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French Department New Recruit - April 2008

We are very pleased to announce that the specialist expertise of the department has been further increased recently with the arrival of Véronique Cardon from Paris. Véronique is qualified as a Notaire (Diplomée Notaire France).  Her knowledge and practical experience will further strengthen the French team and the service which we are able to offer to our clients.


News Flash - August 06*

 All change for successions
16/08/06

Full details 


SIPPS and purchasing a property in France

The new legal framework for SIPPS (Self Invested Personal Pensions) applicable from April 2006 and enabling the SIPP to purchase property abroad, has generated a substantial amount of interest.

As far as France is concerned, particular care is needed as the situation is far from simple and investors should be aware that the UK advice available to them in connection with the proposal will often not adequately deal with the French legal and taxation issues arising out of the purchase, all of which merit particular attention.

We should be pleased to discuss your proposal with you and to consider the French implications in your particular case, prior to your embarking on the project.

Please contact Dawn Alderson at aldersond@russell-cooke.co.uk or Patrick Delas at delasp@russell-cooke.co.uk or telephone 020 8394 6374.


French Property Partner Joins Sunday Times

Dawn Alderson, Partner and Head of Russell-Cooke's French Law department has been asked to act as legal adviser for a new French law supplement of the Sunday Times.

Dawn will feature as part of a regular monthly column focusing on a range of issues associated with buying or running a property in France.

Dawn first appeared in the newspaper on 1st February in an issue covering a number of areas, including an overview of how new French tax rules will affect British property owners, the differences between UK and French law regarding noise pollution and a feature entitled, How to Keep Your Head Above Water.


New rules governing residency

As from 26 November 2003, any UK national taking up residence in France will no longer be required to obtain a Carte de Séjour "residence permit". This is now abolished for all purposes including the running of a business and will no longer apply whether you spend less or more than three months in France. The residence permits still continue to apply for non-EU nationals and the previous residence requirements will apply.

If you require any further information on this subject, please do not hesitate to contact us.


Insurance companies abandoning non-residents of Corsica

As a result of the violent attacks against public buildings, shops and properties owned by non-residents in Corsica this summer, certain Insurance Companies have decided not to insure against the risk of attack.

In particular they are refusing to insure properties owned by non-residents and are even cancelling existing insurance policies. Approximately 1,500 private properties are involved, including many buildings provided to state-run services. This decision is explained by the fact that 30% of the premiums currently paid out by the companies in Corsica are due to these attacks. The President of the Corsican Assembly urged the government to find a solution to these discriminatory measures.

In the meantime, for those subject to these measures, there is still the possibility of insuring your property by contacting the "Pool des Risques Agravés" ("Pool for aggravated risks"). However, you need to be aware that the likely cost of subscription is very expensive and the surtax is sometimes multiplied by ten.


Russell-Cooke brings Matisse to Kingston

A collection of images created by French painter and sculptor Henri Matisse in 1947 to accompany a book called 'Jazz', were brought to Kingston museum in August thanks to funding from Russell-Cooke.

The touring exhibition, which is organised by the Hayward Gallery, features 20 images employing paper cut-outs, a technique Matisse developed after he became too ill to paint. According to the artist, the subjects in 'Jazz' derive from memories of circuses, folktales and voyages.

As part of the exhibition Russell-Cooke hosted an opening night reception at the gallery, during which the Mayor of Kingston praised the firm's commitment to arts in South West London. In addition to funding an annual touring exhibition at the museum, Russell-Cooke sponsors the Brill Competition for Kingston University arts students and is heavily involved with the new Kingston Theatre.

Russell-Cooke partner Therese Nichols said, 'We are very pleased to be able to help bring these exhibitions to Kingston. They are always well attended and very much appreciated by the local community'.

The exhibition runs until 6th September. More information about Matisse and forthcoming exhibitions can be found at www.kingston.gov.uk/museums




Important Information Relating to French Property Purchases in Provence and the Cote d'Azur

The French Minister for Transport has given the green light for a public debate on a proposed project to develop the TGV lines in Provence and the Cote d'Azur by extending the network to Toulon and Nice. The French government is due to vote on the proposal in a year's time.

If the plans get the go ahead it could impact on those buying properties in the area. Although it will bring much improved links to the South of France and consequently boost some property prices, there is also the possibility of the new lines running close to properties or the building works being disruptive.

If you are thinking about purchasing a property in the area, you would be advised to consider the proposals before proceeding. As no reliable information will be available until the project is officially voted upon, it is strongly advised to query and investigate locally.