Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Buying luxury property on the French Riviera

Property in the Provence is considered to be luxurious and cosy. Buying luxury property on the French Riviera or a villa for sale in Cote d’ Azur is considered wise as the French Riviera is a well known tourist attraction in France. In France, 95% of the properties are owned by French residents. Therefore there is constant sale and purchase of property in South France which is used as holiday accommodations or vacation rentals by foreign investors and non-residents. To invest in property in Provence or property in Cote d’Azur or luxury villas is a rewarding venture. As a buyer you will get lot of benefits. The major benefits are:

  • French Riviera properties have good rental returns as it is on of the major tourist spots in France. So, for non-residents there is an option of earning from their property in South France or Provence.
  • In the recent past, property in Cote d’ Azur and property in Provence have seen considerable increase in capital investment.
  • Overseas mortgage with low interest rates are available for the property abroad. Also, there is assured 100% finance available for non-residents.
  • Buying villa for sale in Cote d’ Azur is a clear, simple and straightforward process
  • If you are a buyer from UK, then the Double Tax Treaty demands you to pay the tax for the property only once. There is no need to pay tax on the earnings the second time. Thus a property in South France or property in Provence carries value than in any other property abroad.
  • When as a buyer you consider buying a villa for sale in Cannes or a villa for sale in Nice or in other parts of French Riviera, leaseback investment property guarantees 5.5% yield and full VAT refund of 19.6%.
Luxury property in the French Riviera varies from apartments to individual villas. By investing in Provence real estate, you are guaranteed to enjoy the sunny, pebbled and sandy beaches along the coast or the calm and bright countryside. The beautiful apartment and villa for sale in Cannes has a built-in fully equipped kitchen and a cosy living room open to the garden. All the villas in Provence have at least one master double bedroom and single bedroom which would be sometimes used as home office or work space.

The property Cote d’Azur generally has a family bathroom, separate WC and spacious parking area. Comfortable and cosy villas have private gardens and private swimming pools. However, swimming pools may not be found in old villas. After finalizing on the property of your choice, there are straightforward legal procedures to be followed. Irrespective of the type of property, be it an apartment in Monaco for sale or villa for sale in Cannes or any property in Provence, the procedure is the same.
  • Contact the Provence real estate agent, on finalizing the property. Check for its rates and the hidden cost involved in the transaction.
  • On deciding to proceed further, sign in the ‘Compromis’ which will have to be signed by both buyer and seller.
  • Depending on the location of the property, you have to get the ‘Termites’
  • Property abroad will have to be checked for the time when it is built and it is better get reports on this.
  • After seven days of cooling-off period, the contract becomes binding. As a buyer, you cannot withdraw from the deal.
  • Sign the final deed on checking all the reports regarding the property and make the property yours.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

New build property - buying off plan - South of France

Newly built property, be it an apartment in South France or a villa in Cote d Azur for sale, comes with certain advantages when bought off-plan. The term “off-plan” and “new built” are one and the same. It refers to the property which is newly built or which is planned to be constructed by the construction group. But, one should never confuse them with the term “self-built” as it refers to the land which is owned by a buyer who wishes construct his or her own house on it.

South France is attracting a lot of visitors. On account of this, many investors are queuing up to invest in property in this region. Invest in a new South France villa or buy your own apartment in South France and earn long term revenue and rewarding rental income - is the mantra of many investors these days.

Buying property in South France is increasing among buyers as it comprises of some of the hottest spots in France. Especially, property in Provence is the most sought place by investors. This is because it is a major tourist hub which allures tourists throughout the year through its warm Mediterranean climate and cool pebbled beaches.

New villas in Cote d Azur for sale are sold out in no time as there is a lot of demand for it. Many new properties are built according to the taste of the buyers in Cote D’Azur. One can even design a villa in Cote d’Azur for sale according to one’s own private tastes and interests. You can deck your villa with ‘your-kind-of’ private swimming pools, gyms and spas.

