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This could be the year you find your dream property in Paris...One of our readers bought the apartment in the building on the left overlooking this beautiful scene at Métro Saint-Paul!

French Property Insider

Paris, France
FrenchPropertyInsider.com

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Bonjour French Property Insider Subscriber,

You are already familiar with Parler Paris -- our twice-weekly newsletter designed to be "Your Doorway to...Working, Living, Investing and Visiting Paris and France!" It's life in Paris from the point of view of a veteran American resident in the City of Light -- me (!). We do our best to chock it full of valuable information about what's hot and what's not, what's going up and what's coming down, who's who and who's not -- all with an insider take on what it's like to see the world from the heart of this magnificent city.

But, Parler Paris is not on a par with French Property Insider. FPI is a newsletter, too, but it's SO MUCH MORE.

If you are contemplating living in Paris or France or dreaming of owning a property for investment that you can use while it earns you a sweet return, then you need more than Parler Paris. You need French Property Insider.

Each issue of French Property Insider is packed with information on how to find great properties in France, how to structure your real estate purchase to minimize your tax and maximize your benefits, what pitfalls to look out for and avoid, how to work with your "Notaire," how to deal with inheritance tax issues, how to eliminate your capital gains tax obligations, how to earn a profit from your French properties and how to build a rich and fulfilling life in France.

French Property Insider also contains listings of apartments and homes for sale as of each writing as a sample of what's on the market at he time. You'll also find articles on culture and lifestyle to help you learn those important things necessary to "fitting in," wherever it is you choose to rent or buy.

And it's all at your fingertips every single week without blinking an eye! Every Thursday...50 issues a year...to keep your fingers on the pulse of the French real estate market. Just imagine how important it is to have this information BEFORE you make a big purchase!

Plus, with your subscription, you will receive FREE reports written by industry experts that are guaranteed to help you make your dreams of living or retiring in France become a reality...

First, you'll get "The Paris Property Report" -- designed to answer all your questions about buying in Paris, compiled by the staff of FPI, and easily worth $35 or more! This one report gives you all the basics of finding and buying property in Paris.

You'll also get, absolutely free, John Howell's report -- "The French Leaseback Program: Are Leasebacks for You?"

John Howell is the lead attorney for the Internationl Law Partnerhsip in London and the co-host of the Living and Investing in France Real Estate Conferences and Seminars. It gives you the background and history of the program, the ins and outs, ups and downs, pros and cons -- the truth about the French Leaseback "scheme." You certainly wouldn't want to make an investment as large as that without being well informed first. This report outlines it all for you -- it's a potential savings of thousands of dollars, not to mention the value of the report itself! Count that at least another $35 value, maybe much more.

And we've added another very valuable report -- "Renting Your Paris Property for Profit!"

This report is the result of many presentations we have given before our conference audiences to inform them of the best way to go about creating a successful and profitable rental property in Paris. If you are thinking for even one split second about buying an investment property you can rent and get a return on investment, then this report is a must. Everything you need to know, including an Excel spreadsheet to help you analyze your potential return!

On top of all that, we're going to save you big bucks on FPI Services!

As a subscriber to French Property Insider, you will be invited to run 3 months of online classified text ads on our Web site absolutely FREE OR 3 FREE text messages inside the weekly newsletter. You can use your free ads to advertise a property you have to rent or to sell. This is a $210 value that's yours FREE!

Searching for the perfect piece of French property isn’t easy. With no MLS service, so many agents to see, the language barrier -- it can be grueling. You can spend days and weeks searching for your dream property and still come up empty handed. But French Property Insider can make this difficult job much simpler.

We offer a customized property search service that will save you a bundle in both time and money. Our team is out on the street everyday searching for properties to meet the specific needs of our readers and clients. We are also contacted by many of the key agencies with properties not even yet on the market! This is a big advantage, since property sells so quickly -- long before it has a chance to be posted in the agency windows or on their Web sites.

