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Three Hot Spots and a Red Hot Renovation

Volume V, Issue 10

La Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
La Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

I arrived home in Paris Friday morning to an apartment full of workers and total unconstruction of my apartment under renovation. If you are a reader of Parler Paris (http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis), then you know that the first shock upon arrival was a miniature bath tub that put an end to my dreams of a more luxurious bathroom. In today’s issue, we rerun Monday’s Parler Paris article that tells the sordid tale.
The week following of renovation has been a series of highs and lows. It seems that when one improvement makes your heart sing, there is an opposite negative effect that puts your spirits on a lower level. For example, a brilliant plumber changed the “chaudière” (gas water heater) to a stronger one that was connected to a new “ballon” (electric hot water tank) that then connected to the bath so that the water pressure was tripled and there would be continuous hot water (which we never had either one of). But in doing so, the new chaudière is slightly larger than the old (one centimeter) and no longer fits behind the kitchen cabinet creating a new problem of esthetics in the kitchen.
This is to be expected. We can’t have our cake (“brioche”) and eat it, too, as Marie Antoinette might have thought. Maybe she could in her days of hedonism, but in real life, it isn’t possible. Renovation is exactly that — you can fix some of the old problems, but expect to be creating some new ones you never expected.
One thing I’ve learned about working with the French contractors is that they are good and honest workers who earnestly want to do a good job…but esthetic is more important than convenience or functionality. They simply don’t think along the same lines as we Anglo-Saxons do, which is why the file drawers in the new wall-to-wall desk are too wide and too short to fit files, but look great! We’ve been working on fixing that, too, and they are very accommodating to make it all right, at least.
We’re behind schedule by only one week (not bad!), and relatively on target with the estimates, but there have been a few surprises which add to the cost and everything ends up more expensive than you think…when you want to choose the best materials and do it right the first time around, which only makes sense.
The plan is to clean the apartment tomorrow and finish the little bits and pieces so that on Saturday I can move in and spend the night in my “new” apartment. Next week, I’ll provide a complete report with photos of the end result and some lessons we’ve learned.
Meanwhile, today we focus on three hot spots in France: the Aquitaine, the Luberon and the Dordogne, along with information about renovation — the red tape and the expected costs, plus a few other interesting articles to keep you abreast of what’s on the current property scene in France.

A bientôt…

Adrian LeedsAdrian Leeds
Editor, French Property Insider
Email: [email protected]

P.S. Don’t miss next Tuesday’s monthly coffee gathering at Parler Paris Après Midi 3 to 5 p.m. at La Pierre du Marais. This is a great opportunity to meet other Parler Paris readers! Visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apresmidi.html for more information.
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Volume V, Issue 10, March 6, 2008

In this issue:

* The Cost of Renovating
* Paris Tub Tale
* French Banks Buoyant
* French Tax Considerations for Property Purchase
* British in Danger of Destroying Dordogne
* Dreaming of Life in Luberon
* Aquitaine Attraction
* New Unesco Heritage Site in France
* Fractional Ownership Solution – Chez La Tour is Half Sold Out!
* FPI Property Consultation, Search and Relocation Solutions
* Today’s Currency Update from Moneycorp
* Next Parler Paris Après-Midi: March 11, 2008
* Hot Property Picks: Hot Spot Homes
* On the Auction Block: March 18, 2008
* Leasebacks: Domaine du Château de Cely, France, Paris / Ile de France, Cely
* Managing Your FPI Subscription
* Classified Advertising: Parler Paris Apartments — L’Aubergine

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Saintonge Renovation
The Red Tape an
d Expected Costs of Renovating
By Adrian Leeds

Almost any property you purchase in France will require renovation…to some degree. If you’re purchasing an investment property in Paris designed for rental revenue, than the renovation will likely be key to the success of the rental and therefore cost more than normal to bring the property up to a standard that will guarantee that success. We traditionally suggest allowing approximately at least 1,500€ per square meter to do so. If the property is for your own use, you will have a broader choice of standards, but beware, it could be less, but it also could be much more.
Bathrooms and kitchens are expensive aspects of any renovation and therefore, a small apartment with one bath and one kitchen could easily cost as much as an apartment twice the size with one bath and one kitchen. “Le Provençal” rental apartment ( https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apartments/rentals/provencal.html ) of just 16.5 square meters cost 33,000€ (2,000€ per square meter) to turn a virtual “box” into a luxury vacation rental complete with full kitchen, washer/dryer and all the best amenities. It stays rented more than 80% of the year at rates of 110€ – 155€ per night, which can be attributed mostly to decor and amenities considering it’s on the 3rd floor (European) with no elevator and is as small as a typical Paris hotel room.
If you are planning on building a home, you will need a Certificat d’Urbanisme (Outline Planning Consent) set out in the “Code de l’Urbanisme” which states the right, or not, to build on specific land and gives details about the taxation of the land and buildings.
To demolish a building, you must obtain a “Demande de Permis d’Autorisation de Coupe Ou d’Abattage d’Arbres” which may also be required to cut down trees.

