HOMEHUNTS South of France Blog

Home Hunts local Blogs

2008-04-24T03:39:00.001-07:00

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

2007-03-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-01-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

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

New homes - Buying off plan

2006-10-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

For some people, the idea of owning a home in the South of France conjures up the image of rambling stone cottage in Provence or on the Riviera. For these people, the thought of doing renovation works and paying for ongoing maintenance comes with the territory and actually adds to the charm.

Many others however, are looking for a hassle free purchase, a safe investment property which needs little or no work. Whether buying purely as an investment or looking for a holiday home, a growing number of overseas buyers opt for a new build development of villas or apartments.

There are many advantages to buying newly built property. As well as the fact that the property will be brand new and pristine when delivered, there are also builders’ guarantees for 10 years, you pay reduced notaires fees and you are also exempt from paying some local taxes etc for the first two years.

Many developments are marketed weeks or months before construction works begin, and properties are available to buy “Off-plan”. Purchasing off-plan (or pre-construction) is when a buyer commits to a purchase from architects drawings before building work has commenced. Buyers who are prepared to move quickly pre-construction will find that they are more likely to be able to secure the plot of their choice and have more input in the layout and finishing of the property. Not to mention that as building work starts and the development progresses, prices for subsequent homes are usually adjusted upwards – a satisfying outcome for purchasers.

Aside from all the benefits however, it is important to buy through a reputable company. A bank guarantee is required by law to be in place to protect the clients funds, this means that in the unlikely event that the project does not reach completion, all monies are returned to the purchasers – plus interest.

The South of France has a large range of developments available, under construction or planned for the near future ranging from studio apartments to state of the art villas. A particularly interesting investment scheme which is extremely popular with the overseas buyer is the “Leaseback scheme”.

This unique, government backed scheme enables people to afford to buy their dream holiday home or investment property in France and to cover most or all of the mortgage costs with a guaranteed rental income (typically 3-6%). An established management or holiday company will rent out your property on your behalf for typically 9 years and they will be responsible for the upkeep of the property.

You do not have to pay VAT on the property which saves you the 19.6% charge that normally applies to all new property - a nice discount!

As the owner of a leaseback property, you usually have use of the property for holidays for a few weeks of the year if you wish (there is usually a choice – check each individual scheme).

As well as the guaranteed rental income and tax benefits, there is also the added bonus of getting the property fully furnished and fitted with kitchen and bathroom appliances, knowing that your property is not left empty and unattended for weeks or months at a time and that the maintenance is paid for by someone else! Too good to be true? Well there is only a limited amount of property available at any time under this scheme - that is the catch!

The majority of people who own holiday homes in France, only actually live in them for a few weeks of the year. In addition, French inheritance laws mean that many properties are owned by many family members who cannot agree what to do with the property - this also leaves many properties empty. This is why the French government has introduced 'Residence de Tourisme', or 'Leaseback' schemes to try and increase the quantity of holiday accommodation available in tourist hot-spots in order to cater for more tourists and increase the tourist revenues of France!

Basically you get a holiday home you own, usually with use of it for several weeks of the year with a fixed rental income guaranteed for the rest of the year and a discount to market value of the property represented by a 19.6% VAT refund on the whole property from the French government. (All new property has VAT in the total price; this refund represents a 16.4% discount to market value).

How It All Works

Some new properties for sale in France have negotiated a 'Residence de Tourisme' status. This means that a purchaser can buy the freehold of the property with or without a mortgage and then lease it back to the developer or a rentals company for a pre-determined period (usually around 9 years) at a fixed rental. At the end of the lease period, the property will be returned to the owner in perfect condition. Most of these properties include pools which can be accessed free of charge. Other facilities that a development may have, such as a gym, may be charged for. During the 'off-season' periods, although the property can be used, the extra facilities may not be available.

Each property purchased in this way usually has options for the purchaser to make use of the property for a few weeks of the year at no cost. Each development has its own definition of Very High, High and Low season. At the time of your purchase you would define how many weeks of each period you would like to keep for your own use, normally from zero to six weeks depending on the scheme. The owner of each property has first choice of which weeks to spend at the property, and would be sent a form at the beginning of each year to request their preferred weeks.

In order for the rentals company to guarantee the rent for 9 years it is vital that the development is in a high demand location with good facilities - the same attributes that tend to drive a good capital gain in a property!

