Amberlake Partners Monaco

 

If it isn’t apparent by now, being in the luxury real estate world on the French Riviera for over a decade, I am more than a little obsessed with properties in the region (including Monaco) both historic and brand new.

Being Canadian means that most of my clients are North American, mainly from the USA. Whether renting a luxury villa rental or buying a primary or secondary home comes with a lot of questions and confirmations on how the real estate world works in France.

The main question for those interested in real estate here is, “If I buy a property, will that entitle me to an automatic visa?” The short answer is no, that it doesn’t.

Of course, you can still visit your property if you are coming from North America, there is the 90/180-day rule as a tourist. Meaning, that under the terms of Schengen, non-EEA nationals cannot spend more than a total of 90 days within a total period of 180 days without a visa. Furthermore, once you've used up your quota of 90 days, you cannot return to Schengen until 90 more days have passed.

But there are 200 visas one can apply for to suit your lifestyle, some for a year or more with extensions depending on an individual’s circumstances.

The second question I get is, “How easy is it for an American to get a mortgage?”

Americans can get a French mortgage under some circumstances, but it is extremely difficult. The 'Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act' (FATCA) is part of the US tax code and was introduced in 2014 to help counter tax evasion. French banks find the cost of complying with this to be prohibitive.

But, here is some good news on that subject.

As a foreigner, depending on the country clients come from, this can be difficult to navigate as the rules in France and Monaco to obtain a mortgage are (as with any country) completely different compared to what a client might be familiar with in their homeland.

This past summer I met with the owners of Amberlake Partners, a fully authorized wealth management company based in Monaco.

Co-founded by Michael Fiorentini and Jagdeep Kapoor, Amberlake Partners is led by individuals with extensive experience in banking, real estate investment, and financial services. Michael's background includes over 14 years of experience in banking, while Jagdeep has over 21 years of experience in real estate investment in Europe.

With this being Monaco, there are any number of wealth management offices, but what sets this firm apart from the others is their experience that comes from listening to their client's needs, while proactively acting upon their requests using their knowledge about their industry while offering diverse and comprehensive solutions.

They guide clients through the Structured Products universe, assist in constructing portfolios that align with individual investment profiles, help integrate an ESG portfolio allocation, consider alternatives like Real Estate, Private Equity, and Hedge Funds, and assist with banking needs such as account opening, financing, order placement, and account consolidation.

With an in-house methodology, Amberlake Partners provides an alternative to traditional investment approaches, giving clients access to original investment ideas.

Their focus on true open architecture aims to reduce costs across investment portfolios, maximizing returns for their clients. Drawing on their experience in the financial services industry, they conduct business with the utmost confidentiality, using proprietary tools to help clients track and understand their investments continuously.

One of the many things that immediately caught my attention with this wealth management company is that since most of my clients are from North America, from time to time, there can be issues when trying to obtain a mortgage for a local property purchase.

That problem though has now been solved thanks to the initiative taken as Amberlake Partners have recently been granted a license from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a Foreign Registered Investment Advisor (RIA).

This significant achievement makes Amberlake Partners the first wealth management firm in Monaco to acquire this status which definitely makes them stand out and above the rest.

Until now, US individuals have faced challenges when it comes to securing loans from private banks for the purchase of luxury residences in France. The reason? The lack of an investment manager authorized to invest the collateral of their loans.

Amberlake Partners, with their new SEC license, is now able to bridge this gap. Since they can provide investment advisory services to US persons, which can enhance their financial power and facilitate their property acquisition journey in France.

This is a total game-changer for those of us in the real estate industry in France and Monaco as it helps make the property process quicker, easier, and more direct for our US clientele base.

Amberlake Partners are devoted to maintaining the highest standards of compliance. Their SEC registration details can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/322274.

Their approach begins with a free-of-cost analysis and planning phase, followed by the signature of an advisory mandate, investment proposals, cooperation with private banks, and continuous follow-up. They are there every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and efficient investment process.

But best of all, Amberlake Partners is completely LGBTQ+ friendly. To them, it’s about having the person’s financial planning needs met without having to navigate what you can disclose and without fear of being turned away.

At Experience The French Riviera, we are pleased to be able to have Amberlake Partners as part of our extensive network of partnerships in France and Monaco to help assist our clients.

Connect with me at Info@experiencethefrenchriviera.com for a personal introduction.

Les Voiles de Saint Tropez 2023

 

As summer comes to an end, many Cote d’Azur traditions continue, one of which is Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez.

Held from Friday, September 29th until Sunday, October 8th, this is when some of the world’s most beautiful modern and classic sailing boats race on the Mediterranean Sea in what is one of the most prestigious regattas on the racing circuit to be experienced.

With Saint-Tropez being the ultimate backdrop for a classic sailing yacht regatta, the village has been hosting Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez for over 40 years. In the early days, it was known as La Nioulargue, the annual rendezvous of more traditional, and modern sailing yachts that is held in the bay of Saint-Tropez.

Originally launched in 1981 back when a skipper and owner of two classic yachts raced each other from the foot of the village of Saint-Tropez around the Nioulargo to arrive opposite Club 55 on Pampelonne beach. To this day, it has become an exciting regatta for owners to enjoy the power of over 300 sailing yachts in every size and shape racing across several performance classes.

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, and other classic regattas hosted in some of the world’s favourite cruising grounds, capture the attention of not just yachtsmen and dedicated racing fans, but of owners, their captains, and crew worldwide. The yachts are awe-inspiring is a festival-like atmosphere that surrounds a racing event both on the water and on the quayside, making for an exciting number of days.

