Home Hunts local Blogs

Home Hunts the luxury property specialists now also have a number of blogs for the local markets in which they work. You can find them here:

For luxury french riviera property, chateau in Provence, cote d`azur property details you can visit the Riviera Provence property blog - http://riviera-provence.home-hunts.com/

For luxury property in Languedoc Roussillon, perpignan property, vineyards in languedoc for sale, nimes villas or properties around Montpellier, you can visit the Languedoc Roussillon property blog - http://languedoc-roussillon.home-hunts.com/

For property in the South West of France, Aquitaine properties, vineyards for sale in Bordeaux, Dordogne property and all properties for sale South West France, visit the Aquitaine blog - http://aquitaine-france.home-hunts.com/

For information regarding property for sale in Portugal, golf homes in the Algarve, Vale do Lobo villas or any Portuguese properties for sale, visit the Portugal Algarve blog - http://portugal-algarve.home-hunts.com/

For properties for sale in Florida, Miami condos, Luxury palm beach property or any type of luxury homes in Florida visit the USA Florida Blog - http://usa-florida.home-hunts.com/

OR, Finally, for luxury homes for sale around the world, international property, luxury homes in Dubai, Morocco, Italy, Carribean or many other luxury overseas properties, visit our international luxury property blog - http://international.home-hunts.com/

The main Home Hunts website remains available for all of your luxury property needs - www.home-hunts.com

Nîmes Property

Nîmes

What British investor could resist Nîmes, the “Rome” of France, a dream place in the sun? Only 5 hours from Waterloo and sandwiched between the Basses-Alpes and the Mediterranean - you will soon be savouring the scents of wild thyme, lavender and the salty coastal air. Situated east of the Camargue and the Cevennes, (where R.L.Stephenson walked with his donkey Modestine), west of the garden of Provence, and north-west of Marseilles, Nîmes is one of France’s most delightful cities.

Nîmes - ‘the city with an accent’ - has a beautiful Roman heritage and is famous as the place where the material denim was invented – although Gênes (Genoa) in Italy also claims this distinction. The asteroid 51 Nemausa is named after the city. Nîmes has plenty to offer Brits who are searching for a home in the South of France – there is a friendly ex-pat community in this, the capital city of the Gard Department (pop.145,000) which is just half-an-hour from Montpellier and convenient for access to both Italy and Spain. Located on the temperate coastal plains of the Languedoc region, summer temperatures are frequently in the eighties (30ºC +) and rarely drop to freezing in winter. Nîmes is accessible from the UK by Eurostar to Lille, connecting with the TGV services straight to Nîmes, or by plane with Ryanair flying from Liverpool, London, and East Midlands.

Nîmes is a medium sized city; small enough to have an intimate feel, and large enough to have good amenities; theatres, cinemas, galleries, museums, sports and festivals. Shopping is best in the pedestrianised historic city centre or at the Coupole shopping centre. The star attraction is the Arenes, the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in Europe, a smaller version of the Colosseum in Rome. It has fantastic views of the surrounding area and hosts displays of gladiators, bullfighting, and pop concerts. The Jardins de la Fontaine, France’s first public garden, conserves the natural spring around which the Romans built their city, on a site sacred to the Gauls. The Maison Carrée, a Roman temple, and the Carré d'Art, a modern art museum, are not far away.

There are many smart restaurants and bars in Nîmes throughout the city centre. Whether for coffee in the daytime, cocktails or late night drinks, there is always atmosphere and a real buzz about the city. The biggest annual event is the Feria de Nîmes, held over Pentecost (Whitsun) weekend, a celebration of Nîmes' greatest tradition: bullfighting. Outside Nîmes, La Gard Department has much to offer, with beaches on the Mediterranean close by, walking in the picturesque Cevennes, skiing at Mont Aigoual, and the charming villages of Provence within easy reach

In terms of property, Nîmes and the Gard have much to offer. In Nîmes itself, the choices are essentially as in any major city. There are one bedroom apartments from 130 000€, increasing to around 500 000€ and more for a large bourgeois apartment in a sought-after location, such as overlooking the Maison Carrée. Houses are to be found in the centre but obviously they are few and far between and so command higher prices, from around 300 000€ for something with a garden within walking distance of the centre. There is some exciting new modern architecture set in the city's famous Roman ruins and some great properties to buy especially on the outskirts where a 3-bedroom house with a garden starts at just over £160,000.

