June 25, 2015

The Amazing Hermitage Plaza At La Défense Is Finally Ready To Be Built

Press release

“On the 24th of June, the Administrative Court of Cergy-Pontoise rejected all the appeals against the
building permits of the Hermitage Plaza towers…Since we announced our intention to build the towers with Norman Foster, (2009-2010?) one of the world’s leading architects, we had to face a fierce and vindictive opposition that initiated numerous appeals. In the end, fortunately, the law prevails.” – Emin Iskenderov

This sturcture which will be the largest mixed use building in Europe is a joint venture between Russia and France. It will create 5,000 jobs during its construction and 3,000 direct jobs for its operation. The towers will be best-in-class in terms of technical efficiency and sustainable development.

Some of the most powerful people on the planet were behind this project.

Yet it still took 5 plus years to get it green lit.

That’s why France is considered THE most transparent real estate market in the world.

No matter who you are you can’t just throw money around and expect to get things done.

You have to accept this is the way the French do things.

You have to deal with the burearcracy, go through the motions and be patient and persistent.

It’s the only way to make things happen. They’ve been around for thousands and thousands of years.

As for your time schedule?

Guess what? No matter who you are, you can wait.

Welcome to France!

Posted in Paris, Property
Tagged Affordable housing, Chief economist, Europe, European Union, Foreign direct investment, Prime Minister of France, Real estate, Russia
1 Comment

March 10, 2015

3 Amazing Reasons To Buy In France NOW Rather Miss A Chance Of A Lifetime

English: Exchange rate Euro – Slovak koruna Deutsch: Wechselkurs Euro – Slowakische Krone (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Wall Street Journal article ‘American Real Estate Buyers Take Advantage of the Falling Euro’ gives us an insight to why now is time to buy in Europe.

Europe On Sale 25% Discount!: For Americans who have always dreamed of owning a second home overseas but have hesitated for one reason or another, the falling euro’s is a game changer. The dollar has strengthened 26% against the euro in less than a year. The last time the dollar was this trading this strong was in 2003.
Rejoice In Choice: President Hollande’s market reforms put a damper on a French housing trend that was rising at a time when many property markets around the world were struggling. This led to the housing glut we see today. “There are also more choices: Inventory of the highest-end apartments is way up”, said Mr. Kraft of Sotheby’s, “partly in response to new taxes on wealth and assets.”
A Perfect Storm – New prices, plus the exchange rates, are just starting to lure Americans back into a market they have avoided since the financial crisis. However, combine that with mortgage rates at an all time low worldwide and this truly is a torrential down pouring of opportunity for anyone who ever dreamed of buying property in France.

Posted in Paris, Property
Tagged Exchange rate Euro, Paris, President Hollande, Property, property in France, Real estate, The Wall Street Journal article

October 9, 2013

Le Gourmand du Mouffetard

Our week in Paris has been truly memorable. Your apartment is truly fantastic. The welcome booklet recommendations were spot on. We will be sure to stay again when next we visit Paris. Jayden and Morgan.

http://www.parisgourmandapartments.com/

Français : La plaque de la rue Mouffetard à Paris (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the above link are two apartments we have renovated for two wonderful clients that we are glad to call our friends. They were very clear in their vision and expectations which made them a joy to work with and their apartments a pleasure to renovate.

If you have the desire to do something like this, buy property in France, renovate it and rent it out or or keep it as a vacation home, it is more than possible. It’s done all the time.

The reasons are many. One main attraction to property in Paris is it is seen as a good investment. The real estate industry here is tightly regulated. This makes predatory lending which was rampant in the United States and elsewhere absolutely impossible here.

You may think property in France is too expensive.

In coming posts we will show you how property just minutes away from Paris can be as much as 75 percent lower in price than the same square footage in town center.

Here is a video which reveals a secret about purchasing property in France that only insiders like us know. 😀

Posted in Property, Renovation in Paris
Tagged Apartment, Boucherie De Rue Mouffetard, Business and Economy, Eiffel Tower, France, Paris, property in France, property in Paris, Real estate, Rue Mouffetard Paris, United States

September 9, 2013

A Handy Sponge Painting Video

English: Drywall Self-owned, released to PD (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the States, to smooth out a wall that has seen better days is simple; build a new wall in front of the old wall.

But when it comes to renovation in Paris, size matters.

Every square centimeter of a room is valuable real estate.

Gluing drywall to the old wall to create a flat surface is one solution. Hiring a team of enduit guys to rectify the situation by hand is another.

But one move that is many times overlooked is the ‘Sponge Paint’ technique. With a few Sea Sponges, paint and some odds and ends you are on your way to a whole new room.

Although it doesn’t solve the problem of a lumpy bumpy wall, it is an inexpensive and fun way to ad character and hide imperfections.

And this video has a lot of handy tips and tricks to get you there!