25th April 2007 09:12
Property experts have reported an explosion of interest in the French buy-to-let market as British investors discover the benefits of leaseback holiday properties with nearly 20% tax savings. Leaseback developments, known as résidences de tourisme, are an incentive by the French government to encourage property buyers and developers.

Unlike timeshares, the buyer owns the apartment or house and leases it back to a rental company, which is responsible for letting the property out and, usually, for maintenance costs as well. Leases last nine years over which period the rental company guarantees to pay an agreed rental income. Capital appreciation in popular areas (such as Paris and the South) can be around 10% per annum.

Owners are liable for tax foncière (after the first two years of new build properties) and potentially income tax on their rental income, depending on their fiscal position in France. There are different types of leaseback allowing owners to use the property for varying lengths of time and expert advice is necessary to choose the right type.

Edison ford offer a range of leaseback properties from chateaus to beach front apartments on the South to luxury flats outside Paris. A recent development on the outskirts of Paris overlooking a golf course promises a 5% net return with property prices from as little as 88,000EUR before the 19.6% rebate after completion.

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