'We may have to sell our five-bed 15th Century French house after Macron's ... trends now
A British couple say they may be forced to sell their 15th century French holiday home after Emmanuel Macron announced a tax raid on second homeowners.
Creative director Simon Amster, 55, and his wife TV executive Asha, 48, bought the five-bed 15th century hideaway in the village of Sauveterre-de-Bearn near Biarritz for just 50,000 euros (£42,000) eight years ago.
The couple, who live in Lewes, East Sussex, currently pay 1,400 euros a month in residency taxes but face a minimum increase of 7.1 per cent after French president Macron gave local authorities the power to impose colossal tax increases.
It's another post-Brexit slap in the face for Brits who have invested in property in France - after new travel restrictions limit visa-free stays in the EU to just 90 days in any 180-day period.
The Amsters, who have two children aged 11 and 13, say they are now considering selling the home to avoid paying thousands more each year in property taxes.
Simon and Asha Amster say they may have to give up their French property dream after Emmanuel Macron gave authorities the power to raise taxes on second homeowners
The Amsters' five-bed bolthole in Sauveterre-de-Bearn, near Biarritz. They bought the home for £42,000 eight years ago, one village over from Asha's mother
The charges introduced by French president Emmanuel Macron (above) have been introduced to discourage second home ownership
Regions such as Vauclause (home to Le Barroux, pictured above) are popular with Brits seeking European escapes as second homes
Mr Amster said: ‘Macron’s tax hikes have made us consider selling. All these additional costs mean our second home, which used to be a source of pleasure, is now a source of worry.
‘My wife’s mother lives in the neighbouring village so it is really useful for us to have the house so we can look after her if we need to.
‘There’s also a lot of uncertainty about how badly these taxes will affect us. We’re expecting quite a big jump, maybe around 20 per cent.
