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Building & Renovation
Planning Applications - Public Right of Information
The public right of information to land planning applications in France is tightly prescribed, so obtaining early notice about proposed neighbouring developments is often not easy.
03 Dec 2021
Cleaning of Chimneys and Flue Pipes
What are the regulations and costs for chimney cleaning in France?
23 Nov 2021
Oil and Gas-Fired Boilers to be Banned in France
The French government have announced the prospective end to the installation of new gas and oil-fired boilers in residential properties.
13 Aug 2021
Overcharging by Builders in France
Homeowners who are faced with unreasonable extra charges demanded by their builder do not always need to pay it.
06 Jul 2021
Energy Efficiency Grants in France 2021
The government have announced details of the new energy efficiency grants system for 2021.
10 Nov 2020
French Construction Insurance Contracts Terminated
Over 60,000 policyholders in France lose insurance cover on construction contracts insured through an insurer based in Gibraltar.
06 Oct 2020
Financial Assistance for Energy Efficiency 2020
The scheme of financial assistance for home energy conservation in France has changed this year and it will do so again next year.
06 Oct 2020
Over €400K in Costs for Illegal Building Works
A British national who carried out unauthorised building works to their French property has been obliged to demolish much of the work, writes Arthur Cutler.
03 Jun 2020
Free Roof Insulation to your French Home
Eligible homeowners in France can get their roof space insulated for a symbolic €1.
07 Feb 2020
Ten Year Building Guarantee Invalid
A French insurance company refuses to accept a claim under the ten year building insurance guarantee due to late commencement of the contract.
08 Nov 2019
Building on Agricultural Land in France
Construction in open countryside in France is generally not permitted, but as always there are exceptions.
07 Mar 2019
Financial Assistance for Energy Efficiency 2019
Some changes have been introduced this year to the system of tax credits and grants for energy conservation works to the main home.
07 Feb 2019
Septic Tank Controls in France Inadequate
The French national auditor has called for wholesale reform of the system of statutory control of septic tank installations.
08 Jan 2019
Loss of View Amounts to Nuisance
A couple have been successful in their legal action against a neighbour, whose house extension substantially impaired their view of the Pyrenees.
07 Aug 2018
Interest Free Loans for Home Energy Conservation
An interest-free loan of up to €30,000 is available to owner-occupiers and landlords for works of home energy conservation.
08 Jun 2018
Boiler Maintenance Regulations in France
French law imposes an obligation to maintain your heating boiler, although there are no sanctions for non-compliance.
08 Feb 2018
Home Improvements to Your French Property
Improving your French property does not always increase its value, so choose what to do with care, says chartered surveyor, John Marshall.
07 Nov 2017
Court Orders Demolition of Illegal Chateau
A French court has ordered the demolition of a 3000m2 chateau on the French Riviera, constructed without planning permission.
08 Aug 2017
Building an Extension to French Property
Building an extension to your French property normally requires administrative consent, but the regulations that apply depend upon on the scale of the works.
13 May 2017