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Most Erna Low clients start by buying into the Alps. But it’s such a positive and life-enriching experience that many come back to us looking to invest in other destinations. Often, they’re thinking of the sea.
For over a century, it’s been a byword for style, glamour and the rejuvenating effects of the Mediterranean climate – and it has a truly international appeal. For anyone who’s bought in the French Alps, it also offers a familiar financial and legal environment, with the same flexible ownership schemes. Many of our owners buy on a rental management arrangement, claiming back up to 20% VAT in the process. Even though their property is then available for the summer rental market, they still have plenty of time to enjoy it themselves, by choosing the weeks they wish to stay – it’s their property after all. Long lunches in seaside restaurants, day-trips to the Luberon valley, the Picasso Museum at Antibes: the C0te d’Azur lifestyle quickly becomes one of the building blocks of their year.
Just as in the Alps, the region offers a broad mix of prices. In the famous Riviera resorts of Nice, Cannes, St Tropez and Sainte Maxime, prestige developments are priced at a similar level to upmarket ski resorts. But there are fantastic opportunities for those with tighter budgets too. Move just a few miles inland and you’ll find atmospheric hill-top villages, a sense of space, and spectacular views. At the new Domaine Jardins en Vue development, for example, studio apartments start from €179,000 and are just 20 minutes’ drive from Cannes. Erna Low Property has been operating in the South of France for more than a decade. We’re an international real estate agency, with a wide range of trusted French partners – from property developers to mortgage brokers and notaires – so extending our business into the region was a natural step.
More recently, we’ve also made a move into another vibrant property market – Portugal. Here, we’re working hand in hand with successful developers such as Terressens, and we’ve found an extremely receptive audience.
The appeal is obvious. It’s not just that Portugal is a lovely setting for a second home – thanks to its rich heritage, low cost of living and endless sandy beaches. The country’s booming technology sector, Golden Visa scheme and foreigner-friendly tax regime have all breathed new life into its property market. And even though prices are rising, the country still offers excellent value for money.
La R.serve at Comporta, south of Lisbon, is a great example of how far your money will go. Here, close to a stunning 40-mile beach, three to five bedroom Prestige villas are set in private planted gardens of 1,000-2,000m2 and come with private pools and an ocean of shaded decking. The interiors, by Alpine standards, are enormous. Each offers 158-256m2 of space, with prices from €712,000 – about half what you’d pay for a similar property in the South of France. A range of ownership schemes is also available, including a flexible leaseback deal which allows owners up to seven months of personal use. Long starlight evenings beckon – lounging around the fire pit with friends and family, with a bottle or two of Portuguese Albarieo wine on the go.
But whatever your property’s purpose – whether it’s a revenue-generating investment, a beachside bolthole, a retirement home or maybe a bit of all three – you can be sure of one thing: working with Erna Low Property will make the purchasing process as smooth as possible. Founded in 2003, we have years of experience helping buyers realise their dreams in some of Europe’s most sought-after holiday resorts. Together with our partners, we’ll guide your every step. So you can find your place in the sun with the minimum of fuss.
In the famous Riviera resorts of Nice, Cannes, St Tropez and Sainte Maxime, prestige developments are priced at a similar level to upmarket ski resorts. But there are fantastic opportunities for those with tighter budgets too. Move just a few miles inland and you’ll find atmospheric hill-top villages, a sense of space, and spectacular views.
Portugal is a lovely setting for a second home – thanks to its rich heritage, low cost of living and endless sandy beaches. What’s more, the country’s booming technology sector, Golden Visa scheme and foreigner-friendly tax regime have all breathed new life into its property market.
