As a non-resident, obtaining a loan to finance a property investment in France is subject to certain peculiarities. Variable rates, application fees for a mortgage and mandatory life insurance are just some of the factors to bear in mind when applying for a loan in France.

The clock is ticking: property sales by non-French residents in 2014 and possibly 2013 were overtaxed. Refund claims must be filed before December 31, 2015.  People who recently sold real estate in France but reside outside the country are owed substantial refunds for capital gains taxes and French social security contributions.

The August lull that sends most Parisians running to the beaches for vacation did not slow the French government from passing important “rectifying” changes in the taxation of real estate gains, rental income and net wealth.