2 price reductions in the Dordogne. Modern houses with a pool

 

 

Eyliac - Beautiful 4 bed house with heated pool and landscaped gardens

NEW PRICE: 296,800€

 

This beautiful house is situated only 15 minutes from Perigueux, the capital of the Dordogne, yet it is set in a lovely quiet country setting so you get the best of both worlds. 

 

Link http://www.allez-francais.com/details.php?pty_id=1730

 

Clermont d’Excideuil  4 bed House with large garage & pool

 

NEW PRICE: 280,900€

 

Location, location, location, describes this lovely property which overlooks a market town with its Gothic church and château.  The panoramic view of the surrounding countryside is just breathtaking. 

 

 

Link http://www.allez-francais.com/details.php?pty_id=1703 

Nontron / Dordogne - For sale : three bedroom Perigourdine style house. 168,540 € FAI

This three bedroom Perigourdine style property occupies private grounds with lovely views over the stunning countryside to the east of Nontron.

Constructed in 1973, the property is currently unoccupied but is in good condition and is still maintained by the owner. It boasts electrically operated gates, double glazing throughout the ground floor, a recently installed fosse septique, a heat exchanger pump for the central heating with an oil fired boiler as back-up and a large attic space of 66m2. Work has already started to convert the attic space into additional living accommodation – there is potential for perhaps another two bedrooms and a bathroom. 

The gardens surround the property and are fully fenced for security – they are primarily laid to lawn with a good range of mature shrubs and trees.

The property sits on the edge of a small hamlet just 3km outside the popular market town of Nontron which has a good range of local shops and three large supermarkets. The international airport in Limoges is just one hour away whilst the TGV high-speed rail line can be accessed in Angouleme, again just one hour away.

Price 168,540 €

Nr Bergerac (24) - For sale : C19th Maison de Maître with 5 beds/2 baths

Dating from the C19th this is a substantial,
attractive and fully restored Maison de Maître. Set within a magnificent 4 acre
(1.68ha) park / arboretum, this excellent 5 bedroom property also benefits from
a large barn with integral garaging and workshop areas.

 

 

With large reception rooms this is a superb property for someone looking for a spacious home with the "wow" factor.

The very attractive C19th barn (24 x 12) offers significant conversion potential. In part having double height the building is in very good condition.

 

The property is approached via a graveled driveway and has plenty of parking. The extensive gardens are 1.68ha (around 4 acres) with superb examples of specimen trees and typically “English” lawned areas. This classic country house is just a 10 minute drive from Bergerac, which of course has an International airport.

 

 

 

Price 590,425

Link http://www.allez-francais.com/details.php?pty_id=1933

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nontron (24) - For sale : An imposing, four bedroom townhouse

An imposing, four bedroom townhouse that has been beautifully renovated to reveal the charm and character of this wonderful old building. The house is offered for sale along with an adjoining building with a large garage (providing plenty of off street parking) and a first floor apartment awaiting renovation.

 High ceilings, large windows (all double glazed), original wooden flooring and ornate plasterwork are all on show in this light and airy property that is currently utilised as a fine family home. It would also make a wonderful property from which to operate a Chambre d’Hôte business and has great potential to add further value through the renovation of the top floor of the main house along with the apartment over the garage.

 

The house sits on a quiet residential street of quintessentially French character properties which twists its way up past the ancient ramparts into the centre of Nontron, a bustling market town with a good range of bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets. The property nestles beneath the ramparts and the terraced rear garden leads up via a twisting pathway to a rear garden gate opening onto a road just 400 metres from the town centre. Nontron is just 45 minutes from the medieval city of Perigueux whilst the international airport at Limoges can be reached in under an hour.

 

 

Floor plans available.

 

Link http://www.allez-francais.com/details.php?pty_id=1915

Busserolles (24) - For sale : A stone built coach house & adjoining barn to renovate

An old stone built coach house and adjoining barn to renovate – set in tranquil countryside with open views and no near neighbours.

This type of property is hard to find these days and represents an exciting opportunity to transform a former coach house with a large attached barn into a fantastic family home.

The property originally belonged to the local manor house and it was both where their coach and horses were stabled and where servants would have lived.

