Overseas - France

 

We look at some of the green options available overseas, including apartments in France built with sustainable Romanian wood.

 

Castelclarens in the village of Casteljaloux

 

Castelclarens is a new development near Bordeaux, France.

 

These well proportioned apartments of between 25 and 65 sq metres are in a superb location, on a lakeside and surrounded by a pine forest. They are also just an hour from Bordeaux and easy distance of Toulouse.

 

This is a low density development with underground parking facilities (one space per apartment) with buggies to carry people around the residence. Ground floor apartments will have private gardens. Upper levels, maximum three storeys, will have balconies. There are two private pools, one indoor and one outdoor.

 

Other facilities will be a sauna and a jacuzzi. The whole complex is being designed on a “water” theme behind electronic gates for additional exclusivity.

 

To ensure they are eco-friendly the apartments are partly constructed from sustainable Romanian wood.

 

Prices range from 70,000 euros/£49,081 for a 25 sq metres apartment to 180,000 euros/£126,209 for a 65 sq metre apartment.

 

Olive Tree International Property Limited www.olivetreeworld.com

 

 

Domaine du Bois des Harcholins, La Moselle, northeast France

 

Le Domaine du Bois des Harcholins is an environmentally sustainable sports and leisure development. It is due to be completed from the beginning of 2010.

 

Built to High Environmental Quality ® measures, it has been designed to provide noise and heat insulation and the cottages will be High Energy Efficiency Building certified.

 

They boast a number of eco-friendly features including:

 

• Zero-carbon

Different renewable energy sources will be used onsite, including a wood and gas boiler to provide 80% of energy requirements for the heating of the main central facilities. Solar panels will be used for hot water in some buildings, and energy-reduction and power-saving measures initiated.

 

• zero-waste

Waste sorting and recycling will be managed and followed. Each cottage is equipped with recycling bins. Suppliers are asked to minimise packaging and recycle or reuse. Organic waste is composted and used as a nutrient for gardening.

 

• sustainable water

The legislation in France does not allow the use of rainwater inside of buildings (toilets, for example) but all rainwater from the central facilities will be harvested and used for the lagoon and the lake to contribute to the preservation and promotion of biodiversity.

 

• local and sustainable building materials

The construction of cottages and the structure of the central facilities will be in wood grown in either local or sustainable development certified forests. P&V has a policy to promote the use of renewable, recyclable and eco-certified materials for construction.

 

• sustainable transport

P&V will create a car-free development with electric shuttles to transport visitors around the village. Cottages will be connected to the rest of the development by pedestrian and cycle tracks. Parking is restricted to beltways around the development. High-speed train connections from Paris by TGV, reducing 80% of CO2 emissions over the equivalent journey by plane, are operational.

 

The two and four bedroom cottages are on sale from €144,000 (£100,000).

 

For more information contact nVillas info@nvillas.com

 

Amanda Shiel takes at look at some of the finest ski resorts in France

Residence Le Martell de Janville, Mont Blanc
The residential property is seven floors high and comprises 150 apartments ranging from the studio to the T5 with terraces, views of Mont Blanc and private parking. Residence Le Martell de Janville is located in the Mont Blanc area on the Plateau d’Assy, 20 km from Chamonix and Megève.
Prices: from €61,500 (about £43,865) to €206,000 (about £146,930)
Contact Overseas Homesearch on 0800 6520 769 or visit overseashomesearch.co.uk

Les Chalets de l’Adret, Les Deux Alpes
The Chalets de l'Adret are located at the centre of the Deux Alpes resort, by the foot of the ski lifts.
The development consists of two chalet blocks and features a total of 30 apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units. Each apartment has a terrace or balcony and ski equipment storage, while parking spaces are available for an additional fee.
Prices: from €95,500 (approx. £68,115) to €453,000 (about £323,104)
Contact Overseas Homesearch on 0800 6520 769 or visit overseashomesearch.co.uk for more details.

