Do I have to pay the housing tax for my second home?

Owners of second homes are not exempt from paying this tax, even though 80% some French no longer pay for their main residence in 2020. It's What the Ministry of Finance says.

However, if you already pay the public broadcasting contribution (CAP), i.e. the TV fee, for your main accommodation, you do not have to pay it again for your secondary residence, even if you own a TV there.

Note that some municipalities apply an increase in the housing tax for second homes.

You can to request an exemption at the public finance center of your secondary residence, if you are in one of the following situations:

• your professional activity is close to your secondary residence and obliges you to reside there, rather than in your main residence;
• your primary residence is the long-term care facility where you are housed. Your former principal residence has become secondary.
• you cannot use your secondary residence as a primary dwelling for reasons beyond your control (for example, a city planning operation requires work to be done in your dwelling or work is required to make the dwelling decently habitable).

In addition, taxes on vacant housing do not apply to second homes, even in the case of irregular occupancy.