Hop across the Channel for near double-digit price increases say experts

by Charlotte Ashton France

 

Investors looking to purchase overseas should hop across the Channel to France where near double-digit price increases have been recorded say the experts at Experience International.
According to the latest Knight Frank Global House Price Index, France saw a 9.5% annual increase in prices in Q4 2010 compared to the same period 12 months ago.
Steven Worboys, MD of the French property experts at Experience International, comments,
“Surpassed within Europe only by Latvia (16.9% annual price increase) and Austria (9.9%), the near double digit annual price increase is highly indicative of the robust nature of the French property market. The unique conditions we find ourselves in today with the lowest interest rates since WW2, strength of the pound and rising prices make this the perfect time to buy.”
And it would seem that this message is hitting home with the FNAIM (Federation National de l’immobilier, the French estate agents’ body), reporting a 15% rise in the number of property purchases in 2010, some 700,000, compared to 2009.
Indeed purchasing activity for 2011 is also looking strong with research from Rightmove Overseas and Moneycorp showing a 53% increase in buying property abroad in February 2011 compared to the precious month with France the second most searched for country.
As Steven Worboys continues,
“Markets such as Spain and the USA may see high levels of buyer interest however making a safe and secure investment for the future should be the priority for today’s purchasers. There may be bargains to be had but at what cost? We advise all clients to do their due diligence and look for the market fundamentals which make a successful investment.”
One of the key appeals of investing in France is the leaseback program which has for over 40 years offered the best of both worlds with guaranteed rental returns for 18 years plus as well as personal usage options. Returns may not be as high as some emerging markets but they are reliable, giving investors that all important peace of mind.
Les Terrasses D’Helios is one example of a superb leaseback development located in the popular ski resort of Flaine which offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with stunning views of the Grand Massif ski domain.
Investors can enjoy up to 3.50% guaranteed rental income for 18 years or more in addition to expected capital growth of 7% and personal usage options. As with most leasebacks, VAT is paid saving a further 19.6% and up to 100% finance is available making the €237,000 apartments highly affordable.
For more information on investing in France or Les Terrasses D’Helios contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

From City to Surf:New flights to Pau spells good news for London travellers this Easter

by Charlotte Ashton France

Perfectly timed for an early Easter getaway, Cityjet, a subsidiary of Air France, are launching new flights from London City Airport to Pau in south-west France thrice weekly as of 2nd April offering residents an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life as well as royal wedding mayhem!

The city of Pau is only 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from the surf capital of France, Biarritz allowing Blighty residents to switch one capital for another with terrific ease. The flight will only take 1 hour and 40 minutes so you can be dipping your toes (and your board!) in the Bay of Biscay by lunchtime after leaving home at breakfast.
The news is welcomed by the numerous second home owners in the region too. Pau offers excellent access to both the nearby Pyrenees ski resorts, Lourdes, as well as the beach destinations such as Biarritz.
Speaking about the new flight services soon to commence, Steven Worboys, Managing Director of Experience International, said:
“Whilst the new flights will connect city to city business travellers, Cityjet’s route from London City to Pau will further open up this region to holiday makers and home owners from the south-east of England. There is a great demand for homes in the south-west of France with its stunning and varied scenery; owners achieve the best of both worlds with close proximity to the mountains and established ski resorts in winter and the coast in summertime.
“A popular choice for owners is Les Patios Eugenie, a luxury development of 62 units, from studio to 3 bedroom duplex cabin apartments, just 400 metres from the beach with an outdoor heated pool, spa, sauna, massage cabins and whirlpool. It oozes charm and appeal with its contemporary yet traditional architecture.
“We understand that owners want a hassle free purchase with luxurious amenities and with easy access from the UK making it perfect for personal use or rental and this development certainly ticks all the boxes.”
For more information contact Experience International on 0207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.
— ENDS —
Les Patios Eugenie, Biarritz
 
A fabulous opportunity to own a Biarritz property in an ideal location just 400 metres away from the beach and close to all amenities.  This development offers character architecture with the subtle alliance of contemporary and ancient design. Les Patios Eugenie consists of 62 luxurious units, from studios to 3 bedroom duplex cabin apartments, all luxury residences with refined decoration and charming patio and garden areas.
Being both natural and sophisticated at the same time, Biarritz is one of the most prestigious seaside resorts of the French Atlantic coast. Between the mountains and the ocean waves, it offers exceptional natural surroundings with many attractions: palaces, luxurious hotels, the Casino, rich gastronomy… Excellent facilities include Outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool and spa.
Prices start from €245,684. For more information contact Experience International on 0207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-intrnational.com.

