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Dear Readers, Newsletter number 50 takes a look at Géolys, a small and very reputable company in Montpellier that designs and installs renewable energy systems in homes across the Hérault. In addition we talk about the DPE, the new energy efficiency diagnostic applicable to all property transactions and tax rebates applicable to energy saving work. Top properties are a chateau near Le Vigan, a striking villa in the southern Cévennes, a beautiful farmhouse beside Anduze, and a leaseback operation beside an 18 hole golf course in Aquitaine. 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: GEOLYS - Renewable energy systems for the home Géolys was founded by Thierry Santos in 2002 following a decade working in ground source heating installations. His sales associate, Corentin Fraval also has extensive experience in this type of installation and has worked in the UK, hence his command of English. Géolys have largely specialised in the installation of ground source and air exchanger devices of essentially four types for heating and hot water: closed-circuit horizontally or vertically laid piping in the ground to capture ground heat, open-circuit vertical systems that tap into underground water reserves, and air exchange systems (a sort of air-conditioning in reverse).   (pictures by Ademe)
The beauty of the type of system installed by Geolys is that energy can be captured in the ground or in the air at any time of the year and in any weather conditions. Typical efficiency ratios are between 1:3.5 and 1:4.5, meaning for one kilowatt of energy put in, between 3.5 and 4.5 kilowatts are extracted. The company ethos is to design and install efficient systems that will work for a long time. They first conduct an analysis of requirements and make initial estimates that they refine once a full study has been made. They then go forth with the installation phase and delivery, providing a technical description of the installation - a document that can become useful for upgrades or modifications down the line. One of the great revelations of my discussion with Thierry and Corentin is that solar devices (using refrigerants channeled through pipes rather than electric current generating - photovoltaic - devices) are not the most efficient in a Mediterranean climate and instead are better adapted to cooler climates. The main reason for this is that produce the most energy in the summer when energy requirements are their most minimal.  Secondly, home heating requires approximately ten times the energy required for hot water. Hence while for the latter it is possible to dimension the system with relatively small panels and a single hot water storage tank, a system dimensioned to heat the house must store a vast amount of heat; imagine ten storage tanks, which require the space in a cellar or small garage. The use of solar energy for hot water nevertheless remains a very valid option. Two 2.1m² panels will be sufficient to heat enough water for a family of between two and six, a solution proposed by the company. Géolys have one hundred and twenty installations behind them in homes and organisations of surface areas between 60 and 450m². They intervene within a 60km range of Montpellier. Requests for information can be routed through James Properties France. DPE Since November 1st 2006, an energy performance diagnostic (DPE - Diagnostique de Performance Energétique) has been mandatory for all property sales across the French territory. From July 1st 2007 the DPE is necessary for property rentals. The diagnostic is carried out by registered tradesmen and gives an estimate of the level of energy efficiency for heating, hot water and air conditioning. The evaluations are two-fold, the first scale indicates annual energy consumption - as is now the case for electrical appliances and cars - per square metre and the second, the annual CO2 emissions per square metre. The diagnostic is most commonly carried out within the routine asbestos / lead / termite test and results are valid for ten years.  In addition, the diagnostic aims to give recommendations that enable owners to identify the parts of the house that require work to save energy. The estimations do not constitute a contractual guarantee, but enable an objective comparison of the buildings put on sale. Tax rebates for energy saving fittings and equipment Various government incentives are in place to encourage the adoption of energy saving and renewable energy systems in the home. Tax refunds are granted for main residences on the basis that supplies are bought and fitted by a professional. The tax refund is calculated as a proportion of the purchase cost of the supplies and can cover half the price of the equipment in the case of ground source systems. If the homeowner has benefited from another public aid for the purchase of equipment or materials (from the local authorities or the ANAH - Agence Nationale pour l'Amélioration de l'Habitat), then these aids are deducted in the calculation of the rebate. Households not subjected to income tax in France must nevertheless fill out a tax declaration, and will receive a tax refund from the French tax authorities. Previous newsletter on the subject of tax incentives: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/newsletter_arch.php?d=05_09_06 Top Properties: Ref. 523: Thirteenth century chateau near Le Vigan Thirteenth century chateau with tower set in two and a half acres of land beside a river. The property has French style timber ceilings, stone staircases and a large open hearth. The main living quarters span a surface area of 250m² and there are an additional 200 m² of attic space, and 200 m² of vaulted cellars ... Asking price: 700,000€ with mill and 2.5 acres of grounds or 495,000€ without mill and 1.5 acres. Further details can be found here.  Ref. 524: Architect designed stone villa in Cévennes Contemporary property in 10 acres of grounds in the southern Cévennes near Lasalle. The property, built almost entirely in stone, has an interior surface area of 200m² pierres. The interior comprises a living room with a large open hearth, a dining room, a kitchen, 5 bedrooms, a bathroom and two shower rooms ... Asking price: 525,000€. Further details can be found here.  Ref. 525: Beautifully restored farmhouse with gite in landscaped grounds beside Anduze Converted silk farm built from regional stone and sympathetically restored 14 years ago by its current owners. The house has the flexibility of being either a 5 bedroom family house or alternatively owners can rent out the self contained 2 bedroom unit separately as a gîte for paying holiday guests ... Asking price: 673,000€. Further details can be found here.  Ref. 27 (Off Plan Property): Le Golf d'Albret (Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine) The Golf d’Albret residence is set within a 125 acre domain with an 18 hole golf course, restaurant and hotel facilities. Designed around a landscaped park with swimming pool, the residence offers nicely proportioned two bedroom single floor and duplex apartments. All apartments are different in format, but built to fit a regional vernacular with an inherent village feel ... Prices from 190,784€. Further details can be found here.   +33 467 297 068 +33 626 581 415 Contact: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/message.php For all other information: http://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 also presents a wide selection of off plan properties throughout France. If you are thinking about a leaseback operation, traditional buy-to-let or an apartment or villa for personal usage, JPF can help. Regions where JPF is particularly present include Paris / Ile de France, Languedoc Roussillon, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur, Aquitaine and Brittany. Please browse options on the Off Plan Property Page. 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 have assistance in maintaining or making alterations to your house, or any formalities associated with property ownership or financing in France, JPF can give assistance on an hourly basis. Finally, if you are looking 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: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/newsletter.php |