There are many reasons for foreign investors to look for buying off-plan:
  • The first and the foremost reason is the low maintenance cost. Being newly built houses, the extra cost incurred for maintaining the Property in Provence is very less.
  • The second prominent reason is the option for tourism. Buying property South France is very fruitful as it the vital hub of tourism.
  • As most of the European investors are looking at France as their second home, they want their property to be a new one.
  • Newly built villa in Cote d Azur for sale has more options for customisation. Extra facilities like swimming pools, golf courses and spas.
  • Peace of mind is the ultimate aim of buying newly built properties. There will be more options for safety as these properties are constructed keeping in mind the modern audience.
Foreign investors have to follow certain legal proceedings to buy an apartment in South France or while investing in a South France villa. The legal procedures vary for newly built property and an existing property.
  • For example, a villa in Cote d Azur for sale will be considered as newly built when it is less than five years old and has not been sold. An off-plan property which is yet to be built is also considered new. As per the French law, it is known as VEFA (vente en l’état futur d’achèvement) On buying a new property in South France, the buyer has to sign the Reservation Contract, which commits him/her to the act of buying.
  • The buyer will be asked to pay 5% deposit even before the contract papers are given to them and is given a cooling period of seven days before committing himself to the purchase.
  • VAT should be paid at the rate of 19.6% on the price of a newly built property.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Buying a house in Nice, Monaco, Cannes or St. Tropez? That is the question!

To buy a South France property is a wise investment as it the hottest holiday spot in France. Nice, the capital city of the French Riviera is a multi-cultural city. To invest in luxury villas in the South of France will be ideal as it is one of the favourite locations for holiday in France. The vibrant youthful region attracts investors from Italy, Britain and Switzerland. It is also known as a city of backpackers on account of its tourism value. Pebbled beaches are the highlight of the city. An enchantress of many travellers, the well-connected town is reachable through railways and as well as airways.

For all these reasons and much more, a house for sale in South of France is of great value. Luxury villas in the South of France is financially valuable in the long term. To buy South France property, the buyer needs to spend little extra as the prices in South France are higher than in the other parts of France. Most of the properties in Nice have private swimming pools which add advantage to their value.

Monaco, a modern haven of France is a worthy of even greater investment. The attractive tourist spot is popular for its entertaining culture and warm climatic conditions. Being a tax-free land, there is lot of demand to buy South France property. According to a report published in February 2007, Monaco has expensive real estate rates when compared to the popular capital city, London. An expensive land in Monaco demands no income tax claim from the buyer and is hence crowded with tourists all through the year. Real estate agents in Provence are very supportive to the buyers who are interested in buying luxury villas in the South of France. Monaco’s nightlife and exotic gardens have fascinated buyers to invest in luxury villas, beautiful townhouses and cosy apartments which serve both personal purposes and also financial purposes.

Cannes, the celebrity-haunt of France, renowned for its Film festival celebrations, is a popular tourist spot. Situated just 36 Km from Nice, this dreamland is covered with sandy beaches. Situated in close proximity to Monaco, this is a land with a vibrant nightlife. Tourists and travellers prefer Cannes for its warm Mediterranean climate. If you would like to freak out in the night and enjoy all the celebrity-bash, then Cannes should be your ideal place to buy property in South France. Property for sale on the Cote d’Azur is in demand and it is famous for all its stylish villas and luxurious apartments. The properties are spread throughout the city and along side of the Boulevard de la Croisette. Known for the elite crowd, St. Tropez is a wonderful place during summer. Brisk nightlife and breezy beautiful beaches makes St. Tropez an ideal place for vacation.

Real estate agents in Provence will provide their assistance in buying a property in St. Tropez. To buy property in South France is a worthy investment as it can be used as vacation residence or as vacation rentals if you are unable to occupy the property during the peak of the season.

Finally, buying a property in Nice, a property in Monaco some real estate in Cannes or a villa in St. Tropez? That is the question! It is always valuable to invest in properties, especially, if it is in the vacation hub of any country. Even if you are unable to use your luxury villas in the South of France personally, irrespective of the foreign investment or inland investment, you can rent villa in Cote d‘Azur during off-seasons. Thereby you can make most of your investment. Thus, you will see all your efforts to buy property in South France yielding revenue.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

BUYING A PROPERTY ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA

French Riviera is one of the most beautiful regions in the world. The villas in South France are idyllic beauties which attract a lot of foreign investors. Hence, real estate in the South of France is a vibrant and booming industry. With regard to property for sale in South of France, generally demand exceeds supply. It is an investment which yields revenue for the money invested. It is also a market where non-resident property investment is on the rise on account of the many financial options available.

Buying a property on the French Riviera can be a remarkable investment both as a second home and an investment property abroad. There are a number of reasons for this. The following will give you an idea as to why it is so important to buy France real estate.

Increased Growth Rate - The property values in France are increasing and in the recent five years there has been a marked increase in the price range, especially in the French Riviera region. According to the FNAIM, real estate in the South of France, to be particular in the French Riviera, has shown an average growth rate of 8% every year. This steady growth rate is partly due to the gorgeous romantic villas in South France.