If you love glamour, excitement, parties, and of course regattas, Les Voiles de St Tropez is an event you won’t want to miss. This is one of the most extravagant and significant events in the world of yachting with yachtsmen from all over the world competing to be the best. Experience St Tropez’s festive atmosphere, with entertainment, and activities for participants and visitors alike.

Nice So Fétiche #7

This Autumn, Nice So Fétiche, one of the most popular associations in the French Riviera, is holding one of its biggest events from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 November 2023.

If fetish gear and hot action are your thing, Nice will be the place to be as those so inclined gather from not only France but worldwide for a weekend packed with all kinds of fun.

This will also be the weekend that the next Mister Evidence Leatherman is elected, which will likely be a very hard-won campaign.

While the full program is still being laid out, at this time, events include an aperitif at Malabar Station or most likely at Le Swing, where you can get to know the other guests, followed by the official dinner.

Saturday afternoon often includes a tour of Nice or Monaco followed by the Nice So Fetish party at L’Omega Club.

Sunday ends with a leather brunch where you can meet your leather friends and this is where the winner of Mister Evidence Leatherman will be announced.

Later in the evening, enjoy a raunchy game of Gay Bingo at La Cave Wilson followed by the Farewell Party at Glam.

More information about Nice So Fétiche #7 will be made available by promotion as the weekend plans continue to come together.

French Riviera Real Estate Options Thirteen

For a lot of people wanting to buy a property in the Cote d’Azur, there is sometimes a tendency to gravitate towards prime locations such as Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Cannes, and Cap d’Antibes to name a few places…at least until they see the price tag.

So I’d like to introduce you to a place that is still close to the sea, with a countryside, artistic feel, yet still provides one with any number of local amenities just minutes away. This would be the village of Biot.

Biot has a real French flair about it that seems to enchant everyone that visits the place. Known as the city of crafts, in the middle ages, pottery began to flourish here and since 1956, Biot has been renowned for its glassblowing.

Artisans such as painters, goldsmiths, sculptors, illustrators, ceramists, jewelers, sculptors, leather craftsmen, and photographers have graciously sought out a living here with a passion for their trade. One of the most famous artists is Fernand Léger, who worked in his workshop in Biot during the last years of his life.

But the real reason people love living in Biot is its strong sense of community and in terms of real estate, one tends to get more for their money here in terms of size of property and ideal location.

Biot can be found between Saint Paul de Vence and Mougins and is only minutes away from Antibes.

Biot
1,498,000 EUR

Area: 175m²
7 room(s)
4 bedroom(s)

This charming Provencal-style family villa is located in a sought-after neighborhood between the villages of Valbonne and Biot. The villa offers immaculate, comfortable, and functional living on two levels.

Modern top-notch design kitchen with Carrera marble countertops, large utility room, two brand new bathrooms, cozy living and dining room with traditional terracotta floors and fireplace opening onto the terrace and swimming pool. Four spacious bedrooms and a large study/library.

Set in sunny south-facing Mediterranean gardens of 1500m2 with a swimming pool, sundeck, boule pitch, vegetable garden, and fantastic citrus trees including lemon, grapefruit, oranges, clementines, and tropical fruits, this well-kept home truly is a perfect South of France villa, with easy access to the seaside, schools, Sophia-Antipolis, golf, and tennis, Antibes, and Nice International Airport.

Biot
2,300,000 EUR

Area: 300m²
6 room(s)
5 bedroom(s)
Land: 2800m²

In a dominant position with a lovely open view of the hills, a bright, newly renovated 300 m2 villa offers a perfect blend of Provençal charm and modernity. Composed of a living/dining room of more than 80m2 which opens onto the terrace with a view of the swimming pool, the garden, and the hills.

The villa offers five large bedrooms, one of which is on ground level.

High-quality materials and equipment, gas heating, and reverse air conditioning by heat pump.

The garden of 2.800m2 is superbly landscaped with a large swimming pool of 15m, pool-house, and carport. Facing south and maximum sunshine from morning to evening in all seasons.

Biot

3,950,000 EUR

Area: 555.79m²
12 room(s)
9 bedroom(s)
Land: 4406m²

Located in a privileged and private residence, this charming property has recently been renovated and combines authenticity and modernity with comfortable volumes. In a dominant position, the property extends over a magnificent landscaped garden with a panoramic view of nature and the neighboring hills. A true haven of peace located only a few minutes from shops.

The entrance to the property is enhanced by a charming patio with a central hacienda-like fountain. Past this patio, the main entrance of the house consists of a reception hall opening onto a large living room with a fireplace, beams, and high ceilings, a comfortable dining room, an independent kitchen equipped with a back kitchen, a pantry, a laundry room, and a large office.

The villa also offers three primary bedrooms. The living room opens directly onto the swimming pool area. You will also find a large terrace, partly covered by a cozy wooden frame, and its pizza oven that will guarantee great moments of conviviality.

Upstairs will be found three more suites including a master suite with a private terrace and sea view. On the ground floor, a large entertainment area includes a gym, a lounge area with a jacuzzi and a sauna, a cinema room, and a garden lounge with billiards, a bar, and a wine cellar.

In addition to the main house with its independent entrances, you will discover a bright 3-room apartment of 100m2, opening onto a beautiful terrace; and a second 2-room apartment.

The property also offers a large double garage, a carport, numerous parking spaces, and a workshop. A magnificent park of Mediterranean species, olive trees, and a vegetable garden.

For more information about these properties or any others, connect with us at Info@experiencethefrenchiviera.com