French Property Law
- > The Basics of Buying French Property
- > What to do when buying French Property
- > Dossier Diagnostique Technique
- > Brief Guide to the Administration of a French Estate
- > Top Tips on French Laws of Succession
- > Common French Terms Translated
- > Common French Terms - French Estate on Death
- > French taxes
Related Information
French Property Law
The French Property team at Furley Page helps clients to buy their dream home in France, by assisting with legal issues surrounding the buying and selling of property in France. The team also advises on the preparation of Wills, French succession and the administration of French Estates.
How can we help you?
Use the form on the right to send us your enquiry or telephone 01227 763939 to speak to a member of the French property services team.
Buying Property in France
Buying a property in France can be a daunting experience, particularly as it involves understanding another country's law and dealing with documents in the French language. The team members are fluent French speakers. They will guide you through the complexities involved when buying or selling property in France, including the French law of succession and French Inheritance tax, which are key to helping you decide the best ownership structure to use. We will explain the whole process and what it means to you and your family. We offer prompt, speedy and effective legal advice on the French system. We can help sellers calculate their Capital Gains Tax liability on a sale, as well as advising on the sale process itself.
The French property law services we offer include:
- Consideration of the initial documentation (often referred to as the Compromis de Vente) and preparation of a report on its main terms;
- Advice generally in relation to aspects of French inheritance law and property ownership and applying those rules to your position;
- For married couples and civil partners, advice on changing your matrimonial property regime under French law;
- Liaison with the French estate agent and notaire in connection with the sale or purchase documentation and its execution and raising any additional enquiries;
- Approving the sale deed (the Acte de Vente) and arranging for completion of a Power of Attorney (Procuration) if you decide not to travel to France to sign the Acte de Vente;
- General guidance throughout the transaction;
- Consideration of Wills and advice on any changes recommended to cover property ownership in France.
Losing a loved one and cross border issues
The loss of a loved one can be a stressful time for family and friends, without the added worry of having to deal with cross border issues. We can liaise with Notaires in France to sort out the distribution of assets located in France, explain to you how French law applies and clarify the French inheritance tax position. We will ensure you understand the estate administration documents you will be required to sign as a beneficiary and help you through the process. This work can be carried out in conjunction with helping you administer the English estate.
Notary Public
We have a Notary Public at Furley Page who can notarise documents for you which are required for use in France, such as a Power of Attorney appointing someone else to execute the Acte de Vente on your behalf on the day of completion. We can arrange the affixing of the Apostille on notarised documents, where necessary.
Quick contact
- Please call 0845 603 1057
- Send us a quick enquiry >
- Email us >
- Meet the French Property team >
11/10/2012
French Taxes Update
Following the appointment of new French President François Hollande in May 2012 the French Government has made a number of changes the French taxation system. The new tax laws were published in the Loi de Finances Rectificative de 2012 (LDFR 2012) and entered into force on 17 August 2012.
Testimonials
Sarah [Bogard] and her staff carried out a very thorough and knowledgeable study of our circumstances and provided the best solutions to some quite difficult situations - I can recommend her unreservedly.
Mr and Mrs H (March 2010) : French Property Clients
“…provided a prompt, professional and polite service. Your Solicitors were knowledgeable and were able to assist us through the process of purchasing our property in France. Florence Richards was particularly helpful with above.”
Mr & Mrs M - Client of Florence Richards
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