Welcome to the Spring issue of our Newsletter. Daffodils, irises and blossoms are bursting out all over Languedoc-Rousillon and the sap is definitely rising.
We have articles this month on safety for your swimming pool and ideas for letting out your property during the season. And as usual we present our featured properties.
www.ab-real-estate.com
Spring has sprung !
The average high temperature during February, March and April in Montpellier was
with a recorded high of 30C° and nearly 70% days of sunshine
There are professions that are much maligned, and being an estate agent is right down there with lawyers, tax inspectors and cowboy builders. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to find an estate agent who put your needs before theirs; who considered their main objective was to make sure you are treated with honesty and respect and that you would be so impressed, you would recommend them – whether you bought or sold your property through them or not ? Accents Southwest went to meet one such estate agent – Annelise Bosshard of AB Real Estate.
asw Do you consider yourself to be different from other agencies ?
Annelise Bosshard
AB We pride ourselves on our honest and professional approach. I have been in this business for over 12 years and having my own agency allows me to work ethically. I believe in being open and honest with clients and I would rather point out the downsides to a property than gloss over them. We have inspected all properties extensively before presenting to our clients. We refuse many properties not meeting our standards or due to poor location. Buying a house is a huge investment and, for me, it isn’t a one-off transaction - it’s the start of an ongoing relationship.
We spend a lot of time with clients to find out exactly what they are looking for so that we don’t waste their time showing them inappropriate properties. I have had clients in the past asking me to visit properties for them before they fly over as they trust my judgement. Others have insisted on only working with me even though the properties we were visiting were with other estate agents. I think that speaks for itself.
asw What area do you cover ?
AB We cover four departments (counties) of the Languedoc-Roussillon region; the Gard, Hérault, Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales; or in other words, from the Rhone valley to the Spanish border. To give you a clearer idea in terms of towns, we work from Nîmes in the Gard, to Montpellier, Pézenas and Béziers in Hérault, Carcassonne and Narbonne in Aude as well as Perpignan and Ceret in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
asw Once the sale is made, is that where your role finishes ?
AB Absolutely not. We create a smoother transition by helping our clients with the myriad of logistical issues that arise whenever purchasing a property abroad. For example we support our clients by helping them to set up bank accounts, insurance and to get services connected or transferred into their name. To do this in a foreign country can be very daunting. Our experienced team covers most European languages fluently.
asw Why should people by in the region ?
AB It’s simply such a wonderful place – there is something for everyone here, whatever your age. It is one of France’s most popular tourist destinations and the sunniest region in France with over 300 days of sunshine per year. The pace of life is slower and some of the ‘old values’ continue giving a more authentic 'south of France' feel. There is so much to see and do from art, to history, to the great outdoors. For the fifth year running, France was voted as the best place to live in the world – Australia came second this year. You can’t put a price on quality of life.
Property prices in our segment of the real estate market have fallen on average by only 10 to 15% in Languedoc Roussillon, France. Compared to other countries where prices have fallen by as much as 40% it shows the strengths of our area.
In the current financial climate, heavy turbulences can take place in a matter of minutes; further today it is almost impossible to find a safe investment proposition. We sincerely feel enjoying a safe investment in Languedoc Roussillon offers stability combined with pleasure. However, throughout history, bricks and mortar have always been a solid and safe investment.
Therefore owning a property in Languedoc Roussillon offers a more interesting investment as this area will always attract new buyers because of its many benefits. It has a great climate, beautiful surroundings, value for money, quality of life, security, the largest wine growing area in the world, fresh sea food, beaches close by, no traffic jams, excellent medical services, relative low cost of living compared to other countries, and so much more.
asw And finally, how do you see the property market going in the foreseeable future ?