French Property Leasebacks F.A.Q
These are general questions regarding leasebacks and the answers will vary slightly between each individual scheme.

Where are Leaseback properties available? Leaseback properties are available in many parts of France, including the Alps, Cote D'Azur, Languedoc and the Aquitaine region. The locations of leaseback properties vary, but often they are built in and around alpine/skiing, coastal or golf/sporting areas.How many Leaseback properties can I own? As many as you like. You do not have to be a French (or even an EU) resident.

What's the difference between a leaseback scheme and a time-share?
When you purchase a time-share, all you are getting are specific periods of time which you can use within certain locations over a set number of years. Once the term comes to an end, you are left with nothing. With a leaseback scheme, you are the actual freehold owner of the property and have simply entered into a 9-year or so lease agreement. After this agreement ends, the property is still yours to do with as you wish within certain rules. The only thing in common with both schemes is that you only have specific times you can use the property during the 9 years.

What happens if I have to sell the property before the end of the leaseback term?

As the freeholder of the property, you can sell it at any time. However, you would have to take into consideration that you would be selling the property with the residue of the lease term in place for the new buyer, and whatever period was remaining on the lease would have to be reflected in the sale price and also a proportion of the VAT discount would have to be refunded to the Government.

Who will look after my property during the leaseback period?

The management company looks after all of the properties on the development and, because of the high standards required, all properties and their grounds are maintained during the 9 year period.

Who is responsible for paying all the bills during the leaseback period?
All the utility bills are paid for by the management company who are also responsible for the upkeep and general maintenance of the property during the term. The local “Taxe foncière” (local rates) would be the responsibility of you, the owner. No “Taxe foncière” is due on new properties for the first 2 years.
What type of finance is available?
Leaseback property purchases are normally financed on a repayment mortgage basis rather than interest-only, over either 15 or 20 years. As a non-resident in a good financial position you could expect to qualify for 75% - 80% loan-to-value.

Why is there a discount on the purchase price?
The French government has given tax breaks to developers in order to encourage them to build “Residence de Tourisme” developments. This discount or VAT refund is passed on to purchasers to act as an incentive to get them involved in the scheme. There is a great shortage of holiday accommodation in the summer and France earns a lot of its' Gross National Product from tourism.

When I book my preferred week, will I be able to live in my own property?
As long as you have booked on time, you will usually be able to live in your own property. If you are late in booking, it may have to be another similar property.

What happens if I can't use all my allocated weeks?
Owners often arrange to sub-let the property, although you would have to do this privately. Some leases restrict this.

What happens if I wish to use more than my allocated weeks?
Generally you would get a discounted rate on any extra weeks you required over and above those allocated to you.

Can I use the property during the off-seasons?
Yes, but a small administration fee will be charged or a discount given on the price list from the rentals company.
Is my rental income guaranteed?
The rental income is guaranteed throughout the period and is usually paid quarterly in arrears. The rent is not guaranteed by the French government, it is usually paid by large holiday companies with substantial numbers of clients and assets. Your return is evaluated each year and can potentially increase. The worst case scenario is that you always get your original guaranteed return.

What happens when the Leaseback period comes to an end?

The lease will not automatically renew when it expires, unless this is stated in your contract. According to French law, unless you choose to live in it or are selling the property, then at the end of the lease, you have to initially try and renegotiate with the same management company, as they have first refusal on a new letting contract. This normally occurs 6 to 12 months before the end of the lease. Generally the easiest and most common decision is to sign a new commercial lease with the management company as the benefits of the scheme will still outweigh the inconvenience of letting it yourself. Alternatively you can sell it, live in it yourself or rent it out privately. Bear in mind that this may result in you having to pay some of your VAT refund back to the government, if it is less than 20 years since your original purchase of the property. If you decide to live in the property yourself or rent it out privately you will also be responsible for paying management fees to a new management company.How long have leaseback schemes operated in France?
Leaseback schemes have operated successfully for more than twenty years in France.
Is the lease always for nine years? No, although nine years is the most common period, the leaseback companies can ask for any period from nine years (the minimum) upwards. Another common length for a lease is 11 years or even 15 years. Do I have to buy the property furnished? Yes. All leaseback properties are sold fully furnished and equipped ready for letting. You become the owner of the furniture at the end of the lease. It is not uncommon for the price of the furniture not to be included in the purchase price, so you should check the terms of the individual development.Are leaseback properties always new builds? Generally, most leaseback schemes involve newly built apartments, although some major renovations or refurbishments can be included in the scheme. The scheme allows a full VAT refund if the development is brand new but in the cases of refurbishment or renovations, the amount of the VAT refund is substantially lower. It is generally proportional to the amount of renovation/refurbishment that has taken place. (Please note that Notaire fees will be up to 5% higher if the development is not new).

