Law Society warns of legal pitfalls when buying property in France
Monday 08 November 2004

A growing number of people are falling foul of French law when they buy a second home in France says the Law Society.

The Law Society has identified the need to increase awareness of the legal and tax differences between the two jurisdictions. The Law Society and the Paris Chamber of Notaries are holding a unique training session (19 November) for English solicitors and French notaries.

For instance, many people do not realise that their spouse may not automatically inherit their property in France and children have a legal right to a share of the property. Another common pitfall is the differences in death taxes ” gifts to non-relatives in France are taxed at 60 percent.

It is believed that around 250,000 British people own property in France. Commenting on the need to obtain specialist legal advice when buying property abroad, Edward Nally, Law Society President, said;

"A growing number of people with homes in France find themselves in legal difficulties after not getting proper legal advice. It is essential that everyone buying property abroad has confidence that their affairs are in order and that their wishes will be carried out after they die."

Members of the public considering buying property in France are advised to search for a solicitor who specialises in French, probate and conveyancing law on the ”find a solicitor´ pages of www.lawsociety.org.uk.