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CHÂTEAU DE LA DURANTIÉ, THE TARN, MIDI-PYRÉNÉES
areas such as Cannes, Saint Tropez, Cap d’Antibes, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Monaco, Mougins and, over the last few years, the quaint city of Théoule Sur Mer. Buyers from Russian speaking countries, the Middle East and Northern Europe still dominate the luxury real estate market on the French Riviera and Monaco.”
Passion for Paris
According to Nicholas Leach, partner at Athena Advisors, canny investors are focusing on specific areas within Paris. “New build classic and leaseback properties continue to be in high demand, but investors are now more concerned with targeting specific areas within the city where there is a severe lack of certain types of property,” he advises. “The market in Paris is currently split in two. The super high end is currently a buyer’s market as Hollande’s wealth tax increase for high earners resulted in an unusually high number of high end properties coming on the market all at once. This obviously led to a cooling of prices at
this end. The rest of the market has continued as normal. Despite the number of transactions during dropping sharply properties in key or prime locations are still in high demand, especially new build because of their scarcity.” A recent report by the FNAIM (Federation Nationale l’immobilier – the organisation representing estate agents in France) property transactions fell by in but prices in key tourism areas like Paris and The Alps increased. FNAIM figures show that in the Ile-de-France region, prices increased by . despite the cooling at the top end of the market. Some alpine locations saw marked increases with Meribel and Morzine increasing by . and . respectively. “The Ile-de-France region covers entire Paris, both central inside the peripherique ring road and also the suburban areas where prices are more susceptible, so the fact the prices in the city increased overall even despite a cooling at the top end demonstrates the resilience of this property market. This is why investors continue to see Paris as a secure investment location.”
The new development team at Château De La Durantié has unveiled fresh plans for an historical Belle Époque style chateau and 15 hectare estate. Homes come with automatic year-round Country Club membership enabling owners to experience 21st century living combined with the use of the sympathetically restored château building, facilities and entertainment. Other onsite facilities will include 20 metre indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa, tennis courts, croquet lawn, pitch & putt, natural swimming lake, outdoor dining terraces and a barbecue. Phase one will consist of 57 vernacular designed single and two storey three to fivebedroom, detached homes together with twobedroom apartments and terraced cottages. Most will include a private swimming pool. Construction of Phase 1 is due to commence this summer with completion expected for summer 2014. Approx £636,250 / €750,000 / $964,550 for a five-bed house Environ Communities: +44 (0)1732 848316 enquiries@durantie.com
International Property & Travel
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