Do I pay interest on a mortgage on a leaseback as stage payments are made?

As leaseback properties are usually bought off plan 12-24 months before they are complete, do I have to pay the mortgage repayments while it's being built - before I receive any income? There are French mortgage companies who offer a grace period called "franchise" during the construction of the property. This arrangement lets you defer the full mortgage repayments during the build; you only pay the life insurance and a very small percentage of interest on the amount of money which has not yet been transferred to the developer. This usually works out at around €40 - €100 per month depending on the purchase price. It is easy to see that for investments or investments with holiday use the leaseback scheme is a very appealing choice.
What are the other fees in a purchase? Notaires fees are 2-3% for a new property, up to 7-8% on refurbished. How do I get back the VAT on the property? This will depend on the leaseback management company. Some will absorb the cost, charge you less and get the refund themselves; others can take a year or longer to claim your VAT back for you ( this will usually be done by the management company for you)Do I have to pay Capital Gains Tax if I resell? Yes, unless you keep the property for at least 22 years. French Capital Gains Tax starts at 25% for residents and 33% for non-residents. It reduces after 5 years until it is zero after 22 years. Tax is payable on the gain less Notaire fees, agency fees and costs of major work carried out. Can I use a company to buy a leaseback property? It can be possible to buy a leaseback property through a UK, French or offshore company. However, some developers may have restrictions on this and you would need to get specialist legal and tax advice.

More Information:
Home Hunts, the Property search specialists have a team of consultants based throughout the South of France who are available to offer advice and assistance through the French buying process. They work will all of the best selling agents, builders and developers in Southern France and have access to the whole marketplace. They can help you to buy ANY property in the South of France – from the Brand new to the ancient! For more information, visit their website – http://www.home-hunts.com/ send them an email info@home-hunts.com or call their office – 0870 44 66 43

New Developments - South of France

2006-05-23T23:13:00.000-07:00

Looking for an investment property in the South of France?
Considering buying off plan?
Interested in Leasebacks?

Home Hunts, the Property search specialists have just signed contracts to work with three of the largest property developers in France. We are about to promote all of their developments throughout the South of France. We will begin with the Riviera and the Var where we have a wide range of new developments available ranging from studio apartments to large individual villas.

Many of these new developments can come with a guaranteed rental income which make for a very interesting investment opportunity. Most developments allow you the opportunity to choose internal finishings and so on and all benefit from reduced notaires fees.

FOR FULL INFORMATION ON ALL OF THESE INTERESTING OPPORTUNITIES EMAIL US INFO@HOME-HUNTS.COM OR CALL ON 0033 4.92.28.05.42

Moving House in France

2006-05-23T23:04:00.000-07:00

This information has been provided courtesy of www.angloinfo.com

Moving house always requires endless planning and preparation, but there are some specifics you must remember when doing it in France. Here are some tips and points to remind you of all that must be done, and when.

Services:

EDF and GDF and Water: Notify the local agencies 10 days before you move, giving them your account number and new address. They will arrange to read the meter and send the bill for the service to your new address.

Notify the appropriate agency in your new area, to establish a new contract or to take over your existing one.

Telephone:

Contact your local France Télécom office about 10 days before you move, giving them notice of termination of contract (unless you are staying within the same exchange area, in which case they need a notice of change of address).

You can request to have a recorded message to be put on your old number informing callers of your new number.

Post:

Five days before you move, request from La Poste a faire-suivre to forward your mail to your new address. There is a charge for this mail forwarding service. Mail can be forwarded to a new address in France for up to six months and to an address outside of France for three or six months. Mail can also be forwarded on a temporary basis.

To request mail forwarding you need to provide:
proof of identity
proof of "old" and details of the new addresses

Motor registration & Carte Grise:

You must notify the authorities with your change of address within one month of moving. If you move to a new département, you must re-register your car.

Insurance:

Notify insurance companies of your change of address. Your home insurance can be transferred to your new property, but if the new home is a dramatically different size, you may need/want to have the property re-assessed.