Finance for Property – Property for sale in the South of France comes with various financial options. For both the residents and non-residents of France, mortgage and financing are available for easy property acquisition. There are options such as leaseback investments and 100% financing for foreign investors. The tax treaty between UK and France has also brought in lot of buyers from Britain.

Once you decide to buy property for sale in the South of France, you have to analyze the pros and cons of your investment. Real estate in the South of France offers you preferences. The strictly regulated process of property buying in France can be carried out in three simple ways. They are as follows:
  • Cash Payment – You can pay ready cash for your property to buy in the Provence. The payment can be made to the seller or the agent once all the terms and agreements are over between both the parties.
  • Mortgage - Financing property in France is done by many banks. The banks offer mortgage loans for both re-sale properties and new developments. While going for a mortgage it is necessary to follow the procedures set by banks for easy processing of the loan.
  • Re-Mortgage - The option is to mortgage another property of yours for the new investment made in France. But, when go for re-mortgage, you have to be very careful. Your villas in South France can cost your own dear home as the property which is re-mortgaged will be taken by the bank when the mortgage amount is not paid.
After making arrangements for buying property for sale in South France, one has to be prepared to meet the initial expenses involved. According to the legal proceedings of real estate in South France the buyer has to bear the initial costs involved in the property buying process. The following are the three costs:

While signing the sales agreement contract, the buyer has to pay a deposit amount which will usually be 10% of the price for the property to buy in the Provence. The deposit cheque has to be submitted to the Notary and not to the seller.

Notary fee – The Notary fee will be charged based on the property for sale in the South of France. If it is an old property it will cost around 8% of the purchase price. But if it is a new one then, it will be half of the previous rate. It will also vary for resident taxpayers and non-resident taxpayers.

Land or property registration fee – it varies from region to region in France. Real estate in the South of France has its own rates. In South France, this fee has to be paid to the Notary. Finally, agency fee should also be paid for ensuring smooth transaction.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

LUXURY COTE D’ AZUR VILLAS FOR SALE

France has always been a fascinating destination for Europeans. To enjoy the varied climatic conditions people are ready to invest money on property South of France. South of France Real Estate has always been a stable and strong property market where one can invest in luxury villas. The best among them are the Cote d’Azur villas!

With majestic Alps rising and falling along the Mediterranean coastline, Cote d’Azur is a worldly heaven in South France. The big luxury villas lined up along the coastal line, the freshness of jasmine, the taste of mimosa, the luxury of Mediterranean sunshine - it is a place that everyone would love to live in. Cote d’Azur has lucrative investment options. One among them is to buy a luxury Cote d’Azur villa. Cote d’Azur, located in the South of France, has opulent coastline villas with private swimming pools. Properties south of France are set in wide spread green land and Cote d’Azur is no exception. The spacious living room with sophisticated bedrooms, fully fitted kitchen and elegant bathrooms are lively masterpieces of the place. These villas can serve as holiday homes as they are along the coastal line, amidst restaurants and shopping centres.

Being the second costliest place in France after Paris, South of France Real Estate prices are souring high. A buyer has to be aware of the legal proceedings and compare the current price rates, as Property investment in the Provence is quite a costly affair. Property South of France, especially Cote d’Azur villas, is a worthy investment. Fully furnished and decorative luxury villas can be bought and rented by investors. Buying the villas only as investment is in no way a wrong step as it is profitable. In case of lack on funds, one can always get help of mortgages.

Buying property in France should always be done through the French notary. The French Notaries will ensure smooth and correct transactions with regard to documents and legal procedures. They also make sure that the buyer sails smoothly through the mortgage process. The buyer has to sign a purchasing contract before applying for an French mortgage. The Notary will arrange papers accordingly saying “subject to clause” which indicates buying property through mortgage. In such a case, Mortgage Cote d’Azur has a provision for buyers to withdraw from the purchases and if necessary, mortgages obtained can be cancelled and the deposit amount will be reimbursed.

On approval of the mortgage, the lender will grant the remaining amount for the purchase. It will be passed to the Notary and the process of all parties signing the deed of the transfer will be arranged. Any tax dues or Notary fee dues are to be paid during the deed of transfer. On completing all the Mortgage Cote d’Azur procedures, the luxury villa becomes the buyer’s. South of France Real Estate is in demand and hence property investment in Cote d’Azur is worth its price.