Article updated on 11 June 2024
It's possible to invest in a forest, and it's the stuff of dreams! Whether you're looking to enjoy a change of scenery or generate income, there are a number of solutions available to you.
However, when you talk about land, you also talk about regulations. Between the town planning code and the local town planning scheme, the legislation is very precise and sometimes very complex. To make sure you don't run the risk of criminal sanctions, this article provides a wealth of information on how to use your forest land in full compliance with the law.
Buying a forest as a private owner is possible! Acquired by 75% of private owners, forestry is now a high-potential investment.
To buy a forest property, you can turn to :
Described as a responsible investment, acquiring a forestry property has many advantages. You can benefit from tax advantages such as income tax rebates or credits, and partial exemption from property wealth tax (IFI). This investment also allows you to build up potential income through hunting rights or income from the use of your forest.
As with agricultural land, it is forbidden to build a dwelling house on forest land.
Woods and forests are generally classified as N zones (natural and forested zones) from a town planning point of view, where building is prohibited, with a few exceptions.
You should therefore start by consulting your commune's Local Planning Scheme, which sets out the building regulations.
Apart from the N and A (agricultural) zones, your plot of woodland could be in the U (Urban) zone, where it will be possible to build.
There are, however, possibilities for Light Leisure Dwellings (HLL) such as tipis, yurts, caravans, etc.
It is possible to install a Light Leisure Dwelling (HLL) on forest land classified in zone N (natural) or A (agricultural) for a period of less than 3 months per year, subject to certain conditions.
In all cases, the installation of an HLL in an N or A zone requires the approval of your local planning authority.
It is therefore virtually impossible to build a conventional dwelling on forest land. However, there are more possibilities for temporary facilities such as low-cost housing.
On the other hand, it will be much easier to buy forest land with a house already built on it and make it your main residence.
Building without making a prior declaration to your local town hall or without planning permission is a breach of the town planning code.
Once the infringement has been recorded, a procès-verbal is issued against you. As a result, the tribunal de grande instance can require you to bring your building into compliance, or, conversely, to stop and/or demolish the work. You could face a fine of between €1,200 and €6,000 per m² (article L480-4 of the French Town Planning Code). Failure to comply with the decisions of the Tribunal de Grande Instance can result in additional penalties, such as a fine of €75,000 and 6 months' imprisonment.
It's a common misconception that there's little chance of anyone noticing the work we've done or the changes we've made to our home, but think again! Although life in the forest is a change of scenery, a hunter or forest ranger could report any alterations made to your plot of land.
In recent years, the frequency of natural disasters has increased significantly. That's why it's vital that your forest is properly covered by specific insurance.
Insuring a forest can offer a number of possibilities, advantages and disadvantages. Here is a detailed analysis of these aspects:
Insurance against natural risks: Forests can be insured against various natural risks such as fire, storms, floods and insect infestations.
Public liability insurance: This covers damage that the forest could cause to third parties, for example, if trees fall on neighbouring properties.
Loss of income insurance: In the event of a claim, this insurance can compensate for the loss of income associated with forestry operations.
Financial protection: Insurance helps to protect the financial investment in the event of a claim, thereby reducing economic losses for the owner.
Security and peace of mind: Knowing that the forest is insured against various risks gives the owner peace of mind.
Facilitating forest management: In the event of a claim, insurance funds can help finance the replanting and restoration of the forest, thus ensuring the continuity of forest management.
Enhancing the value of the property: An insured forest can be perceived as more secure and therefore more attractive to potential investors.
Cost of premiums: Insurance premiums can be high, especially for forests located in high-risk areas.
Exclusions and limitations: Insurance policies may contain exclusions and limitations that reduce cover in the event of a claim.
Complexity of contracts: Insurance contracts can be complex and difficult to understand, often requiring the help of an expert to ensure that cover is adequate.
High deductibles: Some insurance policies may impose high deductibles, meaning that the owner has to bear some of the costs in the event of a claim.
Insuring a forest therefore offers significant advantages in terms of financial protection and security, but it is important to understand the associated costs and limitations. A careful assessment of specific needs and potential risks is essential to choosing the most appropriate insurance cover.
In addition, climate change will result in a significant increase in claims. For example, claims due to natural events could reach 143 billion euros between 2020 and 2050, an increase of 93% compared with the period 1989-2019. This will inevitably lead to a sharp rise in insurance premiums and the introduction of exclusions in contracts.
There are a number of advantages to investing in forestry property that appeal to many private individuals.
If your intention is to make it a permanent, sustainable home, you should look for forest land that already has a dwelling built on it.
If, on the other hand, you want to make the most of plots of land as alternative housing, you need to check with your local authority's Local Planning Scheme so that you can apply for the necessary permits.