La Chapelle, Sainte Foy, Tarentaise, France La Chapelle is a luxurious 4* block of 68 apartments provides both a fantastic lifestyle opportunity and also a strong investment with guaranteed & index-linked returns for 18+ years with a very st

by Charlotte Ashton France

With over a fifth of France covered in mountains, it’s no surprise that many of the world’s finest ski resorts are located in the French Alps. From the mega resorts of Chamonix, Val d’Isere and Meribel to the hidden gems of Avoriaz, La Rosiere and Sainte-Foy Tarentaise, skiing is big business generating over $10 billion each year.

For over half of Britons, France is the number one choice for a skiing holiday capitalising on the reliable snowfall, hundreds of kilometres of runs for all abilities and ease of accessibility from the UK. But for many snow bunnies just visiting for a few days each year is not enough and owning a ski chalet is high on Santa’s wish list.
But with hundreds of resorts dotted across the Alps and thousands of properties to suit every taste and budget, the choice can seem daunting. How do you find the perfect ski chalet?
Experience International’s resident French property expert and ski enthusiast, Ed Scott shares his top 5 tips for buying a ski chalet:
1.       Choose the right resort –Think about what you want from a resort: the reliability of the snow (check the altitude), variety of runs, access to off-piste, number of ski lifts, cost of ski passes, availability of lessons and the all-important après ski facilities. If possible take time to visit your favourite resorts, speak with local residents and other property owners to get a feel for what life is really like in the area – both in winter and summer.
2.       How are you going to get there? The volcanic ash cloud earlier this year affected many skiers travel plans with flights from the UK to popular Alpine access airports such as Geneva and Grenoble suspended. Reaching your ski property by air is often the cheapest, easiest and quickest way however owning a home near train stations such as Moutiers, Aime-La-Plagne or Bourg St Maurice which are served in only 7 hours by the Eurostar ski train direct from St Pancras International offers you and potential renters greater flexibility.
3.       What to buy? The Alps offers a wide range of property types from purpose built apartments to grand chalets of traditional design. Of course what you choose to purchase will be influenced by your budget but most buyers opt for affordable apartments located in purpose-built developments close to the resort. A typical studio apartment will sleep 2 people and a one bedroom, 4 people with kitchen, bathroom and a ski locker for storage. Consider the location of the desired development; is it truly ski-in ski-out? How far is it to the lifts and essential amenities?
4.       Maximise your investment – Unless you are relocating to the Alps, your ski property will most likely stand empty for some periods of time. Why not maximise your investment by renting the property out either directly or via a management agency? Purchasing a leaseback ski property is a very popular option as it allows you to enjoy personal usage as well as a guaranteed income as the property is rented out by experienced management companies to holiday makers year round.
5.       Consider finance options – Contrary to popular belief, owning a ski property in the Alps can be affordable. Mortgages are widely available through brokers such as Athena Mortgages who arrange 1 in 5 mortgages for property in the Alps. Leaseback properties also offer finance packages, in some cases up to 100%, this combined with the rental guarantee makes them even more attractive to buyers.
To find your perfect ski property contact the expert Ed Scott at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

Find your perfect ski property with the new winter issue of Focus on France magazine – out now!

by Charlotte Ashton France

With the winter season about to get underway finding the perfect ski property is at the forefront of many people’s minds.

But before you dig out those snow boots, dust off those skis and brush up on your high-school French, read the new winter issue of Focus on France magazine.
Your essential guide to the finest leaseback and freehold property available, the complimentary Focus on France magazine is highly popular with property buyers and Francophiles alike.
As Editor and MD of Experience International (who produce the magazine) Steven Worboys, comments,
“Focus on France meets the demand for quality information about buying property in France, not only from Britons but from people all over the world. Property sales in France remained stable throughout the summer season with leaseback homes proving particularly popular and now as we move now into the winter season, attentions are turning to finding the perfect ski property in the popular French Alps.”
The fully updated winter issue of Focus on France features:
ü Latest property market news
ü Editor’s Choice:  Top ski resorts in the Alps
ü Living in the Alps by off-piste skier Wayne Watson
ü French property expert Ed Scott’s top tips for buying a ski chalet
ü Best Buys – the finest properties on the market today
To receive your complimentary winter issue of Focus on France magazine today visit http://www.frenchleaseback.org or call + 44 (0) 207 321 5858.

