How to protect your money when buying a vacant French property
- Smart Currency Exchange
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
Thousands of long-vacant homes across France could soon be unlocked for sale, thanks to a proposed inheritance law reform currently making its way through the French Parliament.
For international buyers, particularly those interested in rural homes with charm and potential, this could open new opportunities – but also raise challenges around timing and financial planning.
The proposed legislation, approved by MPs in March and awaiting a Senate vote, would make it easier to resolve disputes between heirs that often prevent inherited properties from being sold.
At the heart of the reform is a change that would allow homes to be sold with the agreement of just 50% of heirs, rather than the current two-thirds.
It also aims to speed up the resolution process by strengthening the role of notaires and allowing authorities to trace missing heirs more effectively.
For buyers, that means more previously inaccessible properties may soon be on the market – especially in desirable countryside regions where new builds are restricted and period homes are in short supply.
The challenge: legal delays and timing uncertainty
However, buying a property that has sat empty for years is rarely straightforward. Even with reforms, legal procedures involving inheritance disputes can be lengthy.
You may find a property you love, agree a price, and then wait months for court or notarial approval before you’re allowed to complete the purchase.
This delay can create a financial risk if you're relying on savings in sterling. Currency markets are volatile, and an unfavourable swing in the euro–pound exchange rate could increase the cost of your dream home by thousands.
The solution: locking in your exchange rate
That’s where a forward contract comes in. Offered by currency specialists, a forward contract lets you lock in today’s exchange rate for a future payment – typically up to 12 months ahead. It means that while legal procedures run their course, the price you’ve budgeted in pounds won’t change, even if the currency markets do.
So if you’ve agreed to buy a French farmhouse for €250,000, for example, you can secure that amount in euros at today’s rate, and know exactly what it will cost you in sterling when the time comes to pay. This provides certainty and peace of mind, especially when the legal timeline is out of your hands.
A real opportunity – if you plan ahead
With over 3 million homes currently vacant in France, and many concentrated in scenic rural areas, the proposed inheritance reform could bring a wave of unique properties onto the market. These homes often offer period charm, large plots, and renovation potential – but they also come with more complex sale processes.
If you’re considering buying one of these properties, getting your legal and financial planning in place early is essential. Alongside advice from a notaire and possibly a cross-border legal expert, speaking with a currency specialist can help you secure your budget and avoid nasty surprises later on.