Out with the New, In with the Old
Advice on Decor
By Adrian Leeds

The French are so tired of traditional architecture and furnishings that they choose to remodel their residences in a contemporary fashion.

Westerners are so tired of contemporary architecture and furnishings that they come to Paris and France to get a sense of history.

It's a broad generalization, but it so true! So, don't be surprised that when you're visiting properties for sale that have been newly renovated, that you're not going to like the sleek design and wish to start all over.

Properties needing renovation are generally less expensive than those newly renovated and therefore may be more desirable and financially efficient than re-renovating a property poorly or inappropriately done...and having to pay for the work you're about to destroy!

Western rental clients still like contemporary bathrooms and kitchens, that offer the luxury amenities they're familiar with, so go for the Ikea kitchen, but skip the laminate furnishings that scream "cheap." Decorate instead with a few choice antique pieces that have an old-world patina and instead, scream "have been around a long time and loved by all." Even new reproductions can accomplish this goal if you aren't successful shopping the flea markets, "brocantes" (rummage sales) and antique shops.

Old world fabrics can also be the perfect 'smoke and mirrors' to make a contemporary setting more 18th-century. "Toile de Jouy" is an inexpensive upholstery fabric with a pattern that originated in the 1700s in France. A touch of it, in curtains or furnishings, in almost any color combination is an immediate fix to a too-modern ambiance.

When a visitor to France first steps off the plane and lands at your rental apartment that is filled with old-world charm, they will instantly know they have arrived in the land they love, and will feel comfortable from the outset that you care, too.

---

French Property: Is The New Less Expensive Than The Old?
By Matthieu Cany

http://www.articlesbase.com/

The price differential between new and old French property diminishes if one looks at a comparison of property cost over the last decade due to increased charges in the old properties.

Increased renewal works' have to be carried out on old property, notably those involving energy and safety, which have been classified as compulsory by the law. In the coming years, this will put a strain on the profitability of older houses. It is therefore more important than ever to make the correct calculations.

Some buyers' are satisfied. They prefer a new property over an old one because they wish to buy the property "hands' in pockets" without the constraints of re-development works'. For them, the comforts of heating and sound-proofing insulation, as well as standards of safety, are equally important. All this comes at a price that they are prepared to pay. For other buyers, only the price is important. They do not hesitate between a 70m2 new property at €280.000 and a 70m2 old property at €210.000. "Saving €70.000 is worthwhile", they say. Of course this is a reasonable point but the calculation isn't entirely fair.

The older properties bear more important burdens….
The cost of purchasing an old property plus the increased notary fees (6-8% instead of 2 – 3.3%) and the fees for renewal work, systematically ensures that if need be fees are incurred for inherited works' on the property. So, a face-lift for the property or a replacement boiler represents a significant cost. In a new building, these costs are practically non-existent for the first 10 years.

Expected to widen further in the coming years…
Spending should increase further in the future because of increases in planned works'. In fact, recent laws have been enacted due to the desire to protect the consumer and the environment by making some work mandatory and others', highly recommended...

Read the entire article at http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/french-property-is-the-new-less-expensive-than-the-old-2084274.html.

---

---

Property in France: the lure of the Loire
By Zoe Dare Hall

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

With its magnificent chateaux, world-famous vineyards and the rolling green hills that earn it the moniker “the garden of France”, the Loire valley is seen by many as the place that encapsulates French charm. It also entices visitors with a very different type of green on their minds. The golfing hub of France, it has eight championship-standard courses within 30 miles of Orleans – including Les Bordes, ranked the second best course in Europe.

This particular region of Sologne on the northern fringe of the Loire valley is well known among wealthy Parisians, who can whizz down to their weekend homes within 90 minutes of leaving the périphérique. Despite its many charms – among them being easily accessible from Britain and having property prices a fraction of those in the south – it has yet to be discovered by crowds of British property buyers.

“This is a sophisticated, cultural destination which the French know for its golf and wild-boar hunting. You can visit 25 chateaux in a day, vineyards, fantastic Gothic churches. But it is very hard to buy property here,” says local property developer Tristan Cotté. “It is nearly impossible to get planning permission for newbuild developments and big, private hunting estates rarely come on the market.”

