France, the most visited country in the world with 76.8 million tourists arriving in 2010 has been the most popular world tourist destination for the last 20 years and it’s simple to see why the love affair with France never falters.

As a country of class, beauty and tradition, tourists flock to France not only to immerse themselves in the romantic language of love or sample the delicious world famous cuisine but to soak up the cultural sensations in Paris, the famous ‘City of Light’, the chic indulgent lifestyle on the striking French Riviera and the variety of adrenaline-charged winter sport activities available in the French Alps as well as experience the huge variety of internationally renowned events such as the Tour de France which finished over the weekend.

However in spite of its undeniable world popularity, France takes third place on the global stage in terms of tourist revenue according to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) generating €49.4bn in revenue back in 2009 while unsurprisingly the mighty USA pulled in a massive €93.9bn with Spain following behind in second place with €53.2bn.

Nevertheless, France with its unbreakable winning spirit has declared that it must improve its position with business minister Frédéric Lefebvre wanting to firmly place the country in the world number two spot for tourism revenue over the next two years.

With this in mind, a new campaign – Rendez-Vous en France is being launched with the aim of further advancing the French appeal to potential holidaymakers and encouraging greater consumer spending by highlighting what the country has to offer. This will include an emphasis on French culinary delights, first rate wines and high class fashion that have become typically associated with the hot spot over the years.

Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developer, Terresens, comments,

“Although the land of Stars and Stripes reign supreme in terms of tourist revenue, new initiatives such as Rendez-Vous en France will with no doubt generate more publicity for the world’s most popular country. With this aiding Lefebvre’s vision, improving the French position in terms of tourist revenue is not impossible by any means.

“The geographical diversity of France, its accessibility by train, sea or air and exceptionally high standard of living means people want to flock here. France has something to offer everyone whether you want to reside in a traditional house in the flower laden countryside in Provence or a trendy high class apartment with the beautiful people in Cannes, France provides the perfect lifestyle choice, one that more and more people are making.”

Indeed sales of French properties to international buyers increased by 21% in 2010 according to the Living Abroad survey by French bank BNP Paribas and so if you’re thinking about buying French property and wish to immerse yourself in the more indulgent side of life, one that oozes French glamour and sophistication Terresens, the leading French eco-friendly leaseback developer has one of this summer’s most hotly anticipated luxury leaseback developments on offer.

Residence le Six, a stunning development located in Le Cannet, the business district of Cannes just 10 minutes from La Croisette affords fully furnished studio and 1 bedroom apartments with parking available from just €137.659.

Set in a premium location Residence le Six affords provides superb on-site facilities including a heated swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. Furthermore investors can enjoy the best of both worlds through the leaseback programme with up to 4.25% guaranteed returns index-linked and personal usage options.

For more information about ‘La belle vie’ in France please contact Terresens on +44(0) 2030 101 110 or visit www.terresensleaseback.com

Méribel, best known for being a top winter ski destination, transforms into a totally different kind of playground in the summer months, providing intense scenery covered in brightly coloured flowers and rich green trees all lit up by the sparkling sunshine. Yet remarkably, this Alpine hotspot remains a relatively undiscovered summertime land with many being unaware of the vast and varied outdoor activities that Méribel has to offer.

Situated in the middle of the Les Trois Vallées, a popular ski region in the Tarentaise Valley, near the town of Moutiers, Méribel’s stunning landscape provides the perfect environment for a whole host of summertime activities including hiking, mountain-biking, golf, climbing, parapenting, white-water rafting, canyoning, horse riding, tennis, glacier walking and hot air ballooning to name but a few.
 

Sitting on the edge of the 140,000 acre Vanoise National Park, founded to protect the rich eco system of the area and close to The Tuéda Nature Reserve, Méribel serves as a hikers paradise where levels reach up to 3,855m and include 500km of maintained and marked trails, suitable for the entire family to discover Méribel’s natural unspoiled beauty and 100 species of flora and fauna.