Having our pros handle the search will make your life so much easier. And when you subscribe with this offer you can take advantage of $50 off any property search. This can help you get started on the path to owning French property...the easy way!

But best of all, you have instant access to the FPI team. We bring you complete property consultation service solutions to help make your move to France much easier including Property Consultation and Search Services, Purchase Assistance, Getting a Mortgage in France, Property Appraisal Service and The "Après Vente."

How much you save using your membership is completely up to you. Add all this up, and you can see that, as a charter member of the French Property Insider, you are easily receiving over $390 in FREE bonuses and services, not counting how much time and money we can save you indirectly just from the knowledge you'll gain!

For the lover of France...the would-be French property owner... the dreamer of a new life in this glorious country...it doesn't get much better than this.

Right now all you will pay is less than $1.15 a week, less than the price of a cup of coffee. For $57.50 a year, you'll get all the services and benefits I've described, including 50 opportunity-packed and informative issues of French Property Insider -- plus you’re saving $31.50 off the regular subscription price of $89.

Or save even more when you subscribe for two years! At $97.50, you'll get French Property insider delivered straight to your electronic inbox 100 times for much less -- 97 cents an issue!

Don't hesitate to become a reader today. Click here to subscribe!

A la prochaine...

Adrian Leeds
Editor, French Property Insider
Email: Adrian@AdrianLeeds.com

P.S. Scroll down to see a sample of the Best of French Property Insider and what you are missing every single week...unless you subscribe now! And, don't forget, with your subscription, you'll get the three free reports! Of course, if for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your subscription to French Property Insider, you have my personal guarantee. You can cancel at anytime for a pro-rated refund. No questions asked.

Click here to subscribe!

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Special Sample Edition

In this issue:

* Paris Property Price Report...
* What is Fractional Ownership?
* How Rail Destinations Affect Property Values
* Understanding Wealth Tax
* Finding Your Dream Property in France
* Renovating Your French Property
* Next Living and Investing in France Real Estate Seminar
* French Property Consultation Services
* Adrian Leeds on House Hunters International
* Hot Property Picks: Favoring the Fifth
* The Latest Fractional Property Offerings
* Parler Paris Apartments: L'Aubergine
* How You Can Obtain a Mortgage in France
* Parler Paris Après-Midi: When and Where We Meet Next
* Managing Your FPI Subscription
* Subscribers Receive Discount on Insider Paris Guides

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Paris Property Price Report...The Resilient Paris Property Market -- On a Property-by-Property Basis
By Adrian Leeds

Reporting on Paris Property Prices 2008
Originally Published April 9, 2009

Almost daily we are asked about how the prices in Paris are holding up. With conflicting reports from the media, it might be difficult to know what to believe. Even in this week's media, you may read one report titled: "Property Firm LNC to Refocus on Resilient French Market"...and another titled: "French Residential Property Prices Down In First Quarter." And both can be absolutely true.

Let's first separate France from Paris as one might separate the U.S. from New York City. The country as a whole and the individual cities are distinctly two different property markets and should not be confused. Today we take an in depth look at Paris and Paris alone. (Next week, we will focus on France as a whole.)

While Paris is not immune to the economic crisis felt worldwide, it suffers less than almost any other city in the western world. Here are the statistics for resale apartments within the 20 districts of Paris for 2008:

Sales are down by 23.2% on resale apartments. For the last quarter of 2008, prices reduced by 1.9% to 6,520 per square meter, but for the year, the increase was 2.5%. Sales were down for the quarter by 25.1%, and for the year, 16.5%.

Even the Chambre de Notaires calls Paris "resilient" -- because after 10 years of uninterrupted increases of more than 10%, the downturn didn't begin until the final quarter of this past year and even with that, only ever so slightly.

This follows the age old rule, "location, location, location." Property that is cheap is cheap for a reason. Take notice. Invest in the best property you can.

