French Riviera Property Update – January 2012

New Year 2012

Happy 2012! Writing this from a rather grey and wet Cannes, the festivities all seem a distant memory and the prospect of the January diet all rather too close to home.  So what will 2012 bring to the property market here on the French Riviera? For us, we can already see positive signs, the UK market is returning, the mortgage rates continue to be low and the rental potential of properties here in the South of France remains excellent.

Our clients are choosing to buy a property here on the French Riviera for many different reasons. For those looking to maximise on their investment then an apartment in Cannes is the obvious choice. With all the annual events which take place in the centre of Cannes then an apartment within walking distance of the exhibition centre is a sure fire bet.

Want to relax and enjoy the sunshine, away from the crowds? Then choosing one of the quieter villages in the hills above the coast makes sense. Mougins is always high on our list and is ideal for those planning an eventual permanent move to the French Riviera.

Whatever your reason for buying a property here and however unusual your list of requirements, then 2012 is an excellent time for you to buy property here on the French Riviera. Our FREE service will save you time and money and is guaranteed to find your perfect property – so what are you waiting for? Contact me today jackie@frenchrivierapropertysearch.com

 

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Seasons Greetings from Cannes

Seasons Greetings

Seasons Greetings

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Christmas Shopping on the French Riviera

Christmas Market Cannes

Cannes Christmas Market Decorations

At this time of year our beautiful region is alive with Christmas spirit. In many of the towns and villages there are dedicated Christmas markets, skating rinks and of course the cafes are now selling ‘vin chaud’ a hot mulled wine, ideal for keeping out that winter chill.

In Cannes we have the Christmas village which is open every day and has some gorgeous Christmas decorations and hand made gifts for sale. They stay open late on a Friday and Saturday until 9.30 pm, ideal for those of us who have a full working week right up until the big day itself.

In Monaco there is another Christmas village open on the port together with a fun fair and the skating rink.

Wherever you go here on the French Riviera at this time of year you will find the traditional Provencal Christmas fayre and of course the Provencal creche complete with ‘santons’ the small figures representing each and every person and profession to be found in a Provencal village.

Happy Christmas shopping to you all.

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Property Buyers on the French Riviera

Cannes property

Cannes at Sunset

Just saw a comment from a writer for the UK Financial Times.  He says “the French are taking money out of banks and buying property to protect themselves”.  This is definitely borne out by the increasing percentage of French buying their second homes here on the French Riviera.

For your additional interest an article in this week’s L’Express says that 60% of the second homes bought in Cannes are by the French and the remaining 40% are Russians, Scandinavians and Italians.  Because of the current exchange rate, the English buyers are few and the Irish buyers have disappeared.

The French are astute, so follow their lead. Contact me, Jackie Pressman, at French Riviera Property Search, and let me find you the perfect property and provide, free of charge, advice and guidance on the intricacies of French taxes and the best purchasing procedures for your individual needs. www.FrenchRivieraPropertySearch.com

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American Thanksgiving Day on the French Riviera

The American Thanksgiving holiday is always on the last Thursday of November. It is important because it is the only American holiday which is neither military nor religious – so celebrated by all Americans wherever in the world they are.

My husband is currently President of the American Club of the Riviera so he hosted a traditional turkey lunch for 150 people at the very grand Hotel de Paris in Monaco. Interestingly about half of those present were not Americans but wished to spend this special day with their friends.

The Club always invites American military who are away from home on this important family day, and it is a tremendous joy to share with them. This year it was a group of airmen who are stationed in Italy and we try to have one at each table.

In this most beautiful setting with its grand chandeliers and gilded ceiling decorations, each table is centred with an attractive display of autumn-coloured roses and other flowers to complement the polished silver and gleaming glasses. Following the champagne reception, the hotel put on a fabulous full turkey lunch with all of the many trimmings. Even though not an American custom, it was noted by the airmen that espresso was served after the meal, which they loved!

President Obama’s Thanksgiving Day speech is read out by the U.S. Consular Officer, and the Captain of the military group present gave a heartfelt speech of thanks and introduced each one of his men.

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Win a Case of Champagne with French Riviera Property Search

Win a Case of Champange

Win a Case of Champagne

 LAST CHANCE TO ENTER – If you have friends, colleagues or family thinking of buying a property here in the South of France then send us their contact details and you could wine a Case of Champage.

REMEMBER – Our service is free to buyers and we will help clients with

WHAT to Buy, WHERE to Buy and HOW to BUY

Most of our clients come from referrals from previous clients, colleagues and the ex-pat community residents here on the French Riviera. It’s always that extra bit gratifying when people feel confident enough to refer our services to potential clients.

