Home Hunts Riviera Provence Luxury property search specialist

Beautiful stone built property for sale in the heart of Lorgues

riviera-provence — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:24:00 +0000

Beautiful stone built property for sale in the heart of Lorgues, one of the most popular villages in the Var. Lorgues is bordered by two rivers, with sloping hills and terraced planting, the land around is also full of little hamlets, chapels and varied vegetation. The wine of this region has received many awards and is exported as far as America and Asia.

This luxury property is steeped in charm and character and is built around an enchanting shaded courtyard and terraces, the perfect place for breakfast or drinks with friends. At the moment it is divided into 15 guest apartments and has great investment potential.

If you are interested in buying a property in Lorgues or finding out more information about purchasing properties for sale in south of france or luxury french property, contact Home Hunts at info@home-hunts.com.

Lovely Provencal villa for sale in Valbonne

riviera-provence — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:55:00 +0000

Lovely Provencal villa for sale in Valbonne, within walking distance of the village, in a calm, residential domain.

Quite the reverse of most Provençal villages, Valbonne was built along the lines of a strict plan drawn up by the monks of the islands of Lérins off Cannes. The village is enclosed by fortified houses and counts 4 entrances, one on each side.

Making your way through the labyrinth of streets in the old village will take you to the place des arcades (17thc.), and the hotel de ville and its 19thc. belfry.

This luxury French Riviera property, situated in landscaped grounds is a well presented villa with swimming pool, comprising entrance hall, spacious living room with fireplace, equipped kitchen, dining room, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, basement, pool house, carports. Possible to build an additional 450 m2! This luxurious property in Valbonne has huge potential.

If you are interested in buying a villa in Valbonne or finding out more information about purchasing property on the French Riviera, contact us at info@home-hunts.com

Luxury villa for sale in Cap d’Antibes

riviera-provence — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:19:00 +0000

Beautiful villa for sale in Cap d’Antibes located in a sought after area, near the Garoupe beach. This luxury French Riviera property is a charming villa with swimming pool in grounds of 900 sq m. If you are looking for a property in Cap d’Antibes then this could be the French property for you.

This luxurious property is southfacing, has a very beautiful panoramic sea view and a large garden with pine trees in a very quiet and residential area, excellent condition. There is a lovely big kitchen, living room 60 m2, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and garage for 3 cars.

The Cap d'Antibes is a small piece of paradise, you can visit it by taking the sign posted path which follows the coastline and takes you into this immense park which is scrupulously maintained . It's also home to a number of millionaires chateau and dream residences; the famous "Eden Roc", hotel is reputed to be the most beautiful hotel in the world and can be found at the point of the "Cap".

If you are interested in buying a villa in Cap d’Antibes or finding out more information about purchasing property on the French Riviera, contact us at info@home-hunts.com.

Beautiful villa for sale in Villefranche sur Mer

riviera-provence — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:41:00 +0000

Beautiful villa for sale in Villefranche sur Mer, half way between the Principality of Monaco and Nice. This luxury French Riviera property is a charming villa with swimming pool in grounds of 4500 sq m. If you are looking for a property in Villefranche sur Mer then this could be the French property for you.

It's here that the most splendid properties are hidden away, and where the world's millionaires love to spend their holidays. Whether it's summer or winter, Villefranche is a stunning place. Its superb harbour is known to be one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Over-looking the hills and luxurious residences, Villefranche is one of the most exclusive spots on the cote d'Azur.

The accommodation comprises 9 rooms including 6 bedrooms. There is an arched dining room and lounge with monumental fireplace. There is a large apartment for staff comprising sitting room, 2 bedrooms and terrace. This luxurious property has a very beautiful panoramic sea view and a large garden with many Mediterranean shrubs and plants. Lots of space and privacy, facing south, overlooking Cap Ferrat. Parking for numerous cars.

If you are interested in buying a villa in Villefranche sur Mer or finding out more information about purchasing property on the French Riviera, contact us at info@home-hunts.com.

New build properties and leasebacks - Buying off plan

riviera-provence — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:27:00 +0000

For some people, the idea of owning french riviera property in the South of France conjures up the image of rambling stone cottage in Provence or on the Riviera. For these people, the thought of doing renovation works and paying for ongoing maintenance comes with the territory and actually adds to the charm.

Many others however, are looking for a hassle free purchase, a safe investment property which needs little or no work. Whether buying purely as an investment or looking for a holiday home, a growing number of overseas buyers opt for a new build development of villas or apartments.

