The French Riviera’s combination of history, culture, world-class beaches, stunning seascapes, gastronomy, good schools and international airport access makes it a perfect destination for overseas buyers. Recent data from property specialist Home Hunts revealed that the most coveted locations are the Mougins and Valbonne areas; Cap d’Antibes and Cannes; Villefranche-sur-Mer and SaintJean-Cap-Ferrat; and Saint-Tropez. Both medieval villages, Mougins and Valbonne offer authentic charm, good amenities and have a busy events calendar.
“These villages have not yet been disturbed by tourists in the summer,”
says Amy Bault, a Riviera consultant for Home Hunts.
“They are also close to several international schools. The Cap d’Antibes and Cannes areas are 30 minutes from Nice airport and close to sandy beaches. Both areas are excellent for yacht lovers and clients invest in these areas as they have the dream Riviera lifestyle on their doorstep.”
The French Riviera’s market was boosted by price falls inland and buyers are now getting more for their money in locations such as Biot, Opio, Roquefort-les-Pins and Châteauneuf de Grasse.
“Grasse is also a great area for investment as the centre is being completely redeveloped and there is a direct train line to Cannes,”
advises Tim Swannie, director of Home Hunts. Paul Bernard, agency manager at John Taylor Cannes, reports that the majority of high-end buyers in the Cannes area are international clients.
“Most notably Britons, due to the current strength of the pound; Scandinavians, Americans, Middle Easterners and Russians. At John Taylor, foreigners constitute 70% of buyers purchasing very high end properties above €10 million. Cannes, and its surroundings, is one of the most expensive real estate markets in France, and indeed the world, due to a great demand and limited supply, even though prices have dropped in the last two years.”
Beauchamp Estates Cannes comments,
“The real estate market on the French Riviera is fairly atypical, as it is made up of a series of luxury ‘micro-markets’. The offer remains scarce on the coast, and that scarcity keeps the prices high. Today the favourable tax environment allows a certain degree of flexibility to new potential buyers, as despite the risk of market fluctuations, the legendary Côte d’Azur is still a dream destination for wealthy French or foreigners who seek to acquire exclusive properties.”
Saint-Tropez also remains a legendary destination with a peninsula studded with large villas surrounded by vast plots of land in the forest. Josh Buckley at H Barnes & Co comments,
“Saint-Tropez is a place where people ‘meet’, and many friends rent or buy property here in order to be close to one another during the summer. The most desirable and expensive residential areas are Les Parcs de Saint-Tropez – a private gated exclusive residential ‘domaine’ where some of the most expensive villas are situated and prices run into tens of millions. Other desirable areas are Cap Tahiti, Les Graniers, le Capon. Saint-Tropez has a varied clientele. It has always been popular with the Belgians, Italians, French, and Swedish, but also loved by the British, Americans, Eastern Europeans, and wealthy Middle Eastern families.”
Over the years, H Barnes & Co has seen a shift in demand and popularity for properties closer to the centre of town.
“Previously, people were drawn to the aspect of large houses and plots which were typically located towards the beaches of Saint- Tropez,”
says Mr Buckley.
“As time has gone by with the increasing popularity of hotels, restaurants, bars and high end retailers, a new discerning exclusive buyer has emerged, who requires access to all of this on their doorstep. It’s fair to say that such accessibility and properties in poll position are rare.”
Les Parcs de Saint-Tropez
This waterfront Bastide property is fully enclosed in a secure, gated domaine. It has 13 bedrooms and bathrooms and comes complete with a private beach, jetty large enough to moor a nine-metre boat and a certified helipad. The main house with its large, open living area with fireplace, overlooks the terrace and has amazing sea views. A master bedroom comes complete with separate living area/study. Outside there is large garden and two swimming pools plus a guardian’s villa.
£27.5m / €35m / $39.9m
Leggett Prestige +33(0)5 57 55 06 06
prestige@leggett.fr
Cannes, Californie, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur
Château Soligny offers panoramic views of the sea, Cap d’Antibes, the Lerins Islands and the bay of Cannes. Set in a landscaped park of about 8,500m² with swimming pool and pool house, the property offers approximately 1,200m² of living space. On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, living room, vast reception room, dining room and kitchen, all opening on to a large terrace. The first floor has two master bedrooms each with en suite bathroom and dressing room, while the second floor has three bedrooms with shower rooms. The garden level comprises an entrance hall, living room, kitchen, bar and four large en suite guest bedrooms. A home cinema and wine cellar are located in the basement and the property also includes caretaker’s accommodation, a gym, hammam, lift and home automation system.
£43.2m / €55m / $62.7m
John Taylor Cannes
www.john-taylor.com
Monaco Riviera
Ideally situated between the sea and mountains, the Principality of Monaco is rich in culture, history and nature. With its unrivalled climate that is pleasant all year round and stunning landscapes, it is one of the most popular destinations in the world. A spokesperson for Pastor Immobilier reports that Monaco has one of the most stable residential markets in the world and is regularly at the top of property league tables, as such there is constant interest from across the globe. The market has continued to perform well with interest from international buyers looking to invest in and/or relocate to the Principality, in addition to existing residents relocating within Monaco. The lettings market also remains active, where the majority of agreements signed are for terms of three years or more. Pastor Immobilier also reports that there are a number of significant development projects taking place in Monaco that will reshape the Principality in both a literal and figurative manner. These infrastructure projects will deliver increased land mass and with it the attendant opportunity for selective development – commercial and residential. These projects coupled with the renovation and development of Monaco’s most well known landmarks in Monte Carlo, the Hotel de Paris and Le Casino – also due for completion in 2018, will ensure that Monaco retains its reputation of excellence.
