     |
Why Invest in FranceInvesting in France is an option with beneficial and positive returns, including leaseback property it is an opportunity not to be missed. France is the second-largest consumer market in Europe after Germany and the fifth-largest economy in the world. Due to its diverse nature, France is the most popular tourist destination in the world attracting 80 million tourists in 2008. A staggering 10 million of those tourists are from the UK alone. France has also been voted 'The best place in the world to live' 5 years in a row! Getting to France is easy from the UK with low cost flights from budget airlines and the Channel Tunnel. It is also easily accessible from Canada via flights to Paris. The combination of the Eurostar and the high speed TGV in France provides a quick alternative to air travel. This mode of transport has increased the popularity of investment property bought in areas of France that are close to the high-speed routes. France is already well established as a property investment location and investors will receive stable and reliable returns, as it is an established market unlike some of the new risky emerging markets. French property offers stable growth and a safe, tried and tested marketplace in which to invest. France is the top location for Britons looking to move abroad, experts have revealed - Conti, an overseas mortgage company, has revealed that 43% of the inquiries it has received so far this year have been for France. France accounts for twice as much interest for purchasing property than any other country and the number of Britons crossing the channel has tripled since 2008! Why Invest in LimousinThe Limousin is located in Central France. The Limousin has been the subject of much press coverage in recent years, culminating in it being the 5th most desirable place in the World to buy property by Channel 4's "A Place in the Sun". Limousin is known as the 'lake district of France', due to it having over 1,000 lakes. It has reportedly the best fishing in the world. Limousin is also known as the 'food basket' of France as it is a thriving farming region. This region is a playground for the richer Parisians who love the countryside, as it's a haven for outdoor pursuits. They tend to own weekend cottages in the area. This desire to get a better way of life has combined to make the Limousin one of the most desired areas of France. The location of The Limousin is perfect as it is equidistant from Paris, the coast and ski resorts. The area boasts a rich heritage and there are well-preserved Abbeys, Roman Churches, and fortified castles. The town of Limoges has many winding cobbled streets and quaint architecture. There are frequent flights from the UK directly to Limoges airport from the following 11 airports: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Southampton. There are also hundreds of international flights received by Charles de Gaulle Airport. There is also a TGV station in Limoges and the journey from London to Paris is 2 hours 15 minutes. Paris to Limoges is 2.30 minutes. Due to the areas popularity and potential for capital growth, the British have purchased 28.8% of properties in the Limousin region. French LeasebackThe French government has given tax breaks to developers in order to encourage them to build 'Residence de Tourisme' developments (properties suitable for touristic use). The reason the government has provided tax breaks is because there is a great shortage of holiday accommodation in France in the summer. Another reason is that France earns a good percentage of its GNP from tourism. Leaseback property is property suitable for rental use and buyers of leaseback property benefit from the discount of VAT when they invest in these properties. On new developments this amounts to a 19.6% discount off market price. In the case of Halcyon Retreat, the VAT at 19.6% does not need to be paid as the properties will be used for rental purposes* (this does not affect the 4 weeks free usage) The leaseback term is 9 years, however if clients wish to take advantage of the guaranteed buyback option, 5 years from completion, the properties will continue to be leased by the developer and therefore will still be VAT exempt. *Buyers can purchase in Chateau de la Cazine and use the property year round, however buyers will need to pay the VAT in this instance. Capital Gains TaxLeaseback property is treated in exactly the same way as other freehold property in terms of French capital gains tax. Capital gains tax has recently halved to 16%. However after 5 years this is reduced to 10% up to the 15th year when there will be no capital gains tax at all. French MortgagesThe French mortgage market has remained stable during the credit crisis, with banks and lenders showing a strong appetite for lending to foreign investors. Areas with the lowest capped and fixed rates include Bordeaux, Limousin and Poitou-Charentes. Borrowers can secure a capped rate mortgage – where the rate cannot go higher than 1% over the pay rate – at 2.55% for 15 years, available up to 80% loan-to-value Chateau de la CazineChateau de la Cazine will become a 5 star destination for the entire family centred around the 17th century main chateau. The main features of the resort include the world-class spa, golf course and children's adventure zone. The concept of Chateau de la Cazine is to take the best from a 'Champneys' and a 'Centre Parcs' and create an upmarket world-class destination. Set in 90 hectares, the main 17th century chateau will house the fine dining restaurant, lounge and bars. The main restaurants kitchen will be adapted for cookery classes so guests can enjoy a dedicated break focussing on learning to cook. There will be 19 luxury hotel suites in the main chateau. The Spa is a separate building in the grounds and will offer guests the opportunity to take a dedicated spa break, as well as the indoor/outdoor pool and treatment rooms there will also be a wellness restaurant/bar and beauty salon. The nine-hole golf course will meander around the grounds and lakes with the last hole at the main chateau. There are 2 fully stocked fishing lakes, the larger lake being one of the best fishing lakes in the region. The indoor children's adventure zone will offer activities for children of all ages. Summary of facilities:
|
|
|