As you go north towards Alès and the Cévennes or west to Le Vigan prices are very good. A village house with an exterior (and there are more of these around than in, say, the Aude) can be found from around 140 000€. Alès offers very good value for money and with the new dual carriageway due for completion late in 2007 it will be only a 20-minute journey to Nîmes, and an hour to the coast.

Another popular town is Uzès, to the north west of Nîmes. A very old and historic market town it is well preserved (part of Cyrano de Bergerac was filmed there), and very beautiful; very much a Sunday trip type of place, it has a distinctly Provençal feel to it. Properties in Uzès itself are quite expensive and many don't have any exterior space, but better value is to be found in the surrounding villages.


It is fair to say that the Gard has been slower to 'boom' than other areas of the Languedoc, but if you are looking for a mixture of Languedoc and Provence, the climate and the pace of life of the south, with the buzz of a cosmopolitan city, then Nîmes could be for you. It's certainly worth a visit! Like the rest of Languedoc, property for sale in Nîmes has risen in value recently - a property hotspot in the South of France.

HOMEHUNTS specialise in finding properties throughout the South of France. Phillippa Bowman manages our team throughout the Languedoc Roussillon region. Phillippa lives and works in Nimes, and is happy to organise your trip to visit properties in Nimes, Le Gard or anywhere in Languedoc. Please check out our Nimes properties available on http://www.home-hunts.com , or contact us on info@home-hunts.com for more information about our property search services in the South of France.

Rumble Romagnoli
www.relevanceweb.com
Optimize your Potential

Monaco, Cannes, or St Tropez!

Monaco, Cannes, St Tropez; there are no better playgrounds for the rich and famous than these jewels in the crown of the Cote D’Azur. But how much do we really know about these places? With a choice of exquisite property in Monaco, attractive apartments in Cannes and luxury villas in St Tropez, we chat to the property consultants from Home Hunts working in the area to decide where Brits might buy.

Monaco’s notoriety as a tax haven has made the British elite some of the major players within this rich and cultural principality. Once favoured by the Russian Mafia, but now regarded as the safest travel destination in the world (with a ratio of one policeman to every 100 residents), Monaco’s insistence on tracing a person’s wealth back to legitimate origins has made the British wealthy enough to live there, favourites amongst the banks and property markets.

You need to be wealthy when buying a Monaco property; a three bedroom apartment in Monaco costs over 3 million euros. However, once installed, there are benefits of being here. The luxury lifestyle that this money affords means that British people in Monaco are amongst the happiest and healthiest in the world, with a life expectancy of a fraction off 80 years, and there can be no doubt that the first class cuisine at the luxury restaurants contribute to that longevity.
The breathtaking journey along the warm and varied Riviera coastline from Monaco brings you to Cannes. The bay is beautiful, with hills that provide a shelter against winds, the Frejus promontory overlooking the beach, and the two Isles of Lerins hugging and protecting the coast. Cannes suites a different type of property buyer, and is mainly recognized today for the International Film Festival. An event not to be missed if you are anyone of note within the film and entertainment industry, making property for sale in Cannes very sought after. The lure of the famous faces, (many owning apartments in Cannes ) and luxury living is too much to resist for most who can afford it, and the summer in Cannes is packed full of holidaymakers wanting to sample a taste of the movie-set glitz, the richer of whom often end up buying properties in Cannes.

As we move further westward along the coast we come to St Tropez. In the fifties, this charming little port became a favourite with the world’s artistic jet set, who started buying property in St Tropez. In the beginning, there was Pablo Picasso, now there’s Kate Moss; all drawn by the glorious weather and tranquil blue waters of the bay. The port is now filled with the grand luxury yachts of the rich and famous, making the summer months an idyllic time to sit in a café and watch the world go by.