Les Terrasses d’Eos, Flaine Montsoleil
Les Terrasses d’Eros in the Flaine Montsoleil resort is located in the Haute-Savoie Region of the French Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc, a region renowned for its snowfall and snow quality. The new development of Les Terrasses d’Eos offers ski in, ski out access to the largest and most diverse ski area in the French Alps, ‘Le Gran Massif’. The resort is a car-free, fully pedestrian centre, with a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and recreational areas, including landscaped gardens and a fitness centre.
Les Terrasses d’Eos is located to the east of the village and comprises of 500 units offering a choice of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Each apartment is fully furnished to 4-star specifications with contemporary designs and large bay windows which open onto a balcony with alpine views. To create a feeling of warmth for these mountain apartments the walls are decorated with cream and ochre as well as having under floor heating. One parking slot will be available to each apartment. Prices start at €200,000 (approx. £135, 894) for a one-bedroom apartment.
Prices start at €200,000 (approx. £135, 894) for a one-bedroom apartment.
Visit overseashomesearch.co.uk or call 0800 6520 769 for more details.

EdenArc 1800, Les Arcs
EdenArc 1800 consists of 330 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Each apartment is fully furnished to 4-star specifications with contemporary designs and large bay windows which open onto a balcony with alpine views.
The furniture in the living rooms includes a sofa bed, armchair, coffee table plus two further tables. Underground parking is available at no extra cost. Located at the foot of the slopes, further features of the apartments include an aqua relaxation centre with an outdoor heated swimming pool, a children’s swimming pool, hot tubs, sauna and hammam. A fitness centre and conference rooms are also on site.
The abundance of wide open spaces makes the slopes at Les Arcs excellent for beginners while expert skiers can enjoy themselves off-piste. Other winter activities available include ice climbing, ice skating, show shoeing and winter walking. Being an all-season getaway, there are plenty of activities on offer for the summer – golf, horse riding, paragliding, hiking and mountain biking are a few examples. The resort caters for children with a wide range of activities such as trampolining, bouncy castles, ski kindergarten and kid’s club to choose from. Les Arcs also has restaurants, nightclubs, bars, a bowling alley and a few cinemas.  
Prices start at €245,000 (approx.UK £171,018) for a one-bedroom apartment and completion is expected at the end of 2008.
Call 0800 6520 769 or visit overseashomesearch.co.uk.

Residence Le Janremon, Les Deux Alpes, Isere, France
This development is located in the village of Les Deux Alpes in the Massif des Ecins region of the French Alps. The hotel conversion will consist of 44 studio, one-, two- and four-bedroom apartments. Features include a balcony/terrace with dramatic views of the mountains from most apartments. Each apartment comes with a ski locker and personal water/electricity metre.
Due to the high slopes, reliable snow fall and close proximity to the nearest cable car (150m walking distance), the resort is popular among skiers and snowboarders alike. The varied mountain terrain means that the resort suits all levels of skier from the beginner to the advanced. There is a snow park in the village and night skiing is offered three times a week. There are 25km of cross country trails. Being an all-season getaway, there are plenty of activities on offer for the summer too – golf (les Deux Alpes Golf Course), horse riding, paragliding, hiking and mountain biking are a few suggestions.
Prices start at €75,000 (approx. UK £52,357).
For more information call 0800 6520 769. Alternatively visit overseashomesearch.co.uk. 

Les Chalets de la Tannerie, Chamonix, French Alps
Positioned at the heart of the French Alps, Chamonix has been a favoured Alpine destination for decades. Chamonix has excellent skiing, some of the best walking and cycling routes and a range of restaurants and bars for any après-ski requirement.
The development comprises a chalet of three apartments, a chalet of two apartments and a bespoke, stand-alone chalet. Each apartment of two-, three- or four-bedrooms has its own terrace and spectacular views towards Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi.
The development is designed and constructed by one of the regions most respected developers. The Grosset Janin brothers have been creating dream alpine homes for three generations – Les Chalets de la Tannerie maintains this tradition.
Three apartments are currently available: a three--bed for €1,049,000 (£704,026), four-bed €1,415,000 (£956,081) and four-bed for €1,459,000 (£985,810).
Contact Chesterton International on 0207 201 2070 or visit chesterton.co.uk.

France represents so much: culture and cheese, chateaux and gateaux, Champagne and romance … Well, that’s only the beginning. The Brits have long admired the Gallic joie de vivre, with its emphasis on romance, food, art and intellect – and from 19 to 21 January we have the chance to take a closer look at the finest that France has to offer.
To celebrate this beautiful and diverse country, Vive la France is coming to Olympia, London. With over 100 exhibitors, the event showcases the very best, from fine wines and gastronomic delights to culture, style and interior design. Travelling to and living in France are also emphasised, as the show spotlights a rich variety of travel destinations as well as a whole host of property.