The condition of the buildings themselves is very good – the walls and roofs are all in great condition leaving the interior as a blank canvas to create your own dream home. The current owners have had architect’s plans drawn up for a four bedroom property with a large rear terrace to take advantage of the amazing views. Water and electricity are already supplied to the house.

 

 

 

 

Link (with floor plans) http://www.allez-francais.com/details.php?pty_id=1904

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Charges on French CGT - an update

We have previously commented upon the illegality of France’s stance on
imposing social charges on Capital Gains Tax, (and other forms of income), for
non-residents.

Now, the European Commission has started “infringement” proceedings
against France because of the imposition of social charges on the property
income of non-residents.

In a recent test case, a Swiss couple have won their
case against the French Government, after they had been charged the higher rate
of tax + social charge on their sale of a ski property. They believed that under European law (Article 56 on free circulation of
capital) they should have been entitled to the lower rate, and so they sought a
reimbursement of the overpaid tax, which was subsequently refused by the French
tax authorities. This has now been overturned in their favour, and the French court has been judged discriminatory the imposition of a higher
rate of capital gains tax on a non-resident.

In a previous landmark judgement in
February 2000, the European Courts confirmed that individuals should only be
required to pay social charges in the country in which they were resident. This
judgement was ignored by the French Constitutional Council.

Since 2012,
non-residents with property in France have been liable for these social charges
(prélèvements sociaux) on the capital gains from the sale of property / real
estate and also rental income.

The rate of
capital gains tax on the sale of property / real estate in France differs
according to whether or not you are EEA resident. For those who are resident in
France or another country of the EEA, the basic rate of tax is 19% at present,
and for those outside of the EEA the rate is 33.3%. In addition to this basic
rate France is adding the social charges at the rate of 15.5%.

In a recent reply
to a question from a MEP, the Commission stated that "the French
authorities have been consulted on the conformity with European law of the
extension of CSG and CRDS on the property income received by non-residents. After
a deep analysis of the response of the French authorities, the Commission are
of the opinion that social levies on unearned income are allocated specifically
and directly to financing social security in France and therefore have a
sufficiently relevant link the laws of the branches of social security within
the meaning of Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004. An infringement
procedure has been opened and a letter of formal notice is being
prepared."

In the meantime, those who face liability
to these charges will continue to be obliged to pay them, although they are
equally entitled to contest the charge through the formal complaints
procedures, and ultimately lodge an action in the French courts.

Villars (24) - For sale : A beautiful, detached 3 bed cottage with lovely gardens

For sale at a newly reduced price and offering excellent value for money is this beautiful, detached 3 bedroomed cottage with lovely gardens and views on the edge of a village in the picturesque Perigord Vert.

 This light and airy property has been extensively renovated and is presented in excellent condition. There is a centrally controlled electric central heating system although the current owner rarely uses it as two wood burning stoves keep the house toasty and warm in the winter. As an added bonus there is a large loft space with excellent head height making it perfect for conversion into additional living space.

 

It is a short walk into the village which has a boulangerie, a bar, a general store, a post office and a top class restaurant. Just outside the village is the magnificent Chateau de Puyguilhem, built in the 16th century and inspired by the great chateaux of the Loire valley. The village is well placed for towns such as Brantôme and Thiviers whilst the international airport in Limoges can be reached in just 50 minutes.

 

Price 224,720 €  Floor plans available

Link http://www.allez-francais.com/details.php?pty_id=1899

Busserolles (24) - For sale : 4 bed bungalow - walk to the shops. Exclusive mandat

A well-maintained four bedroom bungalow situated on the edge of a delightful village with a bar and boulangerie.

Located on a small cul de sac of ten individually designed properties, this bungalow has been maintained in perfect condition by the vendors who have owned it since it was built. Whilst the internal decoration may not be to everyone’s taste and style, the property is in impeccable structural condition and all the external woodwork, including the double glazed windows, has been regularly treated to maintain it in excellent condition.

 

It is a short walk into the centre of the village which has a bar/restaurant and a boulangerie. The town of Piegut-Pluviers, with its famous Wednesday market selling fresh, local produce, is less than 10 minutes drive.

Link http://www.allez-francais.com/details.php?pty_id=1894



Perigord - For sale : Truly stunning Renaissance Château set in almost 20 ha PRICE: 4,400,000 €

In the heart of the Black Perigord, this truly magnificent Château with a majestic view, will seduce you with it’s near 1,000 m² of living space, the spacious reception rooms, ten bedrooms, the swimming pool, a caretaker's house, and the outbuildings, all established in a beautiful park.

