The market has boomed during 2015, reports Home Hunts…
During 2015 Home Hunts can confirm that enquiries into luxury property for sale on the French Riviera were up by 60% compared with 2014. Overseas buyers have been taking advantage of the reduced property prices, favourable currency pairings and lower mortgage rates, which led to an overall increase in viewings, offers and sales.
“The market for luxury property for sale on the French Riviera has really boomed in 2015,” says Tim Swannie, Director of Home Hunts. “Although we saw activity start to increase in 2014, this year the market has transformed and it has been the busiest we have seen since starting the company back in 2004.”
Riviera property is always in high demand. The fact that land is restricted by planning laws means that only a handful of properties in the most sought-after areas are available, keeping demand high.
Here are four of the hottest properties currently up for sale in some of the French Riviera’s most desirable locations.
Nine-bedroom prestigious estate in Nice
Nice is the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department and one of the most popular places to own property on the French Riviera. The combined charm of its natural beauty and exceptional position on the Côte d’Azur has made it attractive to the upper classes since the 18th century, when aristocratic families started to spend winters in the city.
The famous Promenade des Anglais is lined with palm trees, luxury apartments and hotels, such as the Negresco, which is also home to two-starred Michelin restaurant Chantecler. Other famous streets include the Boulevard Victor Hugo, Avenue Jean Medicin and Boulevard Gambetta, which make up the highly sought-after Golden Square, where many grand properties and Bourgeois apartments offer a luxurious city lifestyle just five minutes from the beach.
In terms of where to live, the old town, Mont Boron in the east and locations such as Cagnes-sur-Mer and Saint-Laurent-du-Var, the largest suburbs in Nice, are some of the best places to own property in Nice. City properties with sea views and privacy are usually the most coveted.
This unique nine-bedroom property is one of the most prestigious, secure and exclusive estates (HH-7138201) in Nice. It offers absolute privacy as it is set in a 19,000 square metre park which overlooks the city and the seafront. Immaculately landscaped gardens, original domed ceilings and an oval swimming pool are just a few of the many highlights that would make this grand property a spectacular purchase.
Exotic luxury home in Eze
Eze comprises three main areas: the village of Eze, the Bord de Mer and Saint Laurent d’Eze. The village itself offers plenty to do and is home to some of the most splendid views along the Riviera coast. “Eze has some wonderful restaurants, too, including the two-Michelin-starred Chèvre d’Or, which is one of the most famous restaurants on the Riviera,” says Tim.
The quaint part of Eze is found in Bord de Mer. Here you can find splendid hidden beaches, exquisite restaurants and excellent shopping and the train station. Saint Laurent d’Eze, a largely residential area found a little further east along the coast towards Monaco, contains some sensational hillside properties with breath-taking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
“While the whole stretch of coast between Nice and Monaco is wonderful, Eze is particularly nice and popular as it is so close to Monaco,” adds Tim.
Just five minutes away from Monaco and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, this luxurious seven-bedroom property is one of the most magnificent properties in Eze (HH-8054840). Set in a two-and-a-half acre park with exotic vegetation, a rose garden, a lake and a waterfall, it is like no other property on the market. Further stand-out features include a fitness room, an enormous infinity pool and an unforgettable sea view. Home Hunts recommends that interested parties view the property as soon as possible.
Rare investment opportunity in Mougins
The pretty medieval village of Mougins is a 15-minute drive from Cannes and is renowned for its excellent gastronomic restaurants, international school and its own version of Silicon Valley.
One of the most popular towns outside Cannes to be visited by the global elite during the Cannes Film Festival, along with high quality cuisine, this village offers top class boutiques, leisure facilities (such as a prestigious golf club and equestrian centre) and several five-star spas.
This stunning 21-bedroom property (HH-7193990) has been both a luxury boutique hotel and a private property, and is an excellent investment opportunity for the right buyer. Set in four hectares of landscaped grounds, including ancient olive trees, it was originally restored in 1947 and later renovated to a high standard in 2003.
With views all over the countryside, a long driveway bordered by Cyprus trees and a caretaker’s house, this is a unique and rare property to come on to the market with plenty of development options.
Dream waterfront villa in Saint Tropez
From quaint little fishing port to glamorous and upmarket Mediterranean resort, Saint Tropez has evolved over the years into one of the most sought-after locations for prime real estate. With a small, exclusive population of 4,500, almost two-thirds of houses here are holiday homes and some of the most coveted property on the French Riviera.
Saint-Tropez is famous the world over for its spectacular beaches, including Plage des Graniers, Plage des Salins and Plage de Pampelonne, with the latter home to the famous beach club Le Club 55. Along with vibrancy and glamour, it also provides remarkable views of the stunning coastline, the Maures mountains and surrounding countryside, and offers beautifully-designed properties with sea views and waterside locations.
Located in the prestigious estate of Les Parcs de Saint Tropez, this contemporary six-bedroom waterfront villa is a dream Saint Tropez property (HH-9979735). Spacious, bright and beautifully designed, the extensive infinity pool is part of a superb outdoor entertainment space with panoramic sea views. Further luxurious features include a gym and a heliport.
To read more about opportunities to buy luxury property for sale on the French Riviera, check out the “Riviera” section of Home Hunts’ online newsletter The Address, and Home Hunts’ blog at www.home-hunts.com, where you can also view properties for sale. To speak with a consultant directly about your specific investment requirements, call +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