After a three-year planning saga, bringing something new to the area is Golf de Sologne, a £45 million redevelopment of an 184-acre estate with an 1890s chateau and 18-hole golf course – the oldest in the Loire, built in 1950 to entertain the well-connected family who lived there (Baron Bich, who invented the biro, was a neighbour and joined them on the fairways, while the Count of Paris hunted on the estate and the pianist Daniel Baremboim gave concerts in the drawing room).

Among the dense woodland that surrounds the golf course, Parisian developers Fulton are building 168 detached houses in traditional Loire architectural style, with thick oak beams on the façade. Prices start at £235,000 for two bedrooms; hotel “suites” from £127,000 and apartments in cottages on the lake, from £140,000...

Read the entire article at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertyinfrance/7559679/Property-in-France-the-lure-of-the-Loire.html.

---

www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/fractional

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

Paris: LE PALACE DES VOSGES	Paris: LE NOTRE DAME
Paris: LE ROYAL du MARAIS	Paris: L'ABBAYE LUTÈCE
Paris: CHEZ LA TOUR	Paris: La Résidence Luxembourg
Paris: LE PETIT TRESOR	Languedoc-Roussillon: MAISON BLEUE
Paris: PARIS RESIDENCE CLUB	Languedoc-Roussillon: NOTRE MAISON DANS TOULOUGES

Readers of FPI can take a look at special offers for Le Palace des Vosges, Le Petit Trésor and Chez La Tour at adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/fractional.

---

Special Fractional Offer!

Stay for One Week "Free" at Le Notre Dame (http://adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/fractional/pfo/lenotredame.html).
A petit studio next to Notre Dame at a petit price...

The Ile de la Cité is where life in Paris began centuries ago, centered around one of the world's most important cathedrals, Notre Dame. Just a few steps away is this old-world elegant apartment, Le Notre Dame Fractional Share Apartment.Unsold shares are now available for immediate rental when the owners aren't occupying it! And even better than that...should you decide to purchase a share, your rental fees (up to one week's worth) will be deducted from your share price! That makes your week at Le Notre Dame absolutely FREE!

Book your stay now before the shares get sold out!...and then get it FREE when you become an owner yourself! For more information, contact glenn@paris-fractional-ownership.com.

---

Take the Risk Out of Currency Conversion

If you’re buying a holiday home or investment property overseas, when you trade your currency is crucial. The euro exchange rate is constantly fluctuating, so trading at the right time will mean your oney goes a lot further.

Adrian Leeds Group LLC and Moneycorp are working together to ensure you make the most of your Dollar or Sterling when buying a property in France.

For the latest exchange rate use our currency converter at http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/loan/moneycorpconvertor and learn more about moneycorp ere:
http://www.moneycorp.com/affiliates/microsite/index.cfm?agentid=10168408.

---

The True Value of French Property
By Trevor Leggett

http://www.ezinearticles.com/

One measure of the value of a French property is its ability to stand the test of time - after all a French property is a long term investment. We have identified four aspects of evaluation and are of the opinion that quality old properties can represent better investment than new.

Value of Shelter

In what ways does the property provide physical shelter for you, your family and guests. How will you live in the house? Living rooms that you live in, bedrooms that you sleep in, bathrooms you wash in and kitchens that you cook in are all aspects that contribute to the value of the home. Warmth, light, and space are all important factors for a comfortable environment in which you live. Many choose to move to France to improve the quality of their life by improving the quality of their shelter. Outbuildings, land, space, swimming pools, jacuzzi and tennis courts are all affordable luxuries in France.

Value of Position

The value of location depends not only on its physical geographical location (great view, by the sea etc.) but also it is relative to your needs and the value you give them. Market value is proportionate to the number of other people with these same preferences. For example, do you want peace and quiet and isolation or do you want to be part of a vibrant community with bars, shops, entertainment etc. Trends of desirable position change. Before the popularization of the motor car, it was preferable to be positioned on the side of a road for ease of access. However, a busy road can seriously depreciate the value of a property owing the vast number of vehicles on our roads today. Roads can create visual, noise and air pollution.