There are also opportunities to discover Méribel’s hidden wonders via an extensive network of cycling tracks snaking through the valley while professionals and amateurs alike can partake in the yearly Three Valleys Mountain Bike competition, completing circuits around the Three Valleys at various levels of difficulty with the help of the ski lifts. And for cycling fanatics, there is also a chance to catch a possible glimpse of the famous Tour de France cycling tournament.
 

If it’s golf you’re after, Méribel’s 18 hole course is perhaps one of the most handsome courses in the Alps. Developed by some of the world’s most famous golf course designers, Méribel hosts a three day Drive des Groumets Golf Competition each year combining golfing on the resort’s mountain course with gourmet wining and dining.

In addition to the outdoor activities, Méribel plays host to more relaxed goings-on such as concerts like Music’ Air, a one week event in July playing jazz, folk and rock music as well as street performances including the Magic Méribel event offering a week of illusions and workshops where you can learn circus skills and magic tricks.

By offering a myriad of activities and events to occupy even the most demanding of visitors it is clear that the picture-perfect destination of Méribel is destined to lure in visitors throughout the year, however the beautiful ski resort will be reverting back to its famous winter roots seeing Méribel host one of the highlights of the Alpine ski calendar – the World Cup finals in 2014/15, attracting vast numbers of winter sports fans from across the globe.

Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developer, Terresens, comments,

“Certainly, internationally renowned events will help boost Méribel’s profile, coupled with the fact that France remained the world´s most popular travel destination in terms of international arrivals last year according to The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) seeing 76.8 million tourists arrive in 2010, indicating that France remains a tourism force to be reckoned with.

“It is no surprise that France remains the most sought after European holiday destination for all seasons, even seeing high profile celebs such as Harry Potter star Emma Watson recently investing in a Méribel ski chalet. Buyers are spending more, particularly when it comes to the top end of the market and in my opinion, those looking to buy a beautiful French property to enjoy both in the sun and on the snow can do no better than Méribel.”

According to Holiday Lettings, which represents around 5,700 properties in France, bookings up until May this year for France were up by 11% with a growing number of enquiries coming from across Europe while sales of French properties to international buyers increased by 21% in 2010 from 42,300 in 2009 to 51,200 last year according to the latest Living Abroad survey by French bank BNP Paribas.

As the only new build development in Méribel, Terresens are providing a boutique luxury development in Chemin de la Chapelle in the centre of Méribel, Les Trois Vallées, costing from approximately €700,000.

Consisting of 8 units – 2 chalets and 6 freehold apartments where the layout and finishings can be custom designed to suite any taste, the Méribel development will be situated close to a wide range of facilities including a wellness and fitness centre, Olympic ice rink and swimming pool and a number of restaurants and bars to choose from including self-service mountain eateries and traditional restaurants offering local dishes.

For more information on purchasing a freehold home for all seasons in Méribel, France, please contact Terresens today on +44(0) 2030 101 110 or visit www.terresensleaseback.com
 

For most, buying a home abroad remains a significant, long-term commitment especially if mortgage finance is required, however how do you ensure that your dream property in France remains as wise a purchase in 20 years time as today?  According to experts, the best way to future-proof your French home is to think green.

Consideration for the environment and our impact upon it has become almost unavoidable in the 21st century. The UK has signed up to a variety of green legislation including the Renewable Heat Incentive due to be met this year, Building a Greener Future which proposes that all new homes be constructed to a ‘zero carbon’ standard by 2016 and Green Deal which will provide energy makeovers to some 14 million homes by 2020. In addition the UK and other Members States including France are committed to the Europe 2020 strategy which requires 20% of all energy needs to be sourced from renewables.

Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developer, Terresens, comments,

“Thinking green has gone beyond small scale recycling and taking fewer long haul flights. Housing is one of the main contributors to CO2 emissions and we have a moral and legal responsibility to consider sustainable eco-friendly alternatives for the properties we own.  With increasing levels of EU environmental legislation being passed, potential property buyers need to start planning now to ensure that their investments meet the criteria in years to come in order to avoid incurring heavy operating and possibly redevelopment costs later down the line.