Identity documents:

Arrange at the Préfecture for a change of address on your carte de séjour. Remember to apply for a change of address on your passport.

Bank:

Notify your bank of your new address, allowing them time to print new cheque books.

Municipal Schools:

Crêche: As soon as possible, contact the Mairie of your new area to enrol your child. Observe the one-month notice period at your current crèche.
Primary school: contact the Mairie in your new area to find out which schools are in the mayoral area, and arrange for entry for your child. Request a certificat de radiation from the current school. This is a notice to remove your child from the school register.
Collège/Lycée: Request a certificat de sortie. The necessary documents will be transferred to the new school.

Changing Tax & Social Security
The French government has provided an online system for changing your French address. All social security and tax details will be updated. Note that you need your tax numbers and French social security number to use this service:
Click here for: Changement d'adress en lingne

Remember to also contact:
Shops with which you have an account;
Unless you have used the government's online version, your social security office (caisse d'assurance maladie), so that they can transfer your files to a new office if necessary.
Tax office/your accountant
If you have been renting, be conscious of the notice period in the agreement made with your landlord.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR SOUTH OF FRANCE PROPERTY OR EMAIL HOME HUNTS AT INFO@HOME-HUNTS.COM

HOME HUNTS AQUITAINE COMING SOON......

2006-04-30T03:41:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for property in the Aquitaine region of France then look no further. Home Hunts will shortly open operations in the South West of France covering Bordeaux, Biarritz, Pau and so on.

For more details please email us on info@home-hunts.com or keep your eyes on THE website for property in the South of France

French Property Tax

2006-04-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

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/

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

2006-04-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

The following article appears in the Residences Immobilier Magazine this month:

For some, looking for a house is merely a question of choosing a location, a size and a budget. You contact a local agent and hopefully they have something that fits the bill.

More often than not, however, there are more issues than square meters and price on the list. For many people, the features of the house take priority whilst the area can be flexible. So how does one find that house with that special something? – a tower, vaulted ceilings, indoor swimming pool, sauna or wine cellar? If you have the time, you can call up all the local agents in the area and ask them what they have on hand, and then hope they will call you back once that special object turns up. Anyone trying this option knows it can be very time consuming and tedious, repeating and explaining your requirements over and over again.

Another option is to contact a property searcher such as Home Hunts, the South of France property search specialist. The attractive thing about this option is, that is actually doesn’t cost you anything and can save a lot of time. Home Hunts’ director Tim Swannie told us, that they have had requests for anything from helicopter pads to home cinemas to ornamental goldfish ponds. Once there was a couple wanting to set up a B&B who were looking for a stone built house with a tower, an olive grove and a heated pool. It had to have a suitable layout (including specific room sizes), lots of character and could be situated anywhere within 1h from Nice airport.

Home Hunts work with all of the best estate agents on the Riviera, Provence and Languedoc Roussillon. They take care of the time consuming search process for their clients. Many local agents are primarily set up to deal with visiting customers, whilst Home Hunts is fully equipped to keep in constant contact with the client by both phone and e-mail.

Home Hunts works with clients from all over the world and is aware that everyone is different. The team is really multi-lingual and find that they can communicate well and work closely with all of their clients.

When asked what makes them different to an estate agent, Tim said "We work for and are committed to the client rather than the seller. The important thing for us is that they find what they’re looking for, not which agent they buy from. We know how important it is to really listen to the client to fully understand what their needs are; we pay attention to detail. Our consultants have all travelled a lot and know that 'rustic' for example can mean different things depending on where you come from. We keep in regular contact, we do not wait for the client to call us, we actually call them! Most clients find this refreshing!"

- So how did it go with the B&B? It is now up and running successfully in the hills behind Nice. Within limits, Home Hunts can find anything, they work with a network of tradesmen, designers and architects so according to Tim “Everything is possible. Sometimes it takes a bit of time, but as long as the customer is still interested, Home Hunts will keep on searching”

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A SPECIFIC TYPE OF PROPERTY, A PARTICULAR AREA OR A CERTAIN FEATURE, HOME HUNTS CAN HELP YOU - CONTACT US BY EMAIL OR TELEPHONE FOR MORE INFORMATION - info@home-hunts.com 0033 492 280 542

HOMEHUNTS South of France Blog

2006-03-22T06:10:00.000-08:00

HOMEHUNTS South of France Blog

Is there any land left in St Tropez?