For the highest rental returns this season look to French ski property in the Three Valleys

by Charlotte Ashton France

 

Dig out those snow boots, dust off those skis and practice those parallel turns – the 2010/2011 ski season is just around the corner. But with hundreds of resorts to choose from, where is the best place to buy a French ski property?
According to the latest data from leading holiday rental site, HomeAway Holiday-Rentals, investors seeking high rental incomes should look at the Three Valleys which boasts the highest average weekly rental rate of £1,200 for a 2 bedroom chalet.
Despite ranking fourth most popular resort within the French Alps by number of enquiries, the Three Valleys, home to the prestigious ski resorts of Courchevel, Meribel and Les Menuires, trumps neighbouring Tignes Sainte Foy, Les Arcs and Portes du Soleil where average rental incomes are only £1,130, £970 and £960 per week respectively.
Ed Scott, ski enthusiast and French Alps property expert at Experience International, comments,
“It’s not hard to see why chalets in Les Trois Vallées or Three Valleys are so popular. It’s the largest ski area in the world with more than 600km of ski slopes, 120km for cross-country skiing and 183 ski lifts. With a top elevation of 3,230m, snowfall in the Three Valleys is very reliable but just in case there are 1,920 snow cannons in place.”
The resort of Les Menuires, located in the Belleville valley of Les Trois Vallées, in particular offers French ski property owners strong rental incomes. Situated at an altitude of 1,850m, the vibrant resort enjoys a long ski season thus maximising rental potential. Most ski slopes start or finish close to the town creating a friendly and lively atmosphere in the piste-side bars and restaurants and the resort is very popular with the French as well as international visitors.
Les Chalets du Doron, with its picturesque riverside setting, has proved some of the most sought after French ski property for sale. Comprising two individual chalets, the charming architecture of these properties will reflect the traditions of the region and blend with the natural stunning Alpine landscape. The ski lift is located less than a 10 minute walk enabling easy access to the slopes.
Only two luxury chalets remain at Les Chalets du Doron from €780,000 for a 2/3 bed and €1,250,000 for a 3/4 bed. For more information about this superb French ski property development contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk. 
 

New flights to Dordogne make it even easier to enjoy a grape escape

by Charlotte Ashton France

The much anticipated new direct flights from Manchester to Brive Dordogne Valley airport by low-cost airline, Jet2 will now make it even easier for Brits to enjoy a ‘grape escape’ to one of France’s most popular wine producing regions.

The twice weekly flights will operate from 21st May to 24th September 2011 from Jet2’s Manchester base with tickets starting from €39.99 (one way including taxes). The new Brive Dordogne Valley airport has only just opened this summer but already demand is high due to its prime location in the heart of the popular Dordogne.
Steven Worboys, MD of the French leaseback property experts at Experience International, comments,
“Dordogne is one of the most beautiful departments of France, with enchanting rolling hills dotted with charming châteaux, a rich heritage and wealth of gastronomic delights. Over 2.9 million people visit the Dordogne each year making it the most popular place within the Aquitaine region and with the new 2011 summer flights Britons will have no excuse not to discover this hidden gem.“
And now is the perfect time to visit the Dordogne valley, home to some of the finest Merlot, Cabernet Franc and sweet Monbazallic wines in the world, as the autumn grape harvests have begun. Medieval villages such as St Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just over 90 minutes from Brive airport, are renowned for their harvest festivities complete with parties, shows and of course wine tasting sessions in the local cellars and estates.
The heady combination of natural beauty and fine gastronomy has made the Dordogne not only a highly popular tourism destination but also a more permanent base for many British second property owners. Over 20,000 Brits own homes within the department with the Dordogne accounting for 15% of all enquiries according to Athena Mortgages, a figure which has remained stable over the past 3 years.
As Steve Worboys goes on to comment,
“Property within the Dordogne is very reasonably priced with new developments, especially leasebacks, selling quickly. Well located properties can be purchased off-plan, with up to 100% finance and still guarantee index-linked returns of up to 4.3% for 18 years.”
One such development newly released to the market is Domaine de Rochevigne, 1 and 2 bedroom 4* apartments located only a stone’s throw from Gurson Lake and minutes from St Emilion. Easily accessible in under 90 minutes from Brive airport and 15 minutes from Bergerac airport, the residences are delivered fully furnished with built-in kitchens, flat screen TVs, terraces and garden areas.
This eco-friendly development also affords superb wellness facilities on-site including a heated swimming pool, spa, Turkish bath, sauna and solarium as well as a wide range of leisure activities from horse riding to tennis and fishing in the surrounding countryside.
Fully managed by one of France’s most reputable developers and management companies, Domaine de Rochevigne offers up to 4.3% guaranteed returns as well as generous personal usage options. Prices start from €117,652, the VAT is refunded and up to 100% finance is available.
For more information contact the leaseback experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.

