Inheritance tax ruling 'may help overseas property owners'

Britons who own property overseas could benefit from a change to inheritance tax law, accountants have suggested.

Experts have said a recent European Court of Justice ruling that the UK government cannot restrict relief on the tax to UK investments does not just apply to agricultural properties or areas of woodland in Europe, the Times reports.

Angela Beech of accountancy firm Blick Rothenberg told the paper: "Britons who own, say, a farmhouse in France or a farm cottage in Italy, could benefit hugely."

Such a situation may interest those thinking of buying property in France, as this could help them to build up an investment that can be passed on to the next generation.

Those considering purchasing in areas of France close to the English Channel may have been encouraged by news that ferry company LD Lines is shortly to launch a new high-speed ferry service.

Spokesman for the firm Nick Stevens said the new 112-metre long catamaran will provide a combination of low prices and short journey times that could help the firm to rival budget airlines.

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