The most expensive district continues to be the 6th with 10,040€/m², followed by the 7th with 9,610€/m² and the 4th with 8,860€/m². In contrast, the least expensive district in the city is the 19th with 5,010€/m², followed by the 20th with 5,340€/m² and the 10th with 5,890€/m². In one year, the increase in value decreased from 10.4% at the end of 4th quarter 2007 to 2.5% at the end of 4th quarter 2008 and for the first time since 1998, several districts reported a decline in prices -- the 1st down -1.6%, the 8th down -1%, but at the same time, the 5th increased 6.7% as did the 9th with 6.4%.

Now let's look at which districts had the next most growth -- the 5th with 6.7% and the 9th, with growth of 6.4%, at a considerably lower average per square meter costs. This means you would have a much smaller investment, but yield almost as much growth on your investment.

Today I spoke with one of our top real estate agents who specializes in properties of €1 million and higher. Although they have fewer clients in today's market, the ones they have are looking at properties in excess of €2.5 million and most recently had a client seeking properties in excess of €5 million. He reported showing a 215m² apartment in the Places des Vosges priced at €5.2 million, or more than €24,000/m².

We agreed that one cannot assume that ALL property is suffering a downturn -- as it has become very property specific -- good quality properties continue to hold their value, while lesser property is selling at less or remains unsold.

Therefore, we still contend that one should always buy the best property one can afford, even if expensive compared to others of lesser quality -- as in the long run, the better locations will continue to hold their values even in tough economic times.

Editor's Note: To read the full report (in French), go to www.paris.notaires.fr. We also make available to all our FPI readers a return on investment Excel spreadsheet that will help you make intelligent property purchase decisions. Just click here:
Rental_Return_On_Investment.xls.

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The Fractional Ownership Concept
By Steven Navaro
Originally published May 24, 2007

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!

Title to virtually all fractional ownership properties are held in the name of a legal entity, which is usually either an American based Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a French based company called a "Société Civile Immobilière" (SCI). Each purchaser becomes a member or stockholder whose sole asset is the property. The benefits are that this allows for orderly transfer of members into and out of the LLC without requiring recording of a change in title, hiring of a notaire, and the corresponding fees, each time a share is bought or sold.

The property is not designed to be rented by each of the owners for income, however members are free to allow family and guests to use unused time, or to exchange time with other members. The reason for this lies in a French business tax of 3% affecting foreign companies, such as LLC's and SCI's

Ownership shares can be devised in a will like any other personal property, bypassing French inheritance laws, however, because the ownership share involves French real estate, French inheritance laws will supercede a benefactor's wishes should there be a conflict.

An owner is usually free to sell his share at any time, at whatever price he chooses, subject only to a limited right of the other members of your group to purchase your share at the same price and terms once you have found a buyer.

French capital gains taxes must be paid when a share is sold and this is the responsibility of each member. Fortunately, French capital gains taxes decrease the longer the shares are held and if owned 15 years or more, no tax is paid.

The LLC is an American corporate entity with multiple members, and therefore required to have both a tax identification number and to file a partnership tax return annually with the IRS. Because the LLC has no income, there should never be any tax liability. If the entity is an SCI, it would correspondingly be required to file tax returns with the French government annually.

All fractional ownership projects will have the normal costs of ownership associated with owning any real property, including the costs of taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, management, and supplies. Because fractional ownership properties come fully furnished, a reserve fund is kept for eventual replacement of furnishings that break or become worn out. These costs are assessed to each member either monthly or annually, based on a budget approved by the members each year.

Editor's Note: for a listing of available Fractional Ownership properties, visit /frenchproperty/fractional

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Destination TGV
By Adrian Leeds
Originally Published April 2, 2009

Location, location, location.

It's a traditional turn of phrase used by property experts meaning the three most important factors in determining the desirability of a property. It was famously adapted in a speech by Tony Blair when he referred to his priorities of 'Education, Education and Education,' but was originally coined by Harold Samuel in 1944 who founded the property company "Land Securities," now one of the biggest in the UK.

