licences

18th May 2023

Your French driving licence will soon be available directly from your smartphone.

Worrying about the loss of your driving licence or not carrying it with you when stopped by the French police could well soon become a thing of the past.

Professional Sellers and Latent Defects

17th May 2023

Professional sellers cannot escape liability for latent defects, a French court has ruled.

In a judgment recently handed down by the French Supreme Court, the Cour de Cassation, a professional seller is deemed to know the latent (hidden) defects (vices cachés) of the properties they sell and must inform the buyer about them.

Installing Solar Panels– Is it Worth it?

15th May 2023

As electricity prices soar, some factors to consider over the installation of solar panels on your French property.

Whilst the French government have done much to protect consumers from the impact of the global energy crisis, prices have nonetheless increased by nearly 20% over the past two years.

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France Insider Free for a Year

Only 3 days to go to benefit from our offer of a PREMIUM subscription to France Insider FREE for a year.

As a premium subscriber you will receive:

• Concise and authoritative weekly news updates
• Analysis of key legal and tax developments
• Updates to our Guides to France
• Reports on the French property market
• Unlimited access to all content
• Access to Q&A service

All you need to do is take out an annual subscription for €20 and the second year will be offered to you.

To sign up for the offer go to www.france-insider.com and click on the Subscribe button at the top of the page and follow the instructions.

When you have completed your subscription, simply drop us a line at editor@france-insider.com with just 'Gift Subscription' in the Subject line (that's all) and we will extend your subscription for a further year. You will receive a confirmation email from me.

The offer ends midnight Sunday 14th May.

France Insider is written by experts and specialist journalists to bring to our readers valuable insights that assist them in practical decisions concerning the ownership of French property and living in France. It is a publication that is written for both non-residents and residents of France.

You can see the complete catalogue of articles at France Insider.

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Taxe d'Habitation Surtax

11th May 2023

Which councils impose the surtax on the taxe d'habitation and at what rate?

As regular readers will know, the taxe d'habitation has been abolished for principal homes, but remains in place for second homes.

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Police and Gendarme Resignations

9th May 2023

The French national auditor has highlighted a wave of resignations from the police and gendarmerie.

According to a report published last month by the Cour de Comptes, resignations from the two national forces are reaching record levels.

Dear Reader,

France Insider Free for a Year

To mark the second year of the launch of France Insider we are offering free subscribers a PREMIUM subscription FREE for a year.

As a premium subscriber you will receive:

• Concise and authoritative weekly news updates
• Analysis of key legal and tax developments
• Updates to our Guides to France
• Reports on the French property market
• Unlimited access to all content
• Access to Q&A service

All you need to do is take out an annual subscription for €20 and the second year will be offered to you.

To sign up for the offer go to www.france-insider.com and click on the Subscribe button at the top of the page and follow the instructions.

When you have completed your subscription, simply drop us a line at editor@france-insider.com with just 'Gift Subscription' in the Subject line and we will extend your subscription for a further year.

The offer is only available until midnight Sunday 14th May.

France Insider is written by experts and specialist journalists to bring to our readers valuable insights that assist them in practical decisions concerning the ownership of French property and living in France. It is a publication that is written for both non-residents and residents of France.

You can see the complete catalogue of articles at France Insider.

Get original, informed insights about the practical aspects of life France by signing up today.

If you no longer wish to hear from us, then simply unsubscribe using the link below.

Health Charge in France 2023

4th May 2023

The income thresholds that generate a liability to the PUMa health charge have been increased this year.

In France, the right to uninterrupted health care is guaranteed by the Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa).

Drought Crisis in France

2nd May 2023

A government-commissioned report says more radical action is needed to deal with the drought crisis.

The report, prepared by an inter-governmental committee, was established to undertake a review of the management of the drought last summer.

The Month in View

29th April 2023

A snapshot of the articles we published this month.

Paris Property Market 2022

French Residence Permit Process ‘Deficient’

28th April 2023

The French Ombudsman has once again launched a stinging attack on the application process for residence permits.

In what is fast becoming an annual dressing down, the Défenseur de droits has highlighted the large number of complaints received about the poor service offered to foreigners by prefectures.

The Cost of Vehicle Registration in France

25th April 2023

What is the cost of a vehicle registration certificate (carte grise) in France?

When buying a new or second-hand vehicle in France there are several taxes to pay.

Algae a Hidden Defect

23rd April 2023

In the sale of property, the presence of algae can constitute a hidden defect, a French court has ruled.

In a recent case heard in the French Supreme Court, the Cour de Cassation, the purchaser of a coastal property brought an action against the seller for fraud, or, alternatively, a hidden defect (vice caché). The buyer sought annulment of the sale.

Speed Limit Offences and Penalties

21st April 2023

The loss of a point on the driving licence for a minor speeding offence is to be relaxed.

Currently in France, the penalty for a minor speeding offence is a deduction of 1 point from the licence and a fine.

Taxation of Second-Hand Sales

19th April 2023

What are the income tax rules that apply on the sale of second-hand goods in France?

As a general rule, income from the sale of second-hand goods is exempt from income tax, although there are circumstances when it must be declared.

Ten Tips for a Long-Term Visa Application

17th April 2023

Applying for a visa for France can be daunting, so here are a few tips to assist you.

Tip 1: Timing Your Application

French Income Tax Payable in 2023

14th April 2022

What can you expect to pay in French income tax this year?

As we previously reported, the French income tax season has begun, and tax declarations on 2022 income must be submitted as from next month.

Planning Rules on Agricultural Dwellings

12th April 2023

A recent case in the French courts illustrates the planning rules for a house connected to an agricultural activity.

In the case, a registered farmer contested the decision of his local council to reject his planning application for an agricultural building measuring 65m2 and an adjacent house for himself.

Taxation of Holiday Rental Income

10th April 2023

A government committee has recommended ending the special fiscal advantages granted to landlords of holiday lettings.

We recently reported on public utterances by the Minister of Housing, Olivier Klein that the government were reviewing the tax breaks granted to landlords of short-term furnished lettings.

Inspiring Insights about France

8th April 2023

Inspiring Insights about France

France Insider is a specialist on-line journal with a reverence for facts and original, informed information and advice about the practical aspects of life France.

We provide in-depth coverage of developments in French taxes, buying French property, the visa process, letting French property, running a business, healthcare, as well as other public and consumer services in France.

Property Market in Isère 2022

7th April 2023

The notaires in the Alpine department of Isère have published their review of the housing market in 2022.

Located to the west of the Alpes, the mountainous area in the south contains several major ski resorts which attract strong interest from international property buyers. The capital city of the department is Grenoble.

French Income Tax Simulations 2023

5th April 2023

How much French income tax might you expect to pay this year?

Whilst income tax rates remain unchanged this year (for income earned in 2022), to take account of inflation the government have increased the income bands by 5.4%.

Paris Property Market 2022

3rd April 2023

The Paris notaires have published their review of the market for last year and the outlook for 2023.

According to the notaires, both sales and prices held up strongly, although signs of a slowdown became apparent towards the end of the year.

The Month in View

31st March 2023

A snapshot of the articles we published this month.

Home Energy Efficiency Grants 2023

Water Wars in Deux-Sèvres

29th March 2023

Large scale protests that have been taking place over the construction of a major reservoir in the Deux-Sèvres department illustrates the growing tension over the use of water in an era of climate change.

In recent weeks, farmers in the tiny commune of Sainte-Soline in Deux-Sèvres have been facing intense opposition to their plans to build a large irrigation reservoir, with a capacity of 700,000m3, on 10 hectares of land.