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
Landowner refused planning permission granted compensation by French court Compensation of €25,900 plus costs awarded after refusal deemed "illogical"
What taxes are levied on second homes in France? The taxes, and possible exemptions, depend on your personal situation
news Towns in France race to improve flood defences A quarter of people now live in areas at risk of flooding according to government estimates
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
UK home insurance difficulties for Briton living in France Change of underwriters left woman without insurance for second home in Scotland
High fees on British assets normal under French law, says notaire ‘We’ve got nothing to reproach ourselves about,’ says professional at heart of fees dispute
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
Can you cancel a joint loan in France after separation from partner? There are several issues to consider
Red drought alerts raised in south-west France: restrictions on water usage in place Obtaining water from natural sources is now banned
Enedis reinforces anti-fraud checks on Linky meters in France More than 100,000 meters found to have been tampered with to provide false readings
Are French holiday lets affected by taxe d'habitation? It's important to know the exemptions when it comes to holiday properties
How to protect your home in France against forest fires Keeping gardens clear of undergrowth is important, and in several areas is a legal requirement
New water restrictions in France: which areas are affected and what changes for residents Warnings are being raised from north to south with the exception of the south-west (for now)
Does a pool still add value to French property despite water restrictions? An increased selling price might look attractive but do not forget running costs, increased taxes and water bans
Hidden defects cause legal row for €1 house in France Couple may sue French council over drainage issues in their bargain property.
New ways to release equity from French property New ways for accessing capital while retaining your home in France
Giant housing estate to block view of Cézanne’s mountain in south of France Mayor insists the houses are badly needed and that there has been consultation
Hilltop windmill offers free night in Dordogne Accommodation for two people can be booked for one night through town website
People with a second home in France should check their insurance policy Cover can be reduced or voided for homes left empty for significant periods of time
Photos: four historic French châteaux on sale for under €1 million Grand abandoned properties are looking for new owners
Tips for keeping your home cool during heatwaves in France France’s ecological transition agency has issued some tips that are also eco-friendly
Growing problem of unpaid ‘copropriété’ charges in blocks of flats in France Authorities urge legal reforms as unpaid service charges suggest €2billion in arrears
Could property owners in France be obliged to combat heat in tenanted homes? MPs from several parties want to tackle ‘boiler homes’
Surge in private swimming pool ‘squats’ in France Warnings in place as owners can be held responsible for any injuries to pool squatters
Rennes becomes first city in France to limit size of swimming pools Pools will be limited to 25m3 in size, 15m3 smaller than the average size in France
Key points and rules to consider if want a pool at your French home Taxes, safety measures, running costs are all things you should factor in
Why your garden in France may look unusually ‘yellow’ Crops in northern France have been harvested early due to warmer temperatures
Table: Rural house price changes across France in 2024 – see how your department fares Uneven shifts see falls of up to 19% and rises of nearly 12%
Partner article: What are the rules on noise from heat pumps in France? Heat pumps are popular eco-friendly renovation choice
What are arrival timelines for declaring property wealth tax in France? There is a ‘grace’ period available for wealth held overseas
What are the rules on fitting air conditioning into homes in France? Work declaration, noise levels, professional certification - we review what is needed
French ‘property use’ declaration deadline: who has to submit before July 1? Declarations have been required since 2023
French court backs homeowners in capital gains tax dispute over primary residence No capital gains tax is due on the sale of a person's main home
French renovation grants maintained for insulation and boiler replacements Applications for ‘monogestes’ will not be paused during summer months
French land agency reduces €1m field sale to €15,000 Intervention of rural land management agency causes massive price reduction in Brittany
Did you know? These items are banned at a French vide-grenier clear-out sale You should be aware of prohibited items if planning to declutter this summer
Map: Latest water restrictions across France and how public is affected A dry spring in the north has left many areas under drought alert
What do you risk if paying a friend to do work at French home without a contract? This can often be for smaller projects such as repainting a room, mowing the lawn or laying new carpet.
What types of water can be used to fill swimming pool at French home? New pools can be filled in for the first time despite drought restrictions
Is it best to sell usufruit property in France before returning to the UK? You need to agree to sell the property with the person or people who own the residual legal rights
France’s home renovation grant system to resume in September MaPrimeRenov' scheme is being paused for the summer to tackle fraud and backlogs
Property watch: See what €50,000, €150,000 and over €1m buys in Haut-Rhin The north-east department is known for its strong German influences
Estimate renovation gains to French home with new official tool Studies claim properties in some regions could see their values increase by 20% following energy-efficiency upgrades
Tips on how to manage a French chateau - and how to get your own Chateau owners Lionel and Claire Cherruault share their experience
MaPrimeRénov' scheme in France paused – how are ongoing projects affected? Excess fraud and the increase in applications lead to suspension of scheme
France’s ‘garden shed’ tax: how to check if it has been paid – and what to do if not Taxe d’aménagement is payable on a wide range of structures including pools, garden sheds and other outbuildings
Are we required to connect our French home to new communal sewage system? The process can be expensive but some financial aid is available
Is it possible to obtain a DPE energy audit remotely in France? Property owners must obtain document before selling homes
Private swimming pools boom in France: 5 key statistics Home pools have become more popular in the past few decades
Bridging loan alternative offers French property owners quick access to finance Specialist agents can pay up to 60% of their property's value within weeks through a new initiative
How France's energy ratings system is affecting property prices New study reveals significant differences in urban properties
What are the rules for changing your front door in France? We review the rules, from planning permission to paint colours
Where in Paris is property becoming more affordable? Seven arrondissements have now fallen below the €9,000 per square metre bracket
Second-home market in France grows: who is buying and where? In some departments close to 20% of properties are second homes
What is ‘electric box’ we have been asked to install at French home? Grid manager Enedis must ensure all electrics are compatible with public domain
Partner article: What are the legal formalities of building a house in France? The planning formalities in France can become an additional burden if you are ill prepared
Ensure your smoke detector in French home is maintained and legal Detectors must conform to several safety rules to be valid
New ranking shows the best places to live near Toulouse The list advises places to get that south-of-France village feel without sacrificing city living
Important rules for property owners with a garden in France Bonfires, undergrowth clearance, water usage… check you are on the right side of the law
An entire village in Provence is up for sale Twenty Flemish families spent four decades bringing the ancient hamlet back to life
Seven key points to consider before you begin a home renovation project in France Ask what work is needed, how to avoid scams, and the savings available, advises a consumer group
How long to receive French renovation grants - and why it is getting longer Protestors accuse the scheme of ‘malfunctioning’, but the managing authority disputes this
Is there aid available for second-home owners to insulate a French property? Several major schemes are limited to main homes
People in France with electric installations older than 15 years warned of anomalies and fire risk In some areas close to 90% of homes have a faulty electrical appliance
Homeowner in France must remove security camera as it records public road Any cameras pointing towards a public space are an invasion of privacy, court rules
French village pays families to buy a home there A grant of €5,000 plus €1,000 per child is available in an attempt to attract young families
These districts of Paris are most popular amongst Americans in France More arrondissements are seeing US buyers in the wake of the Trump presidency, specialist estate agencies say
Photos: Louis XIII château near Paris up for auction The 400-year-old property has 32 hectares of parkland
How to prepare your pool for the summer season in France You must 'wake up' your pool and treat the water before taking a dip
