The development provides a compelling investment with immediate return of 19.6% (VAT refund from the French Tax Authorities), good capital growth, projected annual rental return of 5.5% and the possibility of up to 70 days personal use, plus offering guaranteed availability at discounted rates during busy exhibition times. Mortgages are readily available at about 5.2% (at present).

The concept is simple; you buy an apartment (hotel room) on a Freehold basis in the same manner as any other property. You then let the hotel management company run it as a commercial venture on your behalf and share the income with the management company. In addition you, your family, clients or friends can stay in your room free of charge for up to 70 nights of the year. This could amount in value to about 2% “return”. Unlike usual buy to let investments everything is completely managed, eg, finding hotel guests, collecting room charges, wear and tear maintenance, etc is all taken care of . This is all built around a French government inspired scheme in a safe, sound and mature market.

Such properties, without personal use, are considered by HMRC as commercial properties and, as such, the investment is eligible for inclusion in SIPPs, allowing investors to benefit from tax free returns on both their income and capital growth.