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NEWSLETTER No. 25 - MAY 30th 2006 This newsletter takes a look at swimming pools. In the first of two parts on the subject, we cover necessary considerations before buying and look at building regulations, and the safety and legal implications of having a pool. Top property is very well restored farmhouse standing in 7000m² of grounds with a swimming pool just 2km from the village of Lédignan, a 34 minute drive from Nîmes. 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. Theme of the fortnight: Swimming Pools - PART 1 - Introduction, Regulations and Considerations before investing and Pool Types Introduction The subject of swimming pools is treated in this and the next newsletter (no. 26). The first addresses various aspects to be given due reflection before building, defines different pool types, and sheds a little light on both the builder's and your obligations. The second part will look at fittings and accessories and installation and maintenance costs. The appeal of having one's own swimming pool is without question. Private swimming pools are being built continually across the French territory and their number has doubled over the last ten years. Estimates put France right behind the USA for the overall number at about 1,100,000 pools. The last decade has seen an acceleration in the number of installations in Northern France, and a general progression in the south, exposed to more sunshine. An ever increasing market for pools has generated innovation in pool designs and construction techniques. Pools traditionally built in-situ with moulded concrete are giving ground to pre-fabricated designs that owners can build themselves and hence less onerous.  Stone bordered pool with contemporary varnished concrete look Considerations before investing Before taking the plunge, it is worth giving some thought to various aspects; location, size and shape, aesthetics and usage are all important. Location will define exposure to the all important sunshine needed to heat the water, that is unless a heating device is fitted. Wind can influence the circulation of water across the pool and help or hinder the filtering devices. The presence or trees nearby will potentially mean leaves will fall into the pool. Privacy is often a pre-requisite. The nature of the ground is also a big consideration when building - is excavation possible, and what foundations are necessary? does the ground contain clay or on the contrary, is it solid rock? Size, shape and aesthetics, are largely dependent on the budget that can be devoted to the project. Finally, planning to have a pool built in winter is likely to be a good idea in that is a more plentiful of qualified tradesmen.  Concrete built pool, well designed to capture sunlight and be sheltered from wind - a characterful property, half modern, half old stone, priced at 420,000€ Pool Types Different pool types having different costs, different aesthetics and different lifetimes. Among the fairly rudimentary designs are "inflatable" pools supported by metallic struts and rectangular / octagonal wood-clad pools, which are temporary or semi-temporary devices that stand directly on the ground.  Wood clad pool designed for installation above ground Resin / fibre-glass shells are more permanent devices and require excavation for installation in the ground. A third design consists in the assembly of prefabricated panelling in plastic, aluminium, reinforced concrete or steel. This has the advantage of giving a lot of freedom in creating the desired shape and can be built by the owner with occasional assistance by the vendor. The last main group of pools is the moulded concrete pool which is often tiled or lined, or left with a polished concrete finish. Still quite rare in France, but nevertheless with a certain following, 'natural' pools are another alternative. Rather than use chlorine, these have shallow zones where plants naturally clean the water. The company "Nenuphar SARL" is one of the few companies in the Languedoc to build such pools. Regulations 1. Builder's obligations Builder's obligations include provision of a "garantie de parfait achèvement", a "garantie de bon fonctionnement", and a "garantie décennale". The first of these warranties commits the builder to repairing any problems identified by the owner on completion of building work, and during the first year of usage. The second warranty concerns equipment that can be dismantled from the pool (pump and filtering devices) that is working incorrectly over the first two years following completion of the construction. Finally, the "garantie décennale" is a ten year warranty covering problems relating to the solidity of the pool or accessories that render the pool unusable. 2. Your obligations as owner Your obligations include safety, legal and fiscal aspects. There are four means to conform to safety requirements that came into force at the beginning of this year. These are fencing that extend around the perimetre of the pool, alarms that are partly immersed or detect movement around the perimetre of the pool, rigid covers allowing an adult to walk over and extensive shelters or roofs, that have the advantage of enabling use of the pool in the winter. The construction, depending on whether it is roofed or not may be subject to the granting of a building permit or a simple building declaration. In fiscal terms, a cost is incurred in having a fixed swimming pool in that it is then considered a dependency - a two year exoneration from the additional ownership tax (taxe foncière) can be given on request. Additional insurance is also required.  Fabulous pool with overflow - Sumptuous and extensive property for sale beside St. Hippolyte-du-Fort priced at 965,000€ Top Property Of The Fortnight: Pretty and well restored stone farmhouse set alone in an idyllic setting on 7000m² of land with a swimming pool. The property is situated just 2km from Lédignan, where all general necessities can be found. It has a living room with large stone fireplace, a kitchen, bathroom and four bedrooms. Central heating is fitted as a complement to the fireplace. Outbuildings span 35m² where there is a well and a spring. The house stands among mature trees and lawns in an area totally devoid of neighbouring houses. Nîmes centre can be reached in 34 minutes. The asking price is 530,000€. The details may also be viewed on the following page: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/viewpropNP.php?id=353         1. Very pretty and well restored village house beside Durfort with terrace; 175,000€. http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/viewpropNP.php?id=347 2. Stylish architect designed villa beside Clermont l'Hérault; 350,000€. http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/viewpropNP.php?id=355 Other news: - British Airways is now flying direct from London Gatwick to Montpellier at a competitive rate.  +33 467 297 068 +33 626 581 415 Enquiries can be made through the following page: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/contact.php www.jamespropertiesfrance.com 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 (JPF) 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 Uzes, Nîmes, Montpellier, Anduze, St. Hippolyte du Fort, the Southern Cevennes, Gignac and Clermont l'Herault and the Hauts Cantons. The property selection proposed by JPF is targeted to fit buyers from abroad in terms of types of location, accessibility, environment / landscapes, and types and formats of construction. Besides bringing you a wide array of properties, JPF helps by running specific searches in the Gard and Hérault. JPF acts as an intermediary between you and a number of regional estate agencies, at no extra charge. Selections of properties that meet your criteria can be established prior to your visits, any linguistic issues totally alleviated, questions about French procedures and legislation addressed quickly, and information on prices and property details addressed plainly by all parties. JPF helps you with your purchase from the beginning to the end of the process, often communicating with the assigned notary to make sure that content and conditions of sale are correctly documented, ensuring all is in order for completion, and keeping you informed of progress. Insurance and utilities can also be arranged. Should you wish to sell your property in the south of France, JPF can also help. If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click on the following link: www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/unsubscribe.php |