What changes from European Union Tax, financing, capital gains, succession: the key points to know for your profile.
The purchase process seen from the European Union The French notaire secures the sale and title. Many EU countries share a Latin-tradition notariat, which makes the path clear.
A single notaire authenticates the sale and registers title, a framework close to that of many EU countries. The preliminary contract binds the parties, with a ten day cooling off period for the buyer, before the final deed. For the euro area, payment is made without conversion; non-euro countries must manage an exchange. The deposit (5 to 10 % of the price) is paid at the compromis stage, into the notaire's escrow account. A notarised power of attorney lets you sign remotely if needed. We coordinate the full practical side and connect you with a partner notaire. The deed itself remains the notaire's work.
Financing and paying from the European Union EU status eases financing; currency exchange only concerns residents of non-euro countries.
French banks lend to EU residents, with a deposit often close to that of a resident. For the euro area, no currency risk; for non-euro countries, the exchange remains to be managed. A specialist broker can compare a French offer with one from your country. If you reside outside the euro area, lock your exchange rate. Compare a French loan with financing in your country.
We point you to a partner broker to compare solutions. French Realty does not provide credit.
Your French rental income is taxed in France; the treaty with your country prevents double taxation.
French source rental income is taxed in France, with a minimum 20 % rate for non-residents, unless a lower average rate is shown. Above 1.3 million euros of net French real estate, the property wealth tax (IFI) applies. The tax treaty between France and your country sets the method for eliminating double taxation. Property tax is owed each year; a second home may also incur a residence tax. Each treaty has its specifics: check the one for your country.
We coordinate management and point you to a partner tax lawyer for the interaction with your country.
As an EU resident, you do not need to appoint a tax representative, which lightens the resale.
Non-resident capital gains are taxed at 19 %, plus social levies, with allowances for the length of ownership. As an EU or EEA resident, you are exempt from an accredited tax representative, unlike residents outside those areas. Full exemption is reached after 22 years for income tax and 30 years for social levies. Keep renovation invoices: they reduce the taxable gain. Check your length of ownership: it strongly changes the final tax.
We prepare the sale and the practical side and point you to a partner notaire. The transaction is theirs.
Social levies: the European exemption Affiliated to your EU country's social security, you may be exempt from CSG and CRDS and pay only a reduced levy.
In principle, rental income and gains bear 17.2 % of social levies. A person affiliated to another EU or EEA state's social security, and not a charge on the French scheme, is exempt from CSG and CRDS. In that case, only the 7.5 % solidarity levy remains due. The exemption depends on your actual affiliation: keep your proof. The gap between 17.2 % and 7.5 % is significant on recurring rental income.
We point you to a partner tax lawyer to claim the exemption and secure the filing.
Inheritance: choosing your national law The French asset falls by default under French law, but the EU regulation lets you choose your national law.
By default, property in France falls under French law, which reserves a share for children. The EU succession regulation lets you choose your national law by will. Taxation at death depends on any treaty between France and your country, which does not exist with all. The choice of law is set in a will: it is not presumed. Without an estate treaty, anticipate the risk of double taxation.
We connect you with a partner notaire to formalise the choice of law and organise the transfer. Drafting the deeds is theirs.
As an EU or EEA citizen, you move and stay freely in France, with no time limit or visa.
Free movement exempts you from any stay limit or visa. You can occupy your home for as long as you wish. Making France your main home may make you a French tax resident. Beyond a few months, registration formalities may apply. Switching to French tax residence changes your overall taxation.
We ease the practical side of your stays and guide you in case of a lasting move. French Realty does not handle administrative formalities.
An SCI, joint ownership and split ownership organise holding and transfer; their effects must be checked against your country's taxation.
The SCI organises joint holding and the gradual transfer of shares. Its tax treatment varies by the partners' country of residence: it is checked before incorporation. Splitting ownership remains a common tool to prepare transfer. Do not form an SCI without validating its tax treatment in your country. The choice of ownership form is made before the purchase.
We point you to a partner notaire and, if needed, a tax lawyer to decide the ownership form. The structure is theirs.
