Investors advised about the importance of French inheritance laws

According to tax advisory service Blevins Franks, Britons considering a move to France should ensure they are aware of inheritance laws in the country.

Although the laws are relatively simple for married couples who have either children from that marriage or no children at all, inheritance matters can become much more complicated if a couple is not married or if there are children present from previous marriages, the firm stated.

French inheritance tax can be as much as 60 per cent, while the law also limits who can actually benefit from available assets.

Peter Horn, senior advisor at Blevins Franks, said: "[It] is probably the most important issue for people to be aware of."

Many UK residents are considering a move to France, enticed by cheap prices (less than a third of UK prices), lower taxes and a cost of living which is estimated to be 30 per cent cheaper than in Britain.

The Times recently reported that Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, introduced a tax on investment revenue that might discourage foreign buyers.