Q: What is Co-Ownership and How Does it Differ from Time Share?
A: Co-ownership, also known as shared or fractional ownership, offers the benefits of owning a second home at a fraction of the cost and effort. Unlike timeshares, which only guarantee you the right to stay at a property without actual ownership, co-ownership provides a deeded share of a specific property. This means you truly own part of the home, can sell your share, or pass it on to loved ones. Initially popularized in the 1980s in U.S. ski areas, co-ownership has expanded into luxury properties worldwide.
Q: Why did Paris Perfect decide to offer fractional ownership, and how it is different from Paris Perfect's vacation rentals?
A: With two decades of offering high-end vacation rentals in Paris, Paris Perfect introduced fractional ownership in response to frequent guest inquiries about owning their own pied a’ terre in Paris. Many realized they lacked the time, budget, or patience for a full purchase and renovation. To meet this need, we offer shared ownership, allowing clients to own part of a beautiful, fully-managed apartment without the high costs and responsibilities of full ownership. With the largest number of fractional offerings in Paris and nearly a decade of success, our owners are delighted with their decision to purchase.
Q: What Makes Paris Perfect the Leading Company for Co-Ownership Apartments?
A: Trust is at the heart of what makes Paris Perfect the largest and most respected provider of fractional ownership in Paris. With two decades of expertise in luxury vacation rentals, we’ve built a reputation for delivering exceptional homes and experiences. Our success is driven by:
- A strong commitment to owner and client care
- Finding and transforming beautiful Parisian properties
- Providing unparalleled oversight and attention to detail
What truly sets us apart is the benefit of working with a trusted local company that, for nearly two decades, has handled every aspect of cleaning, maintenance, and fractional administration. This ensures each property is cared for with the highest attention to detail, giving owners peace of mind. Our hands-on approach sets us apart, making us the most trusted and successful fractional provider in Paris.
Q: What is the Annual Budget for the Property? Are There Any Additional Costs?
A: All the costs to maintain the apartment—including building charges, utilities, property taxes, cleaning, supplies, management and a five-to-ten-year depreciation cycle for appliances—are covered by an annual fee paid by each owner. This all-inclusive fee is designed to make ownership straightforward and affordable. A portion is also set aside for long-term maintenance of the apartment and building. Our properties benefit from low operating costs due to our scale and commitment to providing excellent value. We encourage you to compare Paris Perfect Co-Ownership’s fees with any shared ownership offering in the U.S. or Europe.
Q: Will we need a French bank account or be liable for taxes in France?
A: No, you will not need a French bank account nor will you have to personally file French taxes. This is one of the advantages of fractional ownership, where annual dues cover all expenses and and the ownership vehicle is responsible for filing any annual taxes.
Q: Do the Dues Increase Every Year?
A: No, dues do not automatically increase each year. They are tied directly to actual operating expenses, covering utilities, housekeeping, maintenance, condo fees, and administration. A portion of the dues goes into a reserve fund for future repairs or renovations, and this fund has grown significantly over time. Owners have full control and can vote to reduce reserve contributions, which would lower dues. Our conservative approach ensures financial stability, giving co-owners peace of mind while keeping annual dues well below comparable offerings.
Q: Can Paris Perfect Shared make changes to the bylaws?
A: No, material changes require an ownership vote. We have extremely limited authority to make non-material changes on behalf of the owners.
Q: Can Paris Perfect Shared Owners Vote to Change the Management of their Apartment?
A: Yes, if owners feel that Paris Perfect Shared is not providing adequate service, they may vote to replace with another manager of their choice at the end of the contract period.
Q: Can Paris Perfect Shared Owners Rent Their Apartments?
A: No you cannot rent the apartment; this is not legal in Paris. However, as with any owned property, you can lend it to family and friends.
Q: Is there a defined exit process for an owner who wants to sell their share? If an owner wishes to exit, will there be a chance among the other owners to purchase the share first?