Harold Samuel wasn't kidding. There simply isn't any more important aspect to a property's value than its location. If you were to view the country of France as the broadest playing field and you wanted to determine where in France would your investments be safest and most profitable, there is one major factor that determines which locations would achieve those goals -- and that's the "TGV."

The "TGV" is the "Train à Grande Vitesse" -- or high speed trains, so brilliantly engineered by the French that now glide like fast snakes all over France and into neighboring countries. The network is growing all the time and as new lines are added, speeding up the commute time from city to city, so are those destination cities growing hot properties. The system reaches 150 destinations at this time and extends...

* North to the border with Belgium and the Port of Calais,
* South East to Perpignan, close to Spain, and as far as Menton, close to the Italian border,
* East to Strasbourg, across the border into Germany, and further down to the Alpine regions, and
* West to the most western tip of the country, the Lorie valley and
* South West to the Alt antic coast.

The TGV to Biarritz from Paris, for example, is only 5.0 hours compared to a driving time (as per www.viamichelin.com) of 7.5 hours. If you take the TGV in the opposite direction to Strasbourg, you can be there in 2.25 hours compared to 4.5 hours on the road. And if you head South the Avignon, the train ride down is a mere 2.5 hours compared to 6.25 hours in the car.

The trains are easy to board, quiet and comfortable, making for a relaxing voyage with a lot less hassle than flying (long advance time to allow for heavy security measures) and driving (renting a car, stopping for gas, risking the dangers). With such fast and easy access, more and more foreigners are opting for second homes in cities outside of Paris where for just a few extra hours, they can be in the peace of their own countryside abode.

Watch for new destinations -- those are the cities where property prices will escalate, and those are the cities where a property investment will prove not only profitable, but thoroughly enjoyable...and that's what it's really all about...the pleasure of ownership in France.

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What is Wealth Tax?
By John Howell, Partner in The International Law Partnership
http://www.JHCo.org
Originally published April 19, 2007

Taxes in France for Non-residents

Personal taxes - Impôt de Solidarité sur la Fortune ISF - (Wealth Tax)

A person resident in France for tax purposes and non-residents with substantial assets in France , (€716460 for 2002) must, every year, submit a wealth tax return.

This must show the value of all of that person's assets located in France, valued as at 1st January of each year.

This will normally be the person's house, car and the balance on his bank account.

The value to be used when declaring the value of the house is the official valeur cadastrale. The basis of the tax calculation is the same as for the inheritance tax.

The tax payable are calculated according to a sliding scale between 0.5% and 1.5% of the value of the taxable estate.

The wealth tax return must be paid to the Authorities at the latest on 15th June of each year.

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Finding Your Dream Property
By Adrian Leeds
Originally published May 31, 2007

The Real Estate Agency Landscape

There is no MLS (Multiple Listing System) in France with and an abundance of independent real estate agencies -- 4,000+ in Paris and 11,000 in France. There are a few national networks (e.g. Fédération Nationale de l'Immobilier [FNAIM]), some franchises (e.g. Century 21) and trade associations (e.g. Syndicat National de Professionels Immobiliers [SNPI]. However, there is a limited sharing of commissions among agencies and inventory is normally limited to the neighborhood.

We see this changing with the popularity of the Internet as more online resources are available all the time, which makes it somewhat easier to find properties, but as importantly, makes it easier to compare the quality and price of properties.

One very important thing to keep in mind when searching for properties, which we find true primarily in such a competitive market as Paris: properties advertised on Web sites, in magazines and even agency windows have either been sold and not yet removed from the advertising or have been on the market a long time...for good reason. Really saleable properties are sold before the agency has an opportunity to advertise them openly as there are so many ready buyers! To find these properties requires direct contact with the agencies and owners at the moment the properties go on the market!

