The impact of remote work and liberal professions on your property

Remote work, a connected society phenomenon?

An increasing number of companies in France have given their employees the green light to work from home. And that on a regular basis. Employees are more productive, less stressed by public transport. They can also, in the case of parents, spend more time with their children. In the end, everyone benefits from remote work.

In parallel, with the acceleration of internet connections, more and more specialists are spending increasing amounts of time working from home. A different mode of work and, of course, isolated. Those who see no drawbacks to this sometimes decide to go self-employed. A better balance between private and professional life, but how do you manage your property in this case? And above all, what would be the impact on its market value if you are a buyer or seller? Sextant France has studied these questions for you.

Informing the owner or co-ownership

Whether you are an entrepreneur, self-employed or exercising a liberal profession, you may be looking for a new home to live and work optimally. This is quite rare but some properties prohibit any professional activity at home; these are known as “exclusive bourgeois residences”. This clause will appear in the co-ownership regulations. Otherwise, a “simple bourgeois residence” would allow you to work from home. However, what if no such clause appears in the said regulations?

If you are a property owner looking to optimise the value of your property, you will need to send your request to the co-ownership assembly. If you are a tenant, you must inform your landlord as it is their duty to inform the assembly and obtain the said clause.

Please also note that in the case of very frequent and regular visits to the co-ownership site, you will also need to send an authorisation request to the syndicate. This will submit the request to the co-ownership assembly.

With regard to the duration of the clause over time, this is advantageous as there is no limit as long as the worker remains self-employed. If the business expands and the activity leads to the professional launching a company, then the clause will only be valid for 5 years. The law indeed requires that beyond this date, a commercial lease must be in place for any registered office.

Financial advantages

The final question is that of the rent corresponding to the professional activity. Indeed, this is a deductible expense. Generally this is calculated pro rata to the surface area used. If it is a secondary residence used exclusively for the activity, you will need to justify the reason for this choice. Other expenses may also be deducted, such as water, electricity and internet subscription. Please also note that rent receipts must be kept if you are a landlord. These must indeed appear in the accounts.

In the end, this is a property project that is best studied with an expert. Indeed, any professional activity at home may result in you being subject to the Local Business Tax, the CFE.