To cover all aspects of French culture and life, Vive la France has four shows within a show. The French Travel & Tourism Show features regional tourist boards, from the favourite and best known regions to the hidden gems of France. The French Food & Wine Show includes Taste on the Terrace, which will be serving signature dishes created by some of the most popular French restaurants in Britain such as Brasserie Roux, Club Gascon, Le Gavroche and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Also, superchefs Raymond Blanc and Jean-Christophe Novelli will be cooking up a storm at the Food Theatre. Elsewhere visitors should prepare their taste buds for a culinary celebration, with a whole host of fine wine and food tasting to tempt passers-by.

The French Lifestyle and Culture Show captures that certain je ne sais quoi which makes French living so desirable. Visitors can brush up on their French or start from scratch at the Language Pavillion while fashionistas should head straight to the Fashion Stage where designers such as Agnès B will be presenting exclusive previews of their spring/summer collections. And for lovers of La Nouvelle Vague, TV5 will be showing excerpts from classic French films.
And of course, there is French property, long a favourite with us Brits. Buying property in France is not just an idyllic dream; it makes very sound business sense too. Whether it’s a hilltop villa, a coastal retreat or a country house ripe for conversion, eagle eyed investors will find an unrivalled selection of property, information and advice at The French Property Exhibition where experts will be giving seminars on making that dream a reality.

Vive la France is open Friday 19 January 10am to 6pm and Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 January from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked on 0870 013 0730 or at vivelafrance.co.uk. Tickets are £8 in advance and £12 on the door; price includes entry to all four shows, including the French Property Exhibition.

 

VIVE LA FRANCE

19 – 21 January 2007, London, Olympia

France wrote the book on la joie de vivre and with cultural offerings such as Champagne, Camembert and Coco Chanel, it’s little wonder that a fifth of all Brits wish they were French*.

To celebrate this beautiful and diverse country, Vive la France is coming to London in January. With over 100 exhibitors, the event showcases the very best from this lavish country. From fine wines and gastronomic delights to culture, style and interior design and from a rich variety of travel destinations to a whole host of property, the show gives visitors a taste of France in the heart of London.

Featuring all aspects of French culture and life, Vive la France has four shows within a show. The French Travel & Tourism Show features regional tourist boards - from the favourite and best known regions to the hidden gems of France.

Whether you’re a culture vulture, beach bum or adrenaline junkie you will find something to suit your traveling tastes. At the tourism stage, experts from the major regions including Corsica, Languedoc Roussillon, Limousin, Nord-Pas de Calais, Normandy, and Rhône-Alpes will be on hand to give personal advice and inspirational holiday ideas.

The French Food & Wine Show will ensure that food lovers will not be disappointed. Taste on the Terrace will be serving signature dishes created by some of the most popular French restaurants in Britain such as Brasserie Roux, Club Gascon, Le Gavroche and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and celebrity chefs Raymond Blanc and Jean-Christophe Novelli will be cooking up a storm at the Food Theatre. Elsewhere visitors should prepare their taste buds for a culinary assault with a whole host of fine wine and food tasting to tempt passers by.

The French Lifestyle and Culture Show captures that certain je ne sais quoi which makes French living so desirable. Visitors can brush up on their French or start from scratch at the Language Pavillion whilst fashionistas should head straight to the Fashion Stage where designers will be presenting exclusive previews of their spring/summer collections and for lovers of La Nouvelle Vague TV5 will be showing excerpts from classic French films.

A Year in Provence (or more) may be a classic reverie for many British escapists. But now that growth in the French property market has outstripped the UK in some parts, buying property in France is not just an idyllic dream; it makes very sound business sense too. Whether it’s a hilltop villa, a coastal retreat or a country house ripe for conversion, eagle eyed investors will find an unrivalled selection of property, information and advice at The French Property Exhibition where experts will be giving seminars on making that dream a reality.
   
Explore a corner of France in the heart of London. Getting there is easy by bus, coach, rail or car whether travelling nationally or locally.

Local tube Kensington Olympia is situated directly outside the venue, connecting to the District Line. Kensington Olympia also provides mainline train services from Clapham Junction, Gatwick Airport, Brighton, Watford Junction and Willesden Junction. Park and Ride opportunities are available through Connex, Silverlink and Virgin Rail direct to Kensington Olympia.

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked by calling 0870 013 0730 or visiting the Show website at www.vivelafrance.co.uk. Tickets are £8 in advance and £12 on the door. Ticket price includes entry to all 4 shows including the French Property Exhibition.

The Show will open on Friday 19th from 10:00 – 18:00 and Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st from 10:00-17:00.  For more information visit www.vivelafrance.co.uk.