French Property - value as an Antique

Value is based upon rarity and desirability. It is interesting to note that while the work of French cabinate makers such as Baumhauer, Lacroix, Dubois, Saunier, Leleu et Bernard Van Risenburgh would make millions of euros at auction - if they were ever to appear - we have many 17th and 18th century French châteaux - masterpieces in their own right. Built by equally talented but unknown masons, these beautiful buildings have within them many hidden treasures: carved stone staircases, ornate iron work railings and gates, paneled doors and marquetry floors, fireplaces and garden ornaments and specimen trees hundreds of years old. That is value for money! In addition, we have just sold, for example a 400 m2, 17th century "Maison de Maitre" for 320,000 € - needing restoration but what great value.

However, at one particular time a particular type of house may be highly desirable and yet at another, quite unwanted - e.g. Art Deco building are highly sought after at present but that early medieval building are not as popular because the rooms are often dark. An example may also be taken from historic cars - as values of Rolls Royce increase and Jaguar decrease at present. However, some objects are far less subject to the whims of fashion and will always remain desirable due to their rarity and comfort - like a 17 century chartreuse will always be a great place to live and a 1950's Ferrari convertible will always be a great car to drive..

Read the entire article at http://ezinearticles.com/?The-True-Value-of-French-Property&id=4040862.

---

One-Hour Consultation with Adrian Leeds Free!

If you are a guest staying in any one of our luxurious Parler Paris Apartments, and would like to consider having your own "pied-à-terre" for your pleasure and profit, contact Adrian Leeds for a FREE one-hourconsultation while you're enjoying the apartment in the City of Light. Visit http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments for more information or email me at

adrian@adrianleeds.com.

---

Parler Paris Apartments

http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/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 aris 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%

Book Your Parler Paris Apartments Stay this March, April or May and Pocket 15%!

As a gift to Parler Paris readers, we're making a very special springtime offering.

Book any Parler Paris Apartment now and start your stay in the months of March, April or May, and you an count an extra 15% off the price of the rental in your pocket. In other words, we're taking 15% off the price during the most glorious season in Paris when anyone who is anyone wants to be here, just to say thank you for being such loyal readers.

Visit http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments. To reserve any of our well located and luxurious Parler Paris Apartments, go to http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments/request_form.php and make your request, or for more information, email: apartments@adrianleeds.com.

---

HOT PROPERTY PICKS: Old Becomes New

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.

This week we focus on old and new properties in Paris and around France.

	*** Paris, 3rd: Two-Bedrooms, approx. 75m² Duplex apartment located in a private residence near Places des Vosges. The apartment is on the third and fourth floors of a well maintained building with concierge, elevator, digicode and Interphone security. Overlooking spacious internal courtyard, this apartment is quiet and bright. On the first level, there is a foyer, powder room living room and separate kitchen. On the second level, there are two bedrooms and a bathroom with bathtub, sink and WC. Located in the heart of the Marais near Place des Vosges, Square du Temple and rue Bretagne. Well situated near cafés, shopping, galleries and restaurants. Ideal as a pied-à-terre or rental investment. Asking Price: € 714 000 + 2% finders fee
	*** Paris, 6th: Two-Bedroom, approx. 90m² In the heart of Paris’ 6th arrondissement: Filled with light, in excellent condition (just renovated throughout), and situated in the St.-Germain quartier. Much sought-after two-bedroom, two-bath apartment ready for immediate occupancy. On the first floor of a small 18th-century stone building, the apartment features oak plank floors, exposed beam ceiling, spacious and fully equipped new kitchen, guest lavatory and double-pane windows. Western orientation with street and courtyard views assures generous natural light. Rental parking space available nearby. Strong rental potential. Asking Price:€ 950 000 + 2% finders fee
	*** Loire Valley: Eight-Bedroom, approx. 452m² Renovated Stone Manor House in the Loire near Angers, on a 1.5-hectare (3.7-acre) terrain with landscaped grounds, lawns and shade trees. An imposing 18th-century stone manor house in good condition with living space on three levels. The house includes eight bedrooms and three bathrooms plus a large attic that can be converted into additional living space. A wine cellar, outdoor lighting and automatic sprinkling system are among the special features of this handsomely appointed property. Easy access to TGV and airports serving international destinations. Asking Price:€ 650 000 + 2% finders fee
	*** Loire Valley: Twelve-Bedroom, approx. 1000m² Superb 19th-century château for interior renovation: In the Loire Valley south of Paris, 60km from Amboise and five minutes from a village with commerce. On a peaceful 20-hectare (49-acre) estate with meadows, woodlands and century-old shade trees. A noble stone-and-brick structure with magnificent period features, including marble and parquet floors, extra-high ceilings, curving stone staircase and many fireplaces. Outbuildings (suitable for renovation) include a chapel. Asking Price: € 1 800 000 + 2.5% finder's fee