“Indeed for those considering purchasing a leaseback property, where the value of the property is calculated on the income which the property is capable of producing, developments which lack high eco-ratings and sustainability features (and therefore have higher operating costs as a result) will start to trail behind with regards to rental growth and lead to adverse yield movements.” 
 
With energy costs, water management and waste disposal all becoming increasingly expensive, investors who buy sustainable eco-friendly properties, such as those provided by Terresens, will see lower CO2 production, lower operating costs and therefore higher income margin and increased property value. 

Anwar Harland-Khan, CEO of Sustain Worldwide, a membership organisation of global developers and professionals whose mission is to raise awareness, share vital knowledge and catalyse business growth in sustainable development, architecture, design and living, said:

“Undoubtedly, eco homes are the future of residential property worldwide. It stands to reason because the sustainable homes being built today are stylish, beautifully finished, warm and light spaces. Not only are they attractive, they are cheaper to run because they require less heating and cooling than a conventional house, they are better insulated and fitted out with ‘hands off’ energy saving applications. What’s more they will appreciate in value faster because eco homes are more ‘future proofed’ than a traditionally built existing house.”

With environmental impact at the very heart of Terresens, each luxurious development holds an ecological rating out of 150 enabling buyers to make an educated choice.  The luxurious 4* apartments of La Chapelle in the traditional Alpine village of Ste Foy for examples boast a rating of 112 due to the use of natural building materials, water retrieval and sustainable management. Similarly the completed Les Mazets de Ventoux residences in Malaucene scored an eco rating of 89 due to use of only natural products and eco friendly building principles such as bio paint, renewable electricity and treatment of green areas.

One common objection against eco homes is the perception of a higher price point; whilst this might be correct in some cases, Terresens ensures that all properties are priced in line with the current market. Properties in Les Mazets de Ventoux for example are available from €141,000 with an attractive 4.1% guaranteed index-linked return plus 3% cashback and due to the superior eco credentials, resale appeal is expected to be higher than traditional homes in the area.

And so with time marching ever on, it is imperative that investors think green today to future-proof their homes in France. For more information about investing in sustainable, eco friendly leaseback developments in France contact Terresens today on + 44 (0) 2030 101 110 or visit www.terresensleaseback.com.

The French Riviera with its chic, sophisticated lifestyle, undeniable French charm and not to mention that all-important warm climate is the place to be and be seen this summer.

Rented accommodation in the coastal city is bursting at the seams as visitors flock to world famous events, luring A-list movie stars and influential business tycoons alike. It is hardly surprising that the French Riviera has forever been a popular choice amongst overseas property investors looking to capitalise on a well-tested market.

Having adopted the ‘Life is a Festival’ motto, the French Riviera has an endless stream of events year round making it an ideal buy to let investment location. As The Cannes Film Festival ends, having successfully pulled in a whole host of global movie stars, world press and industry enthusiasts to celebrate the world’s filmmaking delights, the Monaco F1 Grand Prix will begin today, guaranteeing to attract many a petrol head.

As the population of the French Riviera explodes over the summer months, demand for event orientated and holiday accommodation grows with savvy buy-to-let property investors soaking up substantial rental incomes.

Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager of Terresens, France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developer, comments,

“Investing in property on the French Riviera is simply common sense. High rental yields can easily be achieved with the large volumes of tourists visiting the French Riviera each year along with the abundance of annual conferences and events taking place especially in Cannes, making the South of France an excellent choice for your overseas property investment.”

He continues,

“The short distance to the UK and the rest of Europe has made France one of the most popular choices for investment property buyers in the world. The market is extremely varied and offers major potential for investors. The South of France is a prime example with the airports of Nice and Marseille offering easy access to the French Riviera all year round, being serviced by low cost airlines such as Easyjet and Ryanair.”

