If you dream of owning a property abroad – perhaps to keep as a holiday home, or maybe to relocate entirely – I ask you, where better than the glorious French Riviera?
Known in French as the Côte d’Azur, the French Riviera along the southeast corner of the South of France is truly one of the most stunning places in the whole of Europe, if not the world. With Mediterranean sunshine beating down 300 days of the year, golden beaches, sweeping views and beautiful properties – The French Riviera has it all.
Naturally, being one of the most sought-after areas in the country, property prices can be quite high. This is fine if you have the budget – though you may be relieved to hear that affordable property can be found on the Azure Coast as well. Here’s your friendly South of France property surveyor’s quick guide to property on the French Riviera.
High Demand = High Prices
The Côte d’Azur is indeed one of the most expensive regions in the South of France – and the closer to the coast you venture, the higher the prices climb. While desirability is a key driver, there is also the fact that there is limited area on which new buildings can be erected. This means that demand perpetually outstrips supply – keeping prices generally high, particularly along the coast.
However, if money is no object, then Nice, Antibes, Saint-Tropez and Cannes are awash with luxury property options – complete with film-star glamour, a fabulous sunny climate, and views to die for.
They will set you back a few million, however. A recent report in Property Investor Today reveals that the upper tiers of the French market are currently tempting high-end homebuyers away from places like London. As of February 2021, 2,859 homes were listed at £3 million-plus – 76% of which were located in the French Riviera.
Hugh Wade-Jones, Managing Director of Enness Global Mortgages, comments: “We’re seeing a growing interest for prime French property amongst global high-end buyers, and this is being driven by a few factors. […] The fact that the French prime market offers far more property for your money, and a better climate to boot, it’s clear to see why high-end buyers from around the world are showing interest over London.”
Affordable Property on the French Riviera
Head back from the coast a little and you may be pleased to discover that more and more affordable property is becoming available – you just need to know where to look for it.
For example, in Vence – about an hour’s drive inland – it’s possible to buy a three-bedroom house for under €300,000. The hilltop town of Mougins – a mere 15 minutes away from Cannes – has also become popular in recent years and some good bargains can be found here.
Other historic locations where more affordable property can be sought include Lorgues (famed for its traditional market) and Tourtour, one of the most beautiful villages in France. And if snow sports are your thing, you can find small, one-bedroom homes close to ski resorts around the Alpes-Maritime National Park for under €150,000 – and you’re still just an hour from the coast.
It’s also worth noting that, in certain areas, developers are reacting to recent market trends which are bringing more Brits to the French Riviera than ever before via cut-price airlines. These people want affordable holiday accommodation, which has resulted in the building of many studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments – and offer good value for money.
Charles Mackintosh South of France Property Surveyor
For more information on property in the French Riviera no matter your budget, get in touch with South of France property surveyor Charles Mackintosh. With over 30 years’ experience living and operating in the region, Charles provides highly regarded English language property surveys and advice for British buyers.