Renovation within an apartment need no permits, unless of course, any changes are made that would affect the structure of the building or the exterior.
Small improvements which don’t change the use of the home, such as adding interior walls, skylights, replacing windows and doors, etc. require a “Déclaration de Travaux” acquired at the local City Hall. Additions of less than 20 square meters and open-air swimming pools are also required to be declared. A “Permis de Construire,” granted within two years of starting the work, is required when making changes that affect the taxable value of the property.
To make changes to the original design once approved, requires a “Permis de Construire Modificatif.” There is no fee to apply for these permits, but the tax payable on the property will be affected by any your improvements.
When renovation work starts, a “Déclaration d’Ouverture de Chantier” (declaration that the work has begun) must be submitted and the Permis de Construire must be displayed on a panel at the entrance to the site. Authorities have the right to inspect the work to rest assured it complies with the terms of the Permis de Construire. Once the renovations are complete, a “Déclaration d’Achèvemen des Travaux”” (declaration that the work has ended) must be completed within 30 days. The authorities will then return a “Certificat de Conformité” within three months.
If these documents are failed to be secured, a fine may be imposed or worse, the original condition of the building may be required to be returned to its original state. It is also illegal to perform work outside of the definition of the works. For example, if a barn were intended to be converted to a house, but the decision changed to convert it to a “Gite,” it would be necessary to submit a “Demande de Permis de Construire Modificatif” or even a new “Demande de Permis de Construire.”
Any work on a building considered a “Monument Historique” requires planning permission. Any building over 170 square meters of habitable space, must be inspected by an architect registered under “Architectes des Bâtiment du France” and have “established the architectural project.” This means that the architect has to draw up plans and make the planning application on your behalf.
Each French département’s “Direction Départementale de l’Equipment” (DDE) has a consulting architect (“architecte conseil”) who provides free advice on the type of building permit required, and confirm if a project constitutes more than 170sq m net habitable space and therefore require the services of an architect. This service is free of charge, available by appointment.
France legally requires buildings to comply with safety, sanitary, hygiene and energy consumption regulations. The code of practice is set out in “Documents Techniques Unifiés”(DTU) and all public contracts must adhere. There are also Avis Techniques (technical advisory notes) for materials, components and equipment, where no standardization yet exists.
The Spinetta Law says of January 4, 1978 states that all parties involved in all types of construction work should be insured for the following:
· Responsibility for perfect achievement: runs for a period of one year starting from the delivery of the works to the client;
· Biennial responsibility, two years starting from the delivery of the works to the client: covers minor works and equipment defects (electrical appliances, doors, windows…) that can be taken off the construction without damaging it;
· Decennial responsibility, ten years starting from the delivery of the works to the client: targets structural defects or non-structural defects;
· Third party responsibility: starting from the moment the third party is damaged and lasting for a period of 10 years.

The owner should also be insured for the work on property other than maintenance, including construction, renovation, or alteration. This insurance is called the “Dommage-Ouvrage” (DO). Most don’t, but if not, the work is
not officiall
y sanctioned by the French government.

We recommend the use of an architect, interior designer or project manager who can advise, design, supervise, coordinate, choose suppliers and artisans, analyze and negotiate the estimates and assist in the final financial aspects. If you are not physically present to manage the project yourself, than a local supervisor would be absolutely necessary to move the project along.
Any renovation done by professionally registered builders or artisans is insured for 10 years. You may request to see the license and insurance details of the contractors prior to beginning the work.
Work on buildings over two years old, carried out by licensed contractors are charged at the reduced value added tax rate of 5.5%, rather than the standard rate of 19.6%.
There are many laborers willing to work “au noir” for cash and therefore the work will cost less, but the builder will not be insured nor guaranteed, and you will not have a receipt, which may be needed for the tax authorities and lending institutions. In addition, materials used will have been subject to the full VAT tax rate of 19.6%, so the savings is nominal, but the risk is great. This is also true for Do-It-Yourselfers, using materials bought at the standard tax rate and the work will not be insured, which could affect the resale value of the property.
Capital Gains Tax applies to property not considered a principal residence that is sold within 15 years of purchase. It is levied on the difference between the sale price and the original purchase price. If you are non-resident, but resident elsewhere within the EU, the gain will be taxed at 16%. French residents are taxed at 26%and residents of non-EU Member States are taxed at 33.3%. There are no tax deductions available in the first 5 years of ownership, but following the fifth year, and during the following 10 years, there is a 10% discount allowed for each year so that at the end of 15 years, no tax is owed. The cost of works done on the property is deductible if a registered company completed the works and that you have the invoices, but only on extensions and renovations that improve the value of the property, not decorative improvements.
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Adrian in bathtubDreaming (or Drowning?) in a Paris Bathtub
By Adrian Leeds
An Excerpt from Parler Paris

