Free seminars about buying a property and living in France
The programme for the highly popular seminars at the French Property Exhibition has now been announced – make sure you book your free ticket, available on the day at the exhibition. French Property News editor Karen Tait takes a closer look at what you can learn from each seminar. Thanks to our seminar sponsors, Fab Expat.
I WANT TO BUY A HOME IN FRANCE BUT HOW CAN I BE SURE I’VE CHOSEN THE RIGHT AREA?
You’ve enjoyed many happy holidays in France and are now ready to make the move across the Channel or buy a second home. But how can you ensure you pick the right place? France is a huge country with vastly differing landscapes, culture, climate, lifestyles, gastronomy, entertainment and work opportunities. There’s something for almost everyone, but it’s important to do your homework first. In this seminar, Joanna Leggett of Leggett Immobilier will run through the things you should consider before you make your decision, including looking at your chosen areas at different times of the year and how the location can match your lifestyle.
Where to live in France, by Leggett Immobilier
Saturday 25 January, 12.45pm, seminar theatre 1
Sunday 26 January, 12.45pm, seminar theatre 1
WHAT TAXES WILL I NEED TO PAY IN FRANCE?
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For UK nationals residing in France, and those planning to move there, understanding the French income tax system can really help towards your financial peace of mind. France’s tax structure may seem complicated, but with a clear grasp of its fundamental components, managing tax obligations can become a little more straightforward. From income tax to inheritance tax, capital gains tax to property taxes, the team at Blevins Franks will run through all the rules and rates in France so you can ensure you know exactly what payments you will be liable for.
Overview of the French tax system, by Blevins Franks
Saturday 25 January, 11.15am, seminar theatre 1
Sunday 26 January, 11.15am, seminar theatre 1
HOW CAN I BUILD A SUCCESSFUL AND HAPPY NEW LIFE IN FRANCE?
Dreaming of moving to France? Whether it’s sipping wine in Bordeaux or embracing the charms of ’Dordogneshire’, this seminar is your ultimate guide to making it happen. Join Fabien, a relocation expert and French native, as he takes you on a journey through the process of moving to France. From navigating French bureaucracy – starting with your visa and leading to permanent residency – to integrating seamlessly into French life, Fabien will share insider tips and practical advice to make your transition smooth and stress-free. Packed with useful information, expert insights and a pinch of French humour, this seminar will leave you inspired and ready to say ‘Oui’ to your new life in France!
Say ‘Oui’ to France: The savvy Brit’s guide to a new future in France, by Fab Expat
Saturday 25 January, 1.30pm, seminar theatre 1
Sunday 26 January, 1.30pm, seminar theatre 1
PUT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE EXPERTS!
FrenchEntrée Editor Zoë Smith will be hosting an expert panel to answer your FAQs. The panellists will cover the full spectrum of buying and owning a French property and living in France.
Debbie Nye: Property & Relocation Advisor, FrenchEntrée Members (moving to France/French tax)
Ginny Mimault: Independent real estate agent, IAD France (French property/buying process)
Joanna Cutler: Founder & Director, Navigate France (moving to France/French administration)
Thomas Nivert: Director, Societe2Courtage (French mortgages)
Make sure to send in your questions early, to zoe@frenchentree.com
FrenchEntrée Editor Zoë Smith hosts an expert panel to answer your FAQs
Saturday 25 January, 11.00am, seminar theatre 2
Sunday 26 January, 11.00am, seminar theatre 2
AS A BRITISH OWNER OF FRENCH PROPERTY, DO I NEED TWO WILLS?
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Do you need separate French and English (or other nationality) wills? The answer depends on various factors, including how you structured your property purchase and where you live. France has a forced heirship system, meaning you can’t just leave your French property and assets to whoever you wish, so seeking advice on inheritance planning is recommended, particularly if you have children from previous relationships. The EU Succession Regulation simplified things to an extent but is not foolproof. All this, plus how to make your wills, how much French inheritance tax you’ll pay and more will be discussed in this seminar from the team at Ashtons Legal.
Inheritance planning: Do we need a French will? – Ashtons Legal inc. Heslop & Platt
Saturday 25 January, 12.00pm, seminar theatre 1
Sunday 26 January, 2.00pm, seminar theatre 2
DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR MY FRENCH PROPERTY PROJECT?
Local French communes can choose to adopt ‘national’ planning regulations or create a local plan, so before you start your project it is important to know which rules apply to your property or building plot. Generally speaking, planning permission is required for (but not limited to) the following: change of use, for example, changing a barn into a home; external changes, such as adding a window or door; extensions or annexes over 5m²; in-ground swimming pools; and of course, new-build homes. In this seminar, Tom Easdown of French Plans will explain how the French planning system works to help you understand how it may affect you.
