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It is Interesting How Interesting French Property is at the Moment!
By Trisha Mason, VEF Ltd. http://www.vefuk.com

Having written last week about the feeling of potential property buyers who came to the French Property exhibition recently, I have been very interested to witness the amount of press attention this has evoked and the amount of other web sites all referring to it. It seems that everyone is after some good news, and owning a property in France certain provides that feel good factor.

Throughout all the gloom and doom in the UK things have never felt particularly bad in France. There has been no substantial increase in prices, in fact when I returned to the UK after being in France for 6 weeks I really could not believe the price of food here. I just thought things were marked incorrectly at first! In France our fuel and food prices have crept up by 2-3% but that is all and still the sun shines and life is lived calmly and happily. All of this is a good reason to be in France, but is there a good reason to buy a property in France?

I believe there is. Property prices have stabilized, where there have been silly prices put on property by new and inexperienced agents who all came out to make hay while the sun shone in the last 3 or 4 years, these prices are now correcting themselves. The inexperienced agents are closing down and the professionals remain. It was exceedingly annoying in recent years to be asked to view property with the intention of marketing it and then to be told by the vendor that so and so agent (brand new to the area) had valued it at 20% above our valuations. The implication was that we were rogues and trying to get their houses cheap, now the truth is dawning and the inexperienced agents, who were forced to offer better valuations to try to fill their portfolios, are closing down. The property market in France has always been renowned for being a cautious place, the idea of investing in property was never present in most French people’s minds. A house was a home, it was not part of your bank balance. And by buying a property in France now you are buying a home at the right price.

This is not to say that everyone who purchased a property in the last 4 years paid too much for it. As long as they used experienced and professional agents, that agent would have negotiated the right price. And, of course, all those people who bought their homes in France a while ago have had the pleasure that owning a French property can bring. It’s all about a really special quality of life which is second to none. It’s about a more gentle pace of life, about respect for people and tradition, a better climate, a more positive outlook and maybe exercising your brain as you improve your French language skills on a daily basis. There is always something different and exciting that happens every day when you are in France, there is always something to amaze, something to wonder at and something to enjoy. Get out there now and enjoy a new way of life.
 

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Super-prime Property Market Hit by Financial Turmoil
By Jennifer Hill, The TimesOnline http://www.timesonline.co.uk

Top-end properties around the world are falling in price as the fall out from the credit crunch continues, although some markets are still booming.

Declining economic conditions in western markets are hitting the super-prime residential property market across the globe, second quarter figures from estate agent Knight Frank show.

The price of prime properties in Dublin is down by 16.7 per cent in the year to the end of June. In Tokyo, top-end homes have shed an average 9.4 per cent of their value and in Florence, Italy, prices have dropped by 8 per cent.

However, demand for properties worth £10m or more is increasingly divorced from the wider market, with strong performance continuing in London, New York, Los Angeles and other high-end markets.

These properties increased in value by 1.8 per cent in London in the year to the end of June, while those in the French Cote d’Azur rose 2 per cent and prices in Manhattan, New York, are up 12.3 per cent.

Monaco topped the prime international property index table, with annual house price inflation of 30 per cent, and the most expensive price per average square foot of property.

Buyers at the top end of the market pay an average £3,762 per square foot in Monaco, followed by £3,291 in London, £3,121 in the prime areas of the Cote d’Azur and £2,530 in Courchevel, France, a top destination for wealthy Britons during the winter sports season.

To read the entire article, visit: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/money/property_and_mortgages/article4808790
 

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Marie Antoinette's Refuge at Versailles Reopens
By ANGELA DOLAND

[Editor's Note: While this article would not usually be FPI material, we chose to include it to highlight the renovation and decor plans for "Le Palace des Vosges"]
 

VERSAILLES, France (AP) The Petit Trianon was Marie Antoinette's refuge, the mini-chateau where she escaped from queenly protocol and played at living a simpler life. Curators who oversaw its renovation have tried to recreate that intimate atmosphere.

