Is it possible to sell a plot of land for the symbolic price of €1?

No. In matters of sale, the price is an essential condition of the contract (Article 1583 of the French Civil Code). The law provides that the price must be determined by the parties (Article 1591 of the French Civil Code), and case law considers that it must be real and…
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I was living in a common-law relationship in an apartment rented solely in my partner’s name. Unfortunately, she has just passed away. Can I have the lease transferred to my name?

Yes, subject to conditions. Article 14 of Law No. 89-462 of 6 July 1989 provides that, in the event of the tenant’s death, the lease is transferred in particular “to the de facto partner who had been living with [the tenant] for at least one year at the date of…
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I am going to purchase a commercial premises that is currently leased. Does the sale automatically terminate the lease?

No. Unless otherwise stipulated in the lease agreement, Article 57 A of Law No. 86-1290 of 23 December 1986 provides that the lease of premises used exclusively for professional purposes is concluded for a term of at least six years and is renewed by tacit agreement. There is no legal…
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My landlord has given me notice to vacate the property for sale and wishes to conduct viewings of the property I currently occupy throughout the entire day. Is he entitled to do so?

No. Article 4 of Law No. 89-462 of 6 July 1989 provides that the landlord may arrange viewings of the rented property for the purpose of its sale for up to two hours per working day, excluding public holidays.
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I wish to sell to my son the property I am currently renting to a tenant. Does the tenant have a pre-emptive right to purchase the property?

No. The law provides that the tenant does not have a pre-emptive right when the sale of the property he occupies takes place between “relatives up to and including the third degree” (for example, between an uncle and his nephew), provided that the purchaser actually occupies the property for a…
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I am 70 years old, single and have no children. I am considering giving €4,000 to my adult niece. Will she have to pay gift tax?

It is possible to give your niece up to €31,865 without her having to pay any gift tax, provided that you have no descendants (children or grandchildren), that you are under 80 years of age, and that your niece is of legal age on the date of the gift (Article…
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For the purpose of calculating capital gains tax on real estate, what acquisition price should be taken into account when the property was purchased under a life annuity arrangement?

As a rule, the acquisition price to be considered is the amount you actually paid, namely the lump sum (bouquet) together with the total amount of annuity payments made up to the seller’s death. However, the tax authorities offer an alternative to the taxpayer: it is possible to use the…
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I am married under the regime of community of property reduced to acquisitions. My husband has inherited an undivided share in a real estate property. Today, we wish to purchase the share of his co-owner. Will I become the owner of the property?

No. Under the community of acquisitions regime, assets received by way of succession are considered separate property of the spouse who inherits them (Article 1405, paragraph 1 of the French Civil Code). Consequently, the undivided share inherited by your spouse is his separate property. If you purchase the share of…
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Apostille and Legalization

Actualité apostille te légalisation
27 August 2025

Both apostille and legalization facilitate the international circulation of official documents.

  • Apostille et légalisation