The marketing team at Otthon Centrum made a terrific job of putting together their insightful and smartly analyzed data, with some appealing parts

How lucky are we that the Prestige MLS Signature is expanding so rapidly internationally? From a Western European-centric vision, we reached to overseas, even the Indian Ocean area, and of course closer to our borders, towards Eastern Europe. Hungary is a land of opportunities, and that is what our new Member Otthon Centrum was here to present.

Our Hungarian Member was represented by Gergely Salusinszky. The interview allowed not only for other Members to get to know Hungary Luxury Real Estate. It also allowed them to get to know Gergely, and Otthon Centrum, a little better.

With a continuous great attitude, Master of Ceremony Matthew Ferrara interviewed Gergely Salusinszky and allowed the audience to grasp very relevant data on the market, and some fun too! Indeed, the marketing team at Otthon Centrum made a terrific job of putting together their insightful and smartly analyzed data, with some appealing parts. A fun video presenting Hungary made an especially strong impact on the rest of the audience.

Key elements on Luxury Real Estate in Hungary presented included:

• Declining sales

• Turnover similar to 2011

• Lower construction volumes

Declining sales of newly-built homes

At the national level, the share of newly-built homes within total sales decreased from the level of 10 percent in 2008 to 3 percent in 2012. In Budapest, the sale of newly-built homes dropped from 15 percent to 5 percent. And all that, on a market stagnating at a level of about ninety thousand transactions, since 2009.

A turnover similar to 2011

The turnover experienced in the first quarter of the year is comparable, most of all, with the turnover measured in the first quarter of 2011. Turnover in the first three months of 2013 was roughly identical with the sale and purchase figures observed in the first quarter of 2011.

Lower construction volumes

From 2011 to 2012, the number of occupancy and construction permits decreased by 17 and 15 percent, respectively, in Hungary. The decrease is a continuation of the hedge-hopping seen since 2009, even though the recession is increasingly modest.

For those who missed it or for the early afficionados, (re)discover the video of presentation of Hungary shown at the Congress:

Interested in knowing more ? Discover luxury homes and luxury villas listed in Hungary by Otthon Centrum.

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Cimiez’s got talent… an incredible artistic talent of course, but also a superb talent for generosity!

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that alters the respiratory and digestive system. In France, 2 millions of people hold this gene and may transmit it to their child. Every year, about 200 children are born with cystic fibrosis in France.

The fight against this crippling, and often lethal, disease requires considerable resources, in clinical and fundamental research as well as in patient care and family support.

For many years, French association « Vaincre la Mucoviscidose » (« Fight cystic fibrosis ») is leading this fight.

“Through the event « Cimiez a un incroyable talent » (« Cimiez’s got talent »), we an opportunity to anyone willing to bring their support to this association”, JL Lepeu, CEO of Cimiez Boulevard, explains.

This event will take place June 01, 2013, at the CEDAC in Nice, and consists of an auctioning of art pieces: paintings, sculptures, photographs and more. The pieces have been created by both amateurs and professional artists, whom are especially numerous on the hill of Cimiez. They may also have been donated by art collectors.

Artists from the Nice school will be well represented with signatures including Miryan Klein, Patrick Moya, Nivése, Frédéric Altmann, Matéo Mornar, Louis Dollé, Isabelle Delpiano, Sylviane Rainguez, and more.

All donations will naturally be allocated to « Vaincre la Mucoviscidose » association, represented by Regional Delegate Stéphane Pennec.

Click here to attend the event, and donate a piece of art or purchase one during the auction.

Works will be exhibited Saturday, June 1^st, 2013 at 10 AM at the CEDAC building in Cimiez, after which the auction will start at noon.

Cimiez’s got talent… an incredible artistic talent of course, but also a superb talent for generosity!

Come and bring your friends!

For more information on the charity event, email at info@cimiez-boulevard.fr

The post Member Cimiez Boulevard Celebrates 20 Years Of Luxury Real Estate appeared first on Luxury Real Estate News | Prestige MLS.