https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/
Monday, March 3, 2008

Interior Designer Martine di Matteo made me promise not to visit my own apartment until she was present. After 18 hours of traveling from New York to Miami to Paris, you can imagine how the anxiety built to see the newly renovated apartment, scheduled for completion that morning.
She had pushed the contractor and all the suppliers to have the apartment in proper shape to move right into directly from landing, but it just wasn’t possible. There were the normal delays as with any renovation, and from the sound of stress in her voice, it hadn’t been easy.
Luckily, my studio rental apartment, “Le Provençal,” had not been booked, awaiting in a perfectly clean state, ready to pick up where I left off when I headed for the Living and Investing in France Real Estate Conference in Miami two weeks earlier. It had become so comfy the few weeks living there, so it didn’t take long to move back in, set up the desk and printer, unpack the clothing and park the big suitcase filled with bright red towels from Bed, Bath and Beyond to be rolled over to rue de Saintonge when the timing would be right.
It was easy to re-acclimate to Paris life. Paris was unchanged and it felt so secure to be at home among the old stone buildings. At the corner café we said our “bonjours” as if no time had passed. Over a “plat du jour” and “café noisette” I opened two weeks of mail and made a list of “to do’s.”
By the end of the afternoon, all had returned to quasi-normal, but the wait to see the apartment was torture. Because Martine’s busy schedule made her arrival late, I proceeded to enter without her. For years, I had been dreaming about this renovation and planning for it. It’s not easy to find the ability to leave one’s apartment for such a long period of time and to amass enough finances to do it at a level to which it deserved. This time had finally come, dreading the disturbance to normal routines and the number of unknowns sure to be encountered.
Entering slowly and cautiously, the apartment was awash with workmen painting, installing cabinetry, laying tile and adding electrical plugs. It certainly didn’t look near completion. In the foyer stood the old ficus tree, surviving the ordeal like a real trooper, but the once green shiny leathery leaves were a pale modeled minty tone hiding under the dust. The layer of dust everywhere was shocking, even in the rooms which had been kept closed off. It penetrated every crack and crevice. Nothing was left unscarred by the fine white powder. Jokingly, we decided the ficus would be the first to take a bath in the new tub.
The living room was a sea of white. The massive desk unit was being installed along the wall under the windows. The geraniums in the window boxes had all died begging to be cut back, bathed and watered. The wall next to the dining room table that had been mirrored top to bottom made most of the difference, now doubling the visual size of the space by reflecting the entire room. In the center of the room the sofa and chairs newly reupholstered were swathed in protective plastic. I lifted one side to peak at their new shiny silver and gold fabric to discover a whole new look — like meeting up with old friends sporting a “new do.” The silver and gold cushions and pillows were piled up on the bed in untouched bedroom, along with newly made sconces in a sheer gold.
From the living room you could easily see what was taking place in the bathroom, now
a striki
ng harlequin of black and white tiles. Martine had created a checkerboard border of tiles along the top, the floor in large 20cm blocks, the walls in 10cm blocks made up of white tiles with black grout to accentuate the gridlike form. Even incomplete, it was a knock-out!