Set Your Goals...What and Where Should You Buy

This is the most important first step in the process -- to determine your specific goals before you set out to look for properties:

* Will it be your primary or secondary residence?
* In which areas do you want to live?
* Can you can maximize your cost vs. space by living in less-centrally located areas?
* Will you want to offer the property for short term rental or long term?
* How important is it to be near tourist areas and attractions?
* Does it need to be close to the Métro and/or RER with easy access to airports?
* Is there access to businesses, schools, family-related amenities?
* Is it strictly an investment to gain the highest ROI?

Then ask yourself even more specific questions about your needs and desires:

* You are looking to buy an apartment? loft? duplex? Hôtel Particulier? Office space?
* With a minimum of how many square meters? (1 square meter = approximately 11 square feet.)
* There must be how many separate WC's, and a minimum of how many bathrooms?
* Do you require a bathtub? or shower?
* The kitchen must be a separate room? Or open to the living room?
* You need a dining area to seat a minimum of how many people?
* The building must be new/modern? Old (16th, 17th, 18th, 19th century)? Haussmannian and must have a look or style of (brick, stone, etc.)? Or are you indifferent?
* You require that the building is In good condition? Of high standing? Or are you indifferent?
* You will accept an apartment as low as what floor (ground floor is "0") and you will go as high as what floor without an elevator?
* Will you need to have parking close by? To rent? Or to buy?
* Do you require: Terrace? Balcony? Garden?
* Required characteristics:
* Listed in order of importance, must the property have:
View? Proximity to a desired location? Calm/quiet? Brightness? Space/size? High ceilings? No renovation? Specific exposition (west, south, etc.), etc., etc.

The more specific you can narrow the search, the more successful you will be!

Properties For Sale by Owner

Properties are often advertised in various newspapers and publications by their owners, without agency fees. "Particulier à Particulier" is a weekly publication issued every Thursday listing these properties. Offerings are also listed at the Web site: http://www.pap.fr

The asking price of properties includes any agency commissions, normally 5%. Properties for sale by owner are not necessarily less expensive than those offered by the agencies as sellers are most likely to try to achieve the full market price. Often a seller will enlist the help of agencies, but advertise the property themselves in these publications.

We find that owners representing their own properties can often be the most difficult to deal with, as they are not real estate professionals, and may or may not follow the rules of business etiquette as well as the professionals.

Deciphering French Real Estate Advertising

You're looking for French property. Most classified ads are in French...of course (although some web sites now offer translations). You may know lots of the words, but not necessarily the terms relating to property. Test your ability to decipher this ad BEFORE using the glossary (a translation follows):

75 PARIS 3ème ardt, adresse : rue Charlot, proximité : Marais
Vente - Appartement - 5 pièces - Ancien - 100m².

Rue CHARLOT IIIème dans bel immeuble du XVIIIeme, en rez de jardin sur une grande cour pavée et fleurie. un grand salon avec une cheminee, une salle à manger, une cuisine équipée, deux chambres, deux salles de bains. chauffage ind gaz / parquet/ cheminee / clair / calme. parfait état / gardien Infos + : Rénové, Rez-de-chaussée, 3 chambres, 2 salles de bains, Chauffage au gaz.

