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New property-related laws, developments and services
€570,000 PROPERTY TEST
Towns like Nice, Cannes, Saint Tropez and Toulon are synonymous with decadence
and luxury, and there are plenty of charming nooks to escape to on the French
Riviera.
Nice
Very near the artist village of St Paul de Vence, a new development of eight
delightful south-facing houses is under construction, each with its own garden,
garage and parking space. Set in two acres of wooded grounds, residents can enjoy
the pool and tennis court, and the beach is only 6km away. Prices range from €530,000-€570,000
for 2 bedrooms (84m2 living space) to €600,000 for three bedrooms (110m2).
All will have fitted kitchens, en-suite bath/shower rooms and gas-fired heating.
The production of olive oil and wine from the olive trees and vineyard will also
be available to the owners. For more information, visit www.latitudes.co.uk or
call +44 (0) 208 951 5155.
Cannes
Located in Cannes de Bocca, high on a hill with a view of Cannes, and a one-kilometre
walk to the beach, this Belvedere townhouse makes a perfectly positioned holiday
home.
Costing between €490,000 and €567,000, you get 88m2 floor space
and 65m2 terraces spread over three levels. The large open-plan kitchen is sympathetic
to the relaxed and sunny lifestyle people lead in the south of France, and the
swimming pool, which is shared with the three adjoining properties, can be used
to cool off. Each property has use of a large garden, and the Mandelieu golf
course is close by if you need even more green. For more information; www.cb-french-property-consultancy.com or
call +353 (0) 876 413 158.
Saint Maxime
Just a one-hour drive from Nice airport lies the lovely town of Saint Maxime.
This pretty villa in the town centre and one kilometre from the beach is perfectly
located for a laidback Riviera experience. The plot is 540m2, comprising three
bedrooms and two bathrooms spread over two floors. If you are using a car, there
is a garage and carport, plus a garden to appreciate the sunshine and fresh sea
air. The gorgeous views of the surrounding area and deliciously traditional and
rustic style of the building itself make this a very desirable villa. This property
is priced at €550,000.
Visit www.jacwoodestates.co.uk or +44 (0) 1926 883 714.
EUROPEAN GROWTH
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors' (RICS) recently published
2005 European Housing Review found that 2004 saw a general strengthening of the
housing markets across Europe, with Britain, France, Spain and Ireland all reporting
more than 10% growth in property values; Italy, Denmark and Portugal posting
rises of between 5% and 8%; and the Netherlands and Switzerland showing a 2%
rise. This rise was attributed to heightened customer confidence levels and a
significant improvement in economic conditions, resulting in strong housing transactions.
The report predicted further price increase over the course of the year, although
a slump at the end of the year was also foreseen.
CALLING ALL BACKPACKERS!
You know the score: you have the whole of Europe at your fingertips, but your
wallet is too empty to spend money on those pesky hotels. Wouldn't it
be great if you could crash on someone's couch for free while you travel?
Well, now you can thanks to an innovative site, www.couchsurfing.com. Simply
enter in your details, along with a photo of you and your comfy sofa, and before
you know it you have become a member of a worldwide network of friendly hosts
willing to meet and greet travellers. With rating systems, similar to eBay, you
can judge the trustworthiness of your future host. Best of all, you get a wonderful
opportunity to see the town with a well-versed guide.
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