London 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 London has now been announced, with practical, jargon-free sessions led by trusted professionals plus expert panels hosted by French Property News editor Karen Tait and FrenchEntrée editor Zoë Smith.
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.
Thanks to our seminar sponsors, Fab Expat. Get your free Exhibition tickets here.
NEW VISA CHECKLIST FOR 2026: Fab Expat
Moving to France can be one of life’s most rewarding adventures, but it also comes with its fair share of paperwork and planning. Fabien Pelissier explains how to choose the visa you need – whether you're a visitor staying for longer than three months in France, want to start the path to residency, or need to apply for a work or business visa. Plus he will uncover the remote working visa myth and give an update on the latest changes to the immigration and visa renewals process.
Saturday - Seminar theatre 1 - 11:00am
Sunday - Seminar theatre 1 - 11:00am
UNDERSTANDING THE LEGAL SIDE OF BUYING IN FRANCE: 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 and also has 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.
Saturday - Seminar theatre 1 - 11.45 am
Sunday - Seminar theatre 2 - 12.00 pm
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 - Seminar theatre 2 - 12.00 pm
Sunday - Seminar theatre 1 - 2.00 pm
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. 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 - Seminar theatre 1 - 12.30pm
Sunday - Seminar theatre 1 - 12.30pm
PLANNING FOR PEACE OF MIND: FRENCH WILLS, ESTATES, AND PROBATE EXPLAINED: Stone King
Do you need separate French and English (or other nationality) wills? The answer depends on various factors, including how you structured your property purchase and where you live. France has a forced heirship system, meaning you can’t just leave your French property and assets to whoever you wish, so seeking advice on inheritance planning is recommended, particularly if you have children from previous relationships. The EU Succession Regulation simplified things to an extent but is not foolproof. All this, plus how to make your wills, how much French inheritance tax you’ll pay and more will be discussed in this seminar from the team at Stone King.
Saturday - Seminar theatre 1 - 1.15 pm
Sunday - Seminar theatre 1 - 1.15 pm
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 - Seminar theatre 1 - 2.00 pm
Sunday - Seminar theatre 1 - 2.45 pm
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 - Seminar theatre 1 - 2.45 pm
Sunday - Seminar theatre 1 - 11.45 am
PUT YOUR QUESTIONS TO OUR PANELS
This year French Property News Editor Karen Tait and FrenchEntrée Editor Zoë Smith will be hosting a series of expert panels looking at all aspects of buying a French property and moving to France. Put your questions to the panel and gain valuable insights from the experts.
LIVING AND WORKING IN FRANCE
Host: Zoe Smith, FrenchEntrée Editor
Panel: Allison Grant-Lounes, Your FranceFormation; Debbie Nye, FrenchEntrée; Ginny Mimault, IAD France
From remote working to setting up a gîte business, our panellists discuss all the essentials for moving to and working in France. Find out about the different work and business visas, the basics of French business taxes and PAYE, and look at your options for finding work in France, with plenty of tried-and-tested advice from our panel.
What you’ll learn:
Whether you’re eligible for a French work visa
Which tax regime fits your French business
What it really takes to run a French gîte
How to become a property agent
Saturday - Seminar theatre 2 - 11.15 am
Sunday - Seminar theatre 2 - 11.15 am
MOVING AND RETIRING TO FRANCE
Host: Karen Tait, French Property News Editor
Panel: Fabien Pelissier, Fab Expat; Robert Kent, Kentingtons; Jerome Poltorak, Notaire
Our panellists tackle the biggest topics of discussion for anyone hoping to retire, join an EU spouse or raise a family in France. We’ll look at visitor and family visas, demystify French inheritance laws, and offer practical advice on receiving a pension or lump sum, transferring tax-efficient savings and investments, and accessing the French healthcare system.
What you’ll learn:
Whether you're eligible for a visitor or family visa
Your options for receiving a UK pension in France
The benefits (and disadvantages) of using an S1 form
How French inheritance laws affect UK citizens
The crucial tax and wealth management pitfalls to avoid
Saturday - Seminar theatre 2 - 12.45 pm
Sunday - Seminar theatre 2 - 2.15 pm
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY AND RENOVATE IN FRANCE
Host: Karen Tait, French Property News Editor
Panel: Jerry Green, Clé Rouge Immobilier; Mar Bonnin-Palmer, Moneycorp; Thomas Nivert, Societe2Courtage; Tom Easdown, French Plans; Anne-Sophie Donèche, Sweetch Architects
Our panellists offer an honest and transparent look at how much it really costs to buy and renovate a property in France. We’ll reveal all the ‘hidden’ costs of buying and running a second home in France, consider how mortgage rates and currency exchange influence the true price of a property, and look at how to set a realistic renovation budget.
What you’ll learn:
Up-to-date estimates of notaire’s fees, agents’ fees & property taxes
How taking out a French mortgage could save you money
How currency exchange dictates the REAL property price
The all-important differences between renovating in France and the UK
Plenty of expert tips for securing the best deal every step of the way!
Saturday - Seminar theatre 2 - 2.15 pm
Sunday - Seminar theatre 2 - 12.45 pm
BEYOND VISAS: YOUR RELOCATING TO FRANCE CHECKLIST
Host: Zoe Smith, FrenchEntrée Editor
Panel: Tracey Leonetti, LBS; Ben Hingley, Burke Bros; Debbie Nye, FrenchEntrée
Securing a French visa is just one step towards moving to France, and it’s all too easy to overlook everything else that needs to be done before, during, and after the move. Our panellists break down all of the most frequently asked questions, common mistakes and essential paperwork – especially the things you might not have thought of! We’ll offer a practical, step-by-step timeline and a comprehensive to-do list to help you plan your move to France.
What you’ll learn:
How to move furniture & belongings through French customs
How to move your pets with you to France
When and how to exchange a UK driving licence for a French one
The legal requirements for insurance cover in France
How to handle French paperwork like a pro!
Saturday - Seminar theatre 2 - 1.30 pm
Sunday - Seminar theatre 2 - 1.30 pm
Register now for your free tickets to the French Property Exhibition at: French Property Exhibition