With prices in Paris it is generally more practical to rent rather than buy, but buying is more common in rural areas. Property law in France generally favours the tenant, but it can be difficult to find suitable properties to rent in popular cities and neighbourhoods and this obviously has an impact on prices.
Why are houses in France so cheap?
France is about 1.5 times bigger than Germany but with a population 20% smaller. In effect, it has a larger rural area with less people to populate it. And as more and more people relocate to cities, more houses are being added to the market—often at bargain prices.
Where to buy a holiday home in France?
You can also say ‘bonjour’ to a house bargain with holiday homes starting from less than £50,000. Popular destinations to buy include Brittany such as the region of Morbihan due to its affordability, accessibility and ‘Cornish’ feel.
How to avoid capital gains tax on a holiday home in France?
(Updated 20/2/13.) If you want to sell your holiday home in France, but have been using your UK property as your main residence, you may consider becoming a fully fledged French resident (in your French property) in order to avoid CGT. This is a real possibility, but it is important to make sure it is not a false economy!
When to sell your second home in France?
Before panicking, check that French CGT applies to you. You will not be affected if you sell your main residence in France. You will not be affected if you sell your second home in France after thirty years or more of ownership. If you have owned the property for less than thirty years, a sliding scale applies after five years of ownership.
Where is the best place to rent a house in France?
The most popular types of property in Paris are grand apartments and luxury pieds-à-terre, and there are plenty of opportunities to rent your home out when you won’t be using it. Not far from Antibes and Cannes, the village of Valbonne looks like the quintessential image of France, its town square filled with stone arcades, merchants and cafes.