The boxy neoclassical building on the grounds of the immense chateau at Versailles reopened Wednesday after a yearlong, $7.34 million renovation funded by Swiss watchmaker Breguet, which once made a timepiece for the queen. Among other improvements, electric wiring was fixed, more rooms opened to the public and a garden pavilion refurbished.

Curators said they wanted to avoid a stuffy museum feel, making it seem as though the 18th-century French queen and her entourage had just stepped away for a moment.

Instead of glass cases to hold period china, for example, curators had cupboards rebuilt in keeping with period plans. They restored servants' quarters, giving a clearer idea of how royalty and their help would have interacted.

Setting up house at the Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette "could no longer stand the life of the court, the etiquette, the protocol, the lack of intimacy," said Pierre-Andre Lablaude, an architect who oversees Versailles. Here, "she lived a bit like a lady of the manor ... in a more relaxed life."

Take Marie Antoinette's bedroom, a sunny but surprisingly small and spare room decorated with white walls, dainty flower-print fabrics and some of its original furniture. It was a change from the chilly, heavily brocaded royal apartments at the main chateau.

Extravagant touches remained nonetheless: When Louis XVI presented his wife with the keys to the small chateau as a wedding gift, they came on a ribbon graced with 531 diamonds. And Marie Antoinette's bedroom was fitted with sliding mirrors that covered the windows when she wanted more privacy.

Though the Petit Trianon is closely associated with Marie Antoinette, it wasn't built for her. Louis XV had it constructed for his powerful mistress, Madame de Pompadour, but she died before it was completed in 1768.

Marie Antoinette had her eye on the property even before her husband took the throne, and she had it redecorated in her taste.

To read the entire article, visit: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hA66tCmGCfOaphJMB_NYZHLxiXtAD93D858O1

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Fractional Property Offerings from French Property Fractional
http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/fractional

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

	***NEW!!! Paris: LE PALACE DES VOSGES http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/consultation
	Paris: LE PETIT TRESOR http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/fractional
	Paris: CHEZ LA TOUR http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/consultation
	Languedoc-Roussillon: MAISON BLEUE http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/consultation
	Meaux: CHÂTEAU LIVING FRANCE http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/fractional

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See French Property Consultation on House Hunters International...New Dates and Times!

"Settling Down in Paris" - Episode HHINT-402

Angela and Ben met in 2003 when they lived in Los Angeles working for the same clothing company. Now, the two are engaged to be married. When Ben started receiving frequent overseas work, the company believed he'd be more valuable in Paris, so they happily relocated. They immediately moved into a cozy rental in the 17th district near the Arc de Triomphe and started to explore the different neighborhoods of Paris. The pair is now ready to take the big leap and purchase an apartment to stay for good. Property consultant Adrian Leeds is enlisted to help.

House Hunters International Episode HHINT-402

AIR TIMES:
October 14, 2008 10:30 PM ET/PT
October 15, 2008 2:30 AM ET/PT

GUESTS:
Adrian Leeds
Property Consultant, Adrian Leeds Group
Website: www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/consultation

To book your personal property consultation with Adrian Leeds, please email adrian@adrianleeds.com

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The Next Notaires' Paris Property Auction

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 necessarily reliable.

To read Schuyler Hoffman's article about the property auctions in Paris, click on:
http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/members/content/articles/auctions1.html

October 14, 2008

Beginning at 2:00 p.m. the following properties will be acutioned off:

 

2008-21-01
2 Rooms 46,37 m²

 94 rue Haxo
75020 PARIS 20eme
Starting Bid : 165 000,00 €
Deposit : 33 000,00 €
 

 

2008-21-02
STUDIO 29,58 m²

20/20 bis rue d'Annam
75020 PARIS 20eme
Starting Bid : 110 000,00 €
Deposit : 22 000,00 €

 

 

