Cannes Real Estate Market

Cannes is located on the Eastern coast of the French Riviera. Cannes, one of the hotspots of the French Riviera, is best known for its world famous film festivals, luxury hotels, beaches and much more. Cannes is filled with beautiful museums, art galleries, amazing gardens, theaters, music fetes, and grand villas along with its rich culture. Cannes real estate is relatively booming.

Cannes real estate sales are on the high due to the following reasons:

• Cannes enjoys highly stable rental market
• High demand from international property investors
• Fabulous weather conditions
• Unique pristine environment
• Good long term investment
• Rise in capital appreciation

Another important reason is that Pound, the English currency, is still higher than Euros, and offers good value for money for the UK buyers and allures them to invest in property abroad. Cannes definitely scores high in offering the best properties in South France. Villas and apartments in Cannes for sale are in great demand and carry great value. Northern Europeans are the major investors of South France property especially the Britons and Irish. Cannes is considered as one of the best places to buy second homes.

Apartments in Cannes for sale are in huge demand. Property in Cannes costs twice as much as the property in other places like Ibiza and Morocco. Off plan properties, properties near the bay, leaseback properties, and luxury villas in Cannes for sale are popular.

One of the main reasons Cannes is enjoying a stable rental market is due to the illustrious Cannes Film Festival. Tourists and film makers from all over the world pour into the city during the film festival. They prefer renting out grand villas, waterfront properties and luxury apartments rather than staying in hotels as they cost high.

Buying a property in South France and renting it out is one of the best investments to make. Buy-to-let and leaseback properties are highly popular as properties in Cannes offer substantial and regular source of income. So, naturally Cannes real estate market is gaining huge demand from international buyers. There are a number of property management service providers in France to manage rental properties. They administrate, maintain and rent out your property on your behalf making it easier for you, especially for non resident property holder. The management service providers are highly efficient and flexible. They co-ordinate and market your property in Cannes for rent to prospective customers.

Generating finance for buying a Cannes Real estate is easier with French Mortgages. To claim French mortgages, the applicant is required to show a regular source of income. And according to the French law, the total of all the mortgage payment should not exceed more than 30% of the applicant’s income. It is advisable to seek the help of a mortgage broker for hassle free processing. Potential language and communication barriers can be removed by employing a legal representative. Unlike some other countries in France if your mortgage is denied, you have the option of withdrawing your purchase offer and getting back your deposit.

With a number of benefits to offer to the South France property buyers, the Cannes real estate business is in a booming state. Rental properties generate considerable amount of income. Due to this, the property market value is booming especially the apartments and villas in Cannes for sale are growing in demand. In a nut shell, buying property in Cannes serves two purposes - profit and pleasure.

Building a property in the Provence

Building a property in Provence is equally good as buying Provence property for sale. Before buying property in France, try to focus on your plan and work accordingly. Choose your destination first. Provence is a region where tourism and fun galore. Holiday villas in Provence for sale are in great demand among buyers - both foreign investors and inland buyers. So, you have play wise while choosing a villa or an apartment.

For this, Provence property search service will be very helpful. They guide investors who want to invest in property in Provence. They assist you in finding new land for construction. These real estate agents will also assist you in availing mortgage for French property. But if you are not interested in buying an existing property, then you can consider constructing a new one of your own. This property abroad can be used as your second home or as your holiday villa in Provence.
Building a property in Provence is a remarkable idea if you follow all the rules and regulations and construct your building in keeping with the legal aspects.

The French planning process is very simple. It allows only ‘Code de l'Urbanisme’ to carry out any type of construction work in France. All the development in the Provence region should be legally planned and then executed. Your desire to build property in Provence will take shape only if it satisfies all the French planning laws.

The very first question that strikes your mind will be how and where to obtain ‘Code de l'Urbanisme’? This permit is compulsory for those who wish to construct a building, especially a Provence property for sale or to be used as residence. Permit is necessary even if you are planning to modify your property in Provence – be it modifying the exterior appearance and increasing the size of the property, like adding an extra storey.

