Canadians have since 2023 faced major limits on their ability to buy property in some European countries due to Canada’s strict housing laws – but that might all change.
“We don't know, but it's likely that the ban is going to be lifted”, Samantha Wilson, the founder of Smart Move Italy, told our sister site The Local Italy. “So this might be good news.”
On January 1st, 2023, Canada introduced its ‘Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act’, better known as the foreign buyers ban, which bars non-citizens and most non-permanent residents from purchasing homes in towns and cities.
Canada's ban is set to expire on January 1st, 2027.
Some European countries - including Italy - applied international reciprocity rules, leaving Canadians facing equivalent constraints on buying residential property in Italy.
At the time of writing, in most cases, they must either be a long-term Italian resident, buy jointly with their EU citizen spouse, or buy in a remote rural area or very small town.
So what does this mean for Canadians wanting to buy property in France?
In good news for Canadians, France has never opted to exercise its international reciprocity, so there are currently no restrictions on Canadians buying property in France, either to live in or to use as a second home/holiday home.
It means that Canadians can go ahead and buy now, rather than having to wait until the ban expires in 2027 as they would if they wanted to buy in Italy.
What are the rules on foreigners buying in France?
In general, there is no requirement to be either a French citizen or a French resident in order to buy property here, and there are a significant number of homes in France that are owned by foreigners, including Canadians.
Having said that, citizens of non-EU countries such as Canada are likely to have a hard time securing a French mortgage, especially if they are not resident in France. This leaves them with the option of either making a cash purchase or opting for the 'expat mortgage' packages that some companies offer, which are usually significantly more expensive.
Once you own your home, you will be required to pay property taxes, while owners who use their French place as a second home or holiday home are liable for extra property taxes.
France is significantly tightening up on the tourist rental sector, so don't assume that you will be able to cover the costs of your property by renting it out on Airbnb or similar platforms.
READ ALSO: Explained: France's new rules for renting out your home on Airbnb
Useful information
The French property-buying system is somewhat complicated - head to our property page for all the info you need to guide you through the process.
If you intend to use the place as a holiday home, head to our second homes section for information specifically tailored to foreign buyers who don't intend to live here.
If, however, you plan to live in your French property, you will find lots of useful information in our Moving to France section, and you can sign up to our Moving to France newsletter here.
The Québécois, of course, have a significant advantage in France through already speaking the language, and we promise that the locals won't laugh at your accent.*
And did you know that your compatriot Céline Dion is absolutely huge in France?
READ ALSO: Why do the French love Céline Dion so much?
Are you a Canadian planning a move to France? If you have any questions, leave them in the comments section below, and we will do our best to answer them
* We can make no such promise
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