Europe has more than its fair share of stunning marinas with first-class yachting facilities, yacht clubs and vibrant communities. Here we explore the virtues of some of the finest marina properties currently on the market in France, Monaco, Italy, Spain and Cyprus.
Julia Bracco, agent at Immobilsarda, affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, says, “Marina properties represent some of the highest-priced markets for prime property across the globe. In Sardinia, outstanding property close to the marina has a unique value as it represents a real trophy asset. Costa Smeralda’s most vibrant and sought-after marina communities are those of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo where is possible to find exclusive villas, refined apartments and a few rare waterfront developments. These areas are a sweeping parade of restaurants with a lovely waterfront view, cafés, shops and boutiques.
“The port and village of Porto Cervo is where many Mediterranean yachts have moored over the decades. It is one of the Mediterranean’s best-equipped and most welcoming ports and can accommodate yachts of all sizes, including superyachts and hosts a number of world-famous races. These include the Loro Piana Superyacht, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, the Rolex Swan Cup, and the Perini Navi Cup. Porto Cervo has maintained its traditional small-village charm, with its Piazzetta and narrow streets.”
Ms Bracco reports that her clientele is mainly European, in particular North European (Swiss, German, Belgium, Austria, Scandinavia). “In recent years,” she says, “even Italian customers are revaluating Costa Smeralda as source of a good real estate investment and this trend is expected to continue well into 2018 – 2020. There is an increasing request for prime waterfront and exclusive locations with a consequent increase of price level. Beachfront location and direct beach access, are the most requested and important features increasing the value by over 50%. Additional features such as private docks, are rare and increase the value by 10%.”
Happy landings in Monaco
Located on the Mediterranean coast between the French and Italian Rivieras with the Alps as its backdrop, Monaco is home of some of the most impressive properties in the world. Its climate is very favourable with mild, sunny winters and long summers cooled by the sea, making it a yachting paradise. The principality offers a high quality of living with a wonderful landscape and modern infrastructures. It is also a very dynamic city, being hyper connected to the world with several headquarters and decision centres based there. Another plus point is that Monaco residents are not subject to tax on their worldwide incomes.
Monaco Properties reports that the average value of transactions in Monaco’s real estate market decreased from 6% last year in comparison with 2016. Despite this, the company advises that there have never been two consecutive years of decrease in this area. Monaco Properties goes on to say that the average value of transactions has thus continuously increased since 2000 and there are currently no reasons why this long-term trend should change.
Setting sail for Cyprus
Since launching in July 2010, Limassol Marina has met the increasing demand for waterside residences through the creation of a new yachting hotspot that caters to the wish lists of high net worth individuals. The marina was the first in the country to offer stopovers for superyachts benefiting both second-home owners and permanent residents after it opened to the public in 2014.
Epitomising the essence of ‘living on the sea’, a mere stroll from the city centre, the villas are also just metres away from the beach, and the development’s dining, shopping, fitness, leisure and cultural facilities. Brands such as Graff, Ralph Lauren and Zilli are also testament to the development’s credentials as a key European destination for superyacht owners.
Andreas Christodoulides, CEO of the marina, says, “Limassol Marina is now earning a reputation as one of the most exciting and ‘must visit’ destinations in the continent. Indeed, with more than 30 different nationalities already making Limassol Marina their home, there is no doubt that this development is becoming a permanent fixture in the sailing itineraries of the globe’s most affluent yacht owners.”
