Renovating Your French Property in Winter: Tips and Tricks
“Be prepared”. The motto is not just for the boy scouts, it particularly applies to French property renovations.
work
Competitions – Win Amazing French Prizes
If you love France you’ll love these competitions! With a chance to win tips, experiences, food, drink and more, you could be one click away from an exciting prize! We put up new competitions regularly, so why not bookmark this…
How to Find a Good Builder in Brittany
If you own property in Brittany, it is likely that you will undertake some building or renovation work on it at some point, and that you will need some advice or the help of a professional to get it right. From new builds to restorations, there are…
Brexit and Inheritance Tax: What’s Likely to Change?
If you own property in France you should to be aware of the rules around ‘domicile’. Daniel (Dan) Harris, Head of International and Cross-Border at Stone King LLP, explains why.
French Entrée Mortgage Services
FrenchEntrée is a French property and lifestyle resource, curated by real people who have lived and worked in France. We have a network of multilingual lenders and brokers with whom we work to provide our clients with the best options to finance their plans.
Re-Mortgaging and Releasing Equity on French Property
“There is no need to keep all your assets tied up in one property” It is becoming increasingly popular to look at the options surrounding re-mortgaging or raising equity against property in France. During the UK property boom of the…
English Domicile vs French Domicile
If you own property in France you should to be aware of the rules around ‘domicile’. Daniel (Dan) Harris, Head of International and Cross-Border at Stone King LLP, explains why.
Need an Excuse for Crêpes? It’s La Chandeleur in France!
As if we really needed an excuse to indulge in crêpes, the Fête de la Chandeleur (or Fête des Chandelles) rolls around. Get together with family and friends and join this ancient tradition…
How to test your broadband speed before you buy your French property
Find out the true speed of internet service available in the area where you are searching for a home before you commit to buy.
French car insurance
Insuring your vehicle in France is not dissimilar to doing so in the UK. There, are, however, some differences you need to be aware of, whether it is your only motor or a second one.
Local property taxes: taxe foncière and taxe d’habitation
There are two annual local property taxes in France, taxe d’habitation and taxe foncière. They are paid by both residents and non-residents and are often higher on second homes …
Lead in Your French Home
When do you need a mandatory inspection? Throughout France, an inspection for the presence of lead in paintwork is mandatory when any building built before January 1949 is sold (both common areas and/or areas for private use). The inspection must…
Do I Need a Building Survey?
There is no requirement in France to have a pre-purchase ‘building survey’ done. There are laws requiring a vendor to provide diagnostiques including: termites, asbestos, lead paint, energy efficiency, electrical and gas installations, plus environmental risks such as earthquakes and…
The War Against Pool Algae and How to Enlist
Swimming Pool algae is one thing you don’t want in your pool, find out how you can deal with this invader and protect your pool.
Top 10 tips to buy property in Paris
Thinking of buying of property in Paris? Read our top 10 tips for a well-informed decision.
Business opportunities for expats
If you are planning to relocate to France and are still at the age where you need an income you may be dreaming of setting up your own business. Perhaps you know exactly what it is you want to do, or are looking for a business opportunity in France. Read our Practical Guide
One-Minute News: French property headlines
Highlights of recent property news headlines in the French Media. We comb through the news so you don’t have to.
Public Holidays in France – 2017
Some dates for your diary.
The stress of living the dream
Having lived here for three years, I’d forgotten what a shock it can be coming to live in France. But I’m witnessing at close hand a friend who has just made the move and how hard it is for them to adjust. Any suggestions how I can help?
A property guide to Brittany
Thinking of buying a property in Brittany? This article is an introductory guide to the region covering climate, landscape, attractions, access, property styles and prices.
Tax efficient investments in France and assurance vie
There’s no denying that France is a high tax country, but you may be able to take advantage of French tax compliant opportunities to protect your assets from the taxman.
Buying a plot of land and building a home in France – your options
It is becoming increasingly popular to purchase a plot of land in order to build your own property. This article guides you through your options …
France Crowned World’s Top Tourist Destination
Once again France comes out on top as the number one most visited tourist destination in the world.
Update: Mortgage rates in France reach epic low
Mortgage rates in France have hit a new historical low – the lowest ever in 70 years.
