Spring has sprung !

The average hightemperature during

February, March &April

in Montpellier was

15°C

with a recordedhigh of 30ºC

and nearly 70%days of sunshine

Bienvenue !

Welcome to the Spring issue of our Newsletter.Daffodils, irises and blossoms are bursting outall over Languedoc-Rousillon and the sap isdefinitely rising.

We have articles this month on safety for yourswimming pool and ideas for letting out yourproperty during the season. And as usual wepresent our featured properties.

www.ab-real-estate.com

Interview by Accents SouthwestI was recently interviewed by the editor of Accents Southwest and by kind

permission they have allowed me to print it here in our Newsletter.

There are professions that are much maligned, and being an estate agent is right down there withlawyers, tax inspectors and cowboy builders. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to find an estate agent whoput your needs before theirs; who considered their main objective was to make sure you aretreated with honesty and respect and that you would be so impressed, you would recommend them– whether you bought or sold your property through them or not ? Accents Southwest went to meetone such estate agent – Annelise Bosshard of AB Real Estate.

asw Do you consider yourself to be different from other agencies ?

AB We pride ourselves on our honest andprofessional approach. I have been in this business forover 12 years and having my own agency allows me towork ethically. I believe in being open and honest withclients and I would rather point out the downsides to aproperty than gloss over them. We have inspected allproperties extensively before presenting to our clients.We refuse many properties not meeting our standards ordue to poor location. Buying a house is a hugeinvestment and, for me, it isn’t a one-off transaction - it’sthe start of an ongoing relationship.

We spend a lot of time with clients to find out exactlywhat they are looking for so that we don’t waste theirtime showing them inappropriate properties. I have hadclients in the past asking me to visit properties for thembefore they fly over as they trust my judgement. Othershave insisted on only working with me even though theproperties we were visiting were with other estateagents. I think that speaks for itself. Annelise Bosshard

asw What area do you cover ?

AB We cover four departments (counties) of the Languedoc-Roussillon region; the Gard,Hérault, Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales; or in other words, from the Rhone valley to the Spanishborder. To give you a clearer idea in terms of towns, we work from Nîmes in the Gard, toMontpellier, Pézenas and Béziers in Hérault, Carcassonne and Narbonne in Aude as well asPerpignan and Ceret in the Pyrénées-Orientales.

The latest news from the Languedoc – May ‘10

asw Once the sale is made, is that where your role finishes ?

AB Absolutely not. We create a smoother transition by helping our clients with the myriad oflogistical issues that arise whenever purchasing a property abroad. For example we support ourclients by helping them to set up bank accounts, insurance and to get services connected ortransferred into their name. To do this in a foreign country can be very daunting. Our experiencedteam covers most European languages fluently.

asw Why should people buy in the region ?

AB It’s simply such a wonderful place – there is somethingfor everyone here, whatever your age. It is one of France’smost popular tourist destinations and the sunniest region inFrance with over 300 days of sunshine per year. The pace oflife is slower and some of the ‘old values’ continue giving amore authentic 'south of France' feel. There is so much to seeand do from art, to history, to the great outdoors. For the fifthyear running, France was voted as the best place to live in theworld – Australia came second this year. You can’t put a priceon quality of life.

Property prices in our segment of the real estate market have fallen on average by only 10 to 15%in Languedoc Roussillon, France. Compared to other countries where prices have fallen by asmuch as 40% it shows the strengths of our area.

In the current financial climate, heavy turbulences can take place in a matter of minutes; furthertoday it is almost impossible to find a safe investment proposition. We sincerely feel enjoying asafe investment in Languedoc Roussillon offers stability combined with pleasure. However,throughout history, bricks and mortar have always been a solid and safe investment.

Therefore owning a property in Languedoc Roussillon offers a more interesting investment as thisarea will always attract new buyers because of its many benefits. It has a great climate, beautifulsurroundings, value for money, quality of life, security, the largest wine growing area in the world,fresh sea food, beaches close by, no traffic jams, excellent medical services, relative low cost ofliving compared to other countries, and so much more.

asw And finally, how do you see the property market going in the foreseeable future ?

