Occasionally it is possible to prepare articles on questions of French law and tax that directly relate to current affairs. We can take as examples the recent changes in European inheritance law by virtue of the EU Succession Regulation that came into force in 2015, or the implications of Brexit, the consequences of which are still ongoing.
Rarely, though, is the current climate so febrile that there is no way of knowing whether this article will be entirely superseded and irrelevant or still in the minds of readers by the time it is published. At the time of writing – in mid-March 2020 – clients concerned that they may be unable to attend completion meetings at the offices of their notaire are regularly asking whether they need to travel, or whether this can be avoided.
The worldwide pandemic of Covid-19 is increasing at an alarming rate; who knows how far-reaching it will become, or how long it will last, and how strict any travel bans will be?
COMPLETION IN PERSON
For those who have not yet bought their house in France, it is pertinent to appreciate that there is still a completion meeting that will need to take place at the office of the notaire. All parties are in principle required to attend the meeting to sign the deeds, or to designate someone to sign on their behalf.
Generally, we advise clients that it is in their interest to attend the completion meeting if at all possible, in particular when they are buying – it will usually at least allow them to collect the keys, and possibly have a last discussion with their seller about matters such as the location of the meters and so on. It will also offer them the opportunity to visit the property just before completion, to ensure that everything is still in place.
This story is from the May 2020 edition of Living France.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2020 edition of Living France.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Guide To: Working For A Foreign Company
If your current employer is happy to let you continue working for them after you move to France, there are a number of rules and regulations to be aware of to ensure you stay on the right side of the law, as Catharine Higginson explains
On vintage soil
Life in the vineyards of Aude is a dream come true for Leicestershire-born Katie Jones who now successfully exports her wines back to the UK, as Brigitte Nicolas learns
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
What happens if you are buying a French property but can’t attend the completion meeting at the notaire’s office in person? Matthew Cameron explains how a power of attorney can be used and how it works
In safe hands
There can be few more unusual homes than the 11th-century Château de Clérans, situated close to the Dordogne river in the Périgord Pourpre region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
THE CAPTAIN'S TABLE
Robin Ellis made his name as the original Captain Poldark but a diabetes diagnosis led the Tarn-based actor to add cookbook writing to his CV, as Richard Webber learns
My frugal France
Embracing modern technology could save you money and time on both the pleasures and essentials of life in France, says Laura Harley as she shares some of her favourite French apps
Hidden Talents
Moving to France enabled these three expats to switch off from busy careers and in turn discover new creative talents, says Gillian Harvey, who counts herself among them
Beauty to behold
With its legendary vineyards, charming old towns and rich gastronomy, Gironde is quintessential France at its best, as Alison Weeks discovers
AS SEEN ON SCREEN
A Dordogne town, a Charente city and a Pyrenean village all have a starring role in three new films hitting the big screen this year, joining a long list of French locations that have gone before them, as Vicky Leigh learns
A local's view
Trish and Mark Tyler run a beautifully restored chambres d’hôtes, set in six hectares of park and woodland near StÉmilion, which has a fascinating history