Ellisium partners are a group of companies working in and around the luxury property market in the South of France. Among our partners we have property companies who specialise in the buying, selling and renting of luxury homes on the Riviera, interior designers, landscape gardeners, architects, audio visual experts, security specialists, financial advisors, tax lawyers and currency exchange specialists. We are independent companies but we also work together to offer a full service to our clients whether they are wishing to buy, sell, improve, rent, finance or secure their french property.
If you are looking to sell your property on the French Riviera, we have some tips for you to help you get the best price for your property. These tips also make sense for owners who are looking to rent their property. The property market in France stabilised throughout 2010 and we foresee an increase in the coming 12 months (as do FNAIM – the national association of immobiliers in France) which is great news, however, when looking to sell, you still need to ensure you do your best to make your property stand out from the crowd.
Here is our top five tips for adding value to your property:
1. First impressions are important -
When potential buyers arrive at your property, first impressions really count so it is important that the property looks as inviting as possible from the outside. Even small inexpensive changes can make a real difference. Make sure the gardens are clean and tidy, repaint the gates and fences, perhaps repaint the external walls if necessary in a nice, neutral colour. Even small details such buying a new doormat can make a real difference. People want to buy a property that feels loved and inviting and properties with curb appeal will sell quicker. Research shows that only 10% of property purchasers can see past a house’s appearance to see the potential so as we have said – first impressions are very important.
2. Update your kitchen and/or bathrooms
Quite simply, kitchens sell properties…. The kitchen is one of the most well-used rooms in the house and generally, a new kitchen will help to increase the value of your home and make it much more attractive to the average buyer. Enlarging your kitchen (either by building an extension or using space from other rooms) could give you extra space to create a real feature in the home, however even small improvements to your kitchen (redecorating, changing cupboard doors and handles etc) can make a difference.
Modern bathrooms are also usually high on a buyers list so adding a new bathroom suite can certainly add value to the price of a house. Again, go for something neutral, such a timeless white suite. Adding an extra bathroom will also help to increase the value of your home, additional bathrooms are always popular in family-sized properties.
3. Landscape the gardens or build a swimming pool
A swimming pool is generally a “must have” for a villa on the French Riviera. We would recommend an in-ground pool with terraces and perhaps even a pool house and barbecue area. Owners spend so much of the year outside because of the wonderful weather in this region, the outside entertaining area is nearly as important as the accomodation. Having a pool will not only add value to your property but it will make the property easier to sell or let.
Manicured gardens are also a big draw to a buyer. As we have said, the outside space is important so it can really pay to have an expert to plan your garden properly, create beautiful lawned and planted areas, terraces to sit out on, water features, childrens play areas, tennis courts, terraces and so on, the list goes on. Working with a landscape gardener does not have to cost a small fortune but can really help you to increase the value of your property.
4. Create a home cinema or gym
Like swimming pools, cinemas and gyms are increasingly desirable, particularly for villas on the French riviera. More and more buyers are interested in having the latest technology in their homes. People want state of the art sound systems, high end security systems, touch screen panels around the home and so on. Extras such as a home cinema can be crucial when it comes to choosing one house over another. Many properties in France have large cellar rooms which can sometimes be ideal for creating a home cinema or gym. Alternatively, you could create something in your living room. The options are endless and if you want to explore them, let us know and our home automation specialist can visit to discuss your thoughts, without any obligation.
5. Give your home a makeover
As we have stated in our first point, first impressions really count and this just not only mean the “curb appeal” of the property. Buyers need to like what they see when they step inside the door. We have already talked about the kitchens and bathrooms and the home cinemas or gyms…. how about the rest of the house? Look at each room individually, a fresh lick of paint can make a huge difference to brighten up a room and make it feel loved and lived in! New curtains and nice furniture can really freshen up a place. You can do a lot yourself but how about working with an experienced interior designer on the French Riviera? Their advice can really help you to attain the best possible price for your home. It is their job to know the latest trends and to make a property stand out from the crowd.
If you are considering selling your Cote d`Azur property, drop us a line. One of our partners would be delighted to visit you without obligation or charge to discuss the sale of your property and to give advice on how to get the best possible price.
Email info@luxurypropertypartners.com and your enquiry will be passed onto the relevant partner who is best placed to help you with your questions.