For people looking for private property for sale, St Tropez has few equals. The true enchantment of the place takes hold in the less busy periods, with temperatures that allow you to enjoy the beach all year long and an “ambiance” that doesn’t leave when the bulk of the tourists do. The off season is a great time to own an apartment in St Tropez with more opportunity to enjoy the charming medieval architecture that dominates the old part of the town and attractions such as Place aux Herbes, the bustling and lively square at the centre of the town. There are regular markets and the converted chapel that is now the Musee de L’annonciade is the perfect place to enjoy peace of mind, and has a collection of paintings boasting Derain and Matisse. St Tropez is proven to successfully combine the jet set lifestyle with the charm of the area, illustrated well at the Place de Lices, where the stars with St Tropez properties, can be seen playing boules alongside the local faces.

Lavish boutiques, splendid boats, and luxury villas complimented by the finest food and natural beauty so great, that the Cote d’Azur is regarded in local legend as part of the paradise created in the story of creation. If these are the sorts of delights you enjoy, Monaco and the towns along the Cote d’Azur such as Cannes and St Tropez are going to be for you. Make an appointment to see Tim Swannie or one of the Home Hunts team, who offer a property search service for French property for sale on the Cote D’Azur, South of France.

Home Hunts consultants would be happy to send you information about properties in Monaco, Cannes, and St Tropez, and can organise holiday property visits for you on the Cote d’Azur. See their website http://www.home-hunts.com/, or blog http://homehunts.blogspot.com/

Alex Wood
www.relevanceweb.com
Web Optimisation South of France
Optimize your Potential

French Property Tax

When buying in France, get to know two local taxes in France which you will have to pay if you buy a property in france. If the property is sold during the year, the seller and the buyer often agree to share the tax.

Taxe d’habitation is a residential tax (or rates) and is paid by the occupier of the property.
The taxe d’habitation is:

• payable to your local council for the provision of council services (e.g roads and rubbish men e.t.c)
• based on the notional rental value of your property; this rate is often substantially lower than the market rental value
• payable on January 1 by the person who was the occupier at that date
• payable if a home it is furnished and supplied with water and electricity
• is calculated by multiplying the net rental value by a locally fixed tax rate
• calculated on the surface area of the house or apartment, the construction and amenities
• paid in one lump sum or in ten monthly installments from a French bank account
  exempt for over 60s, if the property is incapable of occupation, and for low income households
  

Another property tax is the taxe foncière, which is paid by the owners of a property or land.
The tax foncière is:

• a land tax: this tax is even payable on un-built land
• calculated by reference to the notional rental value of the premises
• reduced accordingly for second homes
• exempt for two years for newly built homes
• TVA free
• payable unless it is being used for agricultural purposes.

Please check the information section on the Homehunts website for more details on french property taxes

http://www.home-hunts.com/

Is there any land left in St Tropez?

St Tropez has often been referred to as the jewel in the crown of the French Riviera. There are still many interesting properties to buy in the area, either as holiday homes, or as primary residences. The most sought after positions are St Tropez, Ramatuelle, and Gassin, with surrounding areas of Plan de La Tour, La Garde Freinet, Ste Maxime, and St Raphael also offering exciting investment possibilities. However, what is there for the property developer, or the private individual who wants to build his own dream house? Home Hunts, the South of France Property Search Specialist went on a journey to discover what land possibilities there were in the heart of the Cote D'Azur.

A client came over to St Tropez last week looking to buy land. He had found a good plot in St Raphael for 350,000€, which he could build on (400,000€) and then sell for 1-1.2m€. Unhappy with the potential margin, he started to look with www.home-hunts.com in search of better margins.

We looked hard for a week and most immobilier told us that there is no land whatsoever to buy in the St Tropez area with a sea view. Most of the best positions were taken up by people moving to the Cote D'azur thirty years ago; they built then, and the property is either kept in the family, or sold for large sums of money. These peoperties now are 30 years old, and can be "renovated" - ie smashed down and rebuilt new. However, the prices will not allow the builder to make much money. So what interestes are there in the St Tropez area for the property developer?

