France Tales

In its end of year assessment of house prices in 2007 and its prediction of trends for 2008 the FNAIM estate agency organisation has struck a cautious note, but downplays the likelihood of a major fall in house values more…
French property trends for 2008
What do the next 12 months hold in store for the housing market in France? In our definitive annual survey, FrenchEntrée asked experts for their views on the housing situation in 2007 and the prospects for 2008 more…
Property checklist – choosing the right home in France
It’s easy to be ruled by our heart rather than our head when buying a property in France. Here’s a checklist of practical factors that need to be considered before you commit to buy…more…
How to bank safely when you move to France
Jane Matthews of Abbey International offers some tips on safe banking in France, including how to protect against the danger of identity theft on and offline more…
New French planning laws for building and renovating homes
France’s sometimes complex planning regulations on building new homes or renovating existing ones have been simplified by changes that came into effect on 1 October 2007. Lawyer Laurence Daurignac of the International Law Partnership explains what they mean more…
Gîtes in France - can you still make a living?
The gîte market in France is ultra-competitive - but this doesn’t mean it is impossible to earn an income. However, to make it work you have to be committed, focused and tough….more…
Buying investment property in France
As more and more people consider investing in the French property market Michael Streeter examines the trend - and looks at the key questions for investors to consider planning to buy more…
French inheritance tax to be abolished between married couples in France
The French government is planning significant changes to inheritance tax rules both for spouses and for children. Duncan Campbell, associate director of financial advisers Siddalls, explains what they will mean in practice more…
Buy to let in France
More and more overseas buyers are looking to make money from their French properties by letting them out. Here are some guidelines to follow when considering a buy to let purchase in Francemore…
Retiring to France – what you need to consider
Many Britons are thinking of moving to live in France when they retire. Here Robert Brealey of tax experts Siddalls looks at the options for people who are resident in France but are living – or intending to live - on a UK personal or state pensions