France tackles vacant housing with new tax and buying guide

French authorities are addressing the growing issue of empty homes. A detailed guide explains how prospective buyers can locate owners, verify the legal status of abandoned properties and navigate the purchase process, whether the owner is identified, the property is "sans maître" or subject to a vacant succession.

In the southwestern town of Salies‑de‑Béarn, the municipal council approved a levy on vacant dwellings. The tax will apply to properties that have been unoccupied for at least 90 days each year over a two‑year period, with a rate to be set by 2027 and capped at 50 %. The measure aims to spur owners to carry out necessary renovations and prevent further decay of historic buildings. The council also voted to acquire nearby land for a future wastewater‑treatment station, underscoring a broader effort to revitalise the town's infrastructure.