Then I saw the new tub and my heart sunk. The original plan was to add a Jacuzzi, but the small space wouldn’t allow it, so I gave in to a normal tub. Martine had found only one tub to fit the 130cm space, to which I had agreed, and now here it was, live and in person — the smallest tub I have ever seen! It was different from the old tub which had been a big shapeless basin. This new designed tub had a slanted back for comfort, wasting much of the potential sitting space, so that when you sat in it, your knees would be in your chest. This is not the luxurious bath of my dreams. Remember?…the YEARS of dreaming!
The first words out of my mouth were, “I can’t live with that. It must be changed.” The explosion was like a broken hydrant washing cold water over the entire scene. The phone calls back and forth to Martine and Benoit the contractor heated up the air waves. The entire renovation seemed for naught. The one thing I had wanted most had betrayed me.
The next morning, Martine, Benoit the contractor and I met to discuss the problem. For those who prefer showers, it was of no consequence. But, for a “poisson” like me, it’s a disaster to live without the ability to soak in warm sudsy water and let all the tensions of the day dissolve into the steam.
We each tested sitting in the tub, imagining what a bath in the cramped space would feel like. It was so comical — they were tearing with laughter while I shed tears of sadness. For the next couple days of sleepless nights and constant conversations, with everyone offering up all sort of ideas to correct the problem, we came to a complicated conclusion:
For now, we complete the apartment, move in this week and get to know the tub intimately. If it’s more torture than pleasure and seriously isn’t livable, we will plan for a renovation of a renovation, to break into the wall of the adjoining bedroom, using a part of the adjacent closet to create a niche and therefore install a longer tub. You understand, all this means another couple weeks of disturbance, more dust and mess, the loss of a closet, and fixing broken tiles. Ugh.
And then another idea came forth, which may solve everything. When I finally acquire the rights of usage of the “Viager” (life annuity) apartment in my building (working on feverishly at the moment), that has with it a 7.5 square meter “chambre de bonne” (maid’s quarter) with two windows overlooking the 17th-century cobblestoned courtyard from the 4th floor (with elevator), we can turn it into a luxury spa complete with Jacuzzi, steam sauna and relaxation massage lounge that I, my friends and rental guests can use whenever we like!
Now, doesn’t that sound like a new dream worth having?
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French banksCrunch-less France Keeps Appeal
From http://www.assetz.co.uk

For those looking for evidence that the worldwide credit crunch is not quite so worldwide as some might think, the best place to look, it appears, may be across the channel, which, as a major hotspot for Britons looking at buying investment property, is just as well.
As Assetz made clear this week, the country has survived the liquidity crisis fairly unscathed. This is thanks partly to French Banks suffering far less from the subprime crisis due to lower levels of investment in affected companies and also because the reaction has been to stimulate the market by offering more enticing deals, in stark contrast with lenders in Britain.
These explanations were offered by Matthew Weston, overseas mortgages manager for Blevin Franks, who stated: “So far this year the subprime crisis has had little to no impact on the non-resident France property investment market in France.”
However, wider evidence seems to suggest that this avoidance of the financial problems that have blighted many other economies – and consequently housing markets – is not just a phenomenon seen in the French mortgage-lending sector. In the commercial property sector, for instance, UK commercial property firm Hammerson’s released its half-yearly results earlier this week. They showed that overall its assets had lost 5.5 per cent in value in the second half of 2007, but the company was bolstered by a 16.5 per cent rise in the value of its French assets last year.
Speaking to Reuters, chief executive John Richards said: “Having nearly 30 per cent of the business in France has been extremely advantageous,” adding: “France will not be entirely insulated from economic slowdown seen across Europe, but any downturn is likely to be more muted than in London. Values are stable not falling.”
So if the economic and property situation in France, both commercial and residential, is looking up, where might the investor go? Much of this depends on the market they wish to serve. Some Britons, either wanting a weekend retreat or simply a holiday home, may let out somewhere far from the crowds – and their countrymen.
Other places, however, have developed sizeable expat communities. Recently, for example, the Daily Mail reported on the region of Dordogne, a name famous for wine but where the treading of grapes may be no more common a feature of a summer’s day in some places than the sound of leather on willow.
The paper noted that in towns such as Eymet, the British ex-pat presence was due considerably to the ambience of a place like an England of many years ago, an elysian which some ex-pats are so keen to keep as it is they have even caused a local stir by standing for election to the local council. An
y
investors looking in places like this for buy-to-let must of course be sure there is demand for a taste of old England amid the vineyards.

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French taxThe French and Tax: C’est la Vie
By Jessica Brown
http://www.timesonline.co.uk
In her quest to find a home, our expert looks at how much Britons have to pay.
The more I learn about the French tax system, the more I realize that I would be better off moving to somewhere like Dubai or Panama.
But few people buy abroad purely for financial reasons. According to the Overseas Guides Company, people considering moving abroad regard tax as of secondary importance to factors such as climate and culture.
One of the main pulls of the French Alps for me is the sense of community and acceptance there. I love the fact that everybody stops to say hello and ask how I am, and that people drop by for a cup of tea on the off-chance that I will be in…
To read the entire article visit http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/money/tax/article3465504.ece
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DordogneDordogne-shire: How British Expats Could Be Destroying an Idyllic French Paradise
By Tom Rawstone
http://www.dailymail.co.uk

