The Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo

The Monaco Grand Prix ranks among the top sportinghas attracted millionaires and billionaires to the
events in the world, and for good reason.principality for the last forty years.
The combination of Formula One cars street racingReal estate prices reflect the prestige and tax
and the influx of celebrities to the playground ofadvantages of living in Monaco. One local Monaco
Europe make a heady mix for the annual event, and isestate agency report that currently they have a one
viewed as part of the social calendar for the world'sbedroom apartment, with no sea views, available at
top sports stars, actors, models and businessmen.880,000 Euros. And by the time closing costs are
The circuit takes in Casino Square and passes by thetaken into account this rises to around a million Euros.
renowned Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, making it oneA two bedroom two bathroom apartment in Monte
of the most recognisable hotels in the world.Carlo is available for 1,900,000 Euros.
The race started in 1929, organised by Monte CarloAnd a five bedroom four bathroom apartment,
resident and founding president of the Automobile Clubrecently featured on the BBC's Money Programme 'No
de Monaco, Anthony Noghes, and the Grand Prix hastax please - we're rich',  in Fontveille, the same area
made the world's second smallest country aof Monaco where the Hotel Columbus, part owned by
destination of choice for many.Grand Prix driver David Coulthard, is situated with
While Monaco enjoys the attention of the world'sMediterranean views is available for ten million Euros.
media for one weekend every May, she also attractsWith demand from clients worldwide the prices of real
many people long term to become residents due toestate in Monaco is likely to be among the highest in
her tax haven status, and residents enjoy a zero ratedthe world for the forseeable future.
income tax.Commenting on the local property market, several
In recent years Monaco has attracted the wealthy forestate agents have reported good sales for Monte
another visit. The annual Monaco Yacht Show inCarlo real estate and for Monaco generally in the first
September has the most exclusive yachts in the worldquarter of 2006, with the top end of properties in
moor at the harbour in Fontvieille, and the hotels inMonaco doing particularly well compared to the same
Monte Carlo and Monaco are booked full nearly aquarter last year.
year in advance.And there are rumours among the owners of the
For both events, the Monaco Grand Prix and thehotels in Monaco and Monaco Real Estate industry
Yacht Show many visitors stay in nearby Nice andthat two islands could be built with bridges to connect
travel in, and the hotels in Monaco enjoy full occupancythem to Monte Carlo which would allow some 5000
at premium rates.new low rise properties and a hotel to be built.
Monaco Real EstateIf the rumours become true of more availability of
Once a European backwater, Prince Rainier turnedproperties and a new hotel in Monaco the possibility
Monaco into one of Europe's best known locations,also exists of an extended or changed circuit for the
combining glamour with an income tax free policy thatMonaco Grand Prix in years to come.