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NEWSLETTER No. 7 - SEPTEMBER 6th 2005 This latest newsletter gives valuable information on tax rebates for home restoration projects and what kinds of equipment give the best benefit. In addition it highlights a well built villa with landscaped garden and swimming pool. Should you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please use the link provided at the bottom of the page. Otherwise, kindly read on. Themes Of The Fortnight: The French agency ADEME (Agence de l'Environnement et de la Maitrise de l'Energie) works in conjuction with the ministries for Ecology, Energy and Research in promoting a more efficient use of energy in the aim of protecting the environment and achieving sustainable development.  It serves to inform both the private and public sector on ways to innovate and reduce energy consumption and pollution levels. Regional offices give information to home owners seeking advice on how to go about installing home and water heating systems using renewable energy and how to benefit from substantial tax rebates given by the French government. Tax rebates are granted on the purchase of certain equipment designed to save energy or make use of renewable energy. This applies to equipment bought and installed in a main residence by a professional between the 1st January 2005 and 31st December 2009. The tax rebate is calculated as a proportion of the purchase cost of the suppies (inclusive of VAT) and not fitting costs. If the home owner has benefited from other public aid for the purchase of equipment or supplies (for example from the local authorities or the ANAH - Agence Nationale pour l'Amélioration de l'Habitat), the rebate will take these into account. The amount of costs taken in to account cannot exceed the sum of 8000€ for a single person, 16,000€ for a couple, to which is added a sum of 400€ for a first additional family member, 500€ for the second and 600€ for the third. Households not subjected to income tax in France must nonetheless fill out a tax declaration, and will receive a cheque from the French tax authorities. Equipment eligible for tax rebates - Two types: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Energy Efficiency - Applies to main homes that are more than 2 years in existence: - Low temperature boilers are 15% refundable - Condensation boilers, thermal insulation materials, insulating shutters and heat regulation equipment (thermostats etc.) are 25% refundable Renewable energy - 40% refundable: - Solar home or water heating equipment - Electricity production from solar, wind, hydraulic (e.g. waterfall) or biomass energy sources. Solar energy sources include solar panels that generate electrical current, but also relatively simple panels that pipe water through. - Wood fired heating or hot water. Wood is considered neutral with regard to greenhouse gases given that more trees are planted annually in France than those cut down. Automated boiler systems are the Rolls Royce of home heating systems. These make use of wood in a granular form that can be fed progressively and automatically into the boiler, thus making the system very 'hands off'. - Geothermal "heat pumps". These capture calories stored in the earth, in underground water reserves or the air and present the advantage of being fully autonomous once installed. Efficiency levels vary however throughout the year. In addition, VAT is applied at the reduced rate of 5.5% for work on houses that are more than 2 years in existence. For a small fee, detailed brochures in French can be supplied on request. Please use the contact page on the web site to make your enquiry.  Top Property Of The Fortnight: An airy and well built villa in a very pretty village beside Lussan and 20km from Uzès. This house has an interior surface area of 110m² and stands in grounds measuring 1200m² that overlook the village. On the ground floor are a living room with exposed timberwork, a main bedroom, a kitchen, bathroom and lavatory besides two adjoining rooms that require finishing, one with appropriate plumbing for a bathroom. These are independent from the main house in that they are accessed from a side terrace. The upper floor of the house is directly beneath the sloped roof of the house. There are two further bedrooms, each with lavatory and wash basin. A swimming pool (10x5m) has been installed in the garden, beyond a large roofed terrace. Other features include dry stone walling at the garden borders and pleasant stone facades on the house, besides an electric gate. The village has a grocery store and a restaurant / bar. The information can also be viewed on the web at the following page: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/viewprop2.php?id=275 What makes this a top property: - Proximity to Uzès (12 miles) - Unusual interior with exposed timberwork and abundant space - Landscaped garden - dry stone walling, swimming pool, large terrace, shed The asking price is 228,800 Euros.     Other news: - French Property News published in their August edition an article by James Properties on the numerous remnants of Roman civilisation that dot the region. - The Sunday Times this weekend published an article entitled "Where should I buy in France?". In comparison with other regions the article stated that the Languedoc Roussillon "is one of the healthiest places in Europe in which to live, because of the area's lack of heavy industry and the diet, which includes lots of fish, fresh fruit, olive oil and wine". They add that "The Languedoc is easy to reach using the TGV high speed train...". Next newsletter will: - take you on a tour west of Montpellier - showcase a new property on the market  +33 626 581 415 Enquiries can be made through the following page: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/contact.php About James Properties France: Based in Montpellier in the south of France, bringing to you a carefully picked selection of properties within a 70 mile radius - with the occasional more distant exception - that are chosen for their combinations of attributes, most notably: - Setting of outstanding natural beauty - Distinct character or unusual features - Quality of renovation or authenticity - Value for money James Properties France serves primarily an English speaking, though often highly Francophile clientele looking to move or own a second home in the south of France around such places as Uzès, Nimes, Montpellier, Anduze, St. Hippolyte du Fort, the Southern Cevennes, Gignac and Clermont l'Herault and the Hauts Cantons. Besides being a rich source of housing options, James Properties France represents a useful accompaniment during the process of viewing and purchasing a house. If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click on the following link: www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/unsubscribe.php |