AB The indications are that France is out ofthe recession, not that it was really affected tothe extent of other countries due to its verystringent rules about lending money. Theinflation rate in France is 0.8% which is lowcompared to other countries. We have beenunusually busy of late, which is great, andthese are clients wanting to clinch a deal nowwhile it is still a buyer’s market. The region isvery desirable – beautiful untouchedcountryside, miles of long, sandy beaches, theMediterranean Sea, less crowded than itsneighbours - it continues to provide the rightmix of investment potential and lifestyle choiceand is a safer investment than other foreignproperty markets or the stock market. TheCôtes d’Azure and Provence are expensivebut the Languedoc-Roussillon remainscompetitively priced – for now.

Law - safety and security for your swimming poolAs the lovely, long summer months approach and the thought of plunging into a twinkling azurepool enters your mind, it is important that you are aware of the law surrounding safety and security.

France is not proud of the fact that they havethe highest rate in the world for childrendrowning in a swimming pool. The countrytherefore implemented a law setting out strictregulations that all swimming pools had tocomply with by January 2006. Should a childdrown in a pool that does not meet theregulations, the owners could face criminalcharges of death by negligence plus a 45,000€fine. Even if someone breaks into your gardenand uses your pool without your permission,perhaps while you are away, and you don’tmeet the regulations, you are responsible !

AFNOR, the French standards body, have defined what is needed and the law is enforced byinspectors appointed by the Maries, Gendarmerie and the DDE (Direction départementale del’equipement). The law applies to in-ground outdoor pools, not to indoor or above-ground or on-ground pools.

You have the choice of one out of the following four options :

Security BarriersPermanent barriers or fencing at least 1.1 metres high that a child under five cannot climb over orunder to gain access to a pool. For pools on rental properties, a self-closing, locking gate must befitted.

Pool AlarmsImmersion detector or perimeter alarm that sound in the home to alert you to a child falling into thepool – but these are only effective if there is someone there to react to it.

Pool CoversAFNOR approved summer and winter retractable covers must support an adult's weight.

Pool AbrisAbris are fixed or telescopic structures which effectively cover a swimming poollike a greenhouse.

If you have a pool, you should ensure that anysafety or security product you purchaseconforms to current regulations and has anAFNOR stamp of approval.

The regulations have been specifically put inplace to protect children under five years oldbut cannot replace the vigilance of aresponsible adult at all times.

To sweep, or not to sweep ?It’s a bit of a grey area whether it is obligatory or not to have your chimney swept every year inorder to validate your house insurance – if in doubt, check the conditions on your policy or talk toyour insurer.

However, if you light the fire regularly during the winter, it’s probably a sensible thing to do anywayto avoid a chimney fire. Leaving it to the autumn, according to most chimney sweeps, causes asudden demand and they would urge you to consider doing it now – it helps spread their workloadand the certificate they give you (Certificate de Ramonage) is valid for twelve months. You may beasked to produce this by your insurers.

Make sure your chimney sweep is siret-registered and expect to be charged around 50 euros.

Restaurant review

Chateau Du Puits Es Pratx

40 Avenue Du Minervois11120 Ginestas

Telephone: 04 68 33 90 76Email: tim@goholidayfrance.com

In 2003, Tim and Sasha Hazael opened Chateau du Puits EsPratx to provide holidays, creative courses (cooking, painting,photography,) and wine tours. In 2008, after several Weddingrequests, they converted the old ‘Cave’ into a beautiful facility forreceptions and as a restaurant for the public called 'L'Es Pratx'.

Sasha’s cooking is essentially French fusionbut always uses fresh local produce; sheenjoys providing more variety of menu than isnormal and includes traditional Englishpuddings. 'L'Es Pratx' is also brilliantacoustically, providing the perfect ambience forlive music. Tim's ambition is to introducequality and exciting music into the area withthe combination of having relaxed dining ifdesired. Concerts are now held every 2 or 3weeks and only cost 10€ entry.

For those who wish to dine before the concertmenus start at 15€. Since May 2009 guestshave enjoyed performances from Jack 'L',Hazel O'Connor, 'Zia', Olivier Bornes, JeffHugg, Michel Aubenas, the Jan Loseth Bandand UK sax player Phil Wilton.

When guests book Chateau Du Puits Es Pratxfor their Wedding it is typically over 4 nights.Starting with activities, wine tours and welcomebuffet on the first day, the Wedding followsnext day with a full blessing in the vineyard orgardens and the reception & disco in theevening. On the 3rd day there is a farewellBBQ before guests depart the next morning.

The Chateau also has a wonderful enclosedcourtyard, heated pool and 6 acres of tranquilgardens and vineyard for guests to enjoy.