If you plan to buy a Provence property for sale, demolish it and construct a new one, then you fall into another category of buyers who would require ‘Permis de démolir’ also known as the ‘demolishing permit’. On getting this, you can destroy the existing property and build a new one with a permit for new construction. In France, planning structure is administered at different levels - national, regional and local. As a new builder, you have to get approval of your plan and building permit. For building a property in Provence, the main permit required is ‘Permis de Construire’. Mortgage for French property can be applied for and availed easily. Once you get your permit, you can consult Provence property search service and apply for mortgage for buying your property in Provence.

There are two types of permits with regard to property in Provence. They are - ‘Permis de construire maison et/ou ses annexes’ and ‘Permis de construire generale’. The first one is for building an individual house and is ideal for buyers who wish to construct a new house. The second one is for general purpose construction. As a non-resident, your property abroad can be constructed with the help of an architect or a third party builder who can carry out all your legal correspondences.

To initiate the process of buying Provence property, you have to submit ‘Déclaration d'ouverture de chantier’ – and commence work on the site. On completing the work and after 30 days you have to enter ‘Déclaration attestant l'achèvement et la conformité des travaux’ which ensures completion of work in accordance to the permit.

Holiday Villas in the Provence: Sunshine guaranteed!

Provence is the most popular vacation destination in the South of France. Properties in the Provence attract investors on account of the region’s exclusive cultural significance. A holiday destination, the Provence villa for sale is in great demand amongst investors. Both inland investors and foreign investors prefer France and especially, holiday villas South of France.

Provence is one of the beautiful places in France. The lavender fields and the Mediterranean climate make any vacation in the Provence special and unique. Holiday villas the South of France are the most sought after property in France. Provence villas for sale and properties in the Provence are praised for their historical, cultural, and economical value. Also, it has always been profitable to rent your holiday villa in Provence during off-season.


When buying a Provence villa for sale, there are few important points to be considered. These points will guarantee that your investment in properties in the Provence is fruitful:

• The first and foremost point to be noted is privacy. Holiday villa in Provence is where people love to enjoy their holidays without many disturbances. So, it is ideal to find a property in France which is secluded.
• The second thing to be considered is atmosphere of your villa, its cosy rooms and its windows or open ventilators. It should house rooms which are spacious to enjoy holidays.
• Lighting is an essential aspect of any villa as it enhances the beauty of the property. Your holiday villa in Provence should have wall colours which blend with the picturesque setting of the house, thereby adding a rich look to the house.
• Before considering winter stay at your holiday villa in Provence, you must to ensure that the villa has electric heating and a fireplace.
• Hilltop holiday villas in South of France are abodes of enjoyment. But, you will have to be very choosy about your villas for the utmost holiday experience. Villas which have outdoor terrace facing the Blue Mountains will make your holiday an unforgettable and memorable experience.
• When you are a nature lover, you can buy holiday villas South of France which have large and beautiful gardens.

As a buyer you have to be aware of the above points. To buy a truly valuable and beautiful villa, there are certain legal procedures to be followed.

• A Property in France is sold in two ways, either through notary public or via real estate agents.
• If you intend to buy a Provence villa for sale, then you are to consider either of the choice. Mostly foreign investors or buyers choose the option of real estate agents as it will be the easiest of all processes.
• While choosing an agent, see to that he is a member of a registered body. Even if you choose your agent, all the transactions will carried out through the notaries, known as notary public.
• Buyer has to be aware that the prices which are displayed in the website of the real estate agent include the agent’s fee depending on the price of the property. This will be followed by the term FAI.
• Buyer of a Property in France always has to pay 19.6 percent VAT on the property which he/she wishes to own.
• When opting for mortgage in France, full income proof along with the list of monthly outgoings is always required.

Buying a holiday villa in Provence will always be fruitful. It will never be a wrong decision, as properties in the Provence are some of the most valuable assets in France.

