Wherever you come from
Buying in Burgundy from the United Kingdom.
Brexit did not change your right to buy in France. It changed how long you can stay. Here is what British buyers need to know.
Contents
British buyers have long loved France, and they remain among the main foreign buyers, even if their share has fallen since 2016 (Notaires de France, 2024). Burgundy is a natural choice: Eurostar to Paris, then the TGV.
Buying is unchanged
A British buyer buys exactly like a French one: same contract, same notaire, same costs. Buying from abroad.
How long you can stay
British citizens can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area without a visa, and owning a home does not extend it. For longer stays, second-home owners can apply for a temporary long-stay visitor visa for three to six months, or a long-stay visa valid as a residence permit beyond six months (summary of the GOV.UK and France-Visas rules, 2026).
EES and ETIAS
The European Entry/Exit System, which records your entries and exits, started on 12 October 2025. ETIAS, a travel authorisation costing 20 euros, was expected from autumn 2026 but was not yet in operation in October 2026: beware of websites selling it. Check GOV.UK before travelling.
Money and mortgages
Compare currency transfers before the deposit and the balance: the pound-euro rate can move your budget. Some French banks lend to UK residents, usually with a larger deposit. Mortgages for non-residents.
When you sell
As a UK resident, you pay 19% income tax on the gain plus the 7.5% solidarity levy, according to the tax administration (impots.gouv.fr). As the UK is outside the EU, a fiscal representative is needed when the price exceeds 150,000 euros per seller, unless the gain is fully exempt.
Getting here
Eurostar to Paris, then about an hour and a half by TGV from the Gare de Lyon. By car, count five and a half to six hours from Calais. I work in English and French every day. I also speak Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi fluently, Persian (Farsi) very well, and good Greek and Arabic.
Frequently asked questions
Can British citizens still buy property in France?
Yes, on exactly the same terms as before Brexit.
Can I stay more than 90 days if I own a French home?
Not without a visa: owning a home does not extend the 90/180-day rule.
Do I need ETIAS to travel to France?
It was expected from autumn 2026 but not yet in operation in October 2026. Check GOV.UK before travelling.
What tax do UK residents pay when selling?
19% on the gain plus the 7.5% solidarity levy, with allowances for the years of ownership.