All Aboard! New UK – Alps Ski Train Set to Boost Property Values

by Charlotte Ashton France

Its ease of accessibility has ensured that France remains one of the most popular second home destinations with British buyers and the announcement of a new Eurostar winter service between London and the Alps is sure to boost demand further says French property expert.

The new winter service commencing from December 19th 2010 will allow passengers to travel direct from St Pancras and Ashford International to Moutiers, Aime-La-Plagne and Bourg St Maurice in the heart of the Alps. The journey will take only 7 hours, passing through stunning scenery with returns fares costing around £149 per person return.
Charlie Williams, French property expert at Experience International and passionate Alpine skier comments,
“The French Alps have and always will offer the finest skiing in Europe in my opinion. Ski property with quick and easy access from the UK is in particularly high demand and the news that you can go from London to the Alps in 7 hours spells good news for owners; I fully expect demand and subsequently property values to rise.”
There has been a marked increased in the number of people choosing to visit France by train as opposed to flying with Eurostar reporting a 6% rise in passenger numbers during the first half of 2010. Environmental concerns combined with the impact of the volcanic ash cloud earlier this year and the rising trend of travellers choosing rail travel over short-haul flights is believed to have accelerated this growth.   
One resort tipped by expert Charlie Williams of Experience International as a hotspot for the ‘10/11 ski season is Sainte-Foy-en-Tarentaise. Located just 15 minutes from the train station at Bourg St Maurice and 15 minutes from both Les Arcs and Val d’Isere, this beautiful unspoiled resort has long been the preserve of experienced guides bringing their clients over from nearby Val d’Isere to enjoy the famous powder and off-piste skiing available.
Williams enthuses,
“Thanks to some sensitive re-development this Savoyard town has been reborn as a luxuriously quiet retreat for families and groups alike. Prices increased by 7.5% over 2009 and in response to demand for quality accommodation a prestigious developer has released La Chapelle, a ski-in ski-out development with many facilities and outstanding views on the leaseback system with 100% finance.”
With a freehold leaseback property, owners can enjoy guaranteed index linked returns for 18 years as well as personal usage including an extra 4 months during the summer. The first phase is almost sold out but prices for the soon to be released second phase of 4* one to four bedroom luxury properties start from £185,000 with furniture, ski locker, storage & underground parking included.
For more information about the wide range of leaseback properties easily accessible via the new Eurostar Alps service contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.

Summer Sensation: All eyes are on the new eco-friendly leaseback development in La Camargue, South of France

by Charlotte Ashton France

Think South of France and St Tropez, Cannes, Nice and Monaco will probably spring to mind but this summer all eyes are looking west of these traditional tourism destinations, to La Camargue – Western Europe’s largest river delta, just 1 hour from Marseille.     

Covering some 930km, where the river Rhône meets the Mediterranean Sea, La Camargue occupies a coastal area between the Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence. Established as a national park and nature reserve in 1972, La Camargue contains exceptional bio-diversity with over 400 species of birds including the ubiquitous pink flamingos, the famous Camargue horses, unique breeds of bulls and now a new eco-friendly leaseback development.
 
Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International, the leaseback property experts, comments,
 
“La Camargue remains one of the most unspoiled natural areas in the south of France. Already an established tourist destination with the French, the area is fast becoming popular with British holidaymakers and second property buyers not least due to the diverse fauna and flora, stunning vistas over the Rhône delta and ease of access from the UK and by air, rail and road.”
 
Due to its national park status, property development is limited in La Camargue with only a handful of truly eco-friendly properties available to purchase. One such development is the new Domaine des Flamants Roses leaseback residences. The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom cottage style properties are situated in the small charming village of Salin-de-Giraud, a stone’s throw from the chic coastal resort of Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer and only 25 miles from historic Arles city centre.
 
Complimenting the natural landscape, Domaine des Flamants Roses is highly eco-friendly boasting an ecological rating of 145 out of 150 due to the use of recycled materials, natural building products, renewable energy and waste water recycling.
 
As Steve Worboys goes on to remark,
 
“It’s not often that a property can truly be both eco-friendly and a good investment however Domaine des Flamants Roses ticks both boxes. As a leaseback property, owners can enjoy 4.08% guaranteed rental income for 18+ years as well as personal usage options.”
 
Prices start from €155,292 with a low deposit of only €1,000 required to secure a unit; in addition 100% finance is available, an attractive option which is becoming increasingly rare as French banks look to restrict lending.
 
For more information on buying property in La Camargue please contact Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.
 

