The current economic situation has affected both the UK and France.

It is worth noting however that because of the difference in property values between some areas of France and some parts of the UK, it is still possible to obtain far more for your money in France.

Furthermore, in some cases it can currently be possible to purchase a property at a lower price than usual, which, if the investment is undertaken carefully, may lead in due course to beneficial capital gains if the price rises again.

In addition, favourable exchange rates in the Euro/Sterling direction can in some cases make this a good time for a sale of a French property.

It can also be a good time to benefit from lower assessed property values in France, to carry out any desired property gifts.The charges assessed on such gifts when carried out using appropriate procedures, are calculated in part by reference to the assessed value of the property and so will be correspondingly lower.

Care needs to be taken, as always, to consider tax issues on both sides of the Channel prior to undertaking any gift or sale/purchase.

It is important if you are considering moving to France, to ensure that your entitlement to any pension or other benefits will be likely to cover your needs. Recent changes to rules in this regard, coupled with the exchange rate changes, have altered the legal rights to, and practical effects of, many entitlements.

Over the last few years in France there have been, and continue to be, a number of substantial changes to the legal system generally. These affect not only the structure (eg the location of the Courts) but also the law itself.

Many changes will be of direct relevance to people wishing to carry out business or property transactions in France.

For example changes to tax rules have now made various types of purchase structure/inheritance arrangement more tax efficient for married couples or couples who are party to a civil partnership arrangement recognised by French law.

There are currently reviews being carried out over the whole of Europe that may in due course affect both inheritance and also matrimonial matters, and when carrying out a purchase of property in France or the making of inheritance provisions the cross the borders between England and France, it is helpful to be aware of such proposals.