The rent index of the PACA region has increased by 58.8% over ten years from 1998 to 2008 and hasn’t stopped increasing…

Buying a property in Provence Cote d’Azur in 2011, means having the opportunity to rent it at a high price and to increase the rent a little more each year and increase your profits.

But not all properties will generate  the same profit margins:

As shown by the table, studio and 2 room apartments where the square meter costs around €16 and €12.6 are the most profitable kind of properties.

Moreover, thanks to its low tenant turnover rate the Provence Cote d’Azur is one of the better regions to invest.

As shown by this Map the PACA region is one of the regions where tenants stay longer and where investors are the most likely to have serious people renting their property.

Here is an example of studios that you could purchase in the PACA region: Ref 31466

Close to the port and beaches this beautiful 5 storey residence located in a charming Niçois district, near the luxury hilled quarter of Mont Boron offers 66 well equipped studio apartments of 19.05m2.

Each studio comes with:

-          PVC roller blinds

-          3 point security locks on the front door

-           A videophone

-           Tiled bathrooms with heated towel rails and tiled floors.

The residence is few minutes from the old town, the port, the Gare Riquier, the TNL shopping centre and the St Jean d’Angely faculty, so it is ideally located.

For information do not hesitate to contact Sextant French Property by email: info@sextantproperties.com or by phone on: 020 7428 4910

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Our weekend started early, on Thursday in fact, with a morning flight from London to the compact airport in Beziers. We left the English capital under rain and arrived, as we had so fervently hoped, under a haze of glorious sunshine. There was no time to enjoy it yet though, as we had a busy schedule ahead of us.
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Our first stop was to the site of the future tourist residence in Juvignac- set in 445 acres of land it will offer furnished apartments and a swimming pool, close to Fontcaude golf course (ref 30871). Speaking of golf, we moved on to the leaseback development Domaine du Golf Fabregues (ref 14161), where we stayed the night. The residence offers a range of facilities, including of course the golf course (excellent for a novice like me as it is only 6 holes) and a pool, but it also includes a spa and a restaurant, perfect for a relaxing mini-break. Before our evening meal we met a new partner of Sextant’s, who showed us the location of a new leaseback project near Beziers.
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Our stomachs rumbling, we proceeded into Beziers itself in search of our evening meal. Strolling along the beach we found the answer to our prayers- a paillotte, or beach hut. These delightful structures pop up over the summer and serve the freshest seafood around, then like some fragile flower, they vanish for the winter only to reappear again the following year. I feasted on fresh prawns and bourride, the popular fish stew with chilli and garlic mayonnaise. Rosé was on tap to wash it all down, as the sun set, framing the local fairground in the background, a sort of Mediterranean Coney Island.
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Friday was another sunny day. We decided to breakfast in Montpellier, the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon. It is a vibrant city with a beautiful old town, bursting with history. The architecture especially is interesting, and a real mix, including an 18^th century water tower, an aqueduct, the medieval Ancient Courrier and a host of delightful narrow streets. It’s also mainly pedestrian, making strolling along even more pleasant. Bakeries and cafes are a dime a dozen here, with enticing smells of freshly ground coffee and croissants wafting through the air. In the afternoon, we drove to a superb development near Carcassonne, a magnificent vineyard and spa estate (ref 24659). The collection of intimate houses, stylishly decorated and furnished to the highest standards really compliments the use of local materials (flagstones, wrought iron and stone). The reception house in particular took our breath away, with its beautiful Spa, Hammam and pool, the chic bar and restaurant and panoramic views from the terraces. Carrying on with the luxury feel, we headed to the La Redorte chateau (ref 26624), currently languishing in faded grandeur but soon to be rehabilitated into a stunning development of apartments and villas. Recalling its glorious wine producing past, the red liquid will flow once again, with 12 bottles of wine a year to be offered to each owner! We even visited the secret tunnel where the process will begin anew. Following this visit we felt a little parched ourselves and decided we wanted to experience wine tasting too. We found a charming local producer and a wizened old lady with a sale’s technique to beat any property mogul had me surrendering my hard-earned cash in exchange for a few bottles.
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Dinner was a glorious affair in the attractive town of Pezenas. I supped on breast of duck in a succulent fig sauce, one of the best meals I’d had in a long while. We chose to visit the place properly the following day, and returned, tired but satisfied, to our living quarters in Herepian. The former convent here has been delightfully renovated now offering six contemporary yet classic suites. Needless to say, we slept well.
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On our final day, we woke early to properly explore Pezenas. Its Saturday market seemed to attract the whole region, and for good reason. The array of mouth-watering produce on offer was staggering- cheeses, sausages, fresh fish, fruit (watermelon, cherries, apricots, nectarines…) and vegetables (the asparagus is renowned). Quaint squares are to be seen at every turn, with cafes and restaurants each more appealing than the next. The birth place of Moliere (France’s answer to Shakespeare), the playwright is celebrated in many ways, notably in street and cafe names and every summer impromptu plays are staged in courtyards for the delight of locals and tourists alike. We took the opportunity to view a development near Pezenas, which offers furnished luxury apartments in restored 19^th century buildings. At its heart lies a swimming pool and spa with a tiled Mediterranean courtyard, with full guest services and conference rooms, ideal for investors (ref 24697).
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Along from Pezenas lies Marseillan, a picturesque fishing port by the lagoon. Here the Port Rive Gauche development is entirely sold out- a charming rustic decor and uninterrupted sea views made sure of that.
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We managed to pack a lot into our morning, and after a lovely lunch on the promontory with views over the bay and the beach, we drove to Sete, known as the Venice of Languedoc. We took in a hotel residence right by the sea (ref 29546), and slightly further out a modern residence set in the hills with a pool and landscaped gardens (ref 14243). La Grande Motte, a seaside resort 45 minutes east of here offers a leaseback development nestled in a large landscaped park with swimming pools and leisure facilities, ideal for investment as the resort is very popular among the French (ref 30108).
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Finally, for a bit of relaxation, we headed 15 minutes east to Aigues Mortes. This beautiful fortified medieval town is set between the sea and lagoons, making for spectacular scenery. The development in the Aigues Mortes marina doesn’t disappoint (ref 27053), with small but perfectly formed Mediterranean houses, reminiscent of fishermen’s dwellings, some with their own moorings. Inside the town walls, the plethora of cafes, boutiques and restaurants see life go by at a slow, relaxed pace. It really is the perfect place to unwind. We enjoyed a leisurely meal of pizza with an ice cold beer, a lovely end to our trip.
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On Sunday morning we flew back from Montpellier airport. Our flight was at 10 am and we were back on British soil by 1pm, so quickly it felt like we’d never left…
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If you’re still unsure where to buy in the Languedoc, and weighing up the pros and cons of Sete, Marseillans, Aigues Mortes or any other town, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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Jim Beattie
Direct line: 020 7428 4915
jim@sextantproperties.com
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Le Clos Savornin – located in Luberon in the heart of Provence
(a hidden French gem that’s now available to international buyers)