This elegant chateau overlooks a superb valley and River Dordogne from it’s elevated spectacular hillside position on a protected historical site. It has been built on older foundations, but this meticulously maintained Renaissance property has beautiful features, including mullioned windows, a round tower, a corbelled tower, and is surrounded by an estate of over 19 hectares.

The grounds include two terraces, a swimming pool area and walkways which provide a true Château experience with magnificent views to enjoy over the valley.

The Château has a living area of 950m², with some 20 principal rooms including a large salon, a really beautiful library, a formal dining room, 10 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms.

There is a 5 bed guest house - recently renovated, with a good living area of 200m², plus a caretaker’s House, stables, & outbuildings.

With its exceptional setting, this magnificent historic property combines modern day comforts with original period features. Full details available to serious parties upon request, plus a complete portfolio of photos. Convenient for Brive airport, and also the A20 autoroute.

Link http://www.allez-francais.com/details.php?pty_id=1892

Pensions & Investments - Before you leave for France

Before you leave the UK and come to live in France,
there is a unique opportunity to rearrange your Pensions & Investments.  We work with the leading international
tax and wealth management advisers to UK nationals living in Europe.

Unfamiliar local bureaucracy and a foreign tax system
can be very confusing, especially when the rules frequently change, as they
have done in France under President Hollande.  To confuse matters, you may
also still be liable to some UK taxes.

The tax burden
has increased, with President Hollande particularly targeting wealthier
residents. He has started taxing investment income at the same rates as
employment income, scrapped the lower wealth tax rates, increased succession
tax for children and imposed social charges on non-residents. Income is also
subject to ‘social charges’, which are levied on top of income tax.

All this makes
it more important than ever to take professional advice on your tax planning.
It is still possible to take advantage of tax compliant opportunities to
protect your assets from the various French taxes. With professional guidance,
our clients enjoy extremely favourable tax treatment on their capital
investments and assets.

In view of the
loss of trust and confidence in banks, many investors are now seeking
alternative safe custody arrangements to provide security for their assets. Our
business partners can provide our clients with the maximum level of investor
protection, without relying on the financial strength of banks.

There are several
interesting options for UK nationals living abroad to consider for their
pension funds. However pensions planning is a ‘minefield’ for expatriates, and
great care should be taken to assess the options available and what is best
suited to you before transferring your fund to an alternative structure, such
as QROPS. This sort of plan offers :  

1 Tax efficiency. Subject to the laws of the
overseas country in which you become resident, it may be possible to receive
income from your retirement fund at lower tax rates than would apply in the UK.

2 Investment choice. There is no need to buy an annuity, so you can retain
control of your pension savings capital, and you can hold assets such as residential
property, which are not usually allowed in UK pension funds.

3 Passing wealth between generations. QROPS enable you to pass the portion
of your pension savings that you do not spend to your heirs and, depending on
the tax laws of the country where you choose to become resident, there may be a
lower rate of Inheritance Tax to pay or – as is the case in Cyprus – be no
local equivalent of this tax.

4 Avoid or diminish exchange rate risks and costs. You can take income and
capital from your QROPS in the currency of your choice.

No decision affecting your retirement capital
and income should ever be taken in a rush. Remember the old maxim: ‘Act in
haste – repent at leisure.’

Expert advice and planning is absolutely essential to
ensure that your wealth is transferred to your chosen beneficiaries in
accordance with your wishes, without it being decimated by inheritance taxes.



You also need to consider the best way to hold your assets, so that they can be
passed to your heirs according to your wishes and as efficiently as possible.

Our advisers offer numerous International Tax
& Wealth management strategies for UK Expats‎. Can you afford not to take
their advice ? Did you know that there have been 21 new French finance acts
in 5 years. How much tax is too much ? You do not always have to pay !!

To learn more contact sales@allez-francais.com

Top 5 things to do in the Dordogne

Peppered by over 1000 historic châteaux, beautiful forests, medieval
towns, picturesque villages, flowing rivers and caves, it is easy to understand
why Dordogne is one of France’s most loved regions, and probably the favourite
destination of British buyers. There are so many things to do, eat and discover
in this idyllic south-west region of France.