ANCIEN: older building
APPARTEMENT: apartment
ASCENSEUR: elevator/lift
ASSEMBLÉE DES COPROPRIÉTAIRES: general meeting of owners
BALCON: balcony
BUANDERIE: laundry room
BONNE DISTRIBUTION: well laid-out floor plan
BOX: parking
BUREAU: study/office
CARACTÈRE: character, something unusual
CARRELAGE: ceramic tile
CAVE: cellar
CC CHARGES COMPRISES: charges included
CHEMINÉE: fireplace
CONFORT: comfortable
COPROPRIÉTÉ: condominium, co-op
CHAMBRE: bedroom
CHAUFFAGE: heating
CONGÉLATEUR: freezer
COULOIR: hallway
CUISINE: kitchen
CUISINE AMÉRICAINE: open kitchen
DIGICODE: entry code system to building
DOUBLE EXPOSITION: double exposure
DOUBLE SÉJOUR: large living room
MOULURES: molding OCCUPÉ: occupied
PARFAIT: perfect
PARKING: parking
PARQUET: hardwood floors
PARTICULIER: owner listing
PARTIES COMMUNES: common areas
PIÈCE: room (not kitchen or bath)
PLACARDS: closets
PDT, PIERRE DE TAILLE: cut stone building
POUTRES: wood beams
PROPRIÉTÉ: property
RANGEMENTS: storage, cabinets, shelving
RAVALÉ: restored
RDC, REZ-DE-CHAUSSÉE: ground floor, street level
RÉAMÉNAGER: to be renovated
RÉCENT: recently constructed building
REFAIT NEUF: newly remodeled
RÉFRIGÉRATEUR: refrigerator
SALLE D'EAU: bathroom with shower and sink
DOUBLE VITRAGE: double-paned windows
DOUCHE: shower
DRESSING: walk-in closet
ENSOLEILLÉ: sunny, lots of light
ENVIRON: approximately
ÉQUIPÉE: fully equipped
ÉTAGE: floor
FOUR: oven
GARAGE: garage
GARDIEN: concierge/caretaker
HAUSMANNIAN: building from Haussmann era - 19th/20th century
HONORAIRES: fees
HORS CHARGES: charges not included
HOTTE: ventilation hood
HSP, HAUTEUR SOUS PLAFOND: high ceilings
IMMEUBLE: building
INDEPENDENT: independent, separate
INTERPHONE: intercom system
LAVE-LINGE: clothes washer
LAVE-SÉCHAGE: clothes dryer
LAVE-VAISSELLE: dishwasher
LOCATION: rental
MEUBLÉ: furnished NOTAIRE: legal notary
MOQUETTE: carpet
SDB, SALLE DE BAINS: bathroom
SERVICE: maid's room
SOUS-SOL: below ground
SOLEIL: sunny
STANDING: luxurious, grand standing building
SUR COUR: overlooking courtyard
SUR JARDIN: overlooking garden
SYNDICAT DES CORPROPRIÉTAIRES: collective body of owners of common property
TABLE DE CUISSON: range
TAPIS: area rug
TAXE FONCIÈRE: annual real estate tax
TAXE D'HABITATION: annual occupancy tax
TERRASSE: terrace
TOMETTE: red clay tile flooring
TRAVAUX À PRÉVOIR: work to be done
VIDE: empty
VITRÉE BAIE: bay window
WC: toilet

Translation:

For sale: apartment, 5 rooms, old building, 100 square meters, rue Charlot, 3rd arrondissement, in a beautiful building from the 18th century, on the ground floor garden on a large cobblestone courtyard planted with flowers. A large living room with a fireplace, dining room, equipped kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms. Individual gas heating, parquet wood flooring, sunny/clear, quiet, in perfect condition, concierge. More information: Recently renovated, ground level, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, gas heating.

How did you do?

Web Site Property Listings

Many agencies and associations now list their properties for sale on their Web sites. Searching the Internet is a useful tool in determining which agencies have the best properties or types of properties that fit your parameters, price comparisons for different districts, and other valuable information:

http://www.fnaim.fr/
http://explorimmo.com/
http://www.seloger.com/

Agency Listings

Agencies traditionally promote their listings in the windows of their offices. Read them for fun, but make contact directly with the agents to learn what's REALLY on the market! To find a reasonable selection of properties to visit, one must visit many of the agencies in any one district. No one agent can be your advisor and no matter how much you like the agent, do not trust the agent to provide unbiased advice as a property consultant would. Remember, he agent's only interest is selling the properties he/she lists!

Insider Information

Nothing works better than a tip from someone on the "inside" about a property about to go on the market! The "guardiens" of the buildings often know if someone is planning on selling, so if you're interested in a particular "quartier," and see a building that you fancy, don't hesitate to ask the guardian.

