News Digest: Blackouts, Kim Kardashian’s Trial in Paris and Tax Deadlines Approach

This week’s French news covers notaire fee increases affecting property buyers, upcoming tax deadlines that all residents and second-home owners need to be aware of, a major blackout across southern France and a high-profile trial in Paris.

1. Notaire Fees Increase Across France

Property buyers should prepare for higher overall purchasing costs, following a widespread increase in notaire fees across France. Most departmental councils have voted to raise the fees associated with property transactions, known as frais de notaire, which include taxes collected by notaries on behalf of the government. The adjustment came into effect on 1st April 2025 and is intended to provide additional funding to local authorities struggling with budget constraints. Although the increase is modest (usually adding between €200 and €600 to a typical transaction) buyers are advised to account for these additional costs when planning their purchases. Second-home buyers and overseas investors already facing higher borrowing rates, should also be prepared.

2. Important Tax Deadlines Approaching

Tax season in France is now in full swing, and both residents and non-residents must pay close attention to filing deadlines. Those submitting paper tax returns must do so by 21st May 2025. Meanwhile, online filing deadlines begin from 23rd May 2025, depending on your department number. Online declarations are mandatory for anyone with reliable internet access. Importantly, non-resident property owners must declare rental income from French properties even if it is modest. Late filings can incur penalties starting at 10% of the tax owed, rising significantly for prolonged delays. It is strongly recommended to consult the French tax office (Service des Impôts) or a bilingual accountant if there is any uncertainty about obligations this year.

Members: Have you seen Debbie Nye’s Masterclass? It’s a comprehensive guide to filing your taxes this year – you can watch it in our video hub!

3. Blackout Disrupts Southern France

A widespread power outage struck parts of southern France on Monday 28th April, leaving thousands temporarily without electricity. The disruption, which also affected large swathes of Spain and Portugal, caused metro services to halt, airport operations to be delayed, and mobile networks to falter across regions including Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. French authorities said the cause was linked to a cascade failure within the European power grid following technical faults in Spain. Although power was restored within hours, the blackout highlighted vulnerabilities in cross-border energy systems and sparked renewed debate about France’s reliance on an aging electrical grid. Officials have called for urgent infrastructure investment ahead of the busy summer season.

5. Kim Kardashian Paris Robbery Trial Begins

Nine years after the dramatic robbery of American celebrity Kim Kardashian in Paris, the trial of twelve accused individuals has finally opened in the French capital. The defendants are charged with offences ranging from armed robbery and kidnapping to criminal conspiracy, following the 2016 heist at the Hôtel de Pourtalès, where Kardashian was bound and robbed of jewellery valued at over €9 million. Court proceedings began on 23rd April, with prosecutors alleging that the crime was meticulously planned over several months. The high-profile case has reignited conversations about security measures in Parisian luxury hotels and the vulnerability of high-profile visitors, especially during major events such as Paris Fashion Week. A verdict is expected later this summer.

6. Steel Production Rises as Industrial Demand Rebounds

Latest figures show that France’s steel industry experienced notable growth in March 2025, with production rising by 10.4% compared to the same month last year. The National Federation of Steel Industries attributes this rebound to a combination of factors: the restart of several infrastructure projects, renewed activity in the property construction sector, and increased export orders from neighbouring European countries. Analysts note that while energy costs remain high, government subsidies and improved market confidence have helped manufacturers scale operations. The news comes as a positive signal for the broader French economy, which has been navigating slow GDP growth projections and external trade pressures this year.