A Win-Win Proposition that Provides Complete Enjoyment and a Solid Investment: Fractional Ownership

Don’t confuse “fractional ownership” with “time share.” The primary difference is that Fractional Ownership means real ownership of the property, not just the time you use it.

Fractional Ownership can also mean just two individuals purchasing a property together, so it can have many forms, but in this case, we’re talking about multiple individuals sharing ownership of a prestigious property and utilizing it according to their respective share sizes, all based on a particular usage calendar. In addition, these owners share in the operational expenses of the property making it affordable and easy.

We were not the first developers of Fractional Ownership properties in France, but were one of a small handful that began in the mid 2000s. In the beginning, I assisted a developer in finding these “jewel” properties—the kind that make this arrangement particularly special because not only are these properties hard to find and secure, but can be very expensive. Then, I came upon a property in Paris’ best address, the Place des Vosges, that was the perfect answer. Like a dog with a bone, I wouldn’t let it go till I found investors and together we purchased, renovated and developed our first adventure into the concept. We called it “Le Palace des Vosges.”

With the leadership and creative talent of interior designer Martine di Mattéo, we turned what was originally 400 year-old barns and stables, converted in later years to a carriage house, then converted to storage, and ultimately converted to a residence, but what was a concrete shell, into a real Palace. It was, and still is, a beautiful two-bedroom apartment in the coveted Place des Vosges that continues to provide happiness to 13 different shareholders, each with four weeks of usage a year.

We conceived of a fully rotational calendar, the first of its kind at the time. The occupancy for 13 owners occurs Thursday to Thursday (for the practical reason of air fares!), in two-week intervals, 26 weeks apart. Each year, the rotation moves forward by 10 weeks to allow for a good mix of seasons. Owners may trade weeks with other owners as they like throughout the year. Owners who wish to have four weeks a year may easily do so by being placed adjacent to one another so that they trade off their two weeks to equal four. This is very practical and makes for an even more flexible arrangement. In addition, the calendar can always be viewed up to 13 years in the future, so owners know how to plan their lives and easily make the trades.

This calendar has had proven success for all these years as well as with the properties we developed after Le Palace des Vosges. Some subsequent developers have adopted the same calendar for their properties, copying our model. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, as we all know!

Since those fateful first years, we have developed seven additional properties, two in Nice, one in Villefranche-sur-Mer and the rest in Paris. Martine waved her magic wand over most of them and turned them into the jewels we imagine and require. The fractional properties we offer, not just the ones we develop, must meet our very exacting standards.

Our criteria are:

– A property that is highly desirable, well located, well designed, decorated, and appointed—a “jewel” that is unlike any other of its category
– A usage calendar that is attractive to a wide variety of owners
– The legal structure and supporting documents must be 100% correct to avoid any conflicts among owners
– Quality management must be in place to keep the property running smoothly and remove any unnecessary obligations by the owners
– Owners should be like-minded

Often, we’re asked about the potential resale of the shares or how they can be bequeathed. The shares are held by a special kind of U.S. corporation and therefore can easily be bought, sold, donated and bequeathed. We are one of the primary marketers of Fractional Ownership properties in France and have sold more shares on behalf of owners and property developers than any other agency in France. We have never sold a share at a loss to an owner—always at a profit. This means that as an owner, you can be confident your investment will grow, all while having full enjoyment of the property.

With good management, a service we offer to the properties we represent, you can let go of the responsibilities that you’d have with the full ownership of a property. You walk in with your suitcases, unpack and simply make yourself at home, leaving the operational tasks to our concierges, housekeepers and administrative staff. We even manage all of the bookkeeping, tax reporting and bank account administration on behalf of the owners, who have a Board of Directors and regular meetings. Note that when a share comes up for resale, a well-managed property is a big plus to potential buyers.

When we set up a property, we also set up a Facebook page exclusive to the owners so that they can communicate among themselves, share their insights, discoveries and even their concerns. Although none of the owners share the usage of the property at the same time, they inevitably become good friends, and often meet up outside of their shared French home. This is partly because we monitor the sales of our properties to ensure like-minded people, and therefore encourage a harmonious group of owners.

Fractional Ownership, in a property that meets our criteria, is a slice of heaven for someone who wants to spend a few weeks a year in their own home in France, without the hassle of full property ownership. As a purchaser, my only advice to you is to be confident that the developer of the property you’re purchasing has the same criteria for a perfect property as we do and can provide the professional management it deserves. The copycats out there may not be up to par with us, one of the first and most experienced in France, to offer these kinds of properties.

Fractional Ownership is a win-win proposition that provides complete enjoyment.

If you are thinking of spending more time outside of North America (or anywhere you’re currently living), but aren’t ready or willing to make it a permanent move, then Fractional Ownership could be the perfect stepping stone.

At present with have four resale shares to whet your appetite:

MA MAISON MIRON

1 share available (Share F) at 76,700€, a studio in one of Paris’s oldest buildings dating back to the 14th-century, on rue François Miron in the 4th arrondissement of Paris.

For more information, visit our website or email us.

If what you prefer is sunnier weather by the sea, then maybe your answer is: 99 PROM

13 shares from 59,700 € to 67,700€, a seaside studio with a private garden located directly on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, plus, take a trial stay before you buy your share!

For more information, visit our website or email us.

In the countryside, we have one in Provence: CHEZ MIRABEL

1 share available at 97,500€, in a four-level stone village house with 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms in the heart of Provence at 9 rue Général de Gaulle in Mirabel-aux-Baronnies.

For more information, visit our website or email us.

And one in the Occitanie on the west side of France: MAISON-BIZE

10 Shares from €55,700 to €63,700 in a 200-year-old beautifully restored village house in Southwest France with 4 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms located in Bize-Minervois in the Southwest of France.

For more information, visit our website or email us.

This is your opportunity to choose from any of these or even two (one in a city and one in the countryside!) for a perfect “séjour” in France! Don’t hesitate to contact us about any of these or Fractional Ownership in general to learn more. Email us today.

A la prochaine…