F.A.Q. – Frequently Asked Questions
LUXURY HOMES PURCHASE
In which countries did you select the Luxury Homes for sale?
The best locations where to live and invest in Luxury Homes
We have selected for you the best Luxury Homes, such as Villas, Penthouses, Apartments, Residences, Holiday Houses, Historic Villas, and Chalets in ITALY (Lake Garda, Lake Como, Tuscany, Sardinia), in SOUTH OF FRANCE (French Riviera) in SPANISH BALEARIC ISLANDS (Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca) and on ALPS (Austrian Alps, Italian Alps, Swiss Alps and French Alps). Contact us for further info.
Why do you offer Luxury Homes mostly in Italy, France and Spain?
The lands of beauty, elegance and sun
Italy is the land of beauty, which has always been in the “DNA” of Italian people. No surprise that Italy ranks first among the nations with the most UNESCO World Heritage sites. Over 2000 years ago, when the rest of the world lived in wooden huts, in Rome there were palaces of white marble with 24-carat gold inserts and floors heated with hot thermal water. And the works created by legendary Italian artists like, for example, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Donatello, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raffaello, Tintoretto, today represent 80% of the world’s artistic heritage.
The French Riviera, in the South of France, with Monte Carlo and its glamour, Cannes and its Croisette, St. Tropez and its wonderful port… The French Riviera is a real jewel facing on the Mediterranean Sea. The French Riviera enjoys the typical Mediterranean landscape, rich in gentle hills covered by luxuriant vegetation that alternates with dream beaches and turquoise water (hence the nickname Côte d’Azur, which means the Blue Coast). It is no surprise that very wealthy people, when they retire, go to enjoy the rest of their life on the French Riviera.
The Balearic Islands, kissed by the sun, are also known as “Paradise Islands”. On these four stunning islands kissed by the sun, there are some of the most beautiful natural parks and nature reserves in the world. Mallorca is one of the best places to live in the world. Menorca is a biosphere reserve and natural paradise. Ibiza, rich in beautiful beaches, is also known as the party island, with renewed discos. And the wonderful Formentera offers dozens of Caribbean beaches, with fine white sand and incredible water, with colours shading from intense blue, to turquoise, to emerald green.
Is it safe to make buy a Luxury Home in Italy, French Riviera or the Balearic Islands?
Safe economic prospect
Italy (*) is the second manufacturing power in Europe (after Germany and ahead of France and the UK), the seventh manufacturing power in the world, the third-largest net contributor of the European Union (ie. it gives more money than what receives back). Italy is the third world’s largest gold reserves owner after the USA (1st) and Germany (2nd), and the sixth richest world’s nation. Over 80% of Italian families own the house where they live, and the private wealth of Italian families amounts to 4,290 Billion euros (France and the UK are well far apart).
France’s economy (*) is the 5th largest in the world and represents around 1/5 of the Euro area GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Currently, services are the main contributor to the country’s economy, with over 70% of GDP stemming from this sector. In manufacturing, France is one of the global leaders in the automotive, aerospace and railway sectors as well as in cosmetics and luxury goods. Furthermore, France has a highly educated labour force and the highest number of science graduates per thousand workers in Europe.
Spain (*) has been in the midst of a balanced economic recovery in recent years, with average GDP growth of 2.8% between 2014 and 2018. For 2019, the IMF estimates a growth of 2% amid net exports and slower private consumption. Despite a rise in real wages, however, private consumption has been growing at its slowest pace since 2014, as households are increasing their level of precautionary savings. Concerning public finances, the country’s budget deficit – at 2.3% in 2019 – should remain stable in the upcoming years (IMF).
(*) = Update on COVID-19 impact on European economies
For the latest forecasts on the economic impacts caused by the coronavirus pandemic, please consult the OECD Economic Outlook Interim Report Coronavirus: the world economy at risk (March 2020) and the IMF’s policy tracking platform Policy Responses to COVID-19 for the key economic responses from governments.
What further parameters should I consider before investing in Luxury Homes?
International investors targeting the local real estate market
Italian real estate, in the last five years, has been steadily growing with double digits. Just in the first quarter of 2019 real estate sales in Italy grew by 8.8% in the residential segment, and 5.9% in the commercial real estate segment (source: Italian Tax Office). It is interesting to note that over 70% of buyers were foreign investors. Italian real estate market is today also targeted by international large private equity funds. Because they consider Italy as a safe market.
