Aly

I also think many French are not interested in renovation or old houses particularly in rural areas. They prefer new, insulated etc. I agree with the comparison with Spain but house prices are falling everywhere some exceptions. The drop in overseas buyers has had a big impact on France. The market was much slower anyway.

I agree with sprogster`s assessment and I would add,.the big agencies like VEF have all gone. Our house has lost some 30% of its value in the last 2 years. True renovation costs add little to property value. Some areas like Paris and Nice have faired well. I think things will just get worse. One site I found is full of Chambre d`hotes at knock down prices - What a shame if France heads the way of Spain and Cyprus

Has anyone used Agence Mercure for selling property? any feedback welcome

We are planning to become non resident. Presently we are in the micro bic and members of GDF. If we become non resident how does the tax regime change? Thanks for replies

Consumer rights are a joke in France. They just ignore letters of complaint or even pretend that they never arrived or the envelope was empty. You could try your local consumer advise service - or complain to the bank regulator.

Thanks Parsnips. The French banks are very hot on money laundering so you have to provide evidence of the source. That is really helpful Do you  know if it would it be possible to accept  a loan from my parents or would they consider that as a gift as well. ( approx 15.000€ ) We want to leave France but limit our outgoings. The plan is to sell. But that could take years!

My partner PACS is thinking of paying off my mortgage to reduce our overheads. French house is in my name. Are there any tax implications i.e. gift tax or does anyone have any suggestions as to how to do this Would it be best to transfer part of the property as in a sale. I doubt that the house has increased in value especially with what we have spent on it.

I am no expert but you should have completed a P85 when you left the UK advising them of your move. If you rent your UK home through a agent you also need to get permission exemption for non resident or the agent will have to collect tax due directly from the rent.

The French government has managed to offend a range of its so called allies and friends. The Spanish at the start of the year, The Italian pm, the Israeli leader, the Brits, the Turks. The problem is when it all goes terribly wrong they then do the we represent Europe bit, where they speak abt Europe and not France. They should face up to there own history.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn3t5TqegHs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGLrdjkcLdM&feature=related

Thanks I also found these two sites http://impot.gouv.fr/portal/deploiement/p1/fichedescriptiveformulaire_6716/fichedescriptiveformulaire_6716.pdf and this site lists the zones http://www.data-publica.com/publication/4345 It would be great to hear if anyone has managed to obtain it. I think they also do a calcualtion on the percentage of the your home that you exclusively occupy.

Just wandered if anyone has claimed a exemption for taxe d 'habitation  in a zone de revitalisation.( For Gites and CDHs.) If so what was involved

Perhaps Pacha papa is a wee bit anxious abt his own cleanliness and needs to deflect?

http://www.connexionfrance.com/personal-hygiene-cleanliness-french-study-comparison-countries-12828-view-article.html Must have been commissioned by the French. They should have a wonder around our local supermarket or try getting a train.

I have a Sipp that has been frozen, I have not paid into it for years. I am unclear abt some areas that relate to it. From what I have read in France, it is declared as part of Wealth tax declaration. I understand there are other options at making it more efficient when the time comes to draw on it any advise on these much appreciated.

Hi my accountant did it for me. he didn't list any commencement dates? Just the account and bank names. Maybe you need the dates for the AV as there are tax advantages

Hi Judith I checked with the accountant, we compiled a list with account nos and name of bank and added it to our form 2042

If you have accounts where you receive no interest do you also need to declare these? Or where interest falls outside the French tax year for a first return

thanks

When declaring UK savings interest paid over the year April to April - on French return is it normal to pro rata to fit the French tax year?

I understand the applicable date. My point is that there is a five year exemption under the double tax treaty. Do I have to advise them of my assets now based on what they were in January and then make a declaration in five years or do I simply do it in five years.

I understand there is a five year exemption. But I have two conflicting views abt the need to declare upfront. My accountant says it is not required until the fifth year but I am certain that I have read that you need to tell them in advance?

http://www.connexionfrance.com/Holiday-home-government-tax-non-residents-12723-view-article.html Some upto date info. My concern is that this tax will inevitably increase year on year. It may in some regions affect house prices particulaly where there is a boyant overseas market

This new tax has nothing to do with taxing the well off and helping the poor. The reason it is being introduced is to fill the gap in revenue left by the rise in the wealth tax threshold. This has risen from 750.000 to 1.3 million. Secondly its abt pandering to the Front nationale supporters as well as the French white working class. Many of whom do not feel represented by the socialists. Foreigners are an easy target.

It will be interesting to see what impact it will have. If people will sell up and some areas prices may fall

Yes you are correct.  I read that plans are to bring it forward to pay for the changes and the gap in income from the wealth tax. The figure of 20% of rental income is given