17th April 2007 10:22
Recent changes in French property law may affect overseas property buyers. Most significantly, investors intending to buy a run down property to refurbish will now be required to provide a ten year defects guarantee supported by an insurer. Whilst there is nothing to stop private owners from carrying out renovations themselves on their houses, there will be legal repurcussions should they wish to sell the property without this insurance, which will devalue the property.

Future buyers will have to factor in the cost of employing local certified builders and tradesmen to carry out renovations and check that they can supply the insurance. On the upside, because sellers may now find it more difficult to sell older properties, asking prices are likely to go down.

Changes to laws concerning inheritance and compliance with regulations are also of import to foreign property investors. Those buying properties with swimming pools must now make sure they obtain a safety certificate to avoid fines. Also, sceptic tanks must comply with new regulations or be replaced.

French inheritance laws have in the past been an a deterrent to those buying property in France, as, in case of death, sucession laws dictate that a portion of the estate must pass to the children, often leaving spouses unprovided for. Although there are ways of avoiding this law when buying a property, new laws this year have made it even easier as children can now waive their inheritance from a parent’s estate.

France's leaseback market accelerates - Property experts have reported an explosion of interest in the French buy-to-let market as British investors discover the benefits of leaseback holiday properties with nearly 20% tax savings. - 25th April 2007 09:12
Off plan property investors turn from Spain to France - Off plan property investment is a growing industry in Europe, with off plan sales reaching a record high in France last year. - 12th April 2007 09:53
Light at the end of the tunnel for french real estate - The French property market has been cooling since November last year, and with French property prices falling by 0.6% in January, it was a dubious start to 2007. - 5th April 2007 09:26
Broadband access rockets in France - Three years ago France was lagging behind the majority of European countries in the drive to develop a nationwide broadband service. - 30th March 2007 09:59
French property market expands into Italy - France’s major property investment trust, Foncière des Régions, has invested in the Italian property market, buying a 35% share in leading Italian property investment company Beni Stabili of Rome for $3.4 billion. - 9th March 2007 10:32
"France offers the best quality of life in the world", reports survey - The results of a study published in International Living magazine reveals that France offers the best quality of life to residents and property owners. - 1st March 2007 10:19
France expands its nuclear empire - The bidding war for construction of two nuclear plants in China that has dragged on for over two years has ended suddenly with the French state-run company Areva closing the deal. - 15th February 2007 10:46
France's President hints at retirement - Speculations in France over the political future of French President Jacques Chirac are rife, as he hinted about “life after politics” in a recorded interview. - 9th February 2007 10:06
NON FUMEURS : France joins EU anti-smoking drive - European Union Health Commissioner, Markos Kyprianou, has called for anti-smoking legislation to ban public smoking in all member states. - 2nd February 2007 10:44