There are many advantages to buying newly built property. As well as the fact that the property will be brand new and pristine when delivered, there are also builders’ guarantees for 10 years, you pay reduced notaires fees and you are also exempt from paying some local taxes etc for the first two years.

Many developments are marketed weeks or months before construction works begin, and properties are available to buy “Off-plan”. Purchasing off-plan (or pre-construction) is when a buyer commits to a purchase from architects drawings before building work has commenced. Buyers who are prepared to move quickly pre-construction will find that they are more likely to be able to secure the plot of their choice and have more input in the layout and finishing of the property. Not to mention that as building work starts and the development progresses, prices for subsequent homes are usually adjusted upwards – a satisfying outcome for purchasers.

Aside from all the benefits however, it is important to buy through a reputable company. A bank guarantee is required by law to be in place to protect the clients funds, this means that in the unlikely event that the project does not reach completion, all monies are returned to the purchasers – plus interest.

The South of France has a large range of developments available, under construction or planned for the near future ranging from studio apartments to state of the art villas. A particularly interesting investment scheme which is extremely popular with the overseas buyer is the “Leaseback scheme”.

French Wealth tax - by Paula Hawkins of the Times

riviera-provence — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 07:23:00 +0000

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE SYSTEM AND KEEP ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LAW

If you own property in France and have to pay an annual wealth tax, you may be partly responsible. Many French people blame the influx of UK buyers into the property market for the fact that prices have increased so much that many now fall into the tax bracket.

The wealth tax, or l’impôt de solidarité sur la fortune (ISF), which is paid in June, is imposed on assets worth more than €760,000 (£514,000). If you are resident in France the tax is levied on your worldwide assets. If you own property in France, but do not live there, then the tax applies to your French assets only. Note, however, that not only do you become classed as tax resident in France if you spend more than 183 days there in the calendar year, but also immediately on arrival if you are intending to set up home. Wealth tax is assessed by household, so includes the assets of both spouses and any dependent children.

Unmarried couples living in the same home can be taxed as one household. Almost all assets are subject to wealth tax, although exemptions are made for business assets, antiques and fine art. You are responsible for declaring the sale value of your own assets as at January 1 of the year in question, not the amount which you paid for them. The value of your principal residence is reduced by a 20 per cent exemption and by permitted costs, such as your mortgage. You are also entitled to deduct the amount of any tax bills to be paid, including the wealth tax bill itself.

There are several bands for wealth tax, starting at 0.55 per cent for assets worth between €760,000 and €1.22 million, 0.75 per cent for assets up to €2.42 million, 1 per cent up to €3.8 million, 1.3 per cent up to €7.27 million, 1.65 per cent up to €15.81 million and 1.8 per cent thereafter. A household with taxable assets of £700,000 will pay around £1,000 in wealth tax, while one with taxable assets of £1 million will pay an annual wealth tax bill of around £2,500.

“Above £1 million, the bill begins to rise relatively quickly, and even though avoiding wealth tax is not simple, planning is essential,” says Marjorie Mansfield, associate director at Siddalls, a firm which specialises in advising British people living in France. But there is hope for those faced with a large wealth tax bill — President Nicolas Sarkozy’s new Prime Minister, François Fillon, has prepared a tax and finance Bill that could cap overall individual taxation — including income tax, wealth tax and residential taxes — at 50 per cent. The proposed reduction of 10 per cent would mean significant savings for many asset-rich people, especially if their taxable income liabilities can be kept low.

Beautiful waterfront villa close to Cannes

riviera-provence — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 06:59:00 +0000

Exceptional villa right on the waters edge situated on the coast road between Cannes and St. Raphael. If you are looking for a waterfront property in Cannes or the surrounding area then this could be the luxury villa for you. This is a villa with boat mooring and a private beach. Stunning views from this luxury french riviera property.

Click here for details of this luxury cannes villa.

Luxury French Property

riviera-provence — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 22:02:00 +0000

Are you interested in luxury property for sale in the South of France? Are you still dreaming of owning your own provence property, cote d'azur property, antibes property or luxury french riviera property?

Are you looking to buy a luxury villa, chateau, farmhouse, vineyard or property for sale in south of france?

Home Hunts specialise in finding luxury properties around the world and more specifically luxury french riviera properties.

Our team of multi-lingual professionals endeavour to turn your dream of owning luxury property in france into reality. Home Hunts work wtih a network of luxury estate agents including immobilier coe d'azur antibes real estate agents and immobilier antibes, provence real estate agents and provence immobilier.

Furthermore, Home Hunts work with a network of architects, surveyors, builders, interior designers and tradesmen to help you make any property into the home of your dreams.

