France

Domaine De Rochevigne - Dordogne, France

Updated: Friday 22th April 2011

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Why Invest into France?

While other real estate markets around the world fluctuate or are still in recovery, France enjoys a level of stability and growth as demonstrated from this recent report. This is partly due to their stricter mortgage controls and property laws, which protect buyers, and partly because of their robust tourism trade which, as the number 1 tourist destination in the world, receives 80 million people each year to enjoy the country's wide range of attractions coupled with beautiful weather.

Some of the highlights of investing in France are:

  • Unique government leaseback scheme which guarantees an annual return in 9 year increments.
  • Stable mortgage options - some of the lowest rates in France's history.
  • Strong and convenient transport links from the UK.
  • Property prices remain lower than the UK.
  • France boasts the highest number of annual visitors in the world: 80 million.
  • Strict development laws reduce the risk of unplanned changes to the area which would ruin your investment.
  • Wide range of tourism generating areas from wine and gastronomy to pursuits and cultural landmarks.
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Why invest into Dordogne region?

The Dordogne region is famous for it's wine, weather and charming lifestyle. The gently sloping hillsides are dotted with rustic villages and historic Châteaux, while open fields are planted with rows of vines. The soft sunshine and lazy river make the area lush and full of nature.

Ideal for outdoor lovers, who can enjoy just about any kind of water sport or leisure activity, the Dordogne is also a great place for people who prefer a more refined or relaxed lifestyle, with some of the best wines and gastronomic delights in the world.

The Dordogne can be seen as a snapshot into human history, with prehistoric caves along the river gorge and medieval castles offering glimpses into our past, and state of the art properties proving that the area is just as wonderful a place to live now as it ever was.

Over 2.9 million people visit the region each year, and 20,000 Britons own a second property there.

The region has extensive travel network, by road, rail and air which allow the area to be visited easily from people all over the world. Multiple international airports offer standard and budget airline flights to the area.

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About the development Domaine de Rochevigne

Situated in the heart of the Dordogne, Domaine de Rochevigne is a unique investment in one of France's most popular regions.

The local village of Saint Emilion is charming and full of character, with houses carved out of the limestone hillside, medieval church and underground pottery museum. In fact, the village and the surrounding area is so highly regarded that it has now been listed as a UNESCO 'World Heritage Site'. This status protects the region from any further development that could scar the landscape and also ensures a continued interest from tourists.

The scenery surrounding Domain de Rochevigne is also spectacular. The nearby Gurson lake and surrounding leisure facilities provide both opportunities for rest and relaxation or activities such as swimming, horse riding or golfing.

Another enticing aspect to the development is it's eco-friendly design. Domaine De Rochevigne has been dubbed 'France's 1st 4-Star Eco-Resort ' and with good reason. The 1 and 2 bedroom apartments have been built out of sustainable wood, using the latest in energy saving technologies and designs that allow plenty of light to flow in. They are planned around existing old trees, which also means that they enjoy a more spacious environment than many other developments where units can be cramped and close together.

The developers have incorporated many ecological elements, including rain and waste water recovery, water saving taps and using only natural wood paints and stains throughout. As the apartments come fully furnished, only class A+ domestic appliances have been used, to ensure the lowest energy use possible.

Financially, this investment into ecologically sound design will mean a savings on electricity and water of 30–40% over traditional builds.

Domaine de Rochevigne perfectly combines the old world, rustic charm of a South of France property with luxurious modern finish and amenities.

The development is within easy reach of main transportation, including two major airports used by both large and budget airlines as well as extensive rail and road networks which allow UK visitors flexible travel options.

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Facilities

An idyllic property in a tranquil setting, Domaine de Rochevigne offers a peaceful lakeside holiday home with beautiful weather to enjoy the local area. All apartments are sold fully furnished with high end amenities. You will enjoy:

  • Heated swimming pool, spa, Turkish bath, sauna and solarium.
  • Landscaped garden area and decking.
  • Built-in kitchen.
  • Parking.
  • Reliable and personable management.
  • Nearby lake and leisure complex.
  • Adjacent golf course.
  • Easy transport links.
  • Energy efficient design.

Investment Highlights

As well as the general peace of mind offered to you by the stability of the French property market and economy, Domaine de Rochevigne boasts several attractive investment points that make it a great long term portfolio addition. Cutting edge ecological design features, a world heritage site location and it's long list of on site and local amenities make this a superb investment property in the world's most popular tourist destination.

