Six years of French rent control: the IPP just delivered its verdict, and the experiment expires in November 2026
The Institut des politiques publiques' May 2026 evaluation of the French rent-control experiment: rents 2-4% lower in regulated zones, more than a third of recent leases above the cap, and the experiment expires in November 2026.
Who really pays for French rent control? €181 million a year sits on the State’s tab
The IPP's May 2026 evaluation of French rent control found that of the €612 million transferred from landlords to tenants each year, €181 million is borne by the State and Sécurité sociale via reduced tax receipts on rental income.
Going Around the French Estate Agent: When Foreign Buyers Owe the Commission Anyway (Civ. 3e, 7 May 2026)
A 7 May 2026 Cour de cassation ruling holds the buyer personally liable for €150,000 of damages — the full agent commission — when knowledge of the agent's right to fee, plus a behaviour pattern of evasion, evidences manœuvres frauduleuses under articles 1200 and 1240 of the Code civil.
Compromis vs Promesse de Vente: Which Pre-Sale Contract Foreign Buyers Actually Want in 2026
What's the difference between a compromis de vente and a promesse de vente? Here's the structural map for foreign buyers — the 10-day rétractation, the loi Scrivener financing condition, séquestre vs indemnité d'immobilisation, and remote signing via apostille.
Représentant Fiscal Accrédité: When Non-EU Sellers of French Property Need One (2026)
Most UK, US, Canadian and Australian sellers of French property need to appoint a représentant fiscal accrédité before the notarial closing. Here is the structural map — when the requirement applies, the three automatic dispenses, the post-Brexit shift, and what it costs.
Taxe Foncière for Foreign Owners: How French Annual Property Tax Actually Works in 2026
Every foreign owner of French property pays taxe foncière annually. Here is the structural map for 2026 — how the bill is calculated, the October deadlines, the new-build exemption, and the secondary-residence surtax that catches owners off guard.