To eventualize your luxury french property desire, please contact Home Hunts

Buying a property on the French riviera

riviera-provence — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:02:00 +0000

Are you looking to buy luxury real estate or properties for sale in the French Riviera? Why not sign up for the Home Hunts newsletter and property alert service to keep you completely up to date with all the latest properties for sale in the South of France and houses for sale in south of france.

This is a free service offered by Home Hunts to keep you informed about luxury provence real estate and french riviera properties on the market. So if you are interested in provence property, antibes property, french riviera property or cote d'azur property, subsbscibe to our free newsletter. Simply click here to leave your subscription details to ensure you are kept up to date on luxury properties for sale in the french riviera and properties for sale in provence.

Monaco, Cannes or St. Tropez? That is the question.....

riviera-provence — Mon, 21 May 2007 17:43:00 +0000

Monaco, Cannes, or St Tropez!

Monaco, Cannes, St Tropez; there are no better playgrounds for the rich and famous than these jewels in the crown of the Cote D’Azur. But how much do we really know about these places? With a choice of exquisite property in Monaco, attractive apartments in Cannes and luxury villa in St Tropez, we chat to the property consultants from Home Hunts working in the area to decide where Brits might buy.

Monaco’s notoriety as a tax haven has made the British elite some of the major players within this rich and cultural principality. Once favoured by the Russian Mafia, but now regarded as the safest travel destination in the world (with a ratio of one policeman to every 100 residents), Monaco’s insistence on tracing a person’s wealth back to legitimate origins has made the British wealthy enough to live there, favourites amongst the banks and property markets.

You need to be wealthy when buying property in Monaco; a three bedroom apartment in Monaco costs over 3 million euros. However, once installed, there are benefits of being here. The luxury lifestyle that this money affords means that British people in Monaco are amongst the happiest and healthiest in the world, with a life expectancy of a fraction off 80 years, and there can be no doubt that the first class cuisine at the luxury restaurants contribute to that longevity. The breathtaking journey along the warm and varied Riviera coastline from Monaco brings you to Cannes. The bay is beautiful, with hills that provide a shelter against winds, the Frejus promontory overlooking the beach, and the two Isles of Lerins hugging and protecting the coast. Those seeking luxury property in Cannes, are generally a different type of property buyer. Cannes is mainly recognized today for the International Film Festival. An event not to be missed if you are anyone of note within the film and entertainment industry, making property for sale in Cannes very sought after. The lure of the famous faces, (many owning apartments in Cannes ) and luxury living is too much to resist for most who can afford it, and the summer in Cannes is packed full of holidaymakers wanting to sample a taste of the movie-set glitz, the richer of whom often end up buying property in Cannes.

As we move further westward along the coast we come to St Tropez. In the fifties, this charming little port became a favourite with the world’s artistic jet set, who started buying property in St Tropez. In the beginning, there was Pablo Picasso, now there’s Kate Moss; all drawn by the glorious weather and tranquil blue waters of the bay. The port is now filled with the grand luxury yachts of the rich and famous, making the summer months an idyllic time to sit in a café and watch the world go by.

For people looking for private luxury property for sale in St Tropez there are equals. The true enchantment of the place takes hold in the less busy periods, with temperatures that allow you to enjoy the beach all year long and an “ambiance” that doesn’t leave when the bulk of the tourists do. The off season is a great time to own an apartment in St Tropez with more opportunity to enjoy the charming medieval architecture that dominates the old part of the town and attractions such as Place aux Herbes, the bustling and lively square at the centre of the town. There are regular markets and the converted chapel that is now the Musee de L’annonciade is the perfect place to enjoy peace of mind, and has a collection of paintings boasting Derain and Matisse. St Tropez is proven to successfully combine the jet set lifestyle with the charm of the area, illustrated well at the Place de Lices, where the stars who own luxury property in St Tropez, can be seen playing boules alongside the local faces.

Lavish boutiques, splendid boats, and luxury villa in st tropez complimented by the finest food and natural beauty so great, that the Cote d’Azur is regarded in local legend as part of the paradise created in the story of creation. If these are the sorts of delights you enjoy, Monaco and the towns along the Cote d’Azur such as Cannes and St Tropez are going to be for you. Make an appointment to see Tim Swannie or one of the Home Hunts team, who offer a property search service for French property for sale on the Cote D’Azur, South of France.

Home Hunts consultants would be happy to send you information about luxury property in Monaco, luxury property in Cannes, and luxury property in St Tropez, and can organise holiday property visits for you on the Cote d’Azur. See our website http://www.home-hunts.com/