France Property Law
From Our French-Qualified Notaire
Experts In French Property Law
France Tax Law are a team of English-speaking French property lawyers in London. We provide many different services designed to assist you when purchasing or selling a property in France. We cater to a wide range of situations, from those relocating to France to people buying second homes to those making commercial purchases.
France Tax Law are here to guide you through the process of buying and selling property in France. From providing advice throughout and informing you of the tax and succession implications of the transaction to liaising with notaries and signing contracts, our experts can meet all of your requirements.
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Buying and Selling Property in France
Property acquisition is a crucial decision within a lifetime. Whether it's your primary or secondary residence, the decision should not be taken lightly. The contract law reform enforced on October 1st 2016, saw the change of property contracts (Promesses, compromis). Real estate investment requires technical expertise from professionals, and France Tax Law's French property lawyers can assist you through each process
- Signing of the initial contract (Compromis de vente) and supporting documentation
- Liaising with French notaries and advisors
- Enquiring about planning issues, rights of way, and other concerns
- Deciding the structure of ownership for your investment
French Commercial Property Law
As well as residential property purchases, France Tax Law also has expertise in France business law and commercial property law. We can advise you on business property purchases and sales as well as property leaseback. We work with you to assess your circumstances and address the consequences of commercial property transactions concerning business taxes and other entities. Speak to one of our specialist lawyers to learn more about commercial property in France.
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We can also advise and help with leasing French property. A lease is a contract where a person, the landlord, provides habitation to another person, the tenant, for a period of time in return for rent. We have expertise in the three main lease types: residential, professional and mixed (housing and professional practice), and commercial. Each lease has its specifications and is governed by different legislation, and we can assist you in the drafting and comprehension of them. Our professional team can draft residential or commercial leases to your requirements or review leases drafted by qualified Notaires, estate agents or property developers.
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Holistic View
of French Property Law
France Tax Law has expertise across many areas of French Law; this is particularly helpful when assisting with buying or selling property in France. Our surrounding knowledge of other areas of French law will help you make the best possible decisions.
When determining the ownership structure of your property, we can look at your specific circumstances and how they relate to French succession law. We apply our in-depth understanding of French tax law to highlight the tax implications of buying a property in France. We also offer advice on buying property in France as part of broader assistance with relocating.
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French Property Law
Whether you have already begun the process of buying or selling property in France or are at the beginning stages of consideration, contact France Tax Law for advice on French property law. We are an experienced team of UK solicitors specialising in French and UK law. Our wide range of expertise means you are supported with much more than the sale or purchase but the tax and inheritance considerations and more.
To speak to France Tax Law and learn more about how we can assist you with your French property transactions, call us on 020 8115 7914. Whether you have already begun the process of buying or selling property in France or are at the beginning stages of consideration, contact France Tax Law for French property law advice. To speak to France Tax Law and learn more about how we can assist you with your French property transactions, call us on 020 8115 7914.
French Property Law FAQs
French and UK laws differ in many ways across many different areas. In fact, they are built on different systems. English law is typically based on jurisprudence or case law. French law, however, is derived from Roman law and based on civil law.
When buying property in France as a foreigner, you will need to consider where you want to buy your property, your budget, and what professional support you will need (such as French property lawyers and estate agents). You should familiarise yourself with the general process of buying a French property and begin to consider inheritance and tax implications - we can assist with this.
Yes, a Notaire is essential for property transactions in France. They handle drafting the sale contract and final title deed, manage the receipt of purchase funds, and ensure correct tax payments to the state.
Yes, all residents in France, including both French citizens and foreigners, are liable for the Housing tax, regardless of whether they own, rent, or host accommodation. Additionally, property owners receive a council tax bill for the property occupied on January 1st of the tax year. These taxes, 'taxe foncière' and 'taxe d'habitation', are similar to the UK council tax and cover local services like street cleaning, waste collection, and municipal lighting.
Unlike UK procedures, in France, executors have a limited role. Upon the owner's death, beneficiaries automatically become the property owners. If there's no will, French intestacy rules dictate the estate distribution among the surviving children and spouse.