Les Terrasses Du Port, Fontveille, Monaco
Within a highly luxurious residence with swimming pool, gym, park and 24-hour caretaker, this beautiful three-bedroom apartment has a living area of 288m² and a 101m² terrace. The apartment includes an entrance hall, a double living room opening on to a large terrace with beautiful sea views, fully equipped kitchen two parking spaces and a cellar. The three large bedrooms with their bathrooms and dressing rooms, each open on to a terrace.
£17.3m / €22m / $25.09m
John Taylor
www.john-taylor.com
Monte Coast View, Beausolei, Monaco
This exceptional development is only 25 minutes from Nice International Airport. The 39 striking apartments are split between two residential buildings, Emotion and Sensation. Each apartment is designed to maximise the superb views across Monaco Bay, taking into account the natural vista and using every drop of natural light. All owners benefit from the outdoor heated pool, sundeck, wellness area with pool house and fitness rooms. Additionally a private concierge service is available 24-hours a day. The apartments are all finished by experienced interior designers, with some including private jacuzzis on their terrace.
£2.23m / €2.84m / $3.24m
Erna Lowe Property
www.ernalowproperty.co.uk
Italian Riviera
Tuscany is not usually regarded as a beach destination, even though it has around 250 miles of coastline. Beauchamp Estates advises that it is the southern Tuscan coastal region from South of Livorno to the Maremma that offers the best mix of uncrowded beaches, relatively unspoiled scenery and good places to eat and drink. The lesser-known Tuscan coast remains full of secrets like Bolgheri, part of a series of beautiful hilltop towns that once kept invaders at bay. A bastion of well-preserved architecture, they are mostly free of crowds. Thanks to its mild climate, quiet and beauty of the landscape, the Bolgheri Coast became a well-known seaside resort for a relaxing holiday immersed in nature. Nowadays it’s partially used as expository space for fairs and cultural events during the summer. Elisa Biglia of Great Estate comments,
“When one envisions a Tuscan holiday home, they usually picture a rural property set amongst vineyards. The coastline of Tuscany is a relatively new hotspot for British buyers, especially Porto Santo Stefano, which is on the promontory of Monte Argentario. The area provides a true taste of Italy with its stunning beaches, tiny fishing villages and pastel-painted homes either in the port itself or nestled amongst the cliff tops. Monte Argentario is a densely wooded island, linked to the mainland by road via two sandbanks lined with family beach clubs. It’s a very popular for holiday homes with wealthy Romans and millionaires from around the world, however we are starting to see an increase in British buyers too.”
Exceptionally large villas by the sea can go for up to €20 million but prices are reasonably static at the moment according to Ms Biglia.
“Property prices on the Tuscan coast peak in exclusive Forte dei Marmi and Viareggion further north,”
she explains.
“In Argentario, they are about 20% lower. The lifestyle is more laid back but totally Italian. Porto Santo Stefano is a very lively all year round port due to its fishing and ferry industry. There is a daily market selling fresh seafood, while crime is low and it’s easy to make a day trip to go exploring and shopping to Siena and Rome, or the islands of Corsica, Giglio and Elba. Furthermore, if you own a holiday home here there is very high demand for rental properties during the summer months. You can expect to earn upwards of €577 a week for a one-bedroom flat to €7,725 for a secluded detached villa with five or more bedrooms.”
As for Liguria, which is considered to be the very heart of the Italian Riviera, Simone Rossi, general manager at Gate-away.com, says,
“Quality of life, mild climate, nature and appealing landscapes, art and history, culture and traditions are only some reasons to choose Liguria as the ideal destination. Food and cooking excellences, handicrafts, fashion and all made in Italy products are other good reasons to live in Liguria and in Italy, even more if you have financial resources.”
Rapallo, Genoa, Liguria
Villa dei Limoni is a prestigious property with almost one hectare of park in a hilly position with fabulous views of the Ligurian Sea. It is spread over four levels (internally connected by a lift) with a total floor area of 750m², in addition to a veranda and spacious terraces. On the ground floor there is an apartment for service staff and a billiard room. The first floor has been divided into a large living room with a fireplace, study, dining room, large kitchen with a veranda, bathroom and a cellar. The sleeping area is on the upper floors, with three bedrooms and three bathrooms on the second floor and another two bedrooms and a bathroom in the attic. The property also has an annexe, which is divided into a large entrance hall, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a double garage.
£10.2m / €13m / $14.8m
Casaitalia International
www.gate-away.com
Porto Santo Stefano, Monte Argentario, Tuscany
A beautiful 18-hectare estate, which consists of a main villa, detached guest annexe, 20-metre swimming pool, two hectares of landscaped gardens and 16 hectares of olive groves, an orchard and Mediterranean maquis. The property has seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, various large living spaces and a large fully equipped kitchen. It enjoys amazing views of the Mediterranean and the islands of Giglio, Giannutri, Monte Cristo, Elba and, on a clear day, Corsica.
£4.3m / €5.5m / $6.3m
Great Estate
www.greatestate.it
Bolgheri, Maremma, Tuscany
This Casa Bianca beach estate consists of a main villa and a one-bedroom caretaker’s cottage with an independent entrance. There is also a pool house with a bedroom and private bathroom, a yoga pagoda and a beach house. The main villa of 780m² is divided into three areas. The large bright open living area has various seating areas with large windows and direct access to the external terraces and gardens. The master wing has nine double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and one additional guest bathroom with shower. The staff space includes a large kitchen, laundry room, office and two bedrooms.
The basement provides technical rooms and a gym.
£11m / €14m / $15.97m
Beauchamp Estates Florence
www.beauchamp.com