Described as Britain 50 years ago, Dordogne is an idyllic village with more expats per head than anywhere else in France. But there are fears they could be in danger of destroying this paradise.
To archeologists charting the spread of ancient civilizations, it is the detritus of life that so often holds the key – discarded coins, shards of pottery and the like.
And so it is that when historians of the future study the French region that is the Dordogne, the humble jar of Marmite will no doubt assume enormous significance.
For while previous invasions of this rural Gallic idyll were marked by charging knights on horseback, the British interlopers of the 21st century stake their territorial claims with condiments and comfort foods – with HP brown sauce, Frank Cooper’s Original Oxford Marmalade (thick cut) and Sarson’s malt vinegar.
No richer evidence of this is there to be found than in the town of Eymet where a shop called L’Epicerie Anglaise, or The English Grocer, plies its trade…
To read the entire article visit http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=522689
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LuberonAt Home in the French Region of Luberon
By Kimberly Conniff Taber
International Herald Tribune
Robert Burns’s love affair with Provence began nearly 6,000 miles away, in a class at the University of California, Berkeley.
It was late 1998 and Burns, an American actor and director and an instructor in Berkeley’s drama department, was working on a degree in theater. A French woman named Isabelle Pisani was on a yearlong sabbatical from her job as communications director for an international company based in Paris and, like Burns, was taking a course on conflict resolution. At 42 and 53, respectively, they were “older than anyone else in the class – including the professor,” Burns said with a laugh.
They promptly fell in love.
Less than a year later, Burns – who didn’t speak French – packed up his life and moved to Paris. Soon he and Pisani began searching for a second home in the Luberon area, a region with a low mountain range in the heart of Provence where she had long dreamed of buying a home…
To read the entire article visit http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/28/properties/reluberon.php
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French AtlanticPopularity of the French Atlantic Coast
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk
The French Atlantic coast is becoming increasingly popular with visitors and investors, it has been claimed.
According to Lee Calvert, director of Property-Abroad.com, people are attracted to the area as it offers the same amount of sunshine as the Mediterranean coast but “for half the price.”
He explained that the increased number of airlines flying to the area means it is easier to get to, something else that has boosted its appeal.
Mr. Calvert singled out Aquitaine in France as one region that is particularly benefiting from increased interest, noting that the Silver Coast area of Portugal is experiencing a similar effect.
Located in the south-west of Fr
ance, major cities
in the Aquitaine region include Bordeaux, Bayonne and Bergerac.

The Eurostar has also helped boost the property market in France, Mr. Calvert concluded.
According to figures released in 2007 by the French estate agents’ federation, house prices in the country have increased for ten consecutive years.
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AquitaineAquitaine a UNESCO Site
From http://www.franceguide.com
In South-West France, bathed by the Atlantic, Aquitaine is one of Europe’s largest regions, stretching from the Pointe de Grave in the north to the Pyrénées and the Spanish border in the south, from the Atlantic Ocean to the foothills of the Massif Central, and comprises 5 départements: the Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne and Pyrénées Atlantiques, the latter being divided into two parts, Béarn and the Basque Country.
It is impossible to reduce Aquitaine to a snapshot, a single image, because diversity is the region’s defining feature.
And the landscapes are just as varied: endless beaches lined with dunes, vines and forests, the mountains of the Pyrénées, lakes and streams, castles, fortified towns and villages of character from the Middle Ages, lively seaside resorts designed for sports enthusiasts or built for royalty…
Today as in the past, Bordeaux is the region’s capital city. Bordeaux is known for its architectural heritage, its museums, nice and fashionable shops, gourmet restaurants.. and the city center has been recently classified as a Unesco site.
THE Vineyard Destination
With 113,000 hectares, the Bordeaux vineyards are indeed the largest fine wine region in the world, but Aquitaine also has many other wines to delight gourmets or the more curious palates: the wines of Bergerac and Duras, Jurançon and Madiran, Buzet and Tursan…and of course Irouléguy.
Nor should we forget the local spirit, Armagnac, to bring your meal to a truly fitting close. A stay in Aquitaine should always include a trip through the vines: on foot, on horseback, on a bicycle or in your car, or quite simply on one of the guided excursions organized by the main Tourist Offices in the wine regions, or how about a stay in a spa amidst the vines.
For us, wine is a part of our history, lifestyle and a pleasure we love to share with visitors. In Aquitaine, nobody can get away from the wine civilization. Whether you own a vineyard or not, whether you are a member of a wine association, a knowledgeable amateur or a complete novice, it doesn’t matter! Over 2000 years of life together have woven tight links between Man and the vines. Of course, such great names as Yquem, Petrus, Margaux, Latour and Mouton are the stuff of dreams, but there are also over 13,000 wine châteaux just in Bordeaux, so there is certainly a wine for you without breaking the bank (many of the “small” châteaux are well worth a visit).
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jardin saint paul