AB The indications are that France is out of the recession, not that it was really affected to the extent of other countries due to its very stringent rules about lending money. The inflation rate in France is 0.8% which is low compared to other countries. We have been unusually busy of late, which is great, and these are clients wanting to clinch a deal now while it is still a buyer’s market. The region is very desirable – beautiful untouched countryside, miles of long, sandy beaches, the Mediterranean Sea, less crowded than its neighbours - it continues to provide the right mix of investment potential and lifestyle choice and is a safer investment than other foreign property markets or the stock market. The Côtes d’Azure and Provence are expensive but the Languedoc-Roussillon remains competitively priced – for now.
As the lovely, long summer months approach and the thought of plunging into a twinkling azure pool enters your mind, it is important that you are aware of the law surrounding safety and security.
France is not proud of the fact that they have the highest rate in the world for children drowning in a swimming pool. The country therefore implemented a law setting out strict regulations that all swimming pools had to comply with by January 2006. Should a child drown in a pool that does not meet the regulations, the owners could face criminal charges of death by negligence plus a 45,000€ fine. Even if someone breaks into your garden and uses your pool without your permission, perhaps while you are away, and you don’t meet the regulations, you are responsible !
AFNOR, the French standards body, have defined what is needed and the law is enforced by inspectors appointed by the Maries, Gendarmerie and the DDE (Direction départementale de l’equipement). The law applies to in-ground outdoor pools, not to indoor or above-ground or onground pools.
Security Barriers
Permanent barriers or fencing at least 1.1 metres high that a child under five cannot climb over or
under to gain access to a pool. For pools on rental properties, a self-closing, locking gate must be
fitted.
Pool Alarms
Immersion detector or perimeter alarm that sound in the home to alert you to a child falling into the
pool – but these are only effective if there is someone there to react to it.
Pool Covers
AFNOR approved summer and winter retractable covers must support an adult's weight.
Pool Abris
Abris are fixed or telescopic structures which effectively cover a swimming pool
like a greenhouse.
If you have a pool, you should ensure that any safety or security product you purchase conforms to current regulations and has an AFNOR stamp of approval.
The regulations have been specifically put in place to protect children under five years old but cannot replace the vigilance of a responsible adult at all times.
It’s a bit of a grey area whether it is obligatory or not to have your chimney swept every year in order to validate your house insurance – if in doubt, check the conditions on your policy or talk to your insurer.
However, if you light the fire regularly during the winter, it’s probably a sensible thing to do anyway to avoid a chimney fire. Leaving it to the autumn, according to most chimney sweeps, causes a sudden demand and they would urge you to consider doing it now – it helps spread their workload and the certificate they give you (Certificate de Ramonage) is valid for twelve months. You may be asked to produce this by your insurers.
Make sure your chimney sweep is siret-registered and expect to be charged around 50 euros.
40 Avenue Du Minervois
11120 Ginestas
Telephone: 04 68 33 90 76
Email: tim@goholidayfrance.com
In 2003, Tim and Sasha Hazael opened Chateau du Puits Es Pratx to provide holidays, creative courses (cooking, painting, photography,) and wine tours. In 2008, after several Wedding requests, they converted the old ‘Cave’ into a beautiful facility for receptions and as a restaurant for the public called 'L'Es Pratx'.
Sasha’s cooking is essentially French fusion but always uses fresh local produce; she enjoys providing more variety of menu than is normal and includes traditional English puddings. 'L'Es Pratx' is also brilliant acoustically, providing the perfect ambience for live music. Tim's ambition is to introduce quality and exciting music into the area with the combination of having relaxed dining if desired. Concerts are now held every 2 or 3 weeks and only cost 10€ entry.
For those who wish to dine before the concert menus start at 15€. Since May 2009 guests have enjoyed performances from Jack 'L', Hazel O'Connor, 'Zia', Olivier Bornes, Jeff Hugg, Michel Aubenas, the Jan Loseth Band and UK sax player Phil Wilton.