2008-21-04
4 Rooms 64,4 m²

160 rue Blomet
75015 PARIS 15eme
Starting Bid : 255 000,00 €
Deposit : 51 000,00 €

 

 

2008-21-05
3 Rooms 58,7 m²

332 rue Lecourbe
75015 PARIS 15eme
Starting Bid : 279 000,00 €
Deposit : 55 800,00 €

 

2008-21-06
3/4 Rooms 87 m²

121 rue de Turenne
75003 PARIS 3eme
Starting Bid : 465 000,00 €
Deposit : 93 000,00 €
 
 

2008-21-07
STUDIO 29,38 m²

18 rue du Mont Cenis
75018 PARIS 18eme
Starting Bid : 185 000,00 €
Deposit : 37 000,00 €


 

Next Auction 21 octobre 2008
Deposits paid starting at : 2:00 p.m.

2008-22-04
STUDIO 34,62 m²

23 rue Montorgueil
75001 PARIS 1er
Starting Bid : 155 000,00 €
Deposit : 31 000,00 €

 

 

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Moneycorp Agent Market Commentary



Understanding how fluctuating exchange rates can impact on the price of a property abroad is an important part of the overseas buying process. As the UK’s leading independent currency specialists, our market experts are regularly contacted by the national press for economic analysis and market commentary. As a valued partner, Moneycorp is pleased to provide your clients with access to this invaluable information.
 

 

Summary of August 2008

EUR/USD

From the E.U:
*ECB Interest Rate Announcement, followed by news conference at 1.30pm
*Eurozone GDP (Flash Estimate) for Q2.
*German ZEW (Economic Sentiment) for August. Previous -63.9 index
*Manufacturing PMI (Flash Estimate) for August. Previous 47.4 index
*Eurozone GDP (Preliminary Estimate) for Q2. Previous -0.2%q/q & 1.5%y/y

From the US:
*FOMC Interest Rate Announcement
*Consumer Confidence for August. Previous 51.9 index
*Fed release minutes from prior (5th August) FOMC meeting
*GDP Annualized (Preliminary) for Q2. Previous 1.9%q/q
*ADP Employment Survey for August. Previous 9k

Impact of data in the market place:
The beginning of the month saw concern within the ECB following a rise in inflation to 4.1% plus the decline in key German business surveys which produced another slump in EU manufacturing; this latest evidence of a slow down created a huge Euro sell off. Conversely, the dollar enjoyed a better beginning to the month with some encouraging data; improved consumer confidence and better GDP growth. The dollar also benefited from oil prices lowering to $121 from the previous $147. However, the US economy was still reminded it is in trouble by a 4 year high in the unemployment rate of 5.7%.

The theme of poor data from the EU, and more encouraging news from the US was continued into the middle of the month where we saw EUR/USD slide over 6 cents to a 5 month low. This was contributed also by falling oil prices and an unconvincing performance from the ECB head Trichet who was forced to acknowledge the rapid slowdown in the EU economy and this was enough to spark further Euro selling against the dollar.

The Euro IFO business sentiment survey recorded its weakest reading for 3 years, and the Euro weakened into the 1.45’s. The market reasoned that the ECB may need to shift their focus from inflation to growth; ECB officials maintained however that their concerns remained with the dangers of secondary inflation effects, despite the latest inflation easing from 4% to 3.8%. The aggressive rate cuts in the US however seem to have been the right way to fend off the credit crunch; consumer confidence is at a 5 month high.

Central bank rates:
EU (ECB)
Current rate: 4.25%
Last change & date of change: +25bps 3/07/08
Next Meeting: 4th September

US (FED)
Current rate: 2.0%
Last change & date of change: -25bps 30/04/08
Next Meeting: 16th September

High & Low of the month:
High: 1.56303
Low: 1.45716
Difference of cost on 200k 9,293.38

The full Market Commentary, including similar information for the UK and Canada, is available at http://adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/loan/moneycorpconvertor.html

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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: http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/moneycorpconvertor.html
for up to the minute conversions of all major currencies.