Other key points to consider include:

  • 18 Year Guaranteed returns with the French Leaseback Scheme.
  • Luxury apartments.
  • Stunning local scenery.
  • Low property prices.
  • Attractive finance packages - 100% LTV.
  • Ideal property for your own use as well as rental income.
  • Apartments come fully furnished.
  • Main airports, roads and rail links within 15 minutes.
  • Developer has a strong reputation and excellent record.
  • Property reliably managed by one of the largest companies in France.
  • Low energy and water usage.
  • VAT (19.6%) exempt.

About the Management company

Domain de Rochevigne properties are managed by MMV, the 2nd largest management company in the French Alps and one of the country's largest hotel operators. With over 25 year experience, 850 staff and over half a million overnight stays managed each year you can be assured of a quality management service, caring for both your investment and your rental guests.

Services include:

  • Full clean before each rental
  • Fresh bedding and beds made before arrival
  • Personal reception for property owners

What is the French Leaseback Scheme?

The French Leaseback scheme ensures that investors make a steady return on their property regardless of tourist rental. Essentially, investors purchase a freehold agreement to rent the property for a period of time (usually 9 years) and then agree to allow a management company to rent it out for the duration of the lease. There are many other features which make this unique scheme an attractive option for investment.

Supported by the French government, this scheme is designed to ensure that there is always an availability of holiday rental properties in high tourism areas, and that these properties can be marketed and managed affordably. Although the scheme has been around for over 20 years, it is now becoming a popular way for investors to own valuable property in areas where a straight purchase may be prohibitive because of cost.

The Vat Rebate means that you can reclaim your VAT on your investment. In most cases, this means that you do not have to pay it in the first place, letting you invest at the VAT exclusive sale price.

Properties are fully furnished, and managed by a reliable, experienced company in 9 year terms. There are no additional fees for this service, and you do not have to worry about marketing your own property to renters.

An annual return of over 4% is guaranteed, regardless of how long your property is rented out. This takes much of the worry out of owning an investment property. Owners can also agree to usage rights for certain amounts of time each year, combining your investment with a great holiday package.

Financials

Domain de Rochevigne offers a great hands-free investment, with secure returns and low risk. A low initial capital deposit and flexible mortgage options make it highly accessible to almost any budget.

Key Investment Points:

  • Rare €3,000 Cash Down Deal.
  • Benefit from Government backed VAT refund incentive.
  • Fully furnished property.
  • Proven Exit Strategy: High return even with conservative capital growth.
  • 1 week free usage available across luxury network of property.
  • 18 year guaranteed rental return, index linked.
  • Fully managed and maintained at no extra cost

One of the most secure property markets in the world:

  • Deposit held in Escrow.
  • Bank Guarantee on the build.
  • Freehold ownership.

Flexible Mortgage:

  • Select from Repayment or Interest Only mortgage.

Invest into one of the most popular areas in France:

  • 2.9 million visitors per year.
  • 15-45 min travel to 3 international airports.
  • Famous for its wines, vineyards, gastronomy and beauty.

In addition the key investment points above, we are also offering a limited, first come first served offer of a 100% LTV mortgage with a 10 year capped interest rate to the first 24 investors.

Purchase process:

Although you may be unfamiliar with the French Leaseback scheme, the purchase process is straightforward, and our advisors will guide you through each step.

Step 1: Reservation
Call or email us your interest, and we will talk you through reservation of a property.

Step 2: Payment of Deposit
Deposit for the Domain de Rochevigne property is exceptionally low, with just €1500 required by bank transfer to an Escrow account for your security. (The remainder of your deposit will be due to the notary and mortgage broker in later steps.)

Step 3: Apply for a Mortgage
Our experienced mortgage broker will speak with you about which mortgage option is right for you, your finances and your investment.

Step 4: Signing of Contracts
Your contract will be drawn up with all of the relevant details, and copies in both French and English sent to you. We will also include details of where you need to sign, along with instructions. Once you have returned the contracts in the specified time frame and these have been checked and approved by the developer and notary you will receive your final validated copy. Under French Law, you will then have a 10-day cooling off period to cancel your purchase.

Step 5: Notification
Notification at Domaine de Rochevigne is currently set to be in July 2011. The developer must provide a build guarantee insurance which means no matter what happens the project will be built (unique to the French Leaseback Scheme). At this time you will be due to pay fees of €700 to the notary and €807 to the mortgage broker. The notary will then send you your official sales contracts to sign as well as several other documents required under French law.

Step 6: The Build
The developer builds the project and no action is required by you.

Step 8 Congratulations!
When the sale is complete, you will receive a copy of your contract, as well as information material about your property from the management company, MMV. You will also get copies of their catalogues of rental properties and each year you can choose to reserve weeks at your own property or any other of their properties. You will have a dedicated number to reach your manager on if you have any questions.

Download the Investor Report

Download the Investor Report