Birmingham Seminars: French Property Exhibition 2026
From choosing the right region to navigating visas, taxes, healthcare and the legal side of buying, our seminar programme is designed to answer the questions that come up at every stage of the journey to France. The full timetable for the French Property Exhibition in Birmingham has now been announced, with practical, jargon-free sessions led by trusted professionals plus expert panels hosted by French Property News editor Karen Tait.
Seminars are free to attend, and places can be booked on the day at the exhibition. Arrive early if there’s a session you don’t want to miss.
Get your free Exhibition tickets here.
FRANCE AS A TAX HAVEN… TRICK OR TRUTH: Kentingtons | Exhibition Sponsor
For UK nationals residing in France, and those planning to move there, understanding the French income tax system can really help towards your financial peace of mind. France’s tax structure may seem complicated, but with a clear grasp of its fundamental components, managing tax obligations can become a little more straightforward. From income tax to inheritance tax, capital gains tax to property taxes, the team at Kentingtons will run through all the rules and rates in France so you can ensure you know exactly what payments you will be liable for.
Saturday - Main Stage - 11:00
Sunday - Main Stage - 11:00
WHERE TO LIVE IN FRANCE: Leggett Immobilier
You’ve enjoyed many happy holidays in France and are now ready to make the move across the Channel or buy a second home there. But how can you ensure you pick the right place? France is a huge country with vastly differing landscapes, culture, climate, lifestyles, gastronomy, entertainment and work opportunities. There’s something for almost everyone, but it’s important to do your homework first. In this seminar, Joanna Leggett of Leggett Immobilier will run through the things you should consider before you make your decision, including looking at your chosen areas at different times of the year and how the location can match your lifestyle.
Saturday - Main Stage - 11:45
Sunday - Main Stage - 11:45
MOVING TO FRANCE & CHOOSING THE RIGHT VISA: Leonetti Business Services and Navigate France
Moving to France can be one of life’s most rewarding adventures, but it also comes with its fair share of paperwork and planning. The teams from Leonetti Business Services (Saturday) and Navigate France (Sunday) share their relocation checklist, covering the core admin steps you need to know to get off to a smooth start. From visitor visas to your path to residency, and other key considerations like insurance and driving in France, plus the latest news on the changes to the visa renewals process.
Saturday - Main Stage - 12:30
Sunday - Main Stage - 12:30
FRENCH PROPERTY: AN OVERVIEW OF LEGAL AND INHERITANCE ISSUES: Ashtons Legal
If you own a property in France, it will come under French law so it’s important to understand any implications for you as an overseas buyer. Unlike the UK, France has a forced heirship system as well as different marital regimes, which dictate how you own your property as a couple. In this seminar from the team at Ashtons Legal, you can learn all about the buying and conveyancing process in France, including the important step of how you structure your purchase from the outset – which affects how you can bequeath your property further down the line – and how to make your wills.
Saturday - Main Stage - 2:00
Sunday - Main Stage - 2:45
EXPLAINED: THE BUYING PROCESS IN FRANCE: Agence Newton
The French property market is well regulated and buyers are protected, but the process is different to that of the UK and other countries. This includes the role of the estate agent – in France, they tend to be more involved. This seminar from Agence Newton will look at the buying process from an estate agent’s view and will explain how a good agent can help you plan property viewings, negotiate an offer and hold your hand through to completion and beyond.
Saturday - Main Stage - 1:15
Sunday - Main Stage - 1:15
HEALTHCARE IN FRANCE: FROM TAKING THE FIRST STEPS TO LIVING THE DREAM: Lonemi featuring Agence AXA International
For those moving to France, joining the French healthcare system is clearly important. In addition, when you apply for a visa, you will have to prove you have health insurance to cover you until you become a French resident. Helen Harrop of Agence Axa International explains how the system works, including the ‘mutuelle’ top-up policies, and how you can access healthcare in France, whether you’re relocating for work or retirement.
Saturday - Main Stage - 2:45
Sunday - Main Stage - 2:00
PUT YOUR QUESTIONS TO OUR PANELS
French Property News Editor Karen Tait will be hosting expert panels looking at buying a French property and renovating and managing your French home. Put your questions to the panel and gain valuable insights from the experts.
RENOVATING & MANAGING YOUR FRENCH HOME
Host: Karen Tait, French Property News Editor
Panel: Tom Easdown, French Plans; Matthew Noble, MKN surveyors and Joe Wilson, Les Bons Voisins.
Once you’ve bought your French property, you can look forward to putting your own stamp on it. Maybe you have plans to do some work to it, from minor improvements to full-scale renovation. In this seminar, the panellists discuss key points like how a survey can help you decide whether to buy a particular property, how the planning process works in France, and the true cost of renovation. Even if you’re not planning any works, you’ll need to consider maintenance – our experts will look at how you can access help with the upkeep and options for property management when you’re not at home and for potential holiday rentals.
Saturday - 2.15
Sunday - 2:15
MONEY MATTERS: BUYING PROPERTY IN FRANCE
Host: Karen Tait, French Property News Editor
Panel: Mar Bonnin-Palmer, Moneycorp; Thomas Nivert, Société2Courtage
In this panel seminar, our experts will offer an honest and transparent look at how much it really costs to buy a property in France. From agency and notaires’ fees to the pros and cons of using a French mortgage and how to maximise your budget using clever currency tools, this seminar will provide you with some essential tips to smooth out the financial side of your buying journey.
Saturday - 12:45
Sunday - 12:45
Register now for your free tickets to the French Property Exhibition at: French Property Exhibition