Serious property investors are always on the lookout for key fundamentals that will sustain a market beyond the long peak summer season and therefore the reported increase in the number of commercial, business and helicopter flights in and out of Nice Côte d’Azur airport, with commercial air travel growing by 9.1 per cent and helicopter traffic rising by 4.1 per cent during April 2011, is surely good news.

With talk of A-list residents and private helicopters many would expect property on the French Riviera to come complete with an expensive price tag, however buyers will be pleased to know that there are more affordable options available that still offer the same luxurious quality one would expect.

Leading eco-friendly French leaseback developer, Terresens has just released Residence le Six located in Le Cannet, the business district of Cannes just 10 minutes from La Croisette, affording fabulous on-site facilities including a heated swimming pool and spa and fitness centre. Comprising fully furnished studio and 1 bedroom apartments complete with parking available from just €143,000 investors can enjoy the best of both worlds through the leaseback programme with up to 4.25% guaranteed returns index-linked and personal usage options making this an ideal opportunity pull in weighty returns from the ‘star’ of the French Riviera.

For more information about investing in Cannes please contact Terresens on +44 (0) 2074 714 681 or visit www.terresensleaseback.com
 

The news of a proposed 20% tax on second homes in France owned by non French residents has caused some concern for potential property buyers in recent days; however experts advise that leaseback properties which, as part of the French government program established in the late 1960s, are rented out for a set period each year, will avoid this equivalent of a second tax.

Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager at Terresens, one of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback developers, comments,

“The proposed changes by the French government to the taxation of non-French resident property owners which if passed will come into force from January 1st 2012 appear very popularist proposals to win votes in an election year. They do not attract foreign investment, may conflict with EU principles and therefore may well not be agreed.

“Potential property buyers should not be put off buying in France as leaseback properties, by their very nature, will be exempt from this proposed new tax.”

Highly respected property lawyer, David Anderson from Sykes Anderson LLP, echoes this advice, saying,

“If the property is rented and so not freely available to the owner the tax will not apply. This means leasebacks will not be affected.”

Leasebacks have risen in popularity in recent years compared to classic second home purchases in France due to the security they offer. Leaseback purchases offer owners the best of both worlds, freehold ownership of a property in France, guaranteed rental income (index linked) derived from the lease of the property to an appointed management company as well as personal usage throughout the year. In addition VAT is refunded, a considerable saving of 19.6% for buyers.

As Charlie Williams explains,

“France will remain one of, if not the most popular choice for second property abroad with Brits and indeed many other nations. Leasebacks offer a safe, secure and hassle-free way of owning a home in France and its exemption from this proposed new tax is further evidence of the program’s merit.”

For more information about the proposed new tax and buying leaseback property in France contact Terresens today on +44 (0) 2074 714 681 or visit www.terresensleaseback.com.
 

Cannes, known as the ‘star’ of the French Riviera, tucked away in La Napoule bay is popular for its glamorous A-list lifestyle, exquisite location, warm climate, world famous festivals and accounts for 1% of the world’s tourism, an astonishing achievement for such a small city.

Once you set foot into Cannes it is easy to see what the attraction is. The unbelievable amount of wealth is obvious with jaw dropping sports cars revving their engines and luxurious yachts dominating the bay whilst the streets are lined with designer boutiques and high quality restaurants.

Having adopted the ‘Life is a Festival’ motto, it would seem that life in Cannes is certainly this, with an abundance of international galas taking place every year bringing together the rich and famous from every corner of the world with the international Record and Music Market stopping by in January and the International Market for Television Programs taking place in April and May.

Of course, the highpoint of the year is always the Cannes Film Festival which opens today, luring in movie stars and celebrities, the global press and industry enthusiasts to sing the praises of the year’s filmmaking sensations. Not surprisingly the population of Cannes explodes during the festival as visitor numbers almost treble, resulting in increased demand for rental accommodation. 

