Welcome to the French Property Law Blog

This blog is written by John Kitching, an English Solicitor who is a specialised bilingual French Property lawyer who has an interest in all things French, including French property and international estates.

The blog posts updates of particular interest to British nationals who have property in France, those who inherit property in France, or who are buying property in France. The posts range from French tax articles to quirky French news stories, and the inevitable anecdotes of aggrieved mistresses and widows disinherited by illegitimate children...

The blog does not give legal advice. If you require French legal advice, please visit www.frenchlawconsultancy.com or email info@frenchlawconsultancy.com


Thursday 25 November 2010

French property market still rising

In the Paris area, the number of sales for the 3rd trimester has increased by 23% year on year, and in France generally the market activity is broadly back to where it was prior to the financial crisis.

Property prices in Paris Ile-de-France continue to rise, with prices up over 10% year on year, and up 4.1% over the three months to September.

Is it time to invest before prices go up further?

Should you make an offer on a property and need the contract promptly checking before paying a deposit and before signing it, please contact French Law Consultancy www.frenchlawconsultancy.com

Tuesday 16 November 2010

Civil Partnership now recognised in France

After years of controversy, France has finally amended its legislation and now recognises UK registered Civil Partnerships and affords them similar status and benefits to a French PACS agreement, including an exemption for inheritance tax purposes.

The new law came into effect on 14 May 2009, although for Civil Partners who have paid tax on a gift or inheritance since 22 August 2007, a reclaim may be possible.

Prior to 14 May 2009, UK Civil Partners leaving French property to their Civil Partner would have faced inheritance tax at 60%, the rate applicable for transfers to non-blood relatives. There is a full exemption for spouses and for PACS couples. The PACS agreement allows same sex or different sex partners who are not married, to register their partnership and benefit from similar tax breaks to married couples, including a full exemption on inheritance tax. However, you had to be free to marry in order to be eligible to register as a PACS couple. UK Civil Partners were not able to register for this reason.

An interesting footnote to the new law allows a reclaim of tax for Registered Civil Partners where the date of the gift or the date of the probate was after 22 August 2007

For more information please contact French Law Consultancy www.frenchlawconsultancy.com