It is an exclusive and well-designed new build hamlet consisting off 22 top of the range villas with private swimming pools and high quality individual services such as a concierge.

The development has elegant outdoor spaces with Provencal decor and enjoys an exceptional location close to a typical Luberon village. The architect recreates a Provencal spirit with typical lanes, colorful houses, small paved squares, refreshing fountains, shady petanque pitches and an old fashioned washhouse.

The location:
The Clos Savornin is well located, 900m from the centre of Saint Saturnin les Apt village. It is a typical Provencal village with sleepy lanes, ramparts, fountains, a washhouse and former mills. The village is surrounded by 30 hamlets and set in 18,750 acres of garrigue, woods, cherry trees, olive trees and vineyards. Here are some great places to visit:
- Gordes village (20mn)
- Alain Ducasse restaurant & Spa (2km)
- Aix en Provence (55mn)
- Chateauneuf du Pape (for wine amateurs, 1h10)

It is also located 1h10 from Marseille international airport.

The investment:
* Your villa will be managed by a well known management specialist.
* Rental income up to 3.83% guaranteed for 11 year lease
* The buyer will get 19.6% VAT cash back
* Personal use for several weeks per year (includes July & August)
* Rental income paid quarterly.

Request More Information
For further information on latest availabilities please do contact us on +44 (0)20 7428 4910 or email at info@sextant-new-build.com

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The prospect of a long week-end on the French Riviera can only enchant. I was however, left worrying that a certain Icelandic volcano might spoil the party. Luckily the skies were clear and a short flight later, we were greeted with the breath taking view of Nice- the low Alpine mountains, the sea and the town itself nestled neatly in between. After a hassle-free car hire we set off to our first destination: the glamorous St Tropez, via the new motorway. We seemed to have coincided with the Harley Davidson Euro Festival 2010 which takes places in the Saint Tropez bay, meaning we were rubbing shoulders with (and overtaken by) roaring motorbikes along the way.