What are we looking for?
1. They are looking for a piece of land with a sea view. Why? Because it is a sure bet for resale, and rental income if it does not sell.
2. A good sized plot where you can build a big house 250m2 plus. Remember there are different laws in different areas depending on the percentage of land you can build. Usually it is 10%, but can be as low as 7% and as high as 15% in some cases.
3. The golden triangle; St Tropez, Ramatuelle, Gassin. These areas are sure to sell quick, and property developers need to sell quick.
4. Flat land; sloped land can be built on, but you are putting more money into the ground than on top of it, which may or may not be built into the sale price.
5. As much land as possible, so a large house is not squashed in a small plot. The house should be built south facing, with as much of the view as possible.
6. Not overlooked by other properties.
7. Private Domain for security.
8. Close to local shopes despite an exclusive domain.

What we found
Plot 1: St Maxime 2500m2 660,000€
This plot looked fantastic, with a 180 degree sea view, looking over the golf courses and with St Tropez in the distance. Near the golf, in a safe private community, and 4 minutes drive to the heart of town. The land was 2500m with quite a large slope. Not overlooked, with neighbours on both sides, but facing in a different direction. The problem was that you could only build SHON (i.e. living space) 185m2, as it was the last plot on a private community. Build costs would be high (500k€) as it was on a slope, and resale would be only about 1.2m€max. Profit would be very little even if it was sold straight away.

Plot 2: St Maxime 2500m2 1,100,000€
This plot had the same incredible 180 degree sea view and was in a private domain. Land was flat, and you could build 15% and at 7m. This made for a 350m2 house, which would be excellent. Build costs would be relatively lower at about 700,000€, and a new houses in the area were selling at 3.2m€. This looked like a much better margin. Not in the golden triangle, so a quick sale would not be as likely as say St Tropez/Ramatuelle.

Plot 3: St Tropez 6600m2 1,370,000€
This large flat plot with and existing house of 110m2, and great garden with lots of pine trees. 6600m2, with a SHON of 182m2. You can old build 3.5m high due to restrictions, but the house could have large terraces and a lage garage underground. The house would be built south facing, at the back of the garden, and would give to a majestic feel. 1.5km to the beaches and in a nice private position, not overlooked. Build would cost 700,000€, and resale would be potentially 3.5m€. In the golden triangle, but no sea view.

Plot 4 Ramatuelle 3500m2 1,800,000
Small plot with an existing house. Building permits for 350m2, but resale despite being close to the main St Tropez beach, and in an exclusive area, would be 3m€ max. No sea view. Build costs would be large, as the the land is on a slope; 800,000€ would be an estimate build cost. Would suite soebody who wanted to buy in that area, and build their own house, but only a very small profit could be made, if at all.

The two interesting plots for builders were the 2nd two, and quite a fair profit could be realized with these projects. These are available for sale on www.home-hunts.com, but you would need to be a professional.

There are still plots of land available in the St Tropez area, for individuals who want to build their own house, live in them, with the profits being realised in 5-10 years. There are also plots available for builders to turn over at a quick rate.

www.home-hunts.com can help you make the right decisions when buying land, as there are quite a few obstacles to overcome when finding the right plot. Home Hunts have English and French builders who can help you with your project. Please e-mail rumble@boardnlodge.com for more info.

Place to stay?

Looking for a peaceful and charming place to stay during your trip to the South of France?

A warm welcome awaits you at LA PARARE, an old stone “bergerie” nestled in the hills behind Nice dating back to the 18 th century.

www.laparare.com

The Rolling Stones come to Nice

August 8th 2006 - Palaiz Nikaia - Nice

The Rolling stones European tour 2006 stops in Nice.

http://www.rollingstones.com/abiggerbang/

Information - South of France

A useful website for local information in France http://www.beyond.fr/

The web's leading English language source for travel in France, with maps, travel information, hotels, photos, and detailed sections on villages, gastronomy, wine, sports, trains...

