Whether in the city or in the country, a second home can be used as a source of extra income or as a holiday destination. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of buying a second home.
The advantages of a secondary residence
A “secondary residence” is a residence acquired in addition to the main residence of a person or group of persons. It can be used as a holiday home or be intended to be sold to a tenant.
The primary benefit of a second home is that it provides a tangible property asset. This asset is useful for old age, but also for passing on an inheritance to one’s children.
A second home can be a rental investment. This means that you can increase your income by receiving rent from the second home on a year-round or seasonal basis.
In addition to being a rental investment, a second home can be an interesting medium to long-term investment. Indeed, after a certain period of time, it is possible to make a capital gain on the resale of the property. Note that this capital gain is taxable, but that it is possible to obtain an allowance. An allowance on this capital gain makes it possible to have profitable taxation.
In some cases, second homes can be used to benefit from tax advantages such as a tax reduction or a tax exemption on your income. Note that buying a second home can affect your borrowing capacity.
So, if buying a second home on the Côte d’Azur seems like a good alternative, we advise you to contact Haussmann Real Estate. The professionalism of their real estate agents is a real advantage for your research.
Comparing offers before buying
Buying a second home is not a decision to be taken in haste. The house should fit your budget, but also your needs. You will probably make a more informed decision after taking the time to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the second homes that interest you.
In order to find the best value for money, you should compare the different offers, paying attention to such things as arrangement fees, valuation costs and any legal expenses.
The different costs involved in buying a second home
Before buying a second home, you need to make sure that you are aware of the different costs involved. First of all, the purchase price, which is certainly the main criterion, is the basis for other costs such as the commission, notary fees, administrative costs, etc.
The purchase price can be financed by a mortgage loan or by buying back mortgages. The principle of the buy-back is to combine the mortgage of the main residence with that of the second home while increasing the duration of the loan.
Once the property has been purchased, other costs such as applicable taxes (property tax, council tax, etc.), running costs, but also maintenance costs and transport costs will have to be met.
The property tax and the council tax vary according to the cadastral rental value of the dwelling and the region and must be paid by the owner or the tenant of the residence.
Like any home, you will have to pay bills (electricity, gas, water, etc.) and insurance. If the second home is in a group home, the condominium fees must be considered. Buying a second home means this. The term co-ownership is used when the residence belongs to a building owned by several natural or legal persons.
The costs of maintaining a property are essential to maintain the value of your second home. Although everything is relative when it comes to costs, the costs of maintaining a property can be substantial. Especially if your second home has a swimming pool or a garden.
How you will use your property
Some people go to their second home during the holidays and rent it out the rest of the year. Others prefer to collect rent during the holidays and go there at weekends the rest of the time. Still others never live there.
From a personal point of view, the personal residence can be a pied-à-terre in a region that you visit from time to time. To benefit economically, you can rent out your residence when you are not living there. Therefore, the profitability depends mainly on the time you spend there.
Second home on the Côte d’Azur: my advice!
Known for its good Mediterranean climate, its heavenly beaches, its medieval villages and its attraction for luxury, the French Riviera is one of the best places in France to buy a second home. Everyone one wants to buy a dream villa on the Côte d’Azur ! Both close to the mountains and the sea, the Côte d’Azur is also close to Monaco, Italy, and Switzerland.
However, becoming a homeowner in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region is not for everyone. Indeed, you need to have the means to do so, as this region is one of the regions where the price per m2 is the highest in France.
The strong attractiveness of the Côte d’Azur in terms of tourism makes it easier to find tenants for your property.
Owning a second home can be an excellent idea if you can afford it. The various costs involved in a second home can be overwhelming. Fortunately, it is possible for you to collect rent periodically. In addition to receiving rent, you can also receive a capital gain on resale at any time.