How a Tontine Clause Can Void Your French SCI (2026 Ruling)
The Cour de Cassation's 9 April 2026 ruling is a brutal warning to British couples holding a French property through a small SCI: a tontine clause that covers all the shares makes the SCI null from inception. We unpack the trap, the practical fix that preserves the tax-efficient outcome, and what to do if your existing statutes are at risk.
French Copropriété AGM: The 2-Month Contestation Clock (2026 Ruling)
The Cour de Cassation has just confirmed that the 2-month deadline to contest a French copropriete AGM decision runs from the day the registered letter was first presented at your address — even if you never picked it up. A procedural trap for non-resident British landlords, explained with the 16 April 2026 ruling and the wider French property timetable.
Fixing a French Notarial Deed Error: The 5-Year Window (2026 Ruling)
A 16 April 2026 Cour de Cassation ruling settles, for the first time, that an action to rectify a French notarial deed of property sale is a personal action with a 5-year prescription. What British buyers need to know.
Bail à Vie at French Auction: A 2010 Ruling British Buyers Must Know
In 2004, two buyers won a French house at auction — only to discover the existing tenant had a lifetime clause they'd inherited. The 2010 Cour de Cassation ruling every British investor must know.
Commandement de Quitter les Lieux 2026: The French Eviction Notice Explained
What the commandement de quitter les lieux must contain, when it can be voided, and the réintégration risk for British landlords. A precise guide to the French eviction notice and the four mandatory mentions of article R. 411-1 CPCE.
French Eviction Timeline 2026: 8 Months to 2 Years (and Why)
How long does it actually take to evict a tenant in France? A 9-step walk-through of every délai, from first missed rent to the bailiff at the door, with realistic timeframes for best, average and worst cases.