What are the top 5 things to do, when the choice is so
wide ?

1^st – visit a leading market. Perigueux is
a Gallo-Roman city going back to 16th century B.C.  The Roman remains and architecture from the
renaissance era are a must visit, as is the coveted market, which gourmets all
across the world come to for it’s rare local delicacies. Sarlat market is
a must for food lovers. All year long, depending on the season, you can find
foie grass, the famous cepe mushrooms, magret / duck & goose products, truffles,
walnuts and countless other delicious local products to tempt your taste buds.
Sarlat also has a very high concentration of listed buildings to visit.

2^nd – Lascaux. With its paintings estimated
to be over 17,300 years old, the caves of Lascaux will not only be an
incredible sight and vision of beauty.  It is complex
of caves famous for its Paleolithic cave paintings. The original caves are
located near the village of Montignac, and visitors today visit
a stunning replica.

3^rd - The Dordogne River is a river of
stunning beauty and tranquility, where you will enjoy incredible sights and can
enjoy the usual river based activities. The higher reached of the Dordogne are
renowned  for being the best fly-fishing
areas, whilst boating activities are more popular further west.

4^th – Visit some of the Plus Beaux Villages.
Dordogne is said to have the highest concentration of the most beautiful villages
in France. It is easy to see why when you visit somewhere such as Domme which
feature remarkably beautiful historical architecture mainly from the
Renaissance era set in a back drop of stunning natural beauty. Alphabetically the choice is from Belvès,
Beynac et Canzenac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Domme, La Roque Gageac, Limeuil,
Monpazier, Saint-Amand-de-Coly, Saint-Jean-de-Côle, & Saint-Léon-sur
Vézère.  Why not visit them all ?

5^th – Visit the local Châteaux. With over 1000
to choose from, there is one for everyone’s taste. Perhaps the best known are Le Chateau
de Castelnaud, Chateau de Beynac, and the  Chateau of Milandes.

Not a lot of people know this - The Dordogne is one of the very few rivers in Europe to
have a  tidal bore, rather like the River Severn in England. This means
that a handful of times a year (given the right season and wind direction) a
powerful wave travels many miles up-river, making this an amazing phenomenon to
watch and the experience of a lifetime to surf for the brave.

Dordogne Valley - Luxury house for sale with pigeonnier set in large grounds

The house was rebuilt from an old barn, ground up,
about 15 years ago, by a multi millionaire. If you are looking for peace & quiet in
parkland setting, near village, then this beautiful Quercy house is just for
you. It comes with 20 acres of land. Finished to

the very highest standards. 

The
accommodation comprises of briefly : large salon with fireplace, bar area,
quality fitted kitchen, dining room with fireplace, 2 ground floor bedrooms
(each with shower rooms en-suite), WC, laundry / boiler room. Vaulted cave for
your wine.

1^st
floor – large mezzanine, 2 further bedrooms (each with en-suite bathrooms),
dressing room, study. Please note all 4 bedrooms for this property are en-suite. 

Located close to the A20, the property has good access
to the road network and airports, but is in a tranquil location. Ideal as a
luxury family home, but equally suited to someone wishing to offer top end chambre
d’hôtes. Located between Souillac and Gourdon, there are plenty of tourist
attractions such as Rocamadour and Sarlat on the doorstep.

Price  838,685 €  Link http://www.allez-francais.com/details.php?pty_id=1883

Wake up Hollande !

Politicians are rarely popular individuals. They have a really tough job, and they cannot please everyone with the difficult decisions that they face. Added to that, the financial situation experienced over the last 5 plus years have made time harder than ever.




However, France seems to be suffering more than is necessary under the leadership, if that is the correct word, of François Hollande. The self styled "Mr Ordinary" changes his policies almost as often as his underware, presumably as his aides highlight one problem and then another.




I read recently that France remains the No 1 tourist destination in the world, yet again, but instead of capitalising on this marvellous opportunity to kick start an economy, France remains France, and is well down the list of Euros / £s spent per person on holiday. Why ?




Because France refuses to wake up to life in the C21st. Recently, I have seen restaurants in tourist areas, closed for 3 weeks for their annual holiday, at precisely the time when they could be ringing the cash tills if they had a clue about marketing.