Capital Gains on the Sale of Shares in France
Have you thought about how much tax you will pay in France when you sell shares and other investments? There have been a number of tax reforms …
Divorce in France: Financial and Tax Implications
French law expert Sarah Bright Thomas takes a close look at the divorce law in France and also examines how it can affect property and other financial issues for both parties.
A property guide to Gascony
Thinking of buying a property in Gascony? We’ve prepared an introductory guide to the region covering climate, landscape, attractions, access, property styles and prices.
The two methods behind French sparkling wines
There are two main methods of making sparkling wine, the Méthode Champenoise and the Méthode Charmat. What is the difference?
Asbestos in Your French House
Asbestos is considered to be a lethal product in France and the use and manufacture of asbestos-based materials has been forbidden since 1997…
How to declare a small income in France
As renting a room via Airbnb or selling a few knickknacks on ‘Leboncoin’ become more popular, there is some confusion as to how to declare these earnings.
Sort out Your Finances so You Can Relax and Enjoy Life in France
Are you one of the many people who dream of retiring to France? To make sure your money lasts for as long as necessary, it is essential to review your arrangements now.
Selling a Property? Capital Gains Tax and Exemptions
On the sale of a property you will be liable to French capital gains tax whether you are resident there or not, with some exceptions…
Magic French moments: At home in Gascony
We talk to Amanda Garnham, Press Attaché for the Armagnac bureau, who’s lived with her family in Gascony since 1997
What will buying your French house cost you?
Having found your bargain dream house, it can come as a bit of a shock that the buyer pays the agency fees and the legal fees…
Registering as a French Resident
If you moved to France, you will be registering your residency status by means of your income tax return. This is theofficial method of becoming tax domiciled in France.
Starting a business in France: What’s holding you back?
A look beyond the technicalities of the setup, which is of course part of it, but more at the fears that sometimes prevent us from taking that initial step into the unknown.
5 tips for running a successful creative business in France
Many of us dream of making a living from our creativity, but France is not the easiest place to run your own business, let alone in artistic work. So how can you make it succeed? Annaliza Davis talks to Nathalie…
Social Charges in France: Can You Claim a Refund?
If you fall into either of these categories and have unduly paid social charges on unearned income, you are entitled to a make a claim to recover the tax… but you need to really hurry!
Tax Residency: France or UK?
If you live in France, or are thinking about moving or buying property there, you are probably wondering which is better in terms of tax residency: France or the UK?
Paperwork in France: how long do I have to keep records?
Despite technology leaps and the need to recycle our paper, French residents are still required to save in hard copy a whole stack of papers and documents – some for a relatively short time, others for a lifetime…
Relocating to France: top 10 tips from a pro
If you are reading this, it’s probably because you like me have a dream….. And that dream involves relocating to France, land maybe setting up your own business…
Working on a Yacht in the French Riviera
Working as crew on a yacht is an opportunity to visit exciting ports, and meet interesting people and in the unique atmosphere of the Côte d’Azur.
Foreign Exchange, the Hidden Cost Behind a Property Purchase
Buying a property in France can be an exciting venture. Deciding the region and budget, however, are not the only decisions to be made.
French Succession Tax
New EU regulations will give you much more choice over whom British expatriates living in France can leave their assets to. You have much more freedom to choose to bequeath property, savings and investments.
UK TV in France
Many English-speaking residents are interested in watching UK TV in France to keep up with their favourite programms and films, and get the news in their own language.
Allocation Rentrée Scolaire • Back to school grant
The allocation rentrée scolaire is a grant to assist households under a certain income level. It may help offset the cost of books and materials.
Business in France: The limited liability EIRL explained
A business structure suited for the sole trader in France. Under the EIRL the entrepreneur allocates a designated share of their assets to the business or professional activity to protect personal property .
Preparing a business plan in France
Putting together a business plan is a great way to focus your mind on exactly what your enterprise is going to be – and whether it is viable….
With a French Mortgage, Perception Is Everything
Buying a property in France is all about timing. The best way to avoid a picky French bank tripping up your buying process is to start early.
Employment in France: web resources
If you need to find a job before moving to France, or you are looking to start a new career, we are providing a range of links to help you along.