***NEW PR CONTACTS FOR VIVE LA FRANCE***
For more information, images, interviews of exhibitor details please contact Alex Kapp Jones or Kate Greville at Koan PR on 0161 237 9994 or email alex@koanuk.com

A new rural vineyard estate in Languedoc, Southern France called “Les Jardins de St Benoit” is being launched today in the UK.  The new build development, an extension of the French village of St. Laurent, is being built in a sympathetic style to the existing village properties. Owners will enjoy a share in the ownership of the on-site vineyard and olive grove and can choose to integrate with the local community by participating in the oldest traditions of wine-making and olive pressing.  

Les Jardins de St Benoit is being developed by Garrigae Investissements.  In keeping with the Garrigae vision of integration with the local community the development ‘le quartier de St Benoit’ is designed as an integral part of the local village.  The medieval Gardens of St Benoit, the inspirational focal point of the development are being authentically restored as a natural haven to be enjoyed by villagers and resort residents alike whilst providing a source of local produce.  
 
The ‘quartier’ or village will consist of 141 one and two bedroom townhouses with floor areas extending up to 70 sq.m and 30 three, four and five bedroom villas extending up to 146 sq.m.  Each property will have its own secluded garden and terrace and each villa will have a garden planted with native flowers and a private swimming pool.  On-site facilities include restaurants and terrace bar, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sporting facilities, shops, children’s club and spa.  All treatments at St Benoit will use natural products developed on site from the fruits, flowers and botanicals of the vineyard, olive grove and shrub garden, which means all products are free of artificial preservatives and perfumes.
 
The wines of St Laurent, especially the local ‘Cellier des Demoiselles’ enjoy a good reputation. As part owners of the vineyard and olive grove, owners become members of the wine making association and have the satisfaction of enjoying their own home produced wine, olive oil, tapenades and table olives.
 
The properties can be bought on an outright freehold or on a freehold leaseback basis. The Garrigae leaseback scheme offers 4 different packages to suit the needs of all buyers on a 9 year index linked lease with a 19.6% VAT rebate.  The ‘Leisure Investment’ offers a gross return of 5.59% (translating as 3% cash and 2.59% personal use credit).  The ‘Pleasure Investment’ offers a gross return of 5.12% (translating as 3.5% cash and 1.62% personal use credit).  The ‘Home from Home’ option (translating as 50% of all net rental return) includes the property in the accommodation pool of the resort with up to 6 months personal use annually, and the ‘Pure Investment’ option for investors looking to ensure the maximum possible cash rental return translates to a net financial return of 4.22%.


Mike Coyle, Sales Director of UK marketing partner Premier Resorts says: “This is a unique opportunity for UK buyers who want the best of both worlds - to enjoy the facilities that one would expect from an international standard resort but also wish to live in an authentic French village.  Additionally the guaranteed rental income of up to 5.59% available through the established French leaseback scheme (as an option when not in use) makes this a very attractive purchase, recognised by the French government.”
 
This property launch comes as the region is emerging as a new hotspot for holiday makers (10 million visitors annually) and offers excellent potential for capital appreciation for property buyers being a competitive alternative to buying in the more expensive neighboring Provencal region.
 
Les Jardins de St Benoit is situated within easy access of six airports within a two hour radius, and is under 30 minutes drive from Carcassonne airport, serviced by budget airline Ryanair from Liverpool, London and Nottingham.  
 
Languedoc has the perfect Mediterranean climate, experiencing over 300 days of sunshine annually and is also appealing in the cooler seasons due to its easy reach of the major European cities of Perpignan (40 minutes), Montpellier (1 hour), Girona (90 minutes), Toulouse (90 minutes) and Barcelona (2 hours). The nearest ski resort in the Pyrenees Mountains is also less than a 90 minute drive away.
 
Les Jardins de St Benoit is being developed by Garrigae Investissements, twice winner of the Bentley Award for Best French Development.  The family behind the business, Cecile Viennet and Miguel Espada, has been established in the area since 1784 and has two successful property developments in southern France under their belt already.  The development will be managed by the sister company Garrigae Hotels & Resorts, led by Patrick Baccheiri previously commercial director of Club Mediterranee and CEO of Club Med Australia and USA.  Patrick has personally been responsible for heading and running more than 20 Club Med villages.
 
Prices, including furniture, start from €205,000 for a 1 bedroom townhouse, €255,000 for a 2 bedroom townhouse and €442,000 for a 3 bedroom villa.
 
