Client Profile:

• Age: 48
• Goal: Purchase a luxury holiday property in the south of France valued at approximately £9 million
• Additional Objectives: Ensure tax efficiency, secure favourable financing and protect long-term value

Initial Challenge:

The client sought an exclusive holiday home that could serve as both a private retreat and a long-term investment. He required assistance in navigating the French property market, assessing local regulations, conducting due diligence and ensuring an optimal financial structure. The complexity of cross-border negotiations and tax considerations demanded a carefully managed approach.

Our Approach and Outcomes:

• Local Expertise and Due Diligence

We partnered with reputable French real estate specialists, identifying three high-quality properties that met the client’s criteria.

We commissioned detailed building surveys and legal assessments, ensuring clarity on property rights, zoning and any potential renovations. This eliminated surprises and safeguarded his interests.

• Negotiations and Deal Execution

Our team led price negotiations and secured a favourable purchase price slightly under the asking figure.

By aligning currency transactions strategically, we minimised exchange rate risk. We coordinated with local solicitors and notaries to ensure the transaction complied fully with French law.

• Financing and Tax Efficiency

After evaluating several cross-border lending options, we recommended a loan structure that reduced the client’s cost of capital. We also advised on ownership structures that offered inheritance advantages and considered France’s wealth tax regime to ensure long-term tax efficiency.

We projected annual tax savings of approximately £25,000 through optimal structuring.

Result:

The client successfully acquired the property at just under £9 million. Through careful planning, the acquisition process remained smooth and transparent. The client now enjoys a luxury French retreat with confidence that their investment is positioned for enduring value and that their tax obligations are minimised. Ongoing reviews help maintain the property’s financial health and adapt to any regulatory changes.