On June 7, our German Member bring together two of our favorites: Luxury Real Estate and city tours

Ever tought of visiting the upcoming, trendy Berlin? The city is highly spoken of by its inhabitants and it has become one of the hottest spots in Europe!  It combines a great arts scene, politics, civilization, and economy. What is not to love in there?

On June 7, our German Member brings together two of our favorites: Luxury Real Estate and city tours! Attendees will have a whole day to admire and understand how it all works in the beautiful Berlin. First, participants will get to know the capital landmarks and historic monuments, and then how to make it home or invest with conferences dedicated to Berlin Luxury Real Estate.

Some of the most famous attractions in the city include the Berlin Wall, Charlottenburg Palace, and Museum Island “Museumsinsel”. The great vibe of the city makes it feel like home in no time, especially when Berlin is considered to be the most diverse, open and accepting city in Germany.

After a sightseeing tour of the city, great conferences will be hosted, to understand everything about Berlin Luxury Real Estate.

The exciting program for the conferences is as following:

1. New project for sale in Berlin
2. Legal aspects of buying German real estate
3. Tax aspects of owning German real estate
4. Financing real estate for foreigners in Germany
5. Cooperation process and commission

All of the above will of course be presented by top-notch experts, including sales consultants, lawyers, tax advisor and financial experts.

Attendees list is unfortunately closed, but no worries, a delegation of the Prestige MLS team will be at the event reporting on everything. A full feedback of the event will be available on our Blog a few days after the event.

Interested in knowing more about this market? Discover luxury homes and villas in Germany listed by our Members.

The post German Luxury Real Estate Agency Rubina Welcomes You To Berlin For A Day… Or Forever! appeared first on Luxury Real Estate News | Prestige MLS.

Prices are below the other two big cities in Germany, Hamburg and Munich,  and are clearly inferior to the rest of the big capitals in Europe and worldwide

We always love to hear about real estate in Germany. The great expertise and professionalism of our Members in the country make it a pleasure to work with German agencies. Especially now that our Signature has expanded to a total of five agencies in the country! Located in the downtown area, our Member Rubina Real Estate agreed to give us an overview of Luxury Real Estate in Berlin.

Presenting the market was realtor Jenny Hirsch, although Rubina Real Estate CEO Carsten Heinrich was also in the audience on that day.

The interview with our 2013 Master of Ceremony Matthew Ferrara was always full of interesting facts and Jenny Hirsch brought some very interesting spotlights to major trends in the luxury property market in Berlin especially.

Key findings pointed out during the interview included:

• Berlin has become extremely attractive as a city lately
• Prices in Berlin Luxury Real Estate market show great potential for growth
• One new construction project is standing out in the Berlin property market

Berlin has become extremely attractive as a city in the last few years

Berlin has grown increasingly attractive for real estate buyers, and especially foreign investors. In the record year 2007 alone, the total volume of transactions in German real estate was approximately 190 billion Euros, of which about two thirds was investment stemming from foreign buyers. This is especially true for purchases of offices. Among the factors to explain this trend, the high degree of planning and legal certainty in Germany plays a part that should definitely not be underestimated.

Prices in the Luxury Real Estate Berlin market show great potential for growth

Compared to other major cities in the world, Berlin appears at the end of the list regarding price/sqm. In 2011, average house prices in Berlin stood below 2000 euros/sqm. This is below the other two big cities in Germany, Hamburg and Munich,  and it is clearly inferior to the rest of the big capitals in Europe and in the world: Paris, London, Moscow, Madrid and even Athens.

One new construction project is standing out in the Berlin property market

Our Member Rubina Real Estate wanted to introduce a very innovative new construction project to our audience, and to their colleagues. The project will be located in Berlin-Mitte, a neighborhood with a very high potential and near the famous Friedrichstraße. It will include a full-service package, with the help of an international developer, all for a carefree investment. You may read more about the new construction on Rubina Real Estate website.

Interested in Berlin and the rest of the country? Discover luxury homes and luxury villas in Germany listed by our Members on the Prestige MLS website.

The post International Tour Of Luxury Real Estate: Berlin, Germany Presented By Rubina Real Estate appeared first on Luxury Real Estate News | Prestige MLS.