2006-03-10T02:27:00.000-08:00

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.

Budget airlines

2006-03-05T12:10:00.000-08:00

www.skyscanner.net

Brilliant website for sourcing cheap flights throughout Europe with the budget airlines. Hundreds of flights daily into the South of France

Find the best deal here

Good looking, charming, intelligent.......

2006-03-02T23:02:00.000-08:00

MEET THE TEAM

Unfortunately, this photo is missing a few key members of the Home Hunts team but it is useful to put a face to a name for most of us!

From left to right we have - Julien Couste, Emmanuelle Diaz, Tim Swannie, Michel Mascarell, Stephane Moretti, John Fairclough, Cally Elofson, Amy Bault, Rumble Romagnoli and Sydney van Volen.

A fuller picture will appear very soon to introduce all of the others!

Valbonne or Roquefort les Pins

2006-03-02T22:50:00.000-08:00

PLEASE HELP US

We are currently looking for a stone built property in the Valbonne or Roquefort les Pins area for a client, they are ready to proceed immediately once we find the right property.

DETAILS AS FOLLOWS:

Budget: Up to a maximum of approx. 3.5 million Euros
Type of Property: Villa or Bastide – open to style and age – happy to renovate if required
Location: Valbonne and Roquefort les Pins are top but open to suggestion
Setting: Country setting – MUST have flat land
Property size: Main house min. 400 m2 living surface or ability to extend to make this size.
- 5 + Bedrooms
- Happy to renovate if required
- Possibility to create a stable block
Garden Size :2 to 4 hectares – at least one hectare must be flat to turn into a paddock for 2 horses
Extra requirements: Swimming pool - happy to construct if needed
Must have the outbuilding listed above.

IF ANYONE CAN HELP, PLEASE CONTACT TIM ON 06.89.55.00.32 OR SEND AN EMAIL TO TIM@HOME-HUNTS.COM

18C Chateau

2006-02-25T07:04:00.000-08:00

I have just seen this most beautiful chateau at the Home Hunts website and I want to buy it.

However, the price is way out of my league, but it is the classic architectural "chateau",with lovely parkland, and SOOOOOO rare in the Var.(Near to Draguignan and 50mins from Nice and Toulon Airports)

It is so lovely and I will be very jealous of the person who buys it....but can I pop round for a cup of tea please?

Take a look:

IanF

Property Consultants wanted - Languedoc Roussillon

2006-02-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

We are currently looking for consultants for the Languedoc Roussillon region to help to strengthen the team and develop our services in that area.

For full details, visit THIS LINK

Alternatively, if you are interested and want to know more, send us an email to languedoc@home-hunts.com

Beautiful modern Bastide in the Var

2006-02-12T12:18:00.000-08:00

Recently built Provencal bastide situated in the centre of completely flat grounds on the top of a hill close to the sought after town of Salernes.

The property offers panoramic views of the local countryside. The interior is well proportioned with high ceilings and good sized rooms, there is also the benefit of double glazing and underfloor heating. This villa has been designed and built to exacting standards using high quality, local materials.

The accommodation comprises: Large, sunny ( 80m2 ) living room with Salernes stone floors and feature fireplace, good sized fitted dining kitchen with large Godin range and stone fireplace, utility room and WC. On the first floor there is a large master bedroom with extremely generous en suite bathroom ( with walk in shower and separate bath ). Four further bedrooms and two more bathrooms.

Outside, the property stands in grounds of more than one hectare which are flat and laid mainly to grass with a paved and gravelled terrace area and nice ( 12x4M ) swimming pool. There is a double garage which could be converted to provide further accommodation plus a further building comprising of a single garage and carport for four more vehicles. The gravelled driveway ( accessed via electric gates ) offers plenty more parking.

This property needs to be seen to appreciate fully. Please contact us for further details, photos or plans.

LINK FOR PHOTOS: http://www.home-hunts.com/details.php?id=3336

VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT
PRICE: 1.207.500 Euros

CALL TIM SWANNIE ON 06.87.45.16.22 or 04.92.28.05.42 for more information, photos or plans.

Alternatively you can email him at tim@home-hunts.com

www.home-hunts.com

FREE PROPERTY SEARCH SERVICE

2006-02-12T12:15:00.000-08:00

http://riviera.angloinfo.com/forum/ccdetail.asp?CCID=857

Home Hunts team up with International living

2006-02-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

HOMEHUNTS have teamed up with www.internationalliving.com - An American based company which also has offices in Argentina, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua, Italy, Ireland and Paris- France.