INVESTING IN PROPERTY IN THE PROVENCE

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to invest in Provence real estate and enjoy sunrise from a holiday villa in Cote d’Azur? It would feel like heaven as Provence is one of France’s most idyllic regions. With sunny beaches, romantic villas and gorgeous landscapes, Provence is a popular tourist destination in France. Buying a property for sale in Provence is truly valuable as a house in the Provence serves both as a second home for an ideal getaway and a good investment property abroad.

Investment in any property will never go waste. Right from old stone houses to the newly built ones, Provence has plenty of natural resources to attract visitors. A House in the Provence will not just make your holidays in France delightful, but will also generate good revenue on a regular basis.

Provence real estate industry requires the buyer to follow certain standard procedures. A South France real estate agent will be of great help at this juncture. As the Provencal region is a major tourist attraction, buying a property for sale in Provence is a profitable venture. But certain important things have to be taken into consideration before really making an investment.

The first and foremost thing is your Provence real estate agent. It is important for you find the right agent as he is the one who is to guide you through the whole process of the investment.

Some of the below given basic guidelines will help you make your investment a successful one:

• Choose an agent who has registered himself with registered bodies like SNPI, FNAIM and UNPI. By making a visit to the agent’s office you can get it confirmed.
• South France real estate agent generally charges only between 4 -10 percent of the 'net' property price as agent fee.
• Buyer should be clear about whether the property for sale in Provence is inclusive of the entire fee or does he have to pay the agent’s fee and the Notary’s fee separately.
• For non-resident and non-French speakers, buyers can get help from professional translators.
• Make sure of all the property area (its measurements). The agent can help the buyer in this regard.
• On behalf of the buyer, the agent will submit the offer to the owner of house in the Provence.
• After submitting all the legal documents, if the buyer is clear about his/her records, the transactions are completed smoothly.

Provence real estate, as already mentioned, can be rewarding business venture. A property in the Cote d’Azur is always a great investment idea. Though non-residents cannot use it all through the year, the rental value of a holiday villa Cote d’Azur is really awesome. You can earn a lot from the rentals especially the short term rentals that you can get from your house in the Provence. Also, the resale value for the Provence real estate soars high even in the course of a year. So, it is recommended to contact a Notary or real estate agent before investing on property in the Provence.

LEASEBACK PROPERTIES IN PROVENCE

Leaseback property is a scheme which allows you to buy a freehold property which is leased back to the developer or Property Management Company for a minimum period of 9 years. As a country which encourages leaseback property scheme, France is the hub of many foreign tourists who want to invest in leaseback property. It is a growing trend especially, with regard to property in the Provence. Leaseback Provence property comes with great value as it yields a solid and steady rental income for the owners.

Located on the Mediterranean Sea adjacent to France’s border with Italy, Provence is a magnificent land with beautiful cliffs, extraordinary natural vegetation and wonderful weather filled with the scent of olives and lavender. As a major tourist destination in France, Provence is the hub of real estate investors also. Leaseback Provence property fetches good rental income which may vary from 2% to 4% approximately. Additionally, leaseback Provence property can also brings benefits in the form of government-backed VAT-refund. 19.6% VAT is refunded within 3-6 months time of purchase by the government.

Properties in Côte d'Azur have excellent leaseback opportunity with regular guaranteed income. The properties that are leased back are generally studios, apartment, and villas by the beach side. These developments have huge demand so much so that their availability is lesser than the demand. Buying property in Côte d’Azur is one of the smartest ways to invest in leaseback property in Provence. In France, Côte d’Azur is one of those places which have quality and highly expensive properties.

With regard to leaseback property in Provence, there is really nothing to worry about the maintenance of property. The property developer or the management company takes care of the property and all its expenses which include insurance and maintenance of the property. Buying a leaseback property is one of the safest investments with a very low risk factor as banks take responsibility for the completion of the project.

The price of the leaseback property in Provence depends on the type of area and property. A studio costs less when compared to large Provence villas or a property by the beachside or a ski resort. Leaseback is available for studios, property with single or more bedrooms, and large Provence villas. Property in the Provence is expensive when compared to the other parts of France as it invites a lot of foreign investments.

