French property and estates

If you are thinking about buying or selling a property in France you might be concerned about, how the process works, how you will overcome any language barriers and who will support you to act in your best interests.

Our French property and estates team is made up fluent French speakers and French nationals who specialise in various aspects of French property law and the UK tax system.

We can assist with cross-border issues that may arise through the loss of a loved one.

At Furley Page, we guide you through the complexities of French property law, break down the language barriers for you and provide you with expert legal advice in plain English.

Our French property and estates services

Our French property and estates services include:

  • Buying and selling a French property
  • Rental of French property
  • Contentious property issues
  • English and French wills, succession planning and French inheritance
  • Estate administration and foreign assets
  • Gifts of French property
  • French property transfers on divorce
  • French property related services
  • UK tax considerations on selling a French property
  • UK tax considerations in having a French property investment
  • French and UK tax obligations when living in France

French property

We can guide you through the process of buying and selling French property, liaising with the Estate Agent and Notaire (a public official who certifies legal documents) for you, and explaining in detail the legal documents you will need to sign.

Contentious property issues in France

We can assist with disputes, property defects, eviction, property garnishment, landlord/tenant issues, leases and other property challenges you could encounter in France.

UK taxes

We can advise you on your  UK tax obligations in respect of French property. We can also help you review your will to make sure that it reflects your wishes regarding the distribution of your estate on death. We do not advise on French taxes.

Wills

We can help you review your will to make sure it reflects your wishes regarding the distribution of your estate on death. We will also advise you on estate planning and UK Inheritance Tax where applicable.

French estates

If you are a beneficiary of a French estate, we can work with a Notaire for you to finalise the estate administration, advising you on how succession law applies.

Sharon was tasked with working on the administration of our father’s estate in France, alongside the sale of his property. This was at times a complicated task due to the complexity of the estate and the involvement of third parties. Her knowledge of the French legal system, processes and ways to navigate the intricacies was invaluable. She was meticulous in her approach and paid close attention to detail, often spotting things that had been missed by others. As a result, we avoided being financially short changed or falling foul to individuals who may have taken advantage of our naivety, due to us not being French speakers … Sharon – again, thank you ever so much for everything you have done for us.

Clients of Sharon Wilson-Dutin - Mr ASM, Ms NHM and Ms SKM of London

January 2025

How can we help you?

Choose Furley Page for French property and estates advice

Our French property and estates team is made up of legal specialists; including French qualified and registered lawyers (Avocats), English solicitors and UK tax experts.

Our goal is to make the task you are undertaking easy. Our fluent and native French speakers can help you navigate the buying and selling French property within the French legal system.

For more information about our French property and estates services contact Sharon Wilson-Dutin or Deborah Vaysse.

How can we help you?