Luxury investors focus on three major communities in Montreal: Outremont, Westmount and West Island. These neighborhoods are extremely attractive and hold many treasures of the Canadian architecture.

We are of course extremely happy when a new agency becomes a Prestige MLS Member. Even happier when it is our first Member in their home country. It is a great pride for us, and a sign that our Signature demonstrates a high value in the Luxury Real Estate industry. Our Member Via Capitale du Mont-Royal agreed to present the market of Luxury Real Estate in Montreal, Canada to the rest of the Club.

To present the Canadia Market, Nathalie Clément, CEO at Via Capitale, agreed to play the game of the interviewee during our Congress. It was also the occasion to introduce herself to an extensive floor of realtors and real estate professionals, also known as her new colleagues.

Our 2013 Master of Ceremony Matthew Ferrara directed the interview with his renowned great talent, led by the enthusiasm of Nathalie Clément. Indeed, faithful to the very friendly reputation of French Canadians, Nathalie Clément made a very interesting interview, providing a wide angle onto Canadian real estate. Her comments went from a fun presentation of most interesting Montreal neighborhoods to a depiction of Montreal traditional architecture.

Key elements of her presentation of Luxury Real Estate in Montreal included:

• A strong attractiveness of Montreal for investors
• Numerous sustainable new developments are growing around the city
• Three luxury communities in Montreal: Outremont, Westmount and West Island

A strong attractiveness of Montreal for investors

The city of Montreal presents a great potential for investors. The economic well-being of the city is combined to a very unique sense of communities and great culture. Many renowned international festivals take place in Montreal and it grinds successfully lots of different culture, all making for an incredibly vibrant city. Also, the importance of communities makes it very easy for foreign investors to feel at home.

The importance of modern new developments

The spirit of progress is extremely developed in Luxury Real Estate in Montreal. Recently, there has been a real push for building new constructions. Between now and the end of 2014, 5000 new condos are expected to be built around the city, especially in downtown Montreal and Griffintown. A great proof of the current dynamism in Montreal real estate. It is also important to notice that these new condos respond to and increasing awareness of the population regarding social and environmental conditions. The new buildings meet standards of sustainability and answer to the importance of individual comfort and wellness.

The three luxury communities in Montreal

Luxury investors focus on three major communities in Montreal: Outremont, Westmount and West Island. These neighborhoods are extremely attractive and hold many treasures of the Canadian architecture. If we were looking to invest in Montreal, this would definitely be our first choices in terms of location!

Interested in knowing more? Discover the luxury homes and luxury villas in Canada listed by our Members on prestigemls.com.

The post International Tour of Luxury Real Estate: Montreal Presented By Via Capitale du Mont-Royal appeared first on Luxury Real Estate News | Prestige MLS.

A key element of our company’s vision is the importance of collaboration. [...] We believe that Prestige MLS will be a space to share properties, knowledge and expertise

Amat Immobiliaris is a family-run business, founded in 1948. Originally focused on rental property management, in the sixties we established administration services for property owners associations and in the eighties our commercial department (sales and rental) was set up. A consultancy department was added to our services in 2008.

Today we are a team of 65, divided between four different offices in Catalunya. Our headquarters are based in a premium residential area called Sant Just Desvern, a building with 1000 Sqm. Two offices in Sant Cugat del Vallès, and an office in Barcelona city. Amat Immobiliaris offers three main services: Property Management, Commercial Services and Consultancy. Within our commercial services, we have a significant Luxury Department, explains Guifré Homedes Amat, CEO at Amat Immobiliaris.

Amat Immobiliari’s mission is to advise, manage and mediate in the real estate business, always seeking to optimize profitability for both vendors and buyers, according to professionalism and honesty, using imagination and technological innovations to offer the best service to our customers. Our aim is to maximize customer satisfaction, resulting in word of mouth recommendation. As we always say “our satisfied customers are our best prescribers”.

Their offices are located in prime residential locations of the Barcelona city area. As a result, Amat has invested much time and effort in its Luxury Department. They offer a personalized, professional and credible service.

