What law applies to French property?
The sale of land, buildings or other immeubles (French property) is always governed by French law, regardless of the nationality, residence or domicile of the buyer and/or the seller. The provisions of the Napoleonic Code, otherwise known as the Code civil, regulate French property. The distinction recognised in common law countries as between legal and beneficial ownership does not exist under the Code civil. This has major implications, especially in the context of French estate planning matters. The French courts generally have exclusive jurisdiction in proceedings involving French property and their decisions can be enforced against you, even if you live outside France. Litigation in France, as elsewhere, is not a desirable option. An avocat (French barrister) must be instructed and, even if you win the case, his advance and other fees will usually be payable in full by you and not by the losing party. It can take at least 3 years before a French property dispute is heard by the co