Editor's Note: No matter how or what methods you choose, searching for properties is a daunting task. If you don't have time to do the search yourself, you will find that professional search consultants well resourced can save you time and money plus protect you from making costly mistakes along the way. Visit /frenchproperty/consultation for more information.

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Fixer Uppers: Renovating Your French Property
By Adrian Leeds
Originally published May 10, 2007

Don't expect to find a property in Paris or anywhere in France that doesn't need some renovation. French owners tend to live in a house or apartment many years without having done much to keep it up to date, and buildings can easily be at least one century old, if not several.

If you do find a property that is move-in and perhaps only needs your decorating touches, then aren't you lucky!? But, my guess is that you're going to pay dearly for it when you buy it in such great condition.

In most cases, renovating your new property purchase is the best solution, because you can renovate and decorate just exactly as you like. This means, that if your purchase is an investment for short or long term rental, you can build in the amenities a well-occupied rental requires.

Before you sign the "Promesse de Vente," the seller must provide certain certification: the "Loi Carrez," the exact habitable space in square meters; the presence of lead, asbestos and termites; the energy efficiency, risks to natural disaster (such as flooding), measurements and what work has been voted on by the homeowner's association. This information is helpful when preparing for you renovation. If the walls (or other) prove to contain some lead (and most do!), then you must provide a copy of the certificate to the contractor or other workers to protect your liability.

Most renovation work, building work and material purchases (as part of a renovation through a registered builder) are subject to VAT at only 5.5% This makes a significant difference to the total cost of work. The reduced TVA rate came about for a couple of reasons - both to defend jobs in the building profession in France, and to reduce the number of people working on the black economy. The primary restriction is that the reduced rate only applies to work that is performed by a registered tradesperson. If you buy the materials and do the work yourself you will pay 19.6% VAT.

Some of the renovation expenses and taxes can be deducted when reporting capital gains -- work which improves the property and is not merely cosmetic. For example, a second bathroom constitutes an improvement, but new carpeting does not.

Choosing to work with "au noir" (black market) labor, is not wise as it is risky and you cannot deduct the cost of any work you've had done "under the table." For a tax as little as 5.5%, we recommend working with licensed contractors and subcontractors.

The technical aspects to keep in mind before you begin are of course, the state of the electrical system -- paying attention to the grounding and the safety of the current system. Be prepared to update it, add plugs and breakers. Be aware of the heating system and its efficiency. Gas heating is best, but there are new efficient electrical systems on the market. If your heat is "chauffage collectif" (central heating for the entire building), you may want to add a space heater or two to "fill-in" on cold days when the collectif heat isn't operating.

When considering adding an additional toilet, try to place it near existing sewage pipes. If not, you may be required to use a "Sani Broyeur," or electric toilet. While these have greatly improved over the years, they are still noisemakers and are likely to cause maintenance problems.

Don't tear down walls till you've double checked if they are supporting walls or not. Supporting walls cannot be tampered with unless you have express permission from the homeowners association. This is when a licensed architect is virtually indispensable -- as they are well-versed in dealing with problems of this sort. We recommend leaving the walls in tact as much as possible!

Air conditioning is a feature that has become important to luxury rentals, but air conditioning is not always that simple to install due to restrictions to exterior walls and common areas. Be sure to ask your architect or contractor what system will work best for you before forging ahead.

Depending on the nature of your project, you may either choose to contract the work yourself or hire an architect or interior designer. If you do the work yourself, expect to be on the premises almost daily to ensure the work is being done correctly and on time. If you hire an architect, decorator or project manager, then you hire his/her experience, often well worth the added expense, even on small projects.

One thing I can almost guarantee...any renovation you do is likely going to take twice the time originally estimated and cost twice as much. It almost never fails to prove to be true...but still well worth the time and expense if you want to enjoy your new French home to the fullest.

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Property Consultation, Search and Relocation Solutions
/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.

