'Interest in French Property up 192%' says The Telegraph

"Now, if your total chargeable wealth is below €1.3m you do not pay any wealth tax. As from next year there will be just two tax rates: 0.25% for households with wealth between €1.3m and €3m and 0.5% for those with wealth over €3m.

"Most people are better off under the new system; those who have high value assets but a relatively little income might find it less attractive. Meanwhile, Spain has just reintroduced wealth tax, after abolishing it in 2008; the threshold at which it kicks in is a less attractive €700,000.”

Proposed changes to the country’s capital gains tax system will also benefit property investors who sell within five years, as they will receive a lower capital gains tax bill.

"Outside of this window of opportunity investors will have to take into account inflation and will be charged at a higher level. In effect, inflation over the five year period can now be offset against the amount of capital gains tax due," said Mr Way.'

From The Telegraph November 2011