Differences when buying a French Property

Differences when buying a French Property

People buying a property in France do not generally have their own lawyer acting for the on the purchase. This comes as a big surprise to UK nationals who are used to having their own lawyer acting for them when…
French Inheritance Law

French Inheritance Law

Because of the differences in French inheritance law which relate to procedures applying to the succession to French property on death of an owner from those which apply to UK property, we generally advise anyone buying property in France at…
Buying a Property in France

Buying a Property in France

UK nationals buying a property in France, perhaps for the first time, are going to be faced with a variety of matters with which they are going to be unfamiliar. Buying a property in France, selling a property in France…
Gifting a Property in France

Gifting a Property in France

It may be that you wish to make a gift of the whole or part of your French property. We can advise you on this and make arrangements through competent and experienced Notaires in France for the legal requirements to…

BARNEY & CO THE LAWYERS WHO REALLY CARE!

Theodore Roosevelt once said “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”.

David Barney very much cares that his clients do not get themselves into trouble when they buy a French property and does all he can to try and see that this does not happen! That is why his clients like what he does for them because they know he really cares. How many other lawyers can be said to feel the same?

What our clients say:

Ms A B of Farnham – August 2025
August 19, 2025

I came to David with a complex French Succession. He was very knowledgeable and was certainly an expert in this field. He was able to guide me through the legal process. His litigation skills were perfect for my situation, he is passionate about what he does and wants to get the right resolution and was extremely fair and balanced in his approach.

David we got there, I thank you for all of your help and I’ve no doubt I’ll be back to help me with my will.

Ms KG of Cornwall – June 2023
June 30, 2023

I instructed David in late 2022 to assist in the settlement of my late father's French life insurance policy. At the point of instruction I had no idea where to start, how much was in the policy, or what to do at all, but David was happy to take on the case and investigate for me. Over the last few months, David has answered all of my queries promptly and explained the various steps and legalities of the matter, and despite a very difficult time in actually getting the funds from the bank, I am pleased to say the matter is now fully settled.

This would not have been possible without David's specialist knowledge and connections, and the whole process has been dealt with quite quickly considering the obvious challenges. I am very grateful for David's help and would recommend his services for anyone in a similar position.


More testimonials can be found on our dedicated Testimonials page.

Buying a Property in France

French Property Solicitors

UK nationals buying a property in France, perhaps for the first time, are going to be faced with a variety of matters with which they are going to be unfamiliar. Buying a property in France, selling a property in France… Read more

Differences when buying a French Property

People buying a property in France do not generally have their own lawyer acting for the on the purchase. This comes as a big surprise to UK nationals who are used to having their own lawyer acting for them when… Read more

French Inheritance Law

French Inheritance

Because of the differences in French inheritance law which relate to procedures applying to the succession to French property on death of an owner from those which apply to UK property, we generally advise anyone buying property in France at… Read more

Gifting a Property in France

It may be that you wish to make a gift of the whole or part of your French property. We can advise you on this and make arrangements through competent and experienced Notaires in France for the legal requirements to… Read more

French Legal Advice

Anglo French Solicitors

The first contract which the buyer is asked to sign, very often in the Estate Agents office, is more often than not drawn up by the estate agents who have no legal qualifications. Because the estate agent’s priority is to… Read more

Why Us

BARNEY & CO THE LAWYERS WHO REALLY CARE! Theodore Roosevelt once said “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. David Barney very much cares that his clients do not get themselves into trouble… Read more

Buying a property in France, inheriting or bequeathing a property in France can be a minefield without specialist advice from a French property lawyer able to give you relevant legal advice on French law.

Barney & Company who are a specialist firm of experienced property lawyers who are registered English Solicitors and who deal in French property and succession issues. We have been giving specialist French legal advice as French property lawyers for many years and can assist you with all legal matters relating to your purchase or sale of French domestic property, over and above that normally given by the French Notaire.

If you would like assistance or an explanation relating to:

  • the purchase or sale of a property in France
  • help with regard to the problems which may in future arise in respect of French property on the death of an owner,
  • and the testamentary arrangements which you may need to make should that happen to you,

As French speaking Anglo French lawyers we have good established links with several French lawyers who are able to assist with any unusually complex matters and who are legally able to act as the French Notaire in relation to the final transfer deed on the sale or purchase of French property, which we as Solicitors are unable to do.

What we can offer you, is advice and guidance which may assist you in avoiding the pitfalls that many UK nationals have when selling or buying a property in France.

It is very important that those persons owning or buying a French property take proper legal advice from us as French property lawyers who are fluent in written and spoken French before committing themselves to the purchase of a French property.

Barney & Company regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA Number 384706