French real estate, in 2019 did very well. The volume of transactions continued to grow. The transactions volume is still increasing every month, and quickly: +6.2% in June 2019 and +10.6% at the end of October 2019. The volume of transactions year-to-date didn’t increase with a double-figure rate since February 2018. Foreign investors are increasingly targeting France’s housing sector, where government policies are seeking to address a shortage of space.
Spanish real estate, in 2019, saw the houses prices rising by 4.68% during the year to Q3 2019 (4.36% inflation-adjusted). The surge in home sales in recent years was mainly driven by foreigners buying homes on the coast and in cities like Barcelona and on the Costa del Sol, one of the country’s most popular areas with overseas purchasers. Most foreign homebuyers in Spain are Britons, French, Germans, Belgians, Italians and Swedish.
Tourism
Investing in Luxury Home located in an area with a strong tourism market guarantees a constant re-evaluation of your property (“capital gain”). Additionally, it offers you the opportunity to rent it to generate an annual income and will facilitate its resale when you’ll decide to monetize your investment.
Real estate revaluation
Luxury Homes prices in Italy, France and Spain, after the crisis of 2008 dropped down. In some cases, prices have fallen between 30% and 50%. Then, in the last years, they steadily grow. But, still today, in the resales market of Luxury Homes there are good opportunities.
There are some Luxury Homes today for sale at a price which is still between 15% and 20% below the market value before 2008. Over the past five years prices in Italy, France and Spain have risen regularly. And they keep going.
Invest now, before prices will rise!
Are there any restrictions on real estate foreign ownership in Italy, South of France and Spanish Balearic Islands?
In Italy, France and Spain there are no restrictions on foreign real estate ownership. On the contrary, foreign real estate investors are very welcome!
Are in Italy, France and Spain Luxury Homes for sale freehold or leasehold?
In Italy, France and Spain the majority of Luxury Homes are freehold. Villas, Penthouses, Apartments, Residences, Holiday Homes, Historic Villas, Chalets are indeed held in freehold. In some cases, state-owned properties may be granted for private use with a leasehold, usually for up to 99 years.
How can I tell if a Luxury Home for sale is worth it?
The selling price of Luxury homes is significantly higher than for standard properties, regardless of where in the country you are searching for. As there isn’t any exact way to determine if a particular house is priced just right, is a bargain, or will appreciate in a certain time, you have two options. You can do a lot of research on the market to get some comparables, or you can ask an expert realtor to help you.
If you are going to be putting an important amount of money into your new Luxury Home, you want to be positive that the home is worth every cent you will invest. The first thing to check is related to the three “L” which always determine the value of any Luxury Home in the world. Location, Location, Location!!!
Then, you need to verify age, conservative status, systems, finishing, and features of the property.
Once you have a clear scenario on the Luxury Home you want to purchase, you need to compare it with similar properties in the area.
At what price are they selling for? Have those prices gone up or down recently? Does the Luxury Home that you are interested in show similarities or differences with these other properties? Which are the strong and weak points of the Luxury Home you want to buy, compared to similar properties in the area?
Are you thinking this is a lot of work? You are right. So be prepared to invest a lot of time and effort.
Or, more simply, rely on a professional realtor with years of experience, who will do the homework for you. Contact us for further info.
Do I need to work with a realtor experienced in Luxury Homes?
If you don’t like losing time and getting bad surprises, it is best to work with a professional realtor, regardless of what type of Luxury Home you are searching for. And it is even more important when you are looking for your ideal Luxury Property. A realtor who has experience with Luxury Homes and this area will be able to narrow down your many choices according to your needs and your budget. And he can get the right professionals needed to make a deep Luxury Home inspection to verify if the conservative status of the property is good, or if any works are needed.
The right realtor will be honest about a Luxury Home’s true value and whether or not the price is right, which can help you answer the question above as well. Furthermore, a luxury realtor will know how to seek the very best features of a luxury home, which sometimes can be overwhelming work to a homebuyer.
If I chose to work with you, do I still need a Luxury Home inspection?
Yes, even if a Luxury Home was recently built and/or appears to be in great shape, it is always a good idea to invest in a home inspection before your purchase and before moving in. This will ensure that, before you buy the property, you can find any problems and have them addressed appropriately right away with the seller. Remember that, just because a house is luxurious and new, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have its share of problems from weather and general wear and tear.