Once in St Tropez, we decided to sample the local seafood and watch the afternoon promenaders, which lead us to the marina. We were not disappointed, washing down seafood pizza with a dry and fruity rosé. Now that our stomachs were full we headed along the coast, meandering around Port Grimaud and Sainte Maxime. The former is known as a private lagoon pleasure city, full of waterways, yachts and houses in tasteful Provencal style. The brainchild of an Alsatian architect who wanted to recreate the feel of Venice, the town only arose from the sand dunes in the 1960s. Owners here are more than a little wealthy, and include Joan Collins. Sainte Maxime, often called St Tropez’s poor and less fashionable neighbour, was a pleasant surprise. The shaded streets were well worth a visit, including the 18th century church, colourful facades, cobbled alleyways and numerous squares with fountains.

We bought some souvenirs of course. I was told that in the area one is never more than 20 minutes away from a golf course! This is just as well, as it is such a popular sport and I for one wouldn’t want too many eyes watching as I retrieved my ball from yet another bunker.

It was getting late by then, and we decided to head back to our hotel in Nice, via the Esterel Massif, a coastal, rocky mountain range. It was however, too dark to see much by this point and we decided to explore further the following day.

The second day saw us visiting some new build developments. In Antibes we checked out the Perle de Jade Residence and The Antibes-les-Pins Residence which has been completed and boasts contemporary design and stunning sea views. In Nice we saw the Jardin Pastorelli Development of apartments and townhouses, which is situated at the heart of Nice old town yet still feels remarkably tranquil once inside. On the way to St Raphael we decided to take a better look at the Esterel, marvelling again at its wild, untouched beauty, with rugged red cliffs jutting into the sea and lush greenery.

On Saturday morning we decided to get up early and make the most of the covered Marché Provencal in Antibes. Here one finds the freshest produce you’ve ever seen, prawns, langoustines, crab, tomatoes, peppers (both far redder than the pale sorts one finds in supermarkets here), courgettes (bigger than any I’ve ever seen), lemons, salads, fresh herbs and spices in yellow sacks, and olives, stuffed with all sorts of heady ingredients- garlic, nuts, peppers, anchovies or marinated in thyme and lavender. We even spotted a celebrity, the Welsh footballer Robbie Savage, browsing the stalls with his wife.

As we were in Antibes, we decided to visit the Picasso museum in the Grimaldi Palace where we saw the resplendent “Joie de Vivre”, celebrating happiness regained (post World War Two), and the radiant Mediterranean light.

Continuing the arty theme, we then headed to Vallauris, west of Antibes, where Picasso lived for seven years. He practically single-handedly brought about the renaissance of the Vallauris pottery industry and his presence is felt and evoked continuously (he was allowed to decorate the chapel in town and created a bronze statue for the local children to climb on in Place de la Liberation).

Biot was the next destination on our map, a former pottery centre but now renowned for its glassblowers and bubble glass products. The glass factory is open year round to the public who wish to see the craftsmen create their masterpieces. Following on in the arts and crafts vein we ventured 25 minutes up the road to Grasse, the world capital of perfume. There are plenty of old perfumeries one can visit though we didn’t have the time. Still, you can wonder and wander to your heart’s content in between the 17 and 18th century buildings, under arched tunnels, up and down ancient steps and then unexpectedly come upon a square with a three-tiered fountain, a Cathedral or a watchtower.

On the way back from Grasse we decided to stop in Valbonne, a picturesque town which retains a familial, village atmosphere. We sat in a square and sipped a hot chocolate-coffee drink in a picturesque cafe, utterly delicious, as we watched the world go by again- children playing, parents sipping wine and watching, tourists like us basking in the last rays of the day.

Our final meal of the trip took place in Antibes, and we feasted on Aioli Provencal- vegetables (carrots, potatoes, green beans) with fish served with the aioli sauce, heaven for garlic lovers like us, but not quite as enjoyable for anyone stepping within a few feet of us. We then ambled along into Juan les Pins, which really comes alive when the sun goes down, with its giddy mix of casinos, clubs, live music and late night shopping. Watching the beautiful people drift past as we sipped a beer, it was hard to imagine that within 24 hours we would be back in less Mediterranean climes, contemplating another week in the rat race.

