The approaches to the French Riviera, which is situated in a preserved natural environment, are facilitated by the Nice Côte d’Azur international airport (the 2nd in France) , and also by the motorway that connects the South of France to Northern Italy (until Milan and Florence). Only a few minutes away you can find Cannes and Saint-Tropez (West), Nice, Monaco and Italy (East). The French Riviera remains a haven of peace and magnificence.
► How can I be sure about the durability of the climate and of the environment in the French Riviera ?
The climate of the French Riviera is of the Mediterranean type, and usually stable (warm during the summer and mild in winter). The proximity of the Alps (and of some of the main French and Italian ski resorts), combined with the Mediterranean sea, gives the area quality water supplies that are amongst the most important in the world. Besides, the coastal preservation policy, strongly implanted in France, protects the natural surroundings, both of the forests and of the coasts. The environment benefits from the consolidation of local and European policies that are very restrictive in terms of preservation standards. These elements act as guarantees of security, that will assure you both the value of your property and the quality given by one of the world’s most exceptional holiday resorts.
► Will the security of my property be appropriately ensured ?
The residences we promote are situated in the French Riviera, one of the most frequented spots by the international jet-set. The French authorities take particular care in providing the tranquility of the surroundings. In case of a prolonged absence, or even during your stay, you can benefit from the services of private security companies. The French Riviera is nowadays one of the safest places in France, particularly since the development of the luxury real-estate sector, that has drawn a demanding population, capable of taking care of its own security.
► Haven’t the prices in the French Riviera’s property market increased a bit too much in the last years ?
During the last ten years the property market has doubled. This increase is not insignificant, but many analysts think that certain geographic areas will always come out on top in this sector. These areas are likely to take profit from globalization and from the expansion of countries that are experiencing an important economic development, such as China, Russia, India, Central Europe and South America. The increasing of the prices of luxury properties in other geographic areas of the world makes the French Riviera very attractive, while taking advantage from an often superior equipment rate in road infrastructures. The French-style quality of life furthermore remains one of the most pleasant in an unrivalled political and cultural context.
► What are the fiscal consequences that foreigners can encounter when acquiring a property in France ?
In most cases, the french taxation will be applied to foreign citizens. And yet the consequences in a fiscal matter attached to the acquisition of a property in France are often seen as severe and incomprehensible. In fact, they are often more simple and less severe than what may seem. Thus, acquiring a property implies a ‘fiscal cost’ for the buyer limited at about 7% of the purchase price. Moreover, any owner of a property whose net value is superior to 732,000 € is subject to ISF (wealth tax) every year. This tax corresponds to a rate between 0,55% and 1,80% of the value of the property exceeding 732,000 €. For example, a property valued at 4,000,000 € would only be taxed for an amount of nearly 29,000 € (0,72% of its value). Finally, in case of a transfer of your property, you could benefit of a complete exemption of the capital gains tax if the property had been yours since more than 15 years. Under 15 years, annual tax allowances in capital gains will mitigate the global amount of the taxation. Furthermore, in most cases, the taxes that are paid in France will be deduced from the taxes that are to be paid in the country where the vendor resides. In any case, we will put you in touch with professionals of French and international tax laws who will inform you about the legal means you can dispose of to considerably limitate the taxation impact, according to your personal situation.
► Why invest in the French Riviera ?
The French Riviera, stretching from Saint-Tropez up to Menton (at the Italian border) and through Monaco, is one of the most beautiful Mediterranean coastal areas. A privileged area par excellence, it comprises some of the nicest holiday resorts in the south-east of France : Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, Mougins, Grasse, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu, Saint-Tropez, Ramatuelle. These are all evocative and famous names that made the French Riviera.
Only two hours’ flight away from many european capitals (Berlin, London, Madrid, Moscow) thanks to its international airport, the French Riviera has a mild climate in winter and long hot summers. Its territory, of great natural beauty, offers magnificent coasts and a wild countryside inland bordered west by the Pre-Alps range.
Rediscovered during the 19th century, the French Riviera attracts throughout the year international celebrities, habitués of luxury hotels and casinos. The property business in the French Riviera offers a large choice, within a property market which is always reactive and competitive. You will certainly find the flat or the house that suits your expectations.
The French Riviera, which is France’s most visited area right after Paris, is also a renowned business centre. This makes it an excellent choice for rental investments, summer and winter alike. Furthermore, the Coastal Protection Act, which has recently been reinforced with new measures, thoroughly restricts the delivery of planning permissions in the area, and guarantees a gradual urbanization and an appropriate running of natural resources.
Real-estate investments in the French Riviera are thus safe values, matched with a practically guaranteed profit in the short or medium term. And since the prices in the property business in the area are definitely lower than those of other european areas... why do without it ?
► Why invest in new properties ?
Many advantages make it more interesting to invest in a newly-built accomodation than in an old house.
The advantages of a new accomodation :
It can benefit from the fiscal measures in favour of rental investments (Robien, Borloo and so on).
No need for renovation : a new house benefits from the latest standards in terms of soundproofing and thermal insulation. Ensuring that an old house complies with all the standards can turn out to be expensive since the house may sometimes be dilapidated and may require important alteration works for heating, electricity and plumbing.
The legal fees are inferior to those for an old property (2% to 7%).
Internet database