For more details contact Premier Resorts on 0208 940 9406 or visit info@premierresorts.co.uk
 

EXCLUSIVE FIVE STAR GOLF & SPA RESORT LAUNCHES ON THE COTE D’AZUR BETWEEN CANNES AND ST TROPEZ

Swiss developer Dr Amann & Co launches Le Roc Golf & Spa Resort, the first 5-star golf resort to be built between Cannes and St Tropez on the coveted Cote d’Azur in France.  The area has been a popular holiday destination for the British Aristocracy since the Victorian era and today it is still popular with the rich and famous, many of which have palatial second homes in the area.  Surprisingly, unlike the Costa del Sol, there have been no top quality golf property resorts along this popular coast, until now.

Le Roc 5-star Golf & Spa Resort is situated in Roquebrune-sur-Argens, just 8 kms from the beach and coastal town of St Raphael and 30 minutes by boat from St Tropez. The sought after location offers a unique combination of the glitz and glamour of St Tropez and Cannes, juxtaposed with the rural peace and beauty of Provence.  The Provencal town of Roquebrune is more than a 1000 years old and is overlooked by its famous red coloured rock which contrasts distinctly with the luxuriant green vegetation of the golf courses and surrounding pine forests.

The 100 hectare development offers a spectrum of property choices, all built in a Provencal style, which will be harmoniously integrated into the surrounding countryside.  The delivery of the first phase (hotel, golf course, Villas des Golfeurs and Bellevue) is expected in autumn 2007 and will consist of five different property types: 15 two and three bedroom townhouses, 8 three and four bedroom detached villas and 24 apartments.  There will be a further 33 townhouses and 60 apartments in phase two which is due for completion in 2008.

Vincent Easton, Director of UK marketing agent Premier Resorts says “The Cote D’ Azur has always attracted a more discerning owner as well as the sophisticated investor who has viewed the region as a safe haven. The Le Roc project ticks all the right boxes: location, limited development opportunity and luxury services on tap.”

The resort features a 5-star hotel with similarly high standard amenities to cater for all members of a family. There will be two golf courses, a PGA managed 18 hole course which will be a 6,500 metre, par 71 championship standard course and a 9 hole course which offer panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding French vineyards; a golf club house with restaurant, as well as a pro-shop and membership lounge. Other facilities will include a gourmet restaurant, a spa, wellness centre with outdoor pool and terrace, hotel villas with luxury suites and private pools, a gym, banqueting and conference facilities, art exhibition and guest artist studios.  These world class amenities will ensure Le Roc is popular at any time of year, not just in the summer months.

The entire development will be under the overall direction of the Althoff Group - a reputable luxury hotel operator, which in addition to top-class hotels in Germany runs the 5-star Villa Belrose Hotel in St Tropez.  By connecting the private villas and apartments with the Le Roc 5-star hotel, owners can benefit from the perfect combination of their own private space and the services of a luxury hotel.

The Swiss developer, the Amann Group, has developed many successful property projects in Switzerland and the South of France over the last 25 years. Their financial strength means they can offer investors a unique investment formula that enables the freehold of the properties to be purchased outright or in two installments.  Investors buying 50% of a property now will be given the option to buy the remaining portion in 2011 at the initial sale price. Property prices have been appreciating in the Provencal region by 9% p.a. over the last five years. The Amann Group estimate that investors can expect a17.2% p.a. (non-guaranteed) increase of value including cash distributions until 2011.

Le Roc is only 45 minutes drive from Nice international airport, which itself is only a 2 hour flight from the UK.  Nice airport is serviced by budget airlines such as Easyjet and Jet2.com who fly from London Gatwick, Leeds Bradford and Manchester. Ryanair also fly once a day from Stansted to nearby Toulon.  Other scheduled services include British Airways who have 7 flights per day to Nice out of London airports.


Prices for a fully furnished 2 bedroom apartment start at €525,000 (£360,000), a fully furnished 2 bedroom townhouse with garden start at €610,000 (£417,000), and a fully furnished 3 bedroom villa with garden and pool start at €1,800,000 (£1,223,000).

Celebrities flock to the area. Stars who have owned property here include Elton John, Joan Collins, Johnny Depp, Michael Schumacher, David and Victioria Beckham, Bono, George Michael and Robbie Williams.
For more details contact Premier Resorts on 0800 0835785 or visit www.premierleroc.co.uk.

