Stone King - Quick Reads

12/18/2025 9:26:15 AM

Why does the French property I’m buying not have a DPE diagnostic?

By Jacques Cutting

A DPE diagnostic report provides an indication of a property's energy efficiency, as well as its associated heating and upgrade costs. If...

12/17/2025 4:17:08 PM

By Jacques Cutting

Since the lockdown, French notarial practice has embraced digital transformation, allowing clients to sign a notarised power of attorney...

12/17/2025 2:49:39 PM

By Jacques Cutting

Adopting an adult in France requires meeting specific legal conditions and obtaining the adult's clear consent. The adopter must be at...

12/17/2025 12:44:44 PM

By Jacques Cutting

Life insurance (assurance-vie) is a valuable tool for estate planning in France. Unlike most assets, life insurance payouts are generally...

12/12/2025 3:23:38 PM

By Jacques Cutting

When a UK-based seller disposes of a property in France, they are no longer entitled to the reduced CGT rate of 7.5% for EU residents,...

12/10/2025 12:21:25 PM

By Jacques Cutting

An increasing number of solicitors' firms are using AI tools tailored for legal services. To ensure the accuracy of the AI advice, these...

12/4/2025 12:30:42 PM

By Jacques Cutting

The principle behind the clause is similar to that of a joint tenancy in the UK. When a tontine clause is included in a French property...

11/28/2025 11:59:26 AM

By Jacques Cutting

You may be surprised to learn that French notaire's fees, or 'frais de notaire', are much higher than conveyancing solicitors' fees in...

11/27/2025 2:40:19 PM

By Jacques Cutting

Many people are aware that, under French law, it is not possible to disinherit your children, except in specific circumstances, and that...

11/27/2025 12:29:09 PM

By Jacques Cutting

France has some of the highest inheritance tax rates in Europe — up to 60% for non-related beneficiaries. However, many tax exemptions...

11/25/2025 11:51:51 AM

By Jacques Cutting

Since November 2021, when a British national leaves all their French assets to their partner, children may, in some circumstances, be...