French Law Zone

Editor's pick

What is, by law, included in the sale of a property and what condition should a purchaser expect to find it in at completion? more...

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Legal advice for French property purchase

Five cautionary tales Legal experts from Heslop & Platt reveal five cautionary tales to warn French property buyers of some of the problems which can be encountered, and how they can be avoided, when purchasing French property. more...

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Home inspection reports and the law

When selling (or letting) properties there are a number of reports that must be available to a prospective purchaser (or tenant) before they enter into a binding commitment. Edward Coxall provides a summary of some recent changes in property law including home inspection reports. more...

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Boundaries and easements affecting property

When purchasing property in France, the transfer deed prepared by the notaire will often specify that in the event of any error in the description of any easements affecting the property, the purchaser has no right of recourse against the vendor. more...

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So you can't pay your French mortgage

There is an underlying expectation in the UK that banks should show consideration for borrowers who find themselves in difficulty and should treat them gently. However, that’s not how it is seen in France. The mortgage deed entitles the bank to repossess if the loan is not repaid. more...

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Procedures on repossession

It will not be something that buyers will wish to contemplate when they are taking out a mortgage for their purchase, but it is important to understand just what may happen if the lender has to repossess a person’s property in France. more...

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New rules on septic tanks

Report now compulsory on the sale of any residential property Since 1 January 2011 new rules apply to the sale of all properties which are not connected to mains drainage. Sally Dilks, French Law Solicitor with Heslop Platt, looks at what this means for residential property sellers more...

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Why use a UK solicitor & a French notaire?

Solicitor Annie Digby explains why the use of the Notaire is no substitute for your own independent legal advice on international aspects when buying a property in France... more...

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Public law: town and land planning

Town planning law can be of particular interest to a buyer of a property (land or house) or an owner wishing to collect all necessary information a property. more...

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Boundary disputes between neighbours

Why should it be so complicated to live peacefully with neighbours? Territorial instinct may play a part, but some people are more sensitive than others to any annexation of their territory. more...

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Consumer protection in France

French legislation has been recently modified (1 July 2010 Act) in order to provide the consumer with a more secure position, notably when a loan is offered or when insolvency is close. more...

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Assurance dommages-ouvrage

Under French law, an owner carrying out structural work or building a new house is obliged to obtain insurance to cover any future purchasers of the property against any defects which occur 10 years from the date when the works were finished. more...

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France's environment round table

France's efforts to be more environmentally-friendly were reinforced by the launch of an environment round table, The Grenelle Forum. The Grenelle: Act 2 is currently under discussion by the National Assembly. It will provide the legal tools to implement the environmental targets fixed in the Grenelle: Act 1 impact on French property. more...

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French property ownership solutions

Simple steps to take before and after you become the owner of a French property in order to ensure your French estate is dealt with in the way you wish during your lifetime and after death. Lawyer Sue Busby of France Legal explains... more...

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Modern families and French law

Families can be quite complicated these days, especially when people remarry and there are children involved. Lawyer Sue Busby gives some advice on how to deal with complex arrangements when it comes to French law more...

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Unmarried and buying in France?

An SCI could be the answer…. Sue Busby of France Legal examines a way that unmarried partners purchasing a property together in France can reduce their potential inheritance tax liability – using what is called a Société Civil Immobilière Tontinière more...

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Complications with trusts

They aren't recognised in France As many readers will appreciate, the rules of French inheritance are strict, and in principle mean that at least part of a person’s estate is left to his or her children. However, complications can arise. more...

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