Obtaining mortgage in France is a simple process. Generally, one will be able to get mortgage up to 80% of the value of a leaseback property for over a period of 5 to 35 years. The mortgage rate depends on a fixed or a variable rate depending on one’s choice. In fixed rate mortgages, the interest rate does not change but remains constant. Generally, the interest rates would be higher than the variable rates. In variable rate mortgages, the interest rates fluctuate according to the Central European Bank Rates.

Some advantages of Leaseback are guaranteed rental income and tax deduction on account of mortgaged Provence property. It is also a perfect investment for foreign investors as some processes even offer discount for those who use leaseback property for a period of 2-4 weeks during vacation. To conclude, investing in leaseback property in Provence is a good income-generating venture.

How to find a good and reliable investment Property in Provence?

Provence property investment information
According to our latest research by the French 2nd Home Property Association, 38% of all properties sold in 2007 in the Provence South of France were investment properties. There's no question that investing in real estate in Provence can be lucrative, but it's important to choose your properties carefully to make sure you don't end up getting burned.

Choose the right region, neighbourhood or town in Provence
When looking to buy real estate in the Provence, location is all-important. Property investors and developers alike focus on the 3 “L’s” when buying or developing property. The 3 L’s are: location, location and location. Don't forget the old rules still apply: buy the worst property in the best Provence region, not the best property in the worst Provence region. You don't want to end up buying a property that's worth significantly more than neighbouring houses, as this will mean your investment has no room to appreciate in value because the surrounding properties are dragging its value down.

Whether you're buying an Provence investment property to rent or you’re looking to buy a Provence property to renovate for resale, a large part of your success will come down to the region or town you buy into. One the one hand it makes sense to buy an investment property in a more developing or undervalued region in the Provence. On the other hand however, it makes sense to buy a rather developed and highly valued region of the Provence. Generally speaking, many developers claim that there will always be a shortage in supply for good quality properties in Provence and Cote d Azur villas. Prices for these kind of properties are already high, but will most probably grow even more in the years to come. The easiest way of getting a feel for good prospects is just to jump in your car and drive around your area. Look for areas with a lot of development going on, or where new housing projects are planned. If you're buying a rental property, bear in mind that if you're going to be doing maintenance and repair work yourself, somewhere relatively close to a large do-it-yourself store is a good idea so that you don't have to spend a lot of time traveling to and from the property.

South of France Real Estate Information: Looking at a French mortgage
When it comes to financing the purchase of Provence rental property, lenders often require larger down payments and higher interest rates. This is because lenders know that owners of rental properties are more likely to default on mortgage payments than on payments for their personal homes. Simply put, you pay more because rental property is a higher risk investment. To improve your chances of getting a good French mortgage, it's important to have good credit and to reduce your credit card and other consumer debt as much as possible. It is also important to make sure you have a little cash reserve left over after you've bought your property. This cash reserve could come in handy when you are confronted with surprise expenses such as repairs (and periods when the house is vacant, if you've purchased a rental property).

Get to know the locale French Tax Laws
Owning a Provence investment property and/or renovating an old Provence property, can provide tax benefits. Getting to know your local and federal tax laws is important for maximizing the profits you can make from investing in real estate. You could for instance look into the possibility of making the investments in your newly acquired property tax-deductible from your rental income or future taxes on the profit you might make when selling the property. Mortgage interest payments on investment properties might also be tax-deductible.
Tax laws might also be different with regards to the area you buy your property. Some areas might offer you additional incentives to buy, buy offering additional tax breaks. Buying property in Aquitaine could for instance be more interesting then buying in a much more popular region or town in the Provence. Do your homework, choose your dream property in South France carefully and watch your investments grow.

Postings coming soon...

Are buying a property in the Provence? Do you plan to move to the Provence permanently or are you looking for a second home or investment property in the Provence, South of France? Starting the first of December 2007 we will have a monthly post, full of tips and tricks when buying provence property.