Luxury Property For Sale in Nice​

Nice is the second most popular tourist destination in France after Paris, boasting practically everything you could want, from art museums and designer shops to gourmet cuisine and outdoor adventure opportunities.

Nice has fantastic weather, with sunshine practically every day of the year. If you’re coming from London, those sunny days are a true treat. And even during chillier months, Nice (and the rest of the French Riviera) is still bright and sun-drenched.

The culture in Nice is unique, too, heavily influenced by its proximity to Italy. That culture mix makes its way into the dialect, which you may notice is sometimes a combination of French and Italian.

Nice is conveniently located just a few miles from the second-largest airport in France, making the city a prime location for a holiday property, as it’s so easy to come and go. It’s also connected to Paris by the TGV.

While you may picture the beach when you think of the French Riviera, Nice is also a tech hub, with the Sophia Antipolis technology centre located here, hosting 1,400 businesses. That makes it a great location if you work in the industry.

Also, because there’s a strong expat community here, there are options if you’re looking for an international school.

Nice can be thought of as two distinct parts, and you can decide on the atmosphere you like best. On the west side of the Paillon river, Nice is notably French, with tall apartment buildings and wide boulevards. The east side of the river is more Italian, with narrow, winding streets, bright-coloured architecture and older buildings.

Nice’s historical homes and buildings date back 300-plus years. The old town has medieval streets, colourful buildings and art deco architecture, particularly along the Promenade des Anglais, which is also a great spot for a walk, jog or people-watching. You’ll also find bakeries, butcher shops, cafes, grocery shops and restaurants in old town, and the beach is less than a five-minute walk away.

Wherever you live in Nice, it’s easy to stay healthy here, and not just because of all the outdoor activities available. There are also markets to frequent that sell fresh produce and organic products. Take home a bouquet of fragrant flowers, too.

The Nice events calendar is filled with all sorts of local festivals, as is the rest of the French Riviera. Practically any time of year, you can celebrate the area’s fare and traditions with food festivals, music events and more. And even if there isn’t a festival going on, live music is easy to find at a variety of venues.

Through the years, some of the world’s most famous artists have come to Nice to work, and that pastime is reflected in the collections at local galleries. There are also sculpture gardens, glassblowers and basically any type of art you’re interested in.

And don’t forget how close you are to Italy. In less than one hour by train, you can head there for a day trip and return home in the evening.

Real estate in Nice is a welcome combination of modern and leisurely, always with a focus on the good life.

Apartments and villas here tend to have high-end amenities like summer kitchens, fully-fitted gyms, billiards and game rooms, home cinemas and advanced entertainment systems. It’s very possible that your master bedroom will open onto a private balcony that overlooks the Med. Plus, luxury properties in Nice can come with a phenomenal view of the sea, and most have an infinity pool, jacuzzi or private beach access – or all three!

Apartments are available by the sea or in the heart of the city, but if you want more solitude, look for a home that’s slightly removed from the crowds. You’ll avoid the hustle and bustle of the city and get more living space, too.

If you have a holiday property, it can provide rental income when you’re not using it. Remember that if you’re investing in a rental property, look for one with a central location, because that’s what renters will be after.

While you’ll definitely want to check out our Guide to Buying Property in France for a full breakdown of the process, we’ll briefly go over it here as well.

When looking for the best property in France for your needs, consider working with an estate agent. They’ll know the area and what’s available (even if a home is unlisted), and they also understand the in’s and out’s of the buying process.

Once you’ve found your future home, put an offer in writing. The offer will be presented to the owner. If it’s accepted, you and the seller will sign the initial contract, called the Compromis de Vente. This contract lays out the details of the property and the sale, but note that those details may change before you both sign the final contract.

The next step is to wait out the 10-day cooling-off period. During this time, you can change your mind about buying the property if you wish, and you won’t lose your deposit. However, once that cooling-off period has ended, you have to move forward with the sale or be penalized if you wish to cancel. At this point, the 12-week conveyancing process will begin, which is when various assessments of the home will be carried out.

Once the conveyancing process is over and you’ve addressed any concerns with the seller, it’s time to make the final payment and to sign the deed, called the Acte de Vente. This is when the home officially becomes yours and you can start your new life in Nice!