Compare currency values easily and quickly by visiting:
http://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.

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Parler Paris Après Midi

http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apresmidi.html

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

The next gathering is October 14, 2008*  and every second Tuesday of the month.

*A birthday celebration for Adrian Leeds!

 

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HOT PROPERTY PICKS: Central Paris, arrondissements 1 & 2

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 http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/consultation

 

***Grand Studio in the First: approx. 35m²
In a classic old building on the second floor, facing the courtyard. High ceilings, open kitchen. large closet, and wood floor. Mezzanine sleeping area. Common areas have been renovated.

Asking Price: 297,000€ + 2.5% Finder's Fee

 

***One Bedroom in the First: approx. 45m²
Etienne Marcel and Châtelet location in on older building. Not your typical apartment, with high ceilings and wood beams, large living room and open kitchen. Mezzanine bedroom, bath, and large closet.

Asking Price: 299,000€ + 2.5% Finder's Fee

 

 

 

***One Bedroom in the Second: approx. 33m²
Another one bedroom in an older building. Quiet and light filled with a small kitchen, living room, bedroom, shower and toilet.

Asking Price: 260,000 € + 2.5% Finder's Fee

 

 

 

***One Bedroom in the Second: approx. 40m²
On the top floor of the building! Clear view and light filled on a calm and pretty street. With an entrance hall, bedroom, fully equipped kitchen, living room, and bathroom.

Asking Price: 260,000 € + 2.5% Finder's Fee

 

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LEASEBACK NEWS FROM IMOINVEST
http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/fpc/sales/leasebacks/lb_list.php

DOMAINE DES ROCHES JAUNES
France, Brittany / Normandy, Plougasnou

NEW LISTING

One Bedroom 36m² €123,000
Two Bedrooms 44m² to 50m² €147,000 to €163,000
Three Bedrooms 56m² to 71m² €180,000 to €223,000

GUARANTEED RENTAL INCOME UP TO: 3.90%

Authentic Breton village located 70km from the Brest International Airport and 40km from Roscof (direct ferries from Cork & Plymouth), known for it's 18 meter high cliff offering outstanding panoramic views over the Morlaix Bay, waterfalls and ornemental lakes with tortoises, rock gardens with cacti, agaves and aloes; an enchanting site with a taste of the exotic.

Discover this unique and rare new build property including an ocean view on the Beachside of "Saint Samson" as well as an old Breton Manor called "Les Roches Jaunes" on the premises. Nearby attractions include the Casino & Balneotheray centre in Roscoff and the Golf Course of Garantec at 9km from the residence. Residence facilities include a covered heated swimming pool, a fitness room and laundry facilities. There is parking available on site.

As a new build property, owners will benefit from a VAT tax refund equaling 19.6% of the acquisition price. In addition, owners will be paid a guaranteed rental income for the life of the commercial lease.

* Popular vacation destination
* Tax refund of 19.6% by the French Administration
* Managed by one of the biggest management companies in France
* Up to 5 weeks of occupancy

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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 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 http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/loan for more information or contact Loan@AdrianLeeds.com

 

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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 http://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 members@fpinsider.com

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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:
http://www.insiderparisguides.com/offer/fpi_offer.htm

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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 website. You will find the
"Past Issues" link on the left under "Subscribers Only" or by going to
http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/members/content/pastissues/index.html

To receive your free French Leaseback Report or the Paris Property
Report, click on
http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/members/content/reports.html

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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 APARTMENTS
http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments
Email: apartments@adrianleeds.com/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.

L'Aubergine

Cité Dupetit Thouars, 3rd Arrondissement, Le Marais
One-Bedroom, Sleeps up to 4

L’Aubergine sits tucked away on an historic and quiet "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 newly 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 http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments/rentals/temple.html
or email: Apartments@AdrianLeeds.com

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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!): http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis

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