Property Tax and Second Home: A Complete Guide

Owning a second home involves specific taxes, in particular the property tax And the housing tax. Contrary to a main residence, a Secondary residence does not benefit no exemptions. It is therefore essential to fully understand how Calculated the tax and in what cases it is possible to be exempt from tax.

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How is property tax for a second home calculated?

La property tax Is a local tax due every Full year by the owners. It is based on the cadastral rental value of the property, which represents the theoretical annual rent of the dwelling. This value is then multiplied by the rates voted by local authorities.

The final amount of property tax therefore depends on several criteria:

• Location of the property : Some municipalities apply higher rates.
• Rates voted by local authorities : Each year, municipalities adjust tax rates.
• Housing characteristics : Size, general condition and use of the property.
• Possible exemptions : Some specific situations make it possible to reduce taxes.

Owners should consult their Center for Public Finances Or their tax department to find out what rates are applied in their municipality and understand how Calculated the tax.

La property tax Is a local tax due every Full year by the owners. It is based on the cadastral rental value of the property, which represents the theoretical annual rent of the dwelling. This value is then multiplied by the rates voted by local authorities.

Owners should consult their Center for Public Finances Or their tax department to find out what rates are applied in their municipality.

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Why don't second homes benefit from the exemptions?

Les second homes do not benefit not the same exemptions as main residences. These tax breaks are intended for homes occupied on a permanent basis. This means that a second home remains subject to housing taxes, even if it is not very busy or used only a few months a year.

However, there are some exceptions where a second home can be exempt or benefit from a tax reduction:

• If the owner has to leave their home to enter a Retirement home Or a medical institution.
• In case of cause foreign to your will, making the property uninhabitable.
• When the accommodation is declared vacant housing and temporarily unusable.

To request an exemption, owners should contact their tax department and provide the necessary supporting documents.

Les second homes do not benefit not the same exemptions as main residences. Tax breaks are reserved for homes occupied as the main residence. This means that a second home remains subject to housing taxes, even if it is not very busy.

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Read also: Second home: pitfalls to avoid

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Increase in property tax in tense areas

In some Municipalities located in a tense area, property tax may be higher. These areas include sectors where the demand for housing far exceeds the supply. The aim is to encourage owners to rent out their properties in order to prevent them from being left unused.

In particular, the areas of continuous urbanization with more than 50,000 inhabitants frequently apply a Vacant housing tax and specific increases on second homes. Local authorities can thus set an increase of up to 60% On the housing tax And the property tax.

If you are affected by these increases, it is recommended that you check with the Center for Public Finances Or of tax department of your municipality to find out the application procedures and any possible derogations.

In some Municipalities located in a tense area, property tax may be higher. These municipalities are those where the demand for housing greatly exceeds the supply. In these areas, owners can see their Housing tax on residences side effects sharply increase.

Les areas of continuous urbanization with more than 50,000 inhabitants also often apply a Vacant housing tax to encourage owners to rent their property.

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Cases of exemption or reduction of property tax

Although the second homes do not benefit no general exemptions, some situations allow you to be exempt from tax :

• Vacant housing : If the property is uninhabitable or unusable for a cause foreign to your will, a temporary exemption can be requested from the tax department.
• Retirement home : If an owner leaves his home to join a Retirement home, he can get a discount of the property tax.
• Renovation work : Some energy improvement works allow for temporary exemption. Inquire at the Center for Public Finances.

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Administrative procedures for the payment of property tax

The payment of the property tax is mandatory and must be completed before the deadline indicated on the tax notice. It is possible to pay online on the tax site or by direct debit.

If you dispute the amount of your property tax, you can send a request for correction to the tax department with supporting documents explaining your situation.

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Conclusion

La property tax is an unavoidable burden for owners of second homes. Depending on the location of the property and your situation, it is possible to obtain a reduction or an exemption. It is therefore important to be well informed about the rates voted by local authorities and on the possible procedures with the Center for Public Finances.

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❓ FAQ

1. How do I know if my second home is in a tense zone?

Les Municipalities located in a tense area are defined by the State. You can consult the list on the tax website or ask your town hall.

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2. Can you be exempt from property tax on a second home?

Yes, in some cases like a vacant housing, energy works or a start in Retirement home. You must make a request to tax department.

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3. Why do property tax rates vary by municipality?

The rates voted by the local authorities determine the amount of the tax. Each municipality applies its own rates according to its budget.

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