From the 90-day rule to where to buy, we touch on crucial aspects of the hunt for a second home in France.
It is many people’s dream to own a second home in France. Be it a rustic cottage in the middle of the countryside or an apartment by the seaside. Here, we’ll be touch on some things to be wary of, especially if you are buying as a third country national.
What is your dream second home in France like?
The 90-day rule
While there are not any restrictions on overseas buyers in France, if you are not from an EU member state, then there will be a limit on how much time you can spend in your second home in France. Since Brexit, Britons have become third country nationals. As a result, they are only able to spend 90 days out of every 180 in France or any other EU country. If your spouse has EU citizenship, then you will not have this restriction.
It might be that this is not an issue for you. If you envision a week at Christmas, the summer holidays, and a sprinkling of weekends across the year in your French property, then 90 days in every 180 might suit you just fine. Still, it is something to be wary of, as some Brits have been caught out as they adjust to the new rules.
Furthermore, remember that this counts for visiting all of the Schengen Area, not just France. So, if you spend 30 days with your friend in Italy, another 10 in Spain – this will all chalk up and impact how long you can spend in your second home in France.
Proposed second homeowner visa
With many Brits dreaming of owning a second home in France, France is well aware of just how restricting second homeowners are finding the 90-day rule. Since 2008, British people have dominated the real estate market as the biggest overseas buyers in France. According to Insée, British nationals own an incredible 86,000 second homes in France.
Earlier this year, MPs did propose a new visa that would allow second homeowners to stay in their French property for up to six months at a time, for a period of five years. While this is just a proposal, it offers hope to second homeowners who feel frustrated by the 90-day rule.
What can I do now?
One option is to apply for a ‘temporary long-stay visa’ which allows you to stay in France for a six-month period in one year.
Where should I look for a home?
Discover the ideal place for you.
While visas can feel like a bit of a drag, there’s nothing more wonderful than choosing where to search for your second home in France. From the Alps to the seaside to city living, France has a wealth of options for those on the hunt for home number two.
Nicknamed the “most British city in France”, Nice has had a long hold over the hearts of British buyers – Queen Victoria was even a fan. Nice boasts of 2,500 hours of sunshine a year, a charming Old Town, and of course, stunning beaches. Discover more about Nice here, and hunt for a Nice home here.
If you thrive in a city, then, honestly, where is more fabulous than Paris? With an amazing amount of culture, art, shopping to soak up, it is an undeniably exciting choice. Plus, with Paris 2024 round the corner, it is only going to get more exciting. Read up on Paris here and snoop through our properties for sale there, here.
A home in the north of the country?
Famously, second homeowners in France are drawn to the south of the country, allured by the warmer weather. But now, there are fears that the south is becoming too warm. This summer, parts of the south of France have seen temperatures touching 40°C, raising fears about wildfires. In response, now some prospective second homeowners have chosen to look for a home in the northern part of the country. So, who knows, perhaps Normandy and Brittany will be the top places for international home hunters.
Finally, download our guide on buying in France.
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