An Alpine chalet is not just for Christmas… Top 5 Activities to enjoy in the French Alps this summer

by Charlotte Ashton France

The French Alps are renowned as a top winter tourism destination attracting millions each year to its pristine pistes, exclusive resorts and charming villages.

But the area is not only to be enjoyed for a few months each winter, the French Alps offer a wealth of attractions in summer also and with latest reports from French mortgage specialist, Athena Mortgages, stating that May was the busiest month of the past 12 in terms of enquiries, it would seem that buyers are seeking Alpine homes that they can use all year round. 
So what are the top 5 activities to enjoy in the French Alps this summer?
1. Walking in the Vanoise National Park – located between the Tarentaise and the Maurienne, the Parc de la Vanoise is one of Europe’s oldest and largest protected areas. The park is rich in flora and home to herds of ibex; it also offers 500km of marked walking paths and trails for all abilities.
2. Mountain biking – From two skis to two wheels, mountain biking is one of the most popular summer activities in the Alps. The Sainte Foy en Tarentaise area, just 15 minutes from Val d’Isere and Les Arcs offer some of the finest natural trails with mountain descents and long cross-country roads running through alpine meadows and forests as well as unspoiled mountain villages with stunning views of the glaciers.
3. Mountaineering – Summer is the perfect time to explore the mountains of the Alps, from the Mont Blanc massif in the west to the imposing Dolomites in the east, this region offers some of the most challenging climbs available. Increasing popular is “via ferrata”, Italian for “iron road”. Originally built in the Dolomites as routes for WW1 soldiers to transverse, these footpaths follow the contours of the mountain face featuring ladders and rope swings to add extra excitement. 
4. Rafting and Canyoning – as the glaciers undergo their natural summer melt, the rivers of the French Alps come alive with the sounds of canoeists and white-water rafting thrill seekers. The river d’Isere near Sainte Foy provides one of the longest and most exhilarating white water rafting experiences as well as the opportunity to try canyoning.    
5. Get a taste of local culture – the Alps are home to some of the most traditional charming towns and villages in all of France. Wander through quaint streets, admire the Savoyard architecture, visit museums and historical centres and sample the local culinary delights. La Plagne, located in the heart of the Paradiski, is one of the most popular summer destinations hosting numerous music and cultural festivals.
Getting to the French Alps couldn’t be easier with daily direct flights to Lyon, Geneva or Chambery from the UK; high speed trains also connect the Alps to Paris and then on in turn to the UK or it is possible to drive in around 9 hours.
It is also straight-forward to purchase property in the French Alps with leaseback developments proving popular as they offer guaranteed rental income as well as personal usage. One development which is particularly sought-after is La Chapelle in Sainte Foy as investors can enjoy free usage of the property in June and September as well as guaranteed & index-linked returns for 18+ years. A limited number of 1 – 4 bedroom luxury properties remain with prices starting from £170,000 and up to 100% finance available.
Alternatively, the completed 4* apartments of Le Centaure, located in La Plagne comprise studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom modern and spacious properties with superb on-site amenities. Prices are from €148,000 and up to 95% finance is available.
For more information about purchasing in the French Alps pick up your FREE COPY of Focus on France magazine, your essential guide to French leasebacks, by calling + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visiting www.frenchleaseback.org.

New French Leaseback magazine launched – essential reading for property buyers

by Charlotte Ashton France

Responding to demand for more information about French leaseback property, Focus on France, the new 32 page magazine launches today.

Over 100,000 Britons already own homes in France and leaseback properties are highly sought after as they offer freehold ownership, guaranteed income and personal usage. But how does the model work? Where is the best place to buy? What returns can be expected?
Focus on France, published by French leaseback experts, Experience International, is your essential guide to French leaseback property and answers all the questions potential buyers may have.
“Focus on France is an indispensible guide for any looking to buy a leaseback property in France. It contains clear explanation of the sale-and-leaseback model, the latest news, independent expert advice and buying guide. Also featured are the most popular areas to buy and the hottest leaseback properties on the market”, comments Steven Worboys, Publisher and MD of Experience International.    
The new 32 page magazine is complimentary for potential French property buyers and features:
– Why are leasebacks such a safe bet? by the Editor of What House? Magazine
– The latest property market information
– Top 10 reasons to buy in France
– Where to buy? Location focus on Provence, the Alps and SW France
– Buying Guide
– Hot properties – guide to the best leasebacks available today
To receive your complimentary 32 page Focus on France magazine today visit http://www.frenchleaseback.org or call + 44 (0) 207 321 5858.