Remote Working, Property Deadlines and Summer Sales: News Digest

France’s record-breaking June heatwave has brought water restrictions, wildfire warnings, storms and travel disruption, while the summer sales are set to be extended after high temperatures kept shoppers away. Property owners are also being reminded that today is the deadline to update their biens immobiliers declaration, and buyers can note new mortgage rate caps, flood-risk checks and a new coastal erosion tool. There are also updates on second-home tax audits, MaPrimeRénov’, inheritance rules and online shopping parcels. Here are the France headlines you need to know this week.

Record June heatwave brings water restrictions, storms and wildfire warnings

France has been dealing with one of its most intense June heatwaves on record, with temperatures exceeding 40C in several areas and widespread disruption to schools, transport, tourist sites and power production. The heat has now eased across much of the country, although the south-east has remained under close watch and temperatures are still above seasonal norms in many areas.

Water restrictions and vigilance warnings have also expanded sharply, with tap water restrictions or usage warnings in place across 79 departments Eleven departments now have at least one commune at crise level, where all but essential water use is banned. Residents and second-home owners should check the VigiEau website using their address, as rules vary by commune and sometimes by water source.

The hot, dry conditions have increased wildfire risk across parts of southern France, while the break in the heatwave brought violent storms to parts of the south-west, with hail, lightning, localised flooding and strong winds. Residents and visitors should continue to check local weather alerts, avoid activities that could spark fires, and contact insurers promptly if storm damage is discovered.

Summer sales extended after heatwave

France’s summer sales began on the 24th of June and were originally due to run until the 21st of July in most metropolitan departments. However, the government has announced that the sales period will be extended by one week, until the 28th of July, after the heatwave kept many shoppers away from stores.

Remote working on a visitor visa clarified, but questions remain

Remote workers hoping to live in France should note that France has not created a new digital nomad visa, despite recent discussion online. A response from the Ministry of the Interior to a parliamentary question has clarified that a third-country national who is not employed in France, and who is not working for a company based in France, may be considered “non-active” under French immigration rules if they are teleworking for a foreign employer.

However, the clarification does not remove all uncertainty. The visitor visa is still officially intended for people staying in France without carrying out a professional activity, and the response also refers to income being paid and taxed in the country of origin. This may be complicated for people living in France long term, as tax residence rules can still bring worldwide income within the French tax system. Anyone planning to work remotely from France should take advice before assuming that a visitor visa is suitable.

Property declaration deadline today

Property owners in France are reminded that today, the 30th of June, is the deadline to update their biens immobiliers declaration if there has been a change in the use or occupancy of their property.

This can include a main home becoming a second home, a property becoming vacant, a new tenant moving in, or certain changes to the property itself. If nothing has changed since the last declaration, owners generally do not need to do anything. A fine of €150 per property can apply.

French tax authorities given more time to correct second-home tax bills

French tax authorities now have more time to correct taxe d’habitation bills where a property’s status has been wrongly declared. The change relates in particular to second homes and vacant properties, where incorrect information can affect whether tax is due.

Previously, authorities had a shorter period to issue corrected bills where tax had been missed because of an error or omission. Under the new anti-fraud rules, this timeframe has been extended by two years. Property owners should check the biens immobiliers section of their French tax account to make sure their property status is accurate.

New mortgage rate caps from the 1st of July

Buyers taking out a French mortgage should note the new taux d’usure thresholds that apply from the 1st of July. The taux d’usure is the maximum all-in annual percentage rate that banks are allowed to charge, including interest, compulsory insurance and certain fees.

From July, the cap is 4.07% for fixed-rate mortgages under 10 years, 4.57% for fixed-rate loans of 10 to less than 20 years, and 5.29% for fixed-rate loans of 20 years or more. Variable-rate loans are capped at 5.28%, while bridging loans are capped at 6.39%. These thresholds are updated quarterly and can affect whether a mortgage application is accepted.

New coastal erosion tool for property owners and buyers

A new online tool has been launched to help people understand how climate change could affect France’s coastline. The application, Le littoral de ma commune, allows users to search for coastal communes and view information on shoreline retreat, land use, housing, protected areas and projected sea-level rise.

Service Public says nearly 20% of the French coastline is affected by coastal erosion, and around 5,200 homes could be affected by shoreline retreat by 2050. The tool is especially relevant for buyers looking at coastal property, as well as owners of homes near beaches, dunes or cliffs.

Buyers urged to check flood-risk zones before purchasing

Prospective buyers in France are being reminded to check flood risk carefully before making an offer, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent. Around 18 million people in France live in areas exposed to flood risk, while millions of homes are located in river or coastal flood zones.

One key document to check is the plan de prévention des risques d’inondation, or PPRI, which maps flood-risk areas and can impose restrictions on building, renovating or extending a property. Buyers can ask the local mairie for information or check the official GéoRisques website before reaching the notaire stage.

MaPrimeRénov’ funding set to focus on larger renovation projects

The list of single-project renovations eligible for MaPrimeRénov’ funding is set to be reduced, as the government looks to focus public funds on more comprehensive energy-renovation projects.

Several mono-geste works, such as attic insulation, window replacement, ventilation systems, solar water heaters and some wood or pellet stoves, are expected to lose eligibility when carried out alone. They may still be funded as part of a wider renovation project. Homeowners planning works should check current rules carefully before signing quotes or assuming grant support will be available.

Relief for Brits with English-law wills

British residents and second-home owners in France have welcomed clarification that wills choosing the law of England and Wales should not be affected by France’s 2021 forced-heirship provision.

The clarification follows a letter from France’s justice ministry to the European Commission, indicating that French notaires do not need to apply the compensatory levy mechanism where a will is governed by English law, because France considers English law to provide protection for children. The position may differ for some US-law wills, so owners with French assets should still review their estate planning with a specialist adviser.

France suspends €2 charge on low-value non-EU parcels

France is suspending its €2 charge on low-value parcels from outside the EU from the 1st of July, ahead of the rollout of a broader EU-level customs charge. The measure affects small e-commerce parcels, including those from non-EU online platforms.

The issue is particularly relevant for residents ordering goods from the UK, US or Asian online retailers. Further EU-level changes are expected later this year, meaning costs and customs handling for small parcels may continue to evolve.

Ultra-fast fashion law passed

French parliament has passed a law aimed at curbing ultra-fast fashion platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress. The law targets companies with very high volumes of low-cost clothing and is designed to reduce waste, overconsumption and environmental damage.

The measures include penalties linked to products placed on the market and restrictions on advertising, including influencer promotions. The practical effect for shoppers will depend on how the rules are implemented, but the law forms part of a wider push to regulate low-cost online retail platforms in France and the EU.

New digital skills passport launched

A new Passeport de compétences has been launched to help people in France track and showcase their qualifications, training, experience and skills. The free digital tool is integrated with Mon Compte Formation and is available from the age of 15. It can bring together diplomas, certifications, work experience, publicly funded training and certain voluntary or civic activities. The aim is to help users create structured CVs, identify skills and support job-search or retraining plans.

Summer holiday traffic begins this weekend

The first major summer getaway weekend is approaching as French school holidays begin at the end of this week. Bison Futé expects traffic to build from Friday the 3rd of July and Saturday the 4th of July, especially on routes leaving major cities for holiday destinations.

Later weekends in July and August are expected to be even busier, with several red and black travel days forecast. Drivers heading to or through France should check the Bison Futé calendar, avoid peak departure times where possible and allow extra time for motorway journeys.

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