Barbara Heslop, a member of the Property Lawyers Abroad Network (PLAN)

1/ What is the market currently like in France – e.g. is it buoyant and where are the hot spots?

Still reasonably buoyant we believe. Hot spots remain the Dordogne, the Alps and the Cote d’Azur.
 
2/ What should the buyer be looking out for when purchasing in France – any legal problems/issues specific to these countries?

Planning issues and drainage issues tend to cause most problems.
 
3/ Could you briefly talk UK property buyers through how the legal process works in France? What should a lawyer be doing on their behalf?

Buyers make an offer, once accepted either the estate agent or the local notary will prepare a draft contract, we check the contract and once it is agreed the buyers sign and pay a 10% deposit. There is then a period of approximately 8 weeks whilst various searches are carried out and if applicable a mortgage offer is obtained. Once all search results are received and provided all are satisfactory, a completion meeting will be arranged.

The role of a UK based legal adviser is briefly as follows:

•     We make contact with the notary and estate agent 
•     We assist in negotiations regarding the price and extent of the property;
•     We investigate planning matters affecting the site as well as potential developments in the area.
•     We discuss the buyers lending requirements and liaise with the mortgage provider;
•     We negotiate the terms of the contract making sure any necessary conditions are added;
•     We check the draft final purchase deed prior to completion;
•     We obtain a completion statement prior to the transfer of funds for completion;
•     Finally, we make arrangements for the buyer to pick up the keys and ensure the water and electricity are on when they get there.
•     We also advise you on succession and inheritance law applicable to ownership of real estate in France.

4/ What legal costs can buyers expect?

Our average fee where the purchase price does not exceed 500,000 euros is between £1500 - £2,000(there is no VAT payable on our legal fees) Buyers should also budget to pay between 6-8 % on top of the agreed purchase price for notarial fees and taxes payable in France.
 
5/ How long should the legal process take?

2-3 months

6/ Should buyers trust legal services offered by their developer or agent?

It is generally preferable to find and instruct your own independent solicitor who is regulated by the Law Society.
 
7/ Is it safe to buy in France?

Yes – French conveyancing is tightly regulated and is overseen by notaries who are highly trained and respected members of their communities.

8/ What is the most important piece of advice you would give to someone looking to buy in France?

Do not sign anything nor pay over any money until you have taken independent legal advice.

Looking to buy in France? First pick an agent. In an excerpt from her latest book, expert Penny Zoldan explains the French estate agency system
Those who are looking to purchase property in France should contact agents for property information and listings. You will soon discover that estate agencies dealing with France work in a very different way to a local UK agency.

Which agency?

First, you have the choice of dealing with either an agency that is based in France or one based in the UK which deals with French property, albeit normally in association with a French agent (agent immobilier).

French-based French agencies

To own an estate agency in France, you must have a carte professionnelle; to obtain this you must have either ten years’ experience of working in an agency or a law degree. Each agency must be registered with the local town hall, hold a carte professionnelle and have a bank guarantee. You will often see a certificate hanging on an agency’s walls confirming this, and you are at liberty at any time to ask to see their carte professionnelle number – don’t be afraid to ask if they have one, or to see details of their charges.
Without a carte professionnelle an estate agent does not have the right to hold a ‘mandate’ to sell a property or to take clients to view properties. It is a necessity, and should there be any questions you need answered or problems with your purchase, only a registered agent will be in a position to sort these things out for you. Do not be tempted by someone offering to show you a few properties that ‘friends’ have for sale – if they are acting as an agent and do not hold a carte professionnelle, they are acting illegally.
Bear in mind that French estate agents are not used to sending out property descriptions by post as we have come to expect in the UK, so do not hold your breath if you have phoned or emailed to ask for details – they might never arrive. Also, French agencies have to accompany their clients to view properties; they can’t just send them along or give them a set of keys.
The FNAIM is a regulatory organization in France similar to the NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) in the UK. Although it is not essential that an estate agent is a member, knowing that your agent is a member of a regulatory body is an additional comfort for a buyer.

Agency fees

A fixed list (barème) of an agency’s commission is often displayed on the wall of their office. Agency fees in France are higher than those in the UK as their role differs greatly (more on this below). You can expect the agency fees to amount to between five and ten per cent of the purchase price of a property; normally, the higher the property price the lower the percentage charged. This percentage includes TVA (VAT) at 19.6 per cent which the agent has to pay to the authorities. The total amount is normally included in the quoted price, but do check!