HOMEHUNTS will be their exclusive partner for the South of France. We will take care of their clients who are interested in property in Provence, Cote d`Azur and Languedoc Roussillon.

International living provide an excellent service to those who are looking to change their life and move overseas. They produce a printed and an online magazine which provides information about global destinations. Ths is what they say:

We search the world over continually to find the best opportunities for you to invest in a new home or a new life...to start a new business or invest for your future. In our pages (both print and virtual), you'll find out about everything from river-rafting adventures in Panama to the best buys on the Paris property market...from how to open a bank account in your new country of residence to how to get the best deal on your next airfare home...from the world's best beachfront property bargains to the most reliable local contractors to help you build your new beach home...from island-hopping adventures in the Mediterranean to the best summer fiestas in Mexico...

We are looking forward to working together with international living and are currently assisting them with the creation of a useful guide ( e-book) regarding owning property in France - It will be an extremely interesting guide offering advice, hints and tips and information on all aspects of being a French property owner.

If you would like a copy of this guide, send us an email info@home-hunts.com and a copy will be mailed to you as soon as it is completed.

Place to stay?

2006-02-12T04:41:00.000-08:00

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

2006-02-12T04:20:00.000-08:00

August 8th 2006 - Palaiz Nikaia - Nice

The Rolling stones European tour 2006 stops in Nice.

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

Information - South of France

2006-02-12T04:03:00.000-08:00

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

2006-02-12T02:35:00.000-08:00

St Tropez Helicopter - Helicoptere Saint Tropez

Villages in the Var

2006-02-12T00:53:00.000-08:00

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

2006-02-12T00:49:00.000-08:00

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

2006-02-07T03:40:00.000-08:00

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.

Property search service, South of France

2006-02-06T23:53:00.000-08:00

Looking for property on the French Riviera, Provence or Languedoc Roussillon?

Home Hunts offer a FREE property search service in the South of France. Let Home Hunts do the hard work for you and contact all the estate agents in the South of France, we will find your property.

CLICK HERE to leave your details and one of the team from the French Riviera, Provence or Languedoc Roussillon will contact you.

www.home-hunts.com

Majestic villa, sea views, Valbonne

2006-02-06T23:40:00.000-08:00

Outstanding property situated on an exclusive and secure domain with resident guardians. The villa has two swimming pools and a tennis court and it offers one of the most impressive panoramic sea views on the Cote d`Azur.

http://www.home-hunts.com/details.php?id=3151

The domain itself is set in a protected Mediterranean forest and the villa looks down directly onto the old fort and port of Antibes. The panoramic view is uninterrupted to the Cap d'Antibes. Due to its dominating position in the domain, on a clear day you can see both Corsica and the snow capped mountains of the pre-Alps.

This elegant and imposing villa is built in the palladian style. Nine French windows open onto a wide flower bordered terrace made of travertine marble, running the length of the house and shaded by twelve Doric columns. The terrace is ideal for sitting, sun bathing, and al fresco dining. Below the terrace are two swimming pools, one large and a smaller one for children, accessed either by two sets of stairs or through the four French windows of the pool rooms.

Below the Pools is a red clay Tennis court. The Villa has eight bedrooms. The master bedroom is on the first floor with ensuite marble bathroom and a very private terrace with the full panoramic view to the coast. On the same floor, is a second double bedroom with a bathroom, and a childrens room with a mezzanine reached by a wooden staircase. On the ground floor, as you enter through the courtyard into the hall, you find a very large drawing-room, a dining room, a fully-fitted kitchen, a double bedroom with shower-room on one side, and leading onto the terrace a guest suite and a double bedroom with a basin and wc. Next to the kitchen are two further single bedrooms and a shower room.

Going downstairs to the pools level, there is a laundry room, a cellar, a boiler room, a table tennis room and a sauna. The Pool suite has a double bedroom, a shower room, two basins and lavatory, and a sitting room. There is an outdoor pool shower. This property really needs to be viewed to appreciate fully, contact us for full details and further photographs.