A: Yes, there is a defined process, and we can act as agent to sell your share. You are also welcome to use another agency to do so. Other shareholders will have the first priority to purchase your share. Although no one can guarantee it, the prices of all apartment shares have increased for the shares that have been resold. Importantly, our large following of over 35,000 readers, 175,000 Instagram followers and over 175,000 unique visitors to our websites per month mean a large buyer marketplace to make it easier and faster for ParisPerfectShared owners to sell their ownership.
Q: Are There Limitations on the Entity Type That Can Own a Share?
A: There are no restrictions on who can own a share of a Paris property. Individuals, LLCs, and corporations can all hold a share. Although France prefers ownership directly in your name, there are no legal limitations on this.
Q: What rules must Owners follow?
A: Owners must follow a code of conduct, which includes not renting the apartment, not hosting disruptive events and getting approval before changing furniture or hanging personal art.
Q: If an owner doesn't abide by the agreement, is there a process in place to resolve the issue?
A: If an owner defaults or doesn’t pay their dues, we work with them to resolve payment. If it is not resolved within 90 days, we will manage the resale of that individual share and reimburse unpaid dues then return the remainder to the seller.
In terms of respecting your apartment, we find that owners take great pride in their homes and leave them in fantastic condition. Nonetheless, we conduct thorough inspections after each visit. Should there be any damages exceeding normal wear and tear, these are charged to the responsible owner.
Q: How will I choose my four weeks?
A: The choice of weeks is done on a rotation basis of two weeks each, similar to a professional sports draft. If you are in position one for the first round then you have first choice of your first two weeks and last choice of the second two weeks. The first-round pick moves down by one each year, and the second-round pick moves up by one each year. That way everyone has an excellent choice of favorite weeks, either in round one or two. There are no “bad” weeks or seasons in Paris! Every season is special, from snowy days in winter to picnicking in the summer at nearby parks.
As Audrey Hepburn said "Paris is always a great idea." As most of you know, she was right as there is never a bad time to come to Paris!
Spring
Paris blooms early, often in February or March, and can be quite warm by May. The gardens and parks are all in bloom; it's a great time to add on an extra leg to your Paris weeks with side trips to other spots in Europe (that's what the French do!). Hitting one of the farmers markets and eating a picnic while sitting on your balcony is a great idea in spring. Explore trendy market streets and the surrounding neighborhoods like rue des Martyrs in the 9th, rue Mouffetard in the 5th, Marché des Enfants-Rouge in the 3rd, and Marché d'Aligre in the 12th.
Summer
The banks of the Seine are converted into beaches and pedestrian areas, lined with pop-up venues to eat and drink while watching the river go by. The café scene is alive, as the French still in Paris try to soak up all the sun they can. It's a great time to take day trips into the countryside to explore. The Loire chateaux, Champagne, and Bordeaux are all within two hours by train.
Fall
With a chill in the air, you'll relish long walks along the river, art and history expositions, autumn foods and specialties, autumn fashion and activities. Join a class at one of several ongoing groups to study French, to make local friends, and get in on the history tours, cooking classes, wine dinners, and excursions that fill up the fall and winter social calendar. Fall is when the menus change and your local merchants present their favorite delicacies including mushrooms, warm soups, quail and so much more. It's a terrific time to add onto your weeks visiting elsewhere in Europe, before or after your stay in Paris.
Winter
This is the best time of year for many of us. Cold enough to wear stylish scarves and mufflers, you'll relish the holiday spirit throughout Paris, including Christmas markets and outings. The City is lit up and sparkling. There is ice skating at the Grand Palais and in front of Hôtel de Ville. This is the time of year to try all those new restaurants, since there is less competition for reservations. Most of all, it's a time for great food, as everyone focuses on family and eating together. The local restaurants and open-air markets turn out their winter specialties from scallops and amazing chasse such as wild boar and seasonal pastries such as the galette des rois and the bûche de Noël. Explore all the covered passages with their holiday lights. Your new local friends are mostly around during this period, so it's a good time to build your network.
Q: Where else do you offer fractional properties?
A. With the success of Paris Perfect Shared we have expanded our offering to Italy Perfect Shared with the launch of our first Florence, Italy fractional, the Maestro apartment, our owners are delighted we look to continue to expand in other Vacation Perfect key markets. Stay tuned for more upcoming fractional news!
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