Now that you know a bit more about the luxury real estate market, and some of your questions have been answered, you can head out there and confidently search for your Luxury Home for sale in a dream location.
LUXURY HOMES RENTALS
Which countries do you offer?
Dream locations for unforgettable holidays
Dreaming of a white sandy beach with turquoise water? Or a romantic and charming Historic Villa on Lake Como or Lake Garda? Why not spending unforgettable moments skiing on the Alps and then relaxing in the SPA of a luxurious Chalet? We are here to help you to make your dreams come true! We have selected for you the best Luxury Homes for rent, such as Villas, Penthouses, Holiday Homes, Historic Villas, and Chalets in ITALY (Lake Garda, Lake Como, Tuscany, Sardinia), in SOUTH OF FRANCE (French Riviera) in SPANISH BALEARIC ISLANDS (Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca) and on magic mountains of ALPS (Austrian Alps, Italian Alps, Swiss Alps and French Alps).
What features offer your Luxury Homes for rent?
5 Stars Service in award-winning Luxury Homes
Villa / Chalet Manager;
Concierge service for booking restaurants, theatres, concerts and other events;
Butler/s;
Daily housekeeping;
Personal Chef/s serving breakfast, lunch and dinner;
Waiter/s serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner;
Fine selection of wines and Champagnes;
Open bar with soft drinks and spirits;
h24 Dedicated Chauffeur;
Private transfers from / to airport;
Helicopter transfers;
Linen / towel changes;
Luxury bathroom products, robes and slippers;
Hairdryer;
Indoor and outdoor heated swimming pool;
SPA & Wellness area, including:
Sauna, Hammam (steam room), emotional showers;
Indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi;
Fully equipped gym;
Massage rooms;
In-house massage, SPA treatments and hairdressing;
SPA & Wellness manager;
SPA & Wellness staff;
Ski-in / Ski-out from the Chalet;
In-chalet ski and boot heated room;
Lift pass delivery service;
Private ski guides, heli-skiing and ski lessons;
Non-skiing activities;
Pre-arrival shopping service;
Party planning.
Contact us for further info.
Are your Luxury Homes for rent Fully-Catered or Self-Catered?
You choose what you need
Fully-Catered Service
Some Luxury Homes, Villas or Chalets, are available either fully-catered or self-catered.
If you want to relax and be pampered, you can choose the fully-catered service.
A professional staff made of Personal Chefs, Waiters, Sommeliers, Butlers and Housekeepers will guarantee you a discreet and refined 5 Star Luxury Service.
You can enjoy the exclusivity and security of an entire luxury home only at your disposal, without renouncing the comfort and pleasure of being served and pampered by highly qualified staff, as in a 5-star hotel.
Self-Catered Service
If, on the other hand, you prefer to cook yourself, or if you want to bring your service staff (your Chef, your Waiter and your Butler), there are some Luxury Homes available with the Self-Catered formula.
Do you personally inspect all Luxury Homes you offer for rent?
As if we were you
As you may have noticed, we don’t offer hundreds of Luxury Homes for rent. From the beginning, we have chosen to personally view and inspect all properties we offer for rent. When we inspect a new luxury house to be rented, we analyze it with the same attention and care that you would put.
Do you personally manage all Luxury Homes you offer for rent?
Market globally, manage locally
The Luxury Homes that we offer for rent are located in many different countries. Property Management is an essential and very delicate activity, which must be carried out locally. The Villas, Apartments, Historic Villas and Chalets that we offer for rent can only be managed by full-time professional teams who live in the area where the house is located. For this reason, we do not manage the properties we rent. We take care of international marketing.
What are the rental conditions?
For the Booking
Booking will be considered confirmed once:
• the tenant has signed the holiday rental agreement;
• the tenant has paid a non-refundable deposit equal to 50% of the total rental amount.
The balance of the remaining 50% has to be paid within 60 days before check-in. If the reservation is made in less than 60 days before check-in, 100% of the total amount has to be paid to confirm the booking.
During the Stay
Upon arrival, the tenant will deposit an amount to cover eventual damages to the Luxury Home. After check-out, once inspected the property and verified there are no damages, that deposit will be refunded.
If during the stay the tenant will ask for additional extra services, they will be charged separately from the agreed price already paid. Contact us for further info.
Do you have international partners?
We operate on different markets using different trade names. In Germany, we operate with Traumvillen, and in Italy with Villedasogno (which both mean “Dream Villas”, in German and Italian):