Le Jardin Saint Paul
View from the Bedroom

The “Fractional Ownership” Solution Update
By Adrian Leeds

https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation
Fractional ownership is a hybrid of direct ownership and time sharing, combining the best elements of both. The primary differences are that while timeshares involve many thousands of shares in a large complex with “resort” amenities and costs built specifically for that purpose, fractional ownership is joint ownership by only a few individuals in a single property whose value can easily be determined on the open market and for which there are very few, if any, resort amenities which must be managed and maintained (and paid for!). For Paris Home Shares, the city of Paris is it’s own resort!
See the Paris Home Shares Fractional Ownership Offerings:
LE JARDIN SAINT-PAUL — ONLY 3 SHARES LEFT!
The months currently available for 2008 are July, August and November.

Those who have purchased shares in Le Jardin Saint-Paul on Rue Ferdinand Duval, 4th Arrondissement, Le Marais, will be happy to know the renovation is complete! As a final touch, the granite counters were installed last weekend.
You can view a slide show of photos of the apartment at: http://www.flickr.com/gp/69276774@N00/07R372
To see a virtual visit of the apartment, click here: http://www.digitalive.fr/paris/tour.html
To those who have not yet purchased and are interested in learning more, the price of one share is now 92,000€. Only three shares remain for sale. They won’t last long.
To visit the site describing the property, visit
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation/sales/fractional/jardinstpaul.html

Apparently, rue Ferdinand Duval, home to Le Jardin Saint-Paul is THE TRENDY street in Paris. The attached article, highlighting rue Ferdinand Duval, was featured in the Fe
bruary 11, 2
008 issue of ELLE magazine. We always knew that Jardin Saint-Paul was situated in a great little location. Now, apparently the secret is out…
To read the article in French, visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation/sales/fractional/ferdinand_duval_elle.pdf
Chez La TourNEW FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP FOR SALE NEAR EIFFEL TOWER
Chez La Tour
Boulevard de Latour-Maubourg, 7th Arrondissement, Eiffel Tower
Two-Bedroom, 88.1 m2
Half Sold! 99,500€ / ONLY 6 SHARES LEFT!
Available for Use May 2008

Price increase scheduled late February 2008: 109,900€/share
If you would like to receive more information on this apartment, VISIT https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation/sales/fractional/chezlatour.html
maison bleueNEW FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP FOR SALE IN LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON
Maison Bleue
Three-Bedroom
52,500€ for the first four shares / 10 shares available
Available for 5 weeks/year

Maison Bleue is a 3 tiered, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom village home, with an open living room/dining area and a fully appointed kitchen. The house is furnished with a combination of French antiques, wicker and pine furniture, firm beds, unique lighting, fully equipped kitchen and many decorative items. It also includes Satellite TV, telephone, washer and dryer and all dishware and linens.
If you would like to receive more information on this apartment, visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation/sales/fractional/maisonbleue.html
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French Property ConsultationProperty Consultation, Search and Relocation Solutions
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation

Let French Property Insider expert property consultants find your dream home in France for you. We consult with you to help you make the best decisions, ferret out the finest properties to meet your criteria, schedule the visits and accompany you, negotiate with the agencies and owners, recommend the Notaires and other professionals, schedule the signings and oversee the purchase with you from start to finish! You could never do it so easily on your own. Let us take the time and effort off your hands.
FPI Offers More Relocation Solutions!
Moving to Paris? Our experienced relocation expert will make your move easy and hassle-free. We offer complete property and relocation services normally only provided by employer hired relocation firms…but at a price much more affordable for individuals.
Download Complete Brochure
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation/fpibrochure.pdf

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TODAY’S CURRENCY UPDATE

Visit the FPI Web site and click on the link on the left panel or click here for Currency Convertor by Moneycorp: https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/moneycorpconvertor.html
for up to the minute conversions of all major currencies.

Compare currency values easily and quickly by visiting:
https://adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/loan/moneycorpconvertor.html

Charts
http://www.Moneycorp.co.uk/members/charts.asp
The charts below are updated every ten seconds.

The prices shown are “inter bank” exchange rates and are not the rates that you will be offered by Moneycorp. Your rate will be determined by the amount of currency that you are buying. Please speak with an Moneycorp dealer or your consultant for a live quotation.
===============================
Parler Paris Apres MidiParler Paris Après Midi
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apresmidi.html
Come for a drink and to meet and chat with other readers in Paris…
The next gathering is March 11, 2008, and every second Tuesday of the month.
 