We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has recommended us and, as it’s coming up to Christmas, what better way for us to pass on our gratitude but with a case of good old bubbly.

So…..if you know a friend, colleague or perhaps a member of your family who is looking to buy a property here on the French Riviera then send us their details (letting them know as well) and we’ll enter you into our free prize draw.

Simply send us an email to jackie@frenchrivierapropertysearch.com with your details, and the details of the person who is looking for property and you could be lucky enough to win the champagne. All entries must be sent to us no later than 5pm on Friday 2nd December and we’ll draw the winner on Monday 5th December.

Good Luck and remember, ours is a FREE service to the buyers. Not only will we find the perfect property but we will ensure that the purchase is structured in the correct way for individual circumstances. Mistakes can be costly to put right.

WHAT to Buy, WHERE to Buy, HOW to Buy

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Bask in a harmonious, multicultural environment

Living on the French Riviera

Living on the French Riviera

This contains some interesting and relevant facts for those wishing to vacation or live on the French Riviera.  So I have updated a blog I originally wrote on the subject more than 3 years ago, and hope you too find this fascinating reading.

A truly international metropolis with one in eight inhabitants hailing from a foreign country, the Côte d’Azur offers an impressive array of multilingual services that range from banking to real estate, newspapers, radio and cultural activities. More than 10 international schools (Europe’s 2nd largest pool) will enable your children to follow a school curriculum that will give them entry to universities throughout the world. Continue reading

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I’m just 3.74 people away from anyone in the world according to Facebook

I was fascinated to see yesterday that the famous study of the ’6 Degrees of Separation’ has now reduced to just 3.74 Degrees of Separation according to a new study published by Facebook.

Of course our marketing team have been working hard behind the scenes to build our network on Facebook and Twitter and I’ve long found Linked In to be an excellent source of new clients and contacts across the globe. But this all takes time and that’s something that not many of have in abundance. By the time I’ve looked at the news, my updates, chatted to a colleague in the US, tweeted about a new property and that’s all before my first coffee then frankly I’m exhausted. So how important is all this ‘stuff’?

Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and more

Social Networking

 

For me and my business then it’s vital. My clients could come from anywhere in the world and making sure that we are accessible in all corners of the globe is only possible if we keep up to date with on-line networking. I prefer ‘on-line’ to social networking as for me, these networks and distribution channels are one of the most vital sources of new clients and referrals. I liken these activities to attending 3 networking events every day with breakfast in London, lunch in New York and dinner in Sydney. And as those of you who attend business functions know, there’s very little that’s ‘social’ about any of this. Getting out there and grabbing every potential client is at the core of every business and frankly I adore the fact that I am just 3.74 degrees away from everyone.

So, in the spirit of on-line networking come and join French Riviera Property Search on Facebook, Twitter and Linked In

See you on-line…somewhere in the world.

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Vendors’ price reductions sees French Riviera sales surge

This month has seen sales volumes on the French Riviera go up by 9% because vendors are adjusting their prices down by nearly 4% in order to get a quick sale.

Lots of luxury holiday home properties are being snapped up as “vendors realise that they need to adjust their prices to sell,” a research company published this week. “We have experienced a boost in holiday home sales.”

And it is expected that the volume of luxury properties being sold will continue to increase as prices come down.

The average price for a luxury property has dropped by 3.76% during the same period “due to the euro-crises and new tax laws” and “quality property in prime locations is still in strong demand.”

This Index independently monitors the Riviera’s luxury property market, offering a monthly snapshot of one of the world’s most exclusive holiday home destinations.

It segments the upper end of the market for apartments and villas within the Alpes-Maritimes department and Monaco, in groups over one million and up.

I, Jackie Pressman, told you in a previous article about the increase in French CGT.  You have no time to lose if you see a property you want – make that offer NOW whilst the seller has the incentive to reduce their price for a sale prior to the new tax coming into effect in February 2012.  NB that this increase will apply to all property sales COMPLETED by February, i.e. documents signed by end November 2011.

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New Luxury Resort in the Caribbean

 

Anguilla

Anguilla Coastline

 

A friend and colleague based in the Caribbean has just sent us details of a new luxury resort in Anguilla. Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts have chosen Anguilla as the site of their new venture into the Caribbean.

They are currently working an update for our clients of why Anguilla is a great destination and a great investment, but in the meantime have a look on their website http://www.conchbayanguilla.com/

 

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