The luxury market in Barcelona has seen significant changes in recent years. We have moved from a powerful local market, to a much more international market. Barcelona has become an international city and lots of foreigners like its lifestyle. In addition to the city, all along the Catalan coast there are fantastic exclusive residential areas like Sitges, Maresme and Costa Brava. These market changes have also brought many changes in our company and today they are specialists for Barcelona city and all along the Catalan coast. “At the same time, we have gone abroad to bring foreign customers to our market. We haven’t sat still waiting for customers, we have been proactive. We have built up a network of partnerships with many real estate companies from Europe, Russia, China and the USA”, continues Guifé.

“A key element of our company’s vision is the importance of collaboration. We were founding members of various Spanish Collaboration Associations. We believe that Prestige MLS will be a space to share properties, knowledge and expertise. We decided to join Prestige MLS because we had good referrals from existing members. We believe Prestige MLS will boost sales and that will be beneficial to the growth and development of the company.”

The post Pur Blood Catalan Luxury Real Estate Agency Amat Immobiliaris Joins Prestige MLS appeared first on Luxury Real Estate News | Prestige MLS.

The tax structure in Mauritius Island brings up to the attractiveness of the island for foreign high-end investors.  An example of tax incentives is the absence of taxes on inheritance or capital gain.

Our traditional roundtable discussion on interesting real estate markets is always greatly expected by our audience at the Prestige MLS Congress. It gives us a very sharp and specific point of view on a market we may be interested in, but that we never took the chance to know completely.  Recently joining Prestige MLS, real estate agency Stone Investment presented the Mauritius Island to the audience.

Stone Investment was represented by CEO Pierre Monville. Based in the South of France, his agency is also specialized in luxury properties in Provence and in the French Riviera.

The interview by our 2013 Master of Ceremony Matthew Ferrara went great. Pierre Monville offered some very insightful data to the audience and we left the Congress with the Mauritius Island in the top of our list for Luxury Real Estate investment!

Key elements emphasized by Pierre Monville during his presentation of Luxury Real Estate in the Mauritius Island:

• An excellent destination financially and business-wise
• A really attractive market
• A lenient legal framework on real estate and taxes

An excellent destination for business and finance purposes

The Mauritius Island is a strong destination for financial exchanges and international trade. Indeed, the island is the economy leader in the Indian Ocean area in terms of financial services and information and telecommunication equipments. On an economic level still, the Mauritius Island maintains good relationship with Europe and becomes a « bridge » to India, Africa and Asia.

Famous luxury tourist destination

The Luxury industry is very developed in the island. Especially, the country knew how to play the card of the heavenly spot. It built on the image of a welcoming population, with political and social stability as well as high-level health and educational infrastructures. And of course, let’s not forget the indulgent climate!

A lenient legal framework on real estate and taxes

The island boasts on very complacent regulations. Luxury Real Estate in the Mauritius Island is fostered by two laws succeeding to each other. First the IRS (Integrated Resort Scheme) voted in 2002, and then the RES (Real-Estate Scheme) in 2007. These two programs helped develop the industry, creating luxury amenities and encouraging foreign settling with loosened visa regulations and other incentives. The tax structure in Mauritius Island adds up to the attractiveness of the island for foreign high-end investors.  An example of tax incentives is the absence of taxes on inheritance or capital gain.

Discover below some of of Mauritius Island most beautiful properties:

Interested in investing in the island? Discover luxury homes and luxury villas in the Mauritius Island listed by our Members on the Prestige MLS website.

The post International Tour Of Luxury Real Estate: Mauritius Island Presented By Stone Investment appeared first on Luxury Real Estate News | Prestige MLS.

The Prestige MLS Awards is a great moment of pride. Pride for the work that has been accomplished. Pride for striving for excellence. Pride simply for being a Prestige MLS Member

The ever-expected moment of every single one of our annual Congress is always the holding of the Prestige MLS Awards. To our older Members, it is a hard fight before the Congress to convince as many people to vote for them, and earn the trophy. To our newer Members, the Prestige MLS Awards is always a lovely surprise, and they come to love everything about the ceremony. To everyone, the Prestige MLS Awards is a great moment of pride. Pride for the work that has been accomplished. Pride for striving for excellence. Pride simply for being a Prestige MLS Member.

