Keeping you up to date with the French property market, news, travel and events
IMMIGRATION BILL: VISA-FREE TRAVEL FOR BRITS REJECTED
The year started well for Brits seeking a property in France or who already own a holiday home there as the French Senate granted the right for British owners to spend up to six months at their French property visa-free.
This was widely reported in the news as a fait accompli, and UK-based international property portal Kyero reported a staggering 582% increase in British enquiries about French property in the three weeks following the decision by France’s parliament on 20 December. However, there was one more hurdle to jump, as the law needed to be rubber-stamped by the Conseil Constitutionnel on 25 January. Unfortunately, for British owners of property in France, the Conseil threw out the amendment which would have allowed them an automatic right to a visa.
On a positive note, this was due to a technicality (i.e. that the bill amendment was contrary to the original aims of the bill) rather than the idea or content being rejected.
So for now, nothing changes. The ‘90/180 day rule’ remains in place, limiting Bits to visits to the EU to 90 days in 180. However, Senator Berthet, who originally proposed the law, says she is encouraged by the fact it was passed by both houses of parliament, and she will be pressing for a new law. While the rule doesn’t prevent anyone from enjoying a few weeks’ summer holiday in France plus weekends and the odd week through the rest of the year, it is trickier to navigate for those who’d like to split their time more evenly between the UK and France, particularly second-home owners, who will no doubt be keeping a close eye on the news surrounding this topic. Read more on frenchentree.com
On the market
€95,000, Côtes d’Armor: Lots of options at this property comprising a two-bedroom house and a one-bedroom barn conversion (Agence Newton)
€256,800, Charente: Threebedroom bungalow within a short walk of St-Severin, which has restaurants, shops, a bank and a market (Leggett France)
€200,000, Hérault: Renovated four-bedroom stone house in a lively Minervois village with amenities, just an hour from the coast (Beaux Villages Immobilier)
EXPAT INSIDER
In the annual Expat Insider 2023 survey from InterNations, France scores well on healthcare, work-life balance, food and culture. Although not one of the cheaper countries to move to, France offers extensive social programmes and benefits for residents plus a good number of public holidays. Other pros include economic stability and a 35-hour work week. On the downside, income and social taxes in France are relatively high (up to 45%) and the language barrier can be a problem outside of major citie
