Second homes
Latest news and important information about owning a second home.
Is Paris really going to ban second homes?
The city of Paris has been introducing more stringent measures against second homes, in an attempt to ease the capital's housing shortage, but will it really go as far as banning them altogether?
French island offers up to €10,000 to second-home owners who rent out their property
Local officials on a French island are offering incentives of up to €10,000 to second-home owners who are willing to rent out their properties on a long-term lease, in order to try and overcome the housing shortage for locals.
What you need to know about legally renting out a French second-home
Many property owners in France may be curious about earning some extra cash renting out their home - especially on platforms such as Airbnb - but it's important not to fall foul of local rules on registration and taxes.
Brittany town bans second homes amid housing shortage
A town in Brittany has passed a local decree banning the construction of second homes amid an increasing housing shortage for local people.
Spain's 100 percent property tax for foreigners weakened by new court ruling
Spain's National High court has ruled against the Spanish government's MO of not letting people deduct expenses when declaring rental income if they own property in Spain, but don't reside in the EU. This sets a precedent for the planned 100 percent property tax.
How to challenge your 2025 French property tax bills
Property tax bills are being sent out to French property owners, and many people will notice an increase - but if you think the price hike is too high - or you have been sent a bill in error - here's how you can challenge it.
Will Brits really need proof of a return ticket in order to enter France?
Reporting in the UK media suggests that in the future, all Brits travelling to France will need to show a return ticket - something that will particulary affect second-home owners who might be staying for several weeks and don't necessarily book their travel in advance.
Will France follow Spain's 100% tax on non-EU house-buyers?
Spain is pushing ahead with tough new measures to limit the purchase of real estate by non-resident foreigners, in order to try and tackle its housing crisis. So is France - which also has a housing shortage - likely to follow suit?
Explained: Is Paris really banning key boxes for holiday rentals?
The city of Paris has issued a decree to try and crack down on holiday rentals with restrictions on key boxes - often used by owners seasonal holiday rentals. Here's how this will affect tourists and homeowners.
Are non-EU property buyers really to blame for Spain's housing crisis?
Spain's Prime Minister has justified taxing or even banning non-EU non-residents from buying Spanish homes because they want "to speculate", but the stats prove there are far bigger fish to fry in Spain's housing crisis.
Can visitors to France get a télépéage badge to avoid queues?
If you're driving in France you will have likely seen people use the 'queue-jumper' télépéage transponder at toll booths, but are these available to non residents?
How important are foreign second homeowners to Spain?
A new study has reported that foreigners with second homes in Spain contribute a massive amount to Spain's GDP, at a time when some regions are considering limiting the number of overseas property buyers.
Is this the end for the British second-homes visa plan in France?
France's Constitutional Council has rejected a plan to ease post-Brexit visa rules for British second-home owners, crushing the dreams of many. But is there any possibility that this plan, or a similar one, could be revived?
France passes law to exempt British second-home owners from visa requirements
French MPs have passed an immigration law which includes a clause that could potentially exempt British second-home owners from post-Brexit visa rules.
Second home owners on Spain's Menorca left in limbo over lack of UK flights
The cancellation of winter flights between Menorca and the UK has left many Britons with second homes on the tiny Spanish island paying hundreds of pounds for flights with several stops and layovers as long as 23 hours.
French MPs reject bid to ease visa rules for British second-home owners
France's parliament has thrown out a proposal by Senators to relax visa rules for British second-home owners, which had been added as an amendment to the country's new Immigration Bill.
Mythbuster: Can you really 'cheat' the Schengen 90-day rule?
It's human nature to look for a loophole, shortcut or workaround to the rules, but most of the advertised 'dodges' to the EU's 90-day rule are nothing of the sort.
UPDATED: How strikes will hit travel between France and the UK this Christmas
Anyone planning a trip between France and the UK this Christmas or New Year is facing widespread strike action, delays and cancellations. Here is the latest on which services will run.
What does UK's new travel advice for Europe's 'amber' countries mean?
As borders around Europe gradually open, travellers from the UK find themselves in the odd position of being allowed to travel but officially advised against it by the government. Here's what that means for people with family in different countries, second-home owners and tourists.