Viewings by appointment

PRICE: 3.250.000 €

Charming cottage in the South of France

2006-02-06T23:27:00.000-08:00

Charming and authentic two bedroomed, stone built village house (300 years old) in a great location in a quiet area on the outskirts of Grasse, St. Antoine ( easy access to Cannes).

http://www.home-hunts.com/details.php?id=3819

Totally renovated throughout including new electricity and plumbing and exposed beams and ‘chevrons’ throughout. The house is the middle of 3 which were originally one large farm house which cultivated jasmin in the surrounding fields.

The house has a small patio outside and ‘cabanon’ for storage. The property offers 70m2 of living space comprising: Newly fitted kitchen on ground floor with slate floor tiles, stairs leading up to open-plan living room and also the first bedroom which could be used as an office. Stairs then lead up from the living room into the large main bedroom which has open views out onto the hills of Grasse. From the bedroom is also a really nice sized bathroom which has a large walk-in shower with shower/jet column, corner bath, WC and ceramic wash basins, all newly-fitted.

Lovely views from the house over the hills behind Grasse. There is a small cobbled lane leading to the house, a large neighbour’s garden directly in front and parking space on the road. There is a possibility of acquiring a 150sqm garden attached to the next-door house ( ask us and we will explain fully ).All floors have been newly-tiled. Electric heating and mains gas.

PRICE: 250.000 €

Buying a property in the South of France

2006-02-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

The French buying process – Important information

The process of buying any type of property or land in France is strictly regulated. HomeHunts are here to offer advice through every step of this process but you need to know what to expect ahead.

Firstly 1 you should decide how you will buy your property.

There are three 3 options:

1.

Buy for cash - a straight forward option, but once capital has been invested in a French property it can be difficult to release equity.

2.

Re-mortgage your main home to raise the cash - again, a straight forward option and one that doesn't involve you having to deal with any French banks, but you will probably find that the interest rates charged by lenders in other countries may be higher than interest rates in France

3.

Finance your property with a mortgage from a French bank or lender.
Prepare yourself for the initial costs
Whether you are buying for cash or with a mortgage, there are some costs you are going to have to fund yourself.

The Deposit - On the day you sign the Compromis de vente (the sales agreement contract) you will be required to pay your deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price for older properties. It is advisable to pay your deposit cheque to the notaire or agent who is representing you and not to the vendor. The deposit is held by the notaire/agent until completion.

Notaire fees - For an existing property, be prepared for 7-8% of the purchase price as the cost for the legal fees. For a new build property, assume 4% of the purchase price. In addition to the notaire fees, there will be the land / property registration fee which varies from region to region. Notaire fees can only be included in the mortgage for French tax payers. If you pay tax in another country, you will have to fund the notaire fees yourself.

Agency fees – The agents selling fees are usually between 5% and 10% and this amount is normally built into the sales price. The vendor usually pays the agents fees from the sales proceeds but there is no hard or fast rule. The important thing to make sure that the price stated by the agent is the price you pay, your HOMEHUNTS consultant will be able to confirm this for you. If you are raising a mortgage you can include these fees in the loan if the agency fees are stated in the Compromis de vente.

Mortgage deposit: The minimum amount you need to provide as your deposit for a mortgage depends on your nationality, the country you live in and where you pay income tax.

For tax payers in France it is possible to arrange a 100% mortgage. For UK and EU residents and tax payers the minimum amount of deposit is 15%. For residents and tax payers in non EU countries, the minimum deposit is 20%

Arrangement fee: All of the French banks and lenders charge arrangement fees. Most charge 1% of the amount of the mortgage, many with a ceiling limit of 1500 euros, but it is advisable to check because they do differ from each other and some do not have a ceiling limit at all, so you may end up paying 1% of the total mortgage.

Bling Villas

2006-02-06T06:48:00.000-08:00

House for a King!

Fantastic property for sale in La Garde Frienet

2006-02-06T06:02:00.000-08:00

Splendid newy built villa, coming with all the assurances of building insurance, and lower notaires fees. 2641m² of ground with great view over the forests of La Garde Freinet. Huge living area overlooking the pool, with logical pattern of luxury bedrooms and bathroms leading off the main area. There is an office on the mezzanine overlooking the main area and pool.4 bedrooms in total, but a fifth bedroom could be put in very easily; all are large. 1 master bedroom with dressing, WC, and luxury bathroom. Poolside terrace is under roman style arches. Washroom, garage for 2 cars, swimming pool. Check www.home-hunts.com
947,000€.