 
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H
OT PROPERTY PICKS: Hot Spot Homes

Each week French Property Insider features a range of properties which we believe are on the market at the time of writing. These properties are featured in order to give readers a sample of what is currently available and a working example of prices being asked in various regions of France and districts of Paris.
As we are not a real estate agency. These properties do not constitute a sales listing. For those readers seriously interested in finding property in Paris or France, you can retain our services to do the whole thing for you. For more information, visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation
Aquitaine*** Aquitaine, Villa
Luxury family home with a heated swimming pool set on a hill at the edge of a forest, in nearly an acre of landscaped gardens overlooking a lovely village. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms.
Asking Price: 437,000€ + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
 
Aquitaine
Luberon*** Luberon, Farmhouse, 165m²
17th century farmhouse on wooded grounds of 1500m² offering a beautiful panorama. The ground floor includes a lounge, dining room with fireplace, two vaulted rooms, study and kitchen. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms, bathroom and 2 more rooms to be refurbished. Minutes away from the most beautiful villages of southern Luberon, surrounded by vineyards and 30 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence, 35 minutes from the TGV station and 40 minutes from Marseille international airport.
Asking Price: 575,000€ + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
Luberon
Dordogne*** Dordogne, Sarlat, House, 233m²
Situated south of Sarlat, 5 minutes from shops, this very beautiful stone property dates from the 17th century. Includes living room, dining room, 4 bedrooms, a park of 5000m² and swimming pool.
Asking Price: 610,000€ + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
 
Dordogne
===============================
Paris Auctions
http://www.encheres-Paris.com

Next Sessions: February 19, 2008 at 2 p.m.
Notaires de Paris
Place du Châtelet
12 avenue Victoria
Paris 1st
Additional information on Les Ventes aux Enchères des Notaires can be found on the Web site at http://www.encheres-Paris.com/ Though the site has a button for an English version, it isn’t reliable to work.
To read Schuyler Hoffman’s article about the property auctions in Paris, click on:
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/members/content/articles/auctions1.html

Paris auctions STUDIO 26,73 m²
36 rue Marx Dormoy and 30 rue du Département
75018 PARIS 18th
Opening Bid: 62,000€
Deposit: 12,400€
Paris auctions 2 rooms, 50,90 m²
38 rue Sambre et Meuse
75010 PARIS 10th
Opening Bid: 165,000€
Deposit: 33,000€
Paris auctions 3 rooms, 73,8 m²
38 rue Campo Formio
75013 PARIS 13th
Opening Bid: 300,000€
Deposit: 60,000€
Paris auctions 3 rooms, 75 m² duplex and terrace
48 avenue Despréaux
Hameau Boileau
75016 PARIS 16th
Opening Bid: 500,000€
Deposit: 100,000€

===============================
LEASEBACK NEWS FROM IMOINVEST
http://www.ad
rianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/sales/leasebacks/
lb_list.php

French leasebackDOMAINE DU CHATEAU DE CELY
France, Paris / Ile de France, Cely

Studio 25m² to 27m² €100,000 to €105,000
One Bedroom 37m² to 43m² €142,000 to €164,000
Guaranteed Buy to Let – Leaseback
GUARANTEED RENTAL INCOME UP TO: 5.00%
French leasebackFrench leaseback
CHATEAU WITH SPA AND GOLF COURSE
Ideally located between the Fontainebleau Forest and the Seine River with an on-site 14th century château that has recently undergone a complete restoration and offers a Spa, Gastronomic restaurant and views over an 18-hole golf course. Nestled within the heart of a 55 hectare park, this sumptuous residence comprises discrete buildings with exceptional views over the lush green terrain. This is a magical place to organize receptions (cocktails, seminars, weddings…).
Located 45 km south-east of Paris, Cely-en-Biere has direct access to the A6 highway and is located next to the Orly International Airport. From the Melun train station travelers are whisked off to Paris in under 30 minutes. The highly privileged setting, the full range of services and the quality of the tourism residence itself entirely meet the expectations of demanding customers who wish to organize large events, business trips or conventions. Quaint pathways allow residents to navigate from the residence to the many facilities found on-site and within the château, of which the sumptuous dining room, designed like a panoramic glass-house, is located at about 50 meters.
Within the Gatinais Natural Park, the beauty of Cely-en-Biere inspired the impressionist painters who were living in the village of Barbizon just near by. At only 8 km from Cely, the village of Barbizon is one of the most visited places in a region full of golf courses, leisure areas, museums and castles to be discovered.
– 45km south-east of Paris
– Prestigious landscaped Cely Golf course
– Natural and privileged environment
– Dynamic business centers nearby
– All services of Leaseback Scheme included