In three days, we saw plenty, and yet only briefly. What struck me above all were simply the colours- the blueness of the sea (it isn’t called the Cote d’Azur for nothing), the arresting old town of Antibes with yellows, reds, greens; quaint yet not overly so. And then there is the culture- for all the sunbathing, jet setting crowds, the Cote d’Azur is also a place of overwhelming creativity and artistry, from perfumery to glassware, Picasso to pottery, it is truly a feast for the senses.

If you’re still unsure where to buy on the Cote d’Azur, and weighing up the pros and cons of Nice, Antibes, Cannes or any other town, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Jim Beattie
Direct line: 020 7428 4915
jim@sextantproperties.com

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Nine out of ten British expatriates say moving overseas has given them a better quality of life.
According to research by NatWest International, a good life/work balance under-girds the sentiment, with 87% of respondents rating their personal balance in these areas as excellent or good.

The annual survey, which is undertaken with the Centre for Future Studies, asks expats to assess 16 “life experience” factors in order of importance and to indicate levels of satisfaction with each one.

For Britons abroad, financial security and financial wellbeing occupied sixth and eighth place respectively, with the natural environment, climate, culture and leisure, healthcare and education taking priority.

In addition, the number of respondents who said they would return to the UK fell to 19% in 2009, from 26% a year earlier, despite the financial pressures of the global economic downturn.

Natwest International’s head of personal banking, Dave Isley, comments: “The fact fewer expats say they will return to the UK in the future, compared to three years ago, proves that the pace of life, work life balance and earning potential abroad means life as an expat is sunnier in more ways than one – and that they are weathering the financial storm.”

The study also revealed that professional expats typically earn over £20,000 more than their peers in the UK, with 92% reporting a salary increase over the past three years.

At Sextant properties, we offer you the opportunity to buy an idyllic spot under the sun: in the South of France, you will enjoy the sunny weather, a better quality of life, and a peaceful environment.

Source: www.homemove.co.uk

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The architect designed these individual homes to provide a sense of intimacy with nature through light, space, and sunshine. Furnished with all the modern conveniences, these homes tucked away in well-preserved nature have been designed to combine authenticity and quality of life.

All of the villas offer the following exterior features:

• Home security system with controlled access

• Fenced property with private gates

• Optional swimming pool and facilities

All of the villas offer the following interior features:

• Flue lining

• Textured paint

• Inside staircase with concrete with wood nosing

• 40 x 40cm tiles laid diagonally

The complex is in Bagnols-en-Forêt, a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in South Eastern France. Bagnols-en-Foret is a peaceful village nestled in the foothills of the Esterel Mountains; surrounded by beautiful countryside and described as a haven of greenery scattered with majestic trees. The village has a great view out over the valleys and hills to the south and west, and on the top of the hill there is an open park where you can have a fantastic, panoramic view out across the countryside. Situated between the upper Var department and the coast, Le Domaine de la Boursiere is an ideal spot for those wanting to combine the pleasures of the seaside and experience the real Provencal village with its windy little streets and ancient chapels dotted around. While the Med invites you for a swim just 20 minutes away, the nearby city of Cannes tempts you with its shops, casinos and restaurants.

Local activities include: Hiking, judo, football clubs, Tai chi, tennis, yoga. Market day is every Wednesday and Saturday morning in the town hall square.

How to get there:

• By car- Just off the D4 between Frejus and Fayence,

20 km from St.Raphael, 25 km from Draguinan

• By plane- Nice International Airport (1 hr), or Cannes (40 mins)

–both serve all major European cities

• By train- Paris, Lyon and Marseille are within easy reach

by TGV from Cannes train station

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Come to this free property seminar and learn how to choose investment properties with good returns for a reliable income now and in retirement, the advantages of buying off-plan and how to avoid the perils posed by currency fluctuations.

This seminar’s featured development will be the stunning off-plan development of Pont Royal Golf. Located in the highly sought-after Provence region (which receives over 300 days of sunshine every year), just 30 minutes from the Mediterranean coast and close to the beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence, this development offers residents luxurious eco-friendly apartments and villas set in a beautiful 450 acre park with an 18 hole golf course, excellent sporting facilities, fabulous restaurants and brilliant entertainment throughout the year.

The guest speaker will be Bernard Comptat who will speak about life in his native Provence and why property investors should be looking to purchase in this highly desirable area of France.

This seminar is free but places are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

Date: Thursday 7th January 2010
Price: FREE

More about Pont Royal Golf

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