There are many luxury real estate awards, but only one Prestige MLS Awards ceremony. Every year, Prestige MLS rewards the best work of our Members in five categories:

Best Web Site Design – Best Partner – Best Integration Brand – Best Listing Presentation – Best International Vision

To elect the winners of the Prestige MLS Awards, nominated have been submitted to the votes of their peers, and to public audiences, all online. For two weeks, aficionados of Luxury Real Estate have been voting, and some of our nominees have campaigned pretty hard to try and get the Grail of the industry.

Then the fateful moment came. The Prestige MLS Awards ceremony took place on April 11, 2013, evening, at SALT Restaurant in Barcelona, Spain. We are glad to announce that winning Members of the 2013 Prestige MLS Awards included:

Best Web Site Design

WhereInRio, managed by Frédéric Cockenpot from Brazil

Best Partner

CGi, represented by Grégory Marchand from Switzerland

Best Brand Integration

 Haussmann Prestige Paris, managed by Richard Bellanger from France

Best Listing Presentation

Verzun, managed by Philip Verzun from United Arab Emirates

Best International Vision

Griwaplan, represented by Sandro Bolton from Switzerland

We would like to congratulate again all of our winners, and of course all nominees to the Prestige MLS Awards. All of our winners well deserved their award, and it has been a great year for us!

Relive the greatest moments of our Congress in picture with our photo galleria of the  4^th Prestige MLS Luxury Real Estate Congress.

The post Luxury Real Estate Awards: Winners of the 2013 Prestige MLS Awards appeared first on Luxury Real Estate News | Prestige MLS.

With the internationalization of luxury buyers, agencies need to rely on a strong network of partners to satisfy their clients. This is why we created the concept of a Luxury Real Estate Signature, named Prestige MLS

What Is The History Behind Prestige MLS?

Prestige MLS was created in 2009, strong of our experience in our first company Imminence. With my associate Jean-Laurent Lepeu, we felt a real need for a new type of organization that would bring Luxury Real Estate to the next level. With the internationalization of luxury buyers, agencies need to rely on a strong network of partners to satisfy their clients. This is why we created the concept of a Luxury Real Estate Signature, named Prestige MLS. Thanks to the signature, we provide a strong support to all of our Members. Our Members are accomplished luxury property professionals, embracing the high demands that their industry dictates. Together, they represent an unrivalled international network and their customers enjoy all their combined expertise.

Is It Hard To Manage Such An International Expansion?

Back when we first started Prestige MLS a few years ago, we had only a few agencies, mostly located on the French Riviera, and highly-motivated to embark with us on this unique journey. It has taken a great deal of time and effort for our team to manage the international expansion of our signature. We have slowly expanded over the years, always taking a great care in accepting only the most demanding luxury real estate agencies. I am proud to say that today, the Prestige MLS Signature has more than 100 selected Members in 22 countries! It has become a real guarantee for agencies. Our recent expansion has focused on the US and we are confident that new countries will join us in the future.

How Do Agencies Join Prestige MLS?

Agencies interested in joining Prestige MLS can go online to our website Prestige-mls.com and fill in an application form to join us. Our team will analyze the proposal based on several criteria of excellence, and provide an answer within 7 days. Also, we recently started our Affiliates campaign to strengthen our network. The campaign allows professionals linked to the real estate industry to apply to Prestige MLS as well. They include specialty lawyers, builders, finance specialists, architects and more. All of our Members, both agencies and Affiliates, respect the same rules and ethics by signing the Prestige MLS Commitment Charter. This is the foundation of our organization, and it allows us to hope for the best in the future.

Are you a recognized Real Estate Professional and you would like to know more about Prestige MLS Membership? Contact us.

The post Why A Signature Has Become Essential In The Luxury Property World appeared first on Luxury Real Estate News | Prestige MLS.