French Election 2012

The first round of an election will take place on Sunday that has the capacity not only to change the face of politics in France but Europe too. François Hollande is odds-on favourite to become France's first socialist president in 17 years. He only has to stay within striking distance of Nicolas Sarkozy on Sunday to be all but assured of victory in the second round two weeks later, because he will get more transferred votes from both the centre and the far left, than Sarkozy will get from either Marine Le Pen or François Bayrou, the centrist candidate. So far, Hollande has not put a foot wrong, and barring a disaster, Hollande is on course for the presidency. Daniel Cohn-Bendit thinks he has already got it, and Berlin is also preparing discreetly for a change in president.

French Property Prices Continue to Rise in 2011

A recent survey has again proven that France remains a safe haven for people wishing to invest.

The overall figures show Hong Kong growing at over 19% but France makes the top ten with growth of 6%. Luxury property sales in the South of France and Paris have out performed the average and there has also been a large growth in luxury property rentals in the South of France. As the Euro continues to weaken the property prices look more and more attractive for foreign purchasers. Luxury villas on the Cap d'Antibes and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat have attracted interested from an array of foreign purchasers and apartments for sale in Cannes continues to provide a safe haven with attractive rental returns.

Changes in French Capital Gains Tax

A new method of calculating Capital Gains Tax that as recently announced could result in an increase in property transactions including people looking to purchase luxury villas in the South of France.

Previously the CGT rate applied to any capital gains made on French property would have reduced by 10% annually after the fifth year of ownership until it was effectively a zero rate applied in year 15. This 10% reduction after year five has now been scrapped in favour of an alternative calculation which instead allows sellers of French property to deduct the official amount of inflation during the period of ownership from any capital gain before the flat rate of tax is applied.

This change in calculation allows people who own villas or apartments to pay less CGT should they own a property for less than 5 years. The change has led to a movement in the market with an increase of villas for sale in the areas of Cap d'Antibes, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Villefranche sur Mer, Eze and many other sort after areas.

World Leaders Meet for the G20 Summit in Cannes

Cannes the home of the Cannes Film Festival and playground of the rich and famous with it's luxury villas for sale became the meeting point of world leaders looking to find a solution to the world's financial problems.

With the major leaders accommodation is essential and there was no lack of gossip in terms of whether the choice would be villa rentals in Cannes or luxury property rentals on the Cap d'Antibes. The largest stories concerned President Obama who was trying to arrange accommodation at the famous Eden Roc Hotel on the Cap d'Antibes but due to annual closure he had to look for luxury rental villas on the Cap d'Antibes. During the time of the meetings most of the major roads were closed for periods of the days and the whole of Cannes was closed down leaving apartments and luxury villas in Cannes unreachable. The whole conference was upsatged by events in Greece and we can only wait and see how the situation unfolds.

Another French Indian Summer

As time goes by and thoughts of global warming calm and nightmares of global meltdown begin it is refreshing to see that the South of France and in particular the French Riviera still has a climate we can reply on.

In to the depths of September and temperatures continue to rest around the mid 20s and with evenings staying at just under 20 degrees outside dining is still the order of the day.
The property sales market continues to be prosperous as the guarantee of sunshine and a high quality of lifestyle entices more and more people looking for luxury villas for sale to the area. There is also an increase in luxury villa rentals in Cannes, Cap d'Antibes and Cap Ferrat as more people look to profit from the wonderful conditions.
Luxury villas for sale in St Tropez again see an all year round appeal as prices continue to increase despite many other markets looking decidedly gloomy.
So if you are looking for a luxury villa for sale in the South of France we are the best place to start your search.