---

Renovating Your French Property - Good News on VAT
By Ernst Kreyszig

http://www.ezinearticles.com/

There is some good news on the tax front, though. For a number of years France has been at variance with other common market countries with the way it charges VAT on property. The law has provided that if you create a "new" dwelling by converting something uninhabitable (such as a barn) into accommodation, a VAT charge will be levied on the sale proceeds if a sale occurs within five years following completion of the works. This has been an unpleasant shock for people doing barn conversions. It has meant, for example, that a Dordogne barn conversion selling for 239,200 euros would only yield 200,000 euros to the vendor. And this is not apart from, but in addition to, any capital gains tax that may be due.

Under pressure from the European Commission, the French government has now amended its legislation. If you are a private individual not undertaking this kind of operation on a regular basis there will be no VAT charge. This operates with effect from 10 March 2010. Many people living in barn conversions will breathe a sigh of relief...

Read the entire article at http://ezinearticles.com/?Renovating-Your-French-Property---Good-News-on-VAT&id=4005945.

---

Results of the Notaires' Property Auction - April 6, 2010

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 www.encheres-Paris.com.

To read Schuyler Hoffman's article about the property auctions in Paris, click on: www.frenchpropertyinsider.com/

>

	The following properties were auctioned off April 6, 2010:
	2010-08-01 2 Rooms 28m² 31 boulevard de Reuilly 75012 - PARIS 12eme Starting Bid: 99 700,00 € Sold For: 184 000,00 €
	2010-08-03 Studio 25m² 42 rue Saint-André des Arts 75006 - PARIS 6eme Starting Bid: 150 000,00 € Sold For: 250 000,00 €
	2010-08-04 Studio 29m² 59 bis rue Olivier Métra 75020 - PARIS 20eme Starting Bid: 65 000,00 € Sold For: 80 000,00 €
	2010-07-02 2 Rooms 33m² 39 rue Alphonse Penaud 75020 - PARIS 20eme Starting Bid: 80 000,00 € Sold For: 150 000,00 €

Editor's Note: If you look at the properties on the Notaire's site (www.encheres-paris.com), when you click on the information for a particular property there is also a link to Google Maps to show you exactly where the property is located.

---

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.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/loan 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/

---

Parler Paris Après Midi: Next Meeting Next Week!

www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apresmidi.html

The second Tuesday of every month, Parler Paris and French Property Insider readers gather at La Pierre du Marais for a drink and a "schmooze" --It's an opportunity to meet and chat with other like-minded people and a great way to make friends! Costs nothing except your drinks. Don't miss the next gathering Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 from 3 to 5 p.m. and every second Tuesday of the month (except August).

 

 

 

---

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.adrianleeds.com/frenchpropertyinsider

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 fpi@adrianleeds.com.

---

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.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/membersTo receive your free French Leaseback Report or the Paris Property
Report, click on
www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/members

---

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

---

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

---

Copyright 2011, Adrian Leeds®
Adrian Leeds Group, LLC, www.adrianleeds.com