Sole, multiple and shared agencies

French agencies have to have a signed mandate to sell each property they carry on their books. Each vendor giving an agency a property to sell will be asked to sign a document confirming their instructions to sell, the price and the commission, etc. In some cases the agents may have a sole agency, i.e. no other agent is instructed – it is a good idea to ask about this if you see a property you like and need some time to think it over. If other estate agencies have been instructed they could be showing their clients the property and your agent will have no idea that they are proceeding until informed that it has been sold. It is quite usual for French agencies to share their properties with other local agencies to give you a wider choice. They will then share the commission and it will not cost you any more.

Purchasing procedure

French agents are permitted to draw up the first contract (compromis) and hold deposits in their client’s account. If you require further information on a specific property that you are prepared to purchase with regard to extending or changing it in any way, the agent will go to the mairie (town hall) for you or with you to find out the possibilities.
During the purchase procedure, the agent will liaise between you and the notaire if you wish and is always in attendance at the notaire’s office for the final signing and transfer of the property – sometimes even acting in the capacity of translator. Bear in mind that the agent is based close to your property and they have probably lived nearby all their life; they have a reputation to uphold and can fill you in on all the information you need on the area.
They will want to make sure that you are pleased with their service as there is every likelihood that they will be bumping into you in the future at the local shops and restaurants – estate agents are respected members of society in France. Some French agents employ British staff, which can be very useful as they can give you information regarding making the move and buying as a foreigner, etc. However, do check that they are working legally for the agency.

UK-based French agents

The role of an agent based in the UK and dealing solely with French property is to smooth the way for prospective purchasers. These agents will normally work in partnership with French-based agencies, and whereas some will specialize in a certain area of France, while others will cover most of the areas.
They may be members of regulatory bodies such as FOPDAC and NAEA and will have to have proved themselves to be members of these associations. The advantage of dealing with an agent who is based in the UK and covers most of France is that they can give you a good overview of the differences between areas, i.e. house prices, types of property, weather and accessibility. When you are trying to decide between different areas, this information
can be extremely helpful. There is also the fact that they can send you details of comparably priced properties in the areas you are considering. They will also be able to advise you on journey times from one area to another as they will be accustomed to travelling in France on a regular basis.

As well as having valuable local knowledge about a range of areas, they will be in a position to make appointments for you with long-established and very knowledgeable French agencies which have been vetted by the UK company. These will be agents who have elected to work with the UK market, who enjoy doing so and are prepared for the extra workload that is usually entailed in dealing with ‘foreigners’ who are buying properties in France.
Excerpted from Buying Property in France by Penny Zoldan, published by Collins, priced at £8.99

France is understandably popular with investment buyers. However, says Jeremy Licence of Furley Page Solicitors, it pays to do your homework before even considering a purchase

Spring is a popular time for people to decide to purchase property in France. Some are just back from the ski slopes, having enjoyed a relaxing break are thinking how nice it would be to own a property close to the slopes; others are planning their summer holiday and are unpleasantly surprised by the high rental rates for holiday gites in popular areas. So it is natural to start thinking about owning their own cottage instead.
More British people are buying off-plan than ever before – that is, purchasing apartments and houses which have not yet been built. In France, as opposed to Spain for example, the majority of these are in the mountains close to resorts which have year-round appeal.
An off-plan purchase – or en l’etat future achèvement – are an almost entirely different from purchases of rural or existing properties. One characteristic of such purchases is that in most cases people only seek independent advice once a reservation contract has already been signed and the deposit handed over.
The legal impact of reservation contracts should not be underestimated: the English translation is somewhat of a misnomer since it can give the impression that a reservation does not give rise to a legally binding contract and that the purchaser can walk away without penalty.
Much of the law surrounding off-plan purchases is contained in the French building code and such transactions should therefore follow a defined process. There are variations but generally speaking the process is as follows:

1. Once the purchaser has seen a property specification he likes, he may sign a reservation contract and pay a deposit to the developer, typically five per cent. In fact, the law prescribes that this initial deposit cannot exceed five per cent.
 
2.Signing the reservation contract may take place at any stage in the build – it could even be before the developer owns the land or has put a spade in the ground. At some stage after paying a deposit, however, the developer’s notaire will send a draft transfer deed to the purchaser, who then has only 30 days in which to decide whether or not to proceed with a purchase. The transfer deed must be signed within 40 days. Failing this, in most cases, the seller is entitled to resell the property.
 