Chopper Taxi Cote D'azur

St Tropez Helicopter - Helicoptere Saint Tropez

Villages in the Var

La Garde Freinet
La Garde Freinet is a quiet village nestled in the oak and chestnut forests of the Massif des Maures found 25 km from St Tropez. While in a hushed location, this attractive village is a gateway to the Gulf of St. Tropez via Le Luc. As old as the 11th Century, the stone houses, old fashioned street names, and the intimate village square create a special atmosphere. The famous Chestnut Festival in autumn sees this quiet little village come alive with local folk coming from many little hamlets outside the village: (Mourre, Cour, and Val d'Aubert) to take part in a this village “fete.”The peaceful feel and the surrounding naturehas attracted bohemian writers, and artists making the town even more "funky."

Plan de La Tour
Plan de la Tour is a quaint unspoiled wine village which dates back to medieval times. When you walk through the cobbled streets through tiny streets you get a real feeling of France. The village church is central to the village and appears over the pretty tile roofs as you enter Plan de La Tour. It is set on a plateau between the vivid peaks of the Massif des Maures. Plaines of vineyards are broken by fantastic provencal villas, and the setting is peaceful. St Maxime is only 9kms away, and St Tropez a further 18kms. 18 “hameaus” satellite Plan de la Tour and the stars are hidden here with Sean Penn having his home here.

St Raphael&Frejus
St. Raphael is the Var city where tourism meets business. St Raphael and Frejus merge into
each other on the Mediterranean to form a large happening centre on the cote d’azur. The volcanic Esterel Mountains which are thought to be a part of the African continent of old are a vivid backdrop, and beaches west of St Raph have fantastic red rock. 13,000 hectaries are protected, and haven for trekkers, and nature enthusiasts.With 5 different harbors, St. Raphael is known for sailing and is the a great place for boating enthusiasts. Along its 40 kms of coastline you can discover sandy beaches, creeks, and inlets, all carved out of the famous red rock of the Esterel Mountains. “You will be able to discover traditional festivities in

every season. There are joust tournaments, celebrations of St. Baume and St. Pierre, Mimosa Week, Jazz festivals, and other typical St. Raphael entertainment”





St Tropez

St. Tropez became "St. Trop" when the show business people, artists and writers all fell under the spell of this charming little port in the 1950's. In the summer one could bump into Picasso, Francoise Sagan, Jacques Prévert and many others, With the arrival of Brigitte Bardot in the 6O's the myth was installed for good. Since then St. Tropez has become the in vacation spot for chic Parisians and the international Jet Set. Night life is very lively and often one can see helicopters bringing elegant guests to private parties in one of the many luxurious villas on the bay. People watching is a favorite sport here in the summer, Visitors like to sit at the outdoor cafés hoping either to be seen or to see some one else. Competition is rife. Huge yachts line up in the port rivaling to see which is the biggest, the prettiest, the best kept, or has the snappiest crew . Only beautiful people hop on board. It is quite a spectacle for the casual visitor!
If you have the choice come here in May, June or September, without the crowds one can take the time to admire the charming little streets and alleys. Early in the morning at the Place aux Herbes one can find fruit vegetables and flowers and watch the local fishermen selling their new catch. This is also the neighborhood of the famous brasseries Le Gorille and Sénéquier. A typical Provencal market is held every Tuesday and Saturday morning in the Place des Lices. Religious and festive processions called "Bravades" are lively celebrations which begin in May and continue until the 15th of June.

Ste Maxime

Ste Maxime is a fun family beach town which faces St Tropez across the Gulf. Sainte Maxime faces straight south and is sheltered from the winds by the Maures Mountains. The nightlife is full of people music at Le Wafoo, and Markets in the main town square. The wonderful weather and the beautiful location make it the ultimate holiday destination with lively pedestrian streets. The beaches right across Ste Maxime and out towards St Raphael: La Nartelle.

Weather in France

Check out the weather in France by following this link:

Francopats - France's Expat Website

This should help when organising your property visits to thej South of France.

Languedoc Roussillon

HomeHunts do not just find property on the French riviera or in Provence, Var or Luberon areas.

We also have a team of consultants in the Languedoc Roussillon regions. If you are looking for a property in Perpignan, Montpellier, Toulouse, Carcassonne, Nimes, Uzes or any location in Languedoc Roussillon then get in touch.