No attempt is made to entice holidaymakers to dig into their wallets, you just cannot imagine this happening in the UK or across the Atlantic in the US. Tourism is a great opportunity to start to grease the cogs of a country's economy, but here is an opportunity being wasted.

It is really hard to believe that "entrepreneur" is a French word. Entrepreneurial spirit is characterised by innovation and risk-taking, and is an essential part of a nation's ability to succeed in an ever changing and increasingly global marketplace. Successive French governments have done seemingly everything in their power to suppress this Entrepreneurial spirit. the sole exception has been the creation of the Auto entepreneur scheme. This is a simplified version of an existing small business set-up, the micro-entreprise, which requires a turnover below certain thresholds.



It is intended to give those starting a business an easier way to set up, pay taxes and social security charges. Auto-entrepreneurs are exempt from registering with the chambre de métiers or the chambre de commerce et d’industrie, which saves time and money. However, instead of encouraging people down this route, the Government is closing opportunities and moving the goalposts, creating confusion and a lack of confidence.




The same sort of confusion reigns in the property world - with the rules for Capital Gains Tax having been changed several times in the brief period that Hollande has been in power. Originally the time limit for CGT calculations was a 15 year period of ownership, after which the proceeds were tax free. Since then, the period has been increased to 30 years, and more recently changed again to 22 years. In addition, social charges have been levied against UK owners, which may yet get a challenge in an EU courts, as it is not technically legal. No clear guidelines are in place for the present regime, leading to uncertainty.

If there is one thing that markets hate - it is uncertainty. So France is missing another trick here, because it could also use the housing market to kick start it's economy. When people start moving house, they also start spending money, and these cogs grease more cogs, and stimulate other areas of the economy.




I don't think that Hollande has yet worked out that this means more revenue, (in the form of increased taxes). he certainly didn't when he introduced his 75% income tax regime and a list of high profile celebrities announced that they would be quitting France. He hasn't worked out that a certain % of x is better than 100% of nothing. Wake up please M Hollande.................

Sarlat / Les Eyzies (24) - For sale a truly top class gite complex. Proven business.

This is a high quality gite complex, surrounded by 22 acres of private grounds in the Vézère Valley, offering peace and quiet whilst at the same time being close to all services of the beautiful towns and villages of this most fascinating region.

The property is large and flexible and a new owner might choose to reorganise the existing arrangements and occupy a different house, freeing the current owner's house for rental purposes. 

Maison de Maître plus a converted Tobacco barn, plus 2 further letting units.



I will let the pictures speak for the quality of this excellent business.

Price 825,000 €



Link http://www.allez-francais.com/details.php?pty_id=1877

Saint Saud Lacoussière (24) - For sale : 3 bed bungalow (non negotiable price)

Offered at a newly reduced, non-negotiable price for a quick sale, this is an outstanding example of a modern, three bedroom bungalow situated on the edge of a village.



Nicely positioned in the centre of a large plot with open views to the south and west across the Dronne Valley, this immaculate bungalow still retains three years of the builder’s guarantee. It is fully double-glazed and has under-floor heating throughout which is powered by an aerothermic heat exchanger.

It is a short walk into the centre of the pretty village which has a general store, a bar and two restaurants, one of which is highly acclaimed in the region. Limoges International Airport is only 45 minutes away with frequent flights to and from the UK.



Price 199,900 € Floor plan available

Link  http://www.allez-francais.com/details.php?pty_id=1869

Nontron (24) - For sale : magnificent 19th Century town house with 8 bedrooms & heated pool

A magnificent 19th Century townhouse with eight bedrooms, heated pool and superb views – suitable as a large family home or as a commercial investment.

 

 The entire property has been renovated and decorated to the highest quality standards to create a real ‘top end’ feel. Chandeliers and original features are beautifully blended together to give a chic but relaxed feel throughout the house. The current owners have invested heavily to create a sumptuous interior and a beautifully landscaped garden that makes full use of the open views across the stunning Perigord Vert countryside.

The landscaped gardens offer magnificent, open views across the Bandiat valley and towards the church in Nontron. There is a secluded and fully fenced salt-water swimming pool measuring 9 x 4.5m.

Price 565,000 €  Floor plans available



Link http://www.allez-francais.com/details.php?pty_id=1866