=============================
French Propety LoanSEEKING A MORTGAGE IN FRANCE?
When you make a purchase as important as a piece of real estate in a foreign country, you want to know that you can trust the people you are dealing with. Adrian Leeds has developed a network of professionals that meet only the highest of standards. With the expertise and experience of Adrian and her team, you can depend on getting the best advice and support to feel completely confident that you are making an informed investment decision.
Let us help you secure a mortgage in France at a competitive interest rate. Visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/loan for more information or contact [email protected]
=============================
Managing Your French Property Insider Subscription is Easy!
We receive many emails from French Property Insider Subscribers who want to change their email address, or update personal information. But did you know that you can make these changes yourself?
It’s easy…
1. Go to https://adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider
2. Click on “Manage Subscription.” You’ll find it under the “Subscribers Only” section in the sidebar.
3. Enter your username and password.
4. On the Welcome Page, go to “Manage Your Account” and click on “Change Password/Edit Profile”
5. Once you’ve made the changes, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Save Profile.”
Simple!
Of course, we’re always happy to help, so if you do need assistance, send an email to [email protected]
================================
insider paris guidesWe wanted better guides.
So we wrote them.

Insider Paris Guides are written for people who love the City of Light. You’ll get a Paris insider perspective on Restaurants… Making a Life… Black Culture… Expat Writers…and the newest guide, Practical Paris!
French Property Insider subscribers receive a discount of 10% off any guide and up to 25% off the entire purchase (if two or more guides are purchased at the same time). Here’s how it works:
1. Click on special Web link we give you just for FPI subscribers.
2. Then or
der one or more gui
de(s) and use the promotion
code “ED762.” This promotion code gives you 10% off your total
order.

3. If you order two or more guides, then an additional 15% will be
taken off automatically. There is no promotion code needed.

Here is the special “coupon” Web link just for you:
http://www.insiderparisguides.com/offer/fpi_offer.htm

================================

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

To access password protected pages: click on any of the links on the left panel of the home page of FrenchPropertyInsider.com under “Subscriber’s Only,” then type in your personal username and password.

Past issues of FPI are available on the website. You will find the
“Past Issues” link on the left under “Subscribers Only” or by going to
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/members/content/pastissues/index.html

To receive your free French Leaseback Report or the Paris Property
Report, click on
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/members/content/reports.html

================================

HELPFUL CONVERSIONS FOR REAL ESTATE

1 square meter = 10.7639104 square feet

1 hectare = 2.4710538 acres

For more conversions, refer to: http://www.onlineconversion.com/

==== CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ===

Parler Paris ApartmentsPARLER PARIS APARTMENTS
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apartments
Email: [email protected]/parlerparis

Welcome to your home in Paris. Home is how you will feel in a private apartment in Paris that has the “seal of approval” from Parler Paris Apartments and me, Adrian Leeds.
Parler Paris Apartments offers high quality accommodations to make your stay in the City of Light as enjoyable and memorable as possible. We at Parler Paris know each and every apartment owner or manager personally, and stand behind the quality of those we represent. We understand your needs and desires, all the small details that make a rental apartment a warm and welcoming home – and a much better alternative to an impersonal hotel!
Parler Paris Apartments is administered and serviced by the same great team as Parler Paris, French Property Insider and French Property Consultation. You can trust that Parler Paris Apartments and all those with whom it is associated will do their best for your 100% guaranteed satisfaction.
Parler Paris Apartments L'AubergineNEW LISTING!
L’Aubergine
One-Bedroom, Sleeps up to 4

L’Aubergine sits tucked away on an historic and quiet Marais “cul de sac,” making it an oasis of peace and calm. This second floor apartment (two flights) has two large bright windows that face a classic Parisian courtyard. With digicode, intercom entry system and elevator, it has been completely renovated and professionally decorated to the height of luxury, with a soothing “aubergine” (eggplant) and taupe color scheme. Everything in the apartment is new, from the designer linens and towels, to the appliances and electronics.
Reserve now! Visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apartments/rentals/aubergine.html
or email: [email protected]

================================

SUBSCRIBE TO PARLER PARIS

If you’re not a regular reader of the Parler Paris daily e-letter, and would like to be, simply enter your e-mail address here (it’s free!): http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis

================================

Copyright 2010, Adrian Leeds®
Adrian Leeds Group, LLC, http://www.adrianleeds.com

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