Developing, improving, creating: Working with the French planning system, by French Plans
Saturday 25 January, 11.45am, seminar theatre 2
Sunday 26 January, 2.45pm, seminar theatre 2
CAN I JOIN THE FRENCH HEALTHCARE SYSTEM?
For those moving to France, joining the French healthcare system is clearly important. In addition, when you apply for a visa, you will have to prove you have health insurance to cover you until you become a French resident. Helen Harrop of Agence Axa Internationale explains how the system works, including the ‘mutuelle’ top-up policies, and how you can access healthcare in France, whether you’re relocating for work or retirement.
Healthcare in France: From taking the first steps to living the dream, by Agence Axa International
Saturday 25 January, 12.30pm, seminar theatre 2
Sunday 26 January, 2.15pm, seminar theatre 1
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT FRENCH INHERITANCE LAW AND TAXES?
It is important to understand all the tax and succession implications of being resident in France, so you can prepare for them and take steps to protect yourself and your heirs. French inheritance tax and succession law are both different to the UK’s. Succession tax is charged on each beneficiary in France, and the tax rates and allowances vary considerably, depending on the relationship. Rates rise to 60% for distant or non-relatives, but there are often ways to lower this liability for your heirs. French succession law imposes forced heirship, giving your children more rights over inheriting your estate. UK nationals can use the EU succession regulation to opt for UK succession law (but not tax) to apply to their estate, but you should first understand how it works and the potential consequences.
French inheritance: Rules and taxes, by Blevins Franks
Saturday 25 January, 1.15pm, seminar theatre 2
Sunday 26 January, 1.15pm, seminar theatre 2
I’M BUYING A HOUSE IN FRANCE, HOW CAN I MITIGATE EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS?
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From signing the initial contract shortly after having your offer accepted, to completing your property purchase typically three or four months later, the GBP/EUR exchange rate can change significantly. If you’re lucky it will go in your favour, saving you money on your eventual purchase. But what if it goes the other way, leaving you out of pocket? Mar Bonnin-Palmer explains how a specialist currency company can help you manage your risk, using their expertise alongside foreign exchange tools such as ‘forward’ and ‘spot’ contracts.
Currency exchange: How to plan and manage your budget when buying in France, by Moneycorp
Saturday 25 January, 2.15pm, seminar theatre 1
Sunday 26 January, 12.30pm, seminar theatre 2
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ME BEFORE I BUY A PROPERTY IN FRANCE?
Buying a property in France, whether for holidays or a full-time move, is a big step with lots to think about. You have to decide where to buy and what kind of property, choose an agent/s, consider how you finance the purchase, make sure you get the right legal advice… Having chosen an area, would a town, village or country setting suit you better? And once you’ve actually bought your new home, how do you make the most of your time in France? In this seminar, Jerry Green, of Clé Rouge Immobilier (covering the Lot-et-Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde departments) shares his experience and knowledge of the property buying process and living in France.
The essential guide to buying a property and enjoying life in France, by Clé Rouge Immobilier
Saturday 25 January, 2.00pm, seminar theatre 2
Sunday 26 January, 11.45am, seminar theatre 2
HOW DOES FRENCH LAW AFFECT ME AS A PROPERTY OWNER?
If you own a property in France, it will come under French law, so it’s important to understand any implications for you as an overseas buyer. Unlike the UK, France has a forced heirship system and also has different marital regimes, which dictate how you own your property as a couple. In this seminar from the team at Stone King, you can learn all about the buying and conveyancing process in France, including the important step of how you structure your purchase from the outset, which affects how you can bequeath your property further down the line.
Owning French property: What you should know before it is too late, by Stone King
Saturday 25 January, 3.00pm, seminar theatre 1
Sunday 26 January, 12.00pm, seminar theatre 1
CAN I WORK IN FRANCE?
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Many British people dream of running a gîte business in France, but is it still possible post-Brexit? Perhaps you’d rather work remotely, from your French home? Both situations are still possible, under certain conditions. For all non-EU nationals, working in France starts with a working visa – but there are several different versions of the visa, as Allison Grant Lounes of Your Franceformation explains in this seminar, as well as going into more detail of how you can work on a self-employed basis in France.
Gîte businesses, self-employment and working remotely in France, by Your Franceformation
Saturday 25 January, 2.45pm, seminar theatre 2
Sunday 26 January, 3.00pm, seminar theatre 1
Our seminars are free to attend on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll find the seminar booking booth at the exhibition.