Back in March, MIPIM Cannes, a well-known global trade show, brought together some of the most influential real estate investors to discuss business ideas and all things property related. As expected, property owners in Cannes will be clapping their hands right about now, soaking up substantial rental incomes from the film festival indicating to other potential buyers that owning a property in Cannes could be a smart move to make.

Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager of Terresens, one of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developers, comments,

“It is no surprise that Cannes remains one of the most sought after property markets in Europe if not the World. The sheer number of visitors, the first class amenities, desirable location and world class festivals means the quality of living cannot be rivalled. In my opinion, those looking to buy a property for personal use or to rent out can do no better than Cannes.”

Due to its notoriety many would expect property in Cannes to come complete with a designer price tag but this isn’t always the case. This summer’s most hotly anticipated luxury leaseback development, Residence Le Six, has just been released by Terresens with fully furnished studio and 1 bedroom apartments with parking available from just €150,000.

Located in Le Cannet, the business district of Cannes just 10 minutes from La Croisette,  Residence Le Six affords a premium location and superb on-site facilities including heated swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. Furthermore investors can enjoy the best of both worlds through the leaseback programme with up to 4.25% guaranteed returns index-linked and personal usage options.

For more information about investing in the “star” of the French Riviera, Cannes, contact Terresens on +44 (0) 2074 714 681 or visit www.terresensleaseback.com

As the 2010/11 ski season enters its final throws, property owners in the Rhones-Alpes region of France should be pleased to hear of the 17% increase in holiday home booking enquiries received by the UK’s leading rental company, HomeAway.co.uk, compared to last season.

The most popular areas remained traditional family favourites with Chamonix Mont-Blanc topping the charts followed by Portes du Soleil and the desirable Val d’Isere – Tignes – Sainte Foy region.
Charlie Williams, Sales Manager of Terresens, one of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developers and a keen skier, comments,

“Despite concerns over early season snowfall levels, the 2010/11 ski season in France has been strong. I visited a number of resorts such as Flaine, Chamonix and the stunning Sainte-Foy throughout the season and on each occasion the slopes were busy and villages bustling not only with French but also British, German and Italian ski enthusiasts.”

And it is not only HomeAway.co.uk who has seen France’s popularity as a ski destination rise this year. The latest data from Ski Horizon, a leading ski travel operator, reveals that France proved to be Europe’s most popular location for skiing holidays in the 2010/11 season with the resorts of Morzine and Les Arcs being the most popular.

As Charlie Williams goes on to explain,

“It is no surprise that France remains the most sought after European ski destination. The sheer scale of the ski domains, the quality of the slopes, the first class facilities and the established nature of the resorts with everything on hand just cannot be rivalled in my opinion. Those looking to buy a ski property for personal use or to rent out can do no better than the French Alps.”

Indeed with tourism to the region on the increase, the rental market is looking robust. A 2 bedroom ski apartment in the exclusive Val d’Isere – Tignes – Sainte Foy area for example can produce a weekly rental income of £1,129 according to HomeAway.co.uk which when combined with capital appreciation of 7.48% per year over the last five years makes purchasing a property in this area highly lucrative. 
Luxury ski apartments in Sainte-Foy, the hidden gem of the Alps, only 15 minutes from Val ‘dIsere,  are in fact proving very popular with investors as prices remain affordable and they offer the best of both worlds through the established leaseback program.

Available from €164,000, the 4* one, two, three and four bedroom ski-in ski-out apartments are fully furnished with first class on-site amenities including indoor pool, spa, sauna, parking and ski locker. The apartments also hold an ecological rating of 112 (out of 150) – one of the hallmarks of Terresens properties.

As part of the leaseback program owners can now receive an additional 0.5% rental income on properties in La Chapelle raising the guaranteed returns to 4.3% for 18 years in addition to one week’s personal usage. This special offer only extends until 30th April 2011 and with only a limited number of units remaining now is the time to buy.

For more information about purchasing a ski property in France, the leaseback programme or the special offer at La Chapelle, Sainte Foy, contact Terresens today on +44 (0) 207 714 681 or visit www.terresens.co.uk.