When guests book Chateau Du Puits Es Pratx for their Wedding it is typically over 4 nights. Starting with activities, wine tours and welcome buffet on the first day, the Wedding follows next day with a full blessing in the vineyard or gardens and the reception & disco in the evening. On the 3rd day there is a farewell BBQ before guests depart the next morning.
The Chateau also has a wonderful enclosed courtyard, heated pool and 6 acres of tranquil gardens and vineyard for guests to enjoy.
As one happy guest recently said "...That was the best time we have had in years. The food was great, the wine superb and the music just incredible. More more more more!!"
For more details and reservations call 04 68 33 90 76 and if you would like to be on Tim's email list for future concerts please write to him at tim@goholidayfrance.com
As the economic crisis continues and it is clear it is not as easy as one would hope to sell your property (and not just in France), some owners have decided to rent out their homes for the holiday season.
Letting your property for short term lets when it is not in use provides extra income – this would perhaps pay for its running costs and maybe even finance your holidays there. Short term lets also have different regulations and tax implications than renting out your property on a long term basis.
What you can ask per week depends on size, location and amenities. The most popular properties will be close to good transport links, airports (within an hour’s drive), near shops, tourist destinations, beaches, golf courses, rivers, countryside and places of historic interest. Tenants tend to want that magical mix of peaceful surroundings yet close to restaurants and night life.
A good way to make sure you are complying with the rules and regulations, getting your property marketed and professional photos taken, is to use an intermediary. They will make sure you get the maximum rental possible and will usually find guests as well, draw up proper rental agreements and make sure suitable deposits and accident cover is organised.
They can also help you find cleaners, pool and garden maintenance together with people to handle the ‘meet and greet’ and organise the change-overs for you.
As with selling your house, to prepare a property for rental you should consider removing clutter and personal items, decorate in neutral colours keeping it clean and bright, make sure you comply with all regulations and keep the property in tip top condition by employing cleaners and gardeners to maintain the property for you, particularly if you are not there. An information folder is often a nice touch, telling guests where they can find restaurants, places of interest, bike hire, sports, childcare etc.
If using a letting agent, talk to them in advance to find out what advice they can give you to prepare the property for tenants and letting and get their advice on possible rental income – it will vary from month to month over the season. Good photos are essential, and again, your agent should deal with this professionally for you.
Finally, another advantage of using an agent will be that they can recommend your property to tenants who were enquiring after a similar property that is already booked on the dates they require and maximise your letting potential.
Just remember to make sure your agent is properly registered and that they have a good network of tradesmen and staff to provide all the services you (and your tenants) require.
Let me know if you have any suggestions for future Newsletters.
Please do not forget that we are looking for people to join our professional team in our agency or for property management.
Call us on
+33 (0) 4 67 36 36 80 in France
or
0871 990 2000 from UK
or by
email
Skype ab.real.estate
With best wishes
Annelise Bosshard
Managing Director
AB Real Estate
Print this newsletter (printer friendly page)
If you like this newsletter and think it's also valuable to a friend recommend it by clicking here
You can subscribe here
If you don't have enough time to read our newsletters you can unsubscribe here
Lovely character stone property, with private apartment, running Gîtes and B&B, above ground swimming pool, 1.6ha land, peaceful, lovely view, near Béziers
Domaine with elegant 19th Maison de Maître entirely restored, independent 4 bedroom house, outbuilding, pool on 1.7ha of which are 1.4ha of vineyard, beautiful views, peaceful in lovely setting
Spacious and luminous farmhouse, beautifully situated, fully renovated, 5 bedrooms, pool, 2 garages, 30ha of park and scrub land with breathtaking views in Lézignan area
Close to the sea, superbly designed Character Villa, finished to high standards, beautiful central courtyard with fountain, 5 bedrooms & studio, heated pool, 4220m² mature garden, relaxing and peaceful, heaps of charm!