3. One aspect frequently misunderstood is that the price for the property stated in the initial reservation contract is subject to variation (which almost exclusively means increase) in line with increases in the National Cost of Building Index. This means that if significant time elapses between signing the reservation contract and completing the purchase, the price can increase materially.
 
4. Thereafter, the remainder of the purchase price is paid as each stage of the build is completed and the developer will send payment demands to the purchaser supported by architect certificates.
 
5. It is important to remember that the purchaser will be the owner of the land and the works as they are completed, from the date of the legal transfer – even though at the point of legal completion there may only be a hole in the ground.
 
6. The final stage is the remise des clefs (release of keys). This is the point at which the building is signed off as being completed and the purchaser takes possession on payment of the balance of five per cent of the price.

Probably the most important document in the whole process is the original building contract or building specification. Unless this has been clearly agreed in the first place, the question of whether or not a property has been completed is open to debate. The consequence of this is that if the property has been completed and the purchaser fails to pay over the final payment, then the seller can refuse to hand over the keys.
Having the building contract translated into English is highly recommended for obvious reasons, but some people do not even bother. Such is the desire to own a home in the first place that many buyers sign the reservation contract without much regard for the legality of the arrangement or the prospect of future disagreements about aspects of construction.
A purchaser who pays the final balance before having the property looked over by his own surveyor does so at his peril, since the scope for bringing any claims for defective works after the handover is very limited.

It is not all bad news, however. Unlike in England, French law imposes certain guarantees for the benefit of the buyer of any newly developed property; these are automatic in every case.
It should just be mentioned that slightly different rules and processes apply if plans for the building are supplied by the purchaser.

The importance of obtaining reliable legal advice from an English solicitor or at least an independent English-speaking notaire cannot be overstated. Even when these transactions are at the lower end of the price range (for example, for studios or small apartments) the process described above is a minefield for the uninitiated and can lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary disputes.

If you are planning a purchase off-plan this summer, remember that there are reputable firms of English lawyers who can provide assistance and that, if at all possible, their advice should be sought before the reservation contract is signed.
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With skiing holidays more popular than ever, investing in a property in the French Alps is a smart move. We look at an upcoming treat at Chamonix.
Dedicated skiiers and  smart investors alike will be very interested in a newly launched collection of apartments in the gorgeous setting of the French Alps. Maison Neuve is an exclusive development of 12 apartments in Les Houches overlooking the Chamonix Valley, one of the most popular Alpine destinations.

The luxury two- and four-bedroom chalet-style apartments are spread over three buildings and boast a traditional alpine finish. The chalets will have underground garages, saunas, spacious living areas and will enjoy spectacular views over the Mont Blanc mountain range.
Les Houches boasts 55km of pistes and is ideal for beginners. From there you can ski the entire Chamonix valley, which encompasses 700km of pistes and offers slopes to suit all ages and abilities. In addition, the ChamSki pass is expected to include the Les Houches area shortly and the construction of a new telecabine is planned for 2007. It is likely that Les Houches and St Gervais-les-Bains will be joined by the new lift, which will be great news for owners at Maison Neuve.

Joanna Yellowlees-Bound, chief executive officer of selling agent Erna Low Savills says, ‘Chamonix is an extremely sought-after resort in which to own property and it is rare for property to be brought to the market in this area. One great advantage of Chamonix is its accessibility, being only an hour’s drive from Geneva airport. Maison Neuve will undoubtedly offer exemplary living combined with traditional architecture in one of the most exciting resorts in the Alps.’

Maison Neuve is the latest project by Midelin Investments Ltd, an Irish company which specialises in sourcing and developing high quality French ski properties that deliver both investment and lifestyle benefits. The company offers a customised service to buyers, easing the entire buying process and on-going management of the property by providing additional services such as processing legal documentation, finance advice, and introductions to local rental agents, accountants and service companies.

Stephen Byrne, Managing Director of Midelin Investments adds, "Property prices in this region of the Alps continue to grow and Les Houches not only offers excellent value for money but also good potential for rental income in both winter and summer. Maison Neuve at Les Houches combines the benefits of a ski-in ski-out resort with unparalleled build quality with an exceptionally high-quality finish. This is certainly the most prestigious development that we have ever been involved with.’
Prices will range from around €650,000 to €895,000. Construction is expected to start in September this year and the development is due for completion in December 2006. For further information contact Erna Low Savills on 020 7590 1624 or visit ernalowproperty.co.uk.