French investors inherit foreign will system

One important issue which can sometimes be overlooked by investors buying in France is that of inheritance.

When purchasing a French property it is important to consider your inheritance position and ensure that any wishes and goals have been properly covered.

The 2001 French inheritance act has meant that a spouse's position has been improved in terms of inheritance under French law.

If no will is made prior to death, French rules allow the surviving spouse to choose either between 25 per cent of the deceased spouse's estate in full equity or to take 100 per cent of the estate in French life interest.

The law also allows for the surviving spouse to stay in the main home for life.

This applies to any French property held in the name of individuals and includes any worldwide contents, shares, bank accounts or cars owned by French dwellers.

Living in France, from an inheritance point of view, differs from Britain in that it is a matter of both fact and intention and can be compared to permanent residency.

In this way, some individuals can be both French domiciled - from a French point of view - and also remain UK domiciled.

In terms of writing a will, an agreement between the two countries allows for a UK will that has been properly executed in Britain to be applicable in France.

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