*** REDUCED PRICE *** Renovated 18th Century stone farmhouse with two gîtes, outbuildings and swimming pool, surrounded by 12 hectares of woodland and meadows, glorious views to the Pyrenées, Carcassonne area
*** Unique Directly on the Sea and Beach! *** Lovely villa located right on the beach front with open views of the sea and its sandy beach, 5 bedrooms, 3 bath rooms, garden, edge of a lively village, unique opportunity!
*** REDUCED PRICE *** Manor type Village House to restore, independent apartment, garage and large garden, walking distance to shops in lively village
*** REDUCED PRICE *** Stunning 18thC character house set in 2300m² of beautiful park including large pool, a pond, and outbuildings, all amenities within walking distance, near the sea and Béziers
Unique Penthouse with 360° breathtaking views over the sea and mountains!
Gorgeous modern villa, 4 bedrooms, mature garden with inviting pool and lovely views, at the edge of a village with all amenities, very quiet and private, Béziers area
Beautiful villa full of character in very quiet location, 4 bedrooms, large mature grounds, gorgeous open views over countryside, close to village with all amenities, Béziers area
*** REDUCED PRICE *** Magnificent Maison de Maître, semi-detached in city centre in Roussillon on 0.35acres grounds with independent flat, lift and beautiful views in Perpignan area
Stone character house on the outskirts of a village, 5 bedrooms, 2 separate apartments, large garage, garden and land 1.2ha, gorgeous views, Lezignan area
*** REDUCED PRICE *** Beautifully restored Character House with 4 en-suite bedrooms, study, large mature garden with pool, garage, situated in the heart of a lively village with all amenities in the Narbonne area
Modern home, recently renovated, 3 bedrooms, large plot of land and a big pool, great summer rental income, Nîmes area
Comfortable Villa , three bedrooms and charming garden, room for a pool and space to convert, lovely views, residential area, walking distance to all amenities, in the greater Arles area
Modern villa, 5 bedrooms, 180m² living space, lovely pool, large garden (could build second house), double garage, close to amenities, Béziers area
*** REDUCED PRICE *** Stunning Mas 19th century, 6 bedrooms & care takers apartment, 46.7ha meadows & woodland, panoramic view, absolute peacefulness, no neighbour in view, St Pons area
Stunning panoramic views from this spacious villa with 270m² living space, gorgeous pool and large, mature garden with sunny terraces, Perpignan area
Maison de Vigneron located centrally in lively village and offering over 180m² of living space with south facing garden and roof terrace, pool and lovely view, Lezignan area
Exceptional Stone Mas 11th and 13th Century, 800m² full of character, 10 bedrooms modular into Gîtes, 3 large reception rooms, set in 3ha of park, peacefulness and superb scenery, possibility to build 700m²! Montpellier area
A ‘Hidden Gem’ of a Winemaker's House with Pool and Pool House, terrace, lovely gardens with historical stone arches and a private pathway down to the river in Nîmes area
*** REDUCED PRICE *** Outstanding property with spacious renovated character farmhouse, a separate apartment, large attached house, idyllic setting in 50ha of woodland and pasture, ideal for horses, spectacular views across the Pyrenees, Limoux area
*** REDUCED PRICE *** Superb Château 17th & 18th C with 4 reception rooms, outbuildings, pool, 3ha of grounds, peaceful in Nîmes area, Languedoc ***BARGAIN***
Contemporary designer villa in authentic French village on 882m² of land with a pool and garage, balcony with views in Nîmes area
*** REDUCED PRICE *** Tastefully renovated winegrower’s house, blend of contemporary style with original features. Attractive garden with mature trees and swimming pool in sought after village in the Narbonnen area
Luxurious 19th C. Château restored, 6 reception rooms, 10 suits, heated indoor pool, caretaker’s apartment, Gite, outbuildings, beautiful park with river, quiet and nice views, 80ha of grounds, Montpellier area
Mooring on the Canal du Midi, a unique opportunity to purchase a comfortable four bedroom villa with pool, Jacuzzi and its own mooring, stunning views and all amenities within walking distance, Béziers area