As one happy guest recently said ”...That was the best time we have had in years. The food wasgreat, the wine superb and the music just incredible. More more more more!!”

For more details and reservations call 04 68 33 90 76 and if you would like to be on Tim's email listfor future concerts please write to him at tim@goholidayfrance.com

A selection of Featured PropertiesElegant, cosy house in ahamlet, a former barn,beautifully renovated into acharacter house of 166m²living space, with walledcourtyard and swimming pool,Carcassonne area

398 000€ AFI Ref 1074

Beautiful 16th Century stone

property, 620m² living space,150m² convertible space, largegarden with lovely views,outbuildings, ideal for Gîtes orB&B, quiet, Perpignan area

1 113 000€ AFI Ref 1067

Authentic Maison de Maître of270m² living space, unusuallarge reception rooms, 4bedrooms, apartment 170m²to finish, 711m² of garden,garage, walking distance toshops and restaurant, quiet,near Narbonne

550 000€ AFI Ref 1036

Spacious villa 170m² withdetached 42m² guesthouseand covered pool with largemature garden of 2500m² andopen views, Limoux area

424 000€ AFI Ref 1080

Renovated 18th Century stonefarmhouse with two gîtes, 7bedrooms, outbuildings, pool,surrounded by 12 hectares ofwoodland and meadows,glorious views to thePyrenées, Carcassonne area

795 000€ AFI Ref 1077

Luminous villa with fourbedrooms, 158m², with lovelypool on 788m² of nicelylandscaped grounds, in quietlocation with privacy, on a golfcourse residence, nearMontpellier

580 000€ AFI Ref 1087

Surprising renovated 11th &

13th Centutry stone Mas with

485m² living space, 9 well-sized en suite bedrooms,swimming pool, severalterraces, garden with pondand trees, B&B potential,Perpignan area

986 000€ AFI Ref 1084

Stone Character House inquiet environment, 184m², 3bedrooms, 45m² convertibleoutbuilding, swimming pool, on1063m² grounds, Pézenasarea

599 000€ AFI Ref 1090

Holiday RentalAs the economic crisis continues and it is clear it is not as easy as one would hope to sell yourproperty (and not just in France), some owners have decided to rent out their homes for the holidayseason.

Letting your property for short term lets when it is not in use provides extra income – this wouldperhaps pay for its running costs and maybe even finance your holidays there. Short term lets alsohave different regulations and tax implications than renting out your property on a long term basis.

What you can ask per week depends on size, location and amenities. The most popular propertieswill be close to good transport links, airports (within an hour’s drive), near shops, touristdestinations, beaches, golf courses, rivers, countryside and places of historic interest. Tenantstend to want that magical mix of peaceful surroundings yet close to restaurants and night life.

A good way to make sure you are complyingwith the rules and regulations, getting yourproperty marketed and professional photostaken, is to use an intermediary. They willmake sure you get the maximum rentalpossible and will usually find guests as well,draw up proper rental agreements and makesure suitable deposits and accident cover isorganised.

They can also help you find cleaners, pool andgarden maintenance together with people tohandle the ‘meet and greet’ and organise thechange-overs for you.

As with selling your house, to prepare a property for rental you should consider removing clutterand personal items, decorate in neutral colours keeping it clean and bright, make sure you complywith all regulations and keep the property in tip top condition by employing cleaners and gardenersto maintain the property for you, particularly if you are not there. An information folder is often anice touch, telling guests where they can find restaurants, places of interest, bike hire, sports,childcare etc.

If using a letting agent, talk to them in advanceto find out what advice they can give you toprepare the property for tenants and letting andget their advice on possible rental income – itwill vary from month to month over the season.Good photos are essential, and again, youragent should deal with this professionally foryou.

Finally, another advantage of using an agentwill be that they can recommend your propertyto tenants who were enquiring after a similarproperty that is already booked on the datesthey require and maximise your lettingpotential.

Just remember to make sure your agent isproperly registered and that they have a goodnetwork of tradesmen and staff to provide allthe services you (and your tenants) require.

À Bientôt

Let me know if you have any suggestions for future Newsletters.

Please do not forget that we are looking for people to join our professional teamin our agency or for property management.

Call us on

+33 (0) 4 67 36 36 80in France

or

0871 990 2000from UK

or by email on

ab@ab-real-estate.com

Skype

ab.real.estate

With best wishes

Annelise BosshardManaging DirectorAB Real Estate

www.ab-real-estate.com