Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions Channel Islands residents most often ask about property, succession and tax in France. This is general information; every situation calls for its own analysis.
Do I need a French will if I own property in France?
It is not compulsory, but often useful. The European “Brussels IV” Regulation lets you, by will, choose the law of your nationality to govern your succession. A clear will avoids uncertainty. Learn more.
Does French forced heirship apply to me?
In principle, the law of your habitual residence governs the succession; a British national may choose their national law and, in principle, set aside French forced heirship — subject to the 2021 compensatory levy. See the detail.
What tax do I pay if I sell my French property as a non-resident?
A 19 % withholding on the gain, plus social levies, with allowances based on how long you have owned it (exemption at 22 / 30 years). Full guide.
Do I need a fiscal representative to sell?
Not if you are resident in the EU/EEA, if the sale price is ≤ €150,000, or if the sale is exempt; otherwise it is often required. Learn more.
What are the costs of buying property in France?
Around 7–8 % for an existing property and 2–3 % for a new one, most of which is tax. Estimate them with our cost calculator.
Is my spouse protected? And an unmarried couple?
A married spouse and a PACS partner are exempt from inheritance tax. An unmarried couple, by contrast, is taxed at 60 %. Learn more.
Should I buy through an SCI?
Sometimes useful for holding and passing on a property with others, but it is no magic bullet: it adds formalities and erases neither forced heirship nor inheritance tax. See the SCI page.
Does the 1963 France–UK tax treaty apply to me? And Jersey/Guernsey?
It relieves double taxation on inheritances between France and the United Kingdom. Jersey and Guernsey, as Crown Dependencies, are in principle outside it. Learn more.
Can you handle my file in English?
Yes: we handle files in English and French.
Do I need to travel to France to sign?
Not necessarily: a power of attorney (procuration) allows the deed to be signed remotely.
What is the role of the notaire in France?
The notaire is a public officer: they authenticate the deed, guarantee its legal security, assess and pay the taxes, and register the sale.
Do you cover the whole of France?
Yes — metropolitan France, Corsica and the overseas departments; we travel at your request.
What local taxes, and wealth tax (IFI), apply to a non-resident?
An annual taxe foncière (and sometimes taxe d’habitation on a second home); IFI wealth tax if your net French property exceeds €1,300,000. Learn more.
How do I get started?
Write to us via the contact page; we will reply to you personally.