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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.

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/frenchproperty/consultation/fpibrochure.pdf

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House Hunters International "Vacation Home in Paris"
By Adrian Leeds

www.hgtv.com/house-hunters-international/vacation-home-in-paris/index.html

Vacation Home in Paris

Episode HHINT-1A05

Tune In:
June 15, 2009 10:00 P.M. e/p
June 15, 2009 2:00 A.M. e/p

New Yorkers Jeff Ballinger and Mary Schiller recently began the first steps toward making their dream together a reality. After honeymooning in Paris, they knew they wanted their own vacation property in France. Now, they've moved out of their house and into a smaller condo in the Bronx, NY, and have begun their search for a pied-a-terre in Paris.

Guests:
Adrian Leeds, Property Consultant, Adrian Leeds Group

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HOT PROPERTY PICKS: Favoring the Fifth

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 /frenchproperty/consultation

This week our focus is on properties in the 5th Arrondissement, the area with the highest property price increase.

	***Paris, 5th arrond.: 2-Bedroom, approx. 37m² Investment property for sale in a beautiful Haussmanian stone building. Centrally located just a few steps from Pantheon. Immediate proximity from cafes, restaurants, and public transportation. Rental income guaranteed. Asking Price: 300 800€ + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	***Paris, 5th arrond.: 2-Bedroom, approx. 48m² Unique top-floor apartment with exposed ceiling beams and skylights. No elevator but views of the surrounding buildings and street life. Separate kitchen and bath. Asking Price: 330 000€ + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	***Paris, 5th arrond.: 2-Bedroom, approx. 57m² Gorgeous apartment in a building circa 1890. On the third floor with views and lots of light. Separate kitchen. Separate wc and bath. Original wood floors. Asking Price: 475 000 € + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	***Paris, 5th arrond.: 2-Bedroom, approx. 60m² Apartment with a lot of charm and cachet in a magnificent stone built building. Located on the second floor, with an elevator. Separate kitchen, bath, and toilet. Wood floors, large windows for lots of light. Could use some tlc. Asking Price: 560 000 € + 2.5% Finder's Fee

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Fractional Property Offerings from French Property Fractional

www.frenchpropertyfractional.com

If you are interested in traditional fractional ownership properties currently offered by our Fractional Ownership partners, see below:

Paris: LE PALACE DES VOSGES	Paris: CHEZ LA TOUR
Paris: La Résidence Luxembourg	Paris: LE PETIT TRESOR
Languedoc-Roussillon: MAISON BLEUE

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PARLER PARIS APARTMENTS

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.

SPOTLIGHT APARTMENT(S): L'Aubergine

Cité Dupetit Thouars, 3rd Arrondissement
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. www.parlerparisapartments.com/rentals/aubergine.html.

Reserve now! Visit www.parlerparisapartments.com or email: Apartments@AdrianLeeds.com.

 

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SEEKING A MORTGAGE IN FRANCE?

When you make a purchase as important as a piece of real estate in a foreign country, you ant 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 www.frenchpropertyloan.com for more information or contact Loan@AdrianLeeds.com

HELPFUL CONVERSIONS FOR REAL ESTATE

1 square meter = 10.7639104 square feet

1 hectare = 2.4710538 acres

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

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Parler Paris Après Midi

www.parlerparis.com/apresmidi.html

Come for a drink and to meet and chat with other readers in Paris...

The next gathering is May 12, 2009 and every second Tuesday of the month (except August).

 

 

 

 

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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 www.frenchpropertyinsider.com

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 members@fpinsider.com

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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 Web site. You will find the
"Past Issues" link on the left under "Subscribers Only" or by going to
www.frenchpropertyinsider.com/members

To receive your free French Leaseback Report or the Paris Property
Report, click on
www.frenchpropertyinsider.com/members

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We 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 order one or more guide(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:
www.insiderparisguides.com/offer

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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!): www.parlerparis.com

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