Buy-to-sell from abroad

Yes, provided you have a reliable team on the spot: estate agent, architect, a notary used to non-residents, and accountant. Without one, Frédéric advises against getting started.

Frédéric aims for a minimum of 20% net margin, sometimes 15%. Calculate it after all costs: notary, renovation works, loan, accounting, early repayment penalties and taxes.

Banks that finance these deals generally ask for a 30% down payment. On an example at €300,000 all in, Frédéric counts about €100,000 of down payment, plus €10,000 of notary fees, €5,000 of accounting and €15,000 of reserve.

On a one-off deal by a private individual, 36.2% of the capital gain at the base rate, or 26.5% with the 7.5% levy, with no allowance before the 6th year, and a surtax once €50,000 is exceeded. Your country of residence may also tax this capital gain: check the tax treaty.

The law gives no number of transactions. The authorities look at whether purchases for resale are habitual, with their frequency and organisation. Have your situation validated by an accountant before chaining deals together.

For a first deal, your own name works most often. If you chain deals together, a proper structure such as the SAS becomes useful. This choice also depends on your country of residence and its tax treaty.

You have no tenants to manage and you can rebuild your cash faster. In return, there is no monthly income, the risk is higher and the capital gain is taxed more heavily than after a long holding period.

We start by building your first project with you, then we address this strategy with the members it concerns. Talk about it during your call: we will tell you honestly whether it is the right time.

Renovating an old apartment: turning it into a modern, appealing apartment. Little or no administrative procedure. Reconfiguring: dividing the space better: a 30 m² studio becomes a 2-room flat. Division: splitting a house into several flats or studios. Change of use: converting an office into housing, with the necessary permits. Raising or extending: gaining a few m² where space is expensive. Reserved for high-price areas.