Côte d’Azur
With an office situated in the heart of Nice, Berthier & Associés are expertly positioned to offer a full range of valuation services across the Côte d’Azur and the surrounding area. This includes all asset types, whether that be residential, commercial, hospitality and for diverse purposes including secured lending, tax issues, family law or eviction compensation.
The firm is renowned for its professionalism, its rigour and dedication to serve its client’s requirements. This reputation has been built in the Côte d’Azur region in no small part thanks to a team of committed and competent professional valuers whose output always adheres to the highest quality. Whether you are an individual, a professional or representing a business, Berthier & Associés has the experience and expertise to meet your specific real estate valuation needs. For an English-speaking introduction to the valuation services offered by Berthier & Associés, contact Samuel Thompson at [email protected] or telephone +44 7933 239126 / +33 07 45 55 81 46 or via our contact form.
The Attraction
The Côte d’Azur is a highly prised location for both owner-occupiers and investors, consistently commanding the most expensive residential property in France. The real estate market is dynamic and offers great diversity. Although Nice is considered the economic and cultural heart of the Côte d’Azur, other key centres such as St Tropez, Cannes and the Principality of Monaco have their own unique attractions. Some the area’s major attractions include :
Setting
The Côte d’Azur’s situation offers access to both the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the imposing mountains inland. While the coast presents a bustling urban environment with access to exclusive shopping, dining and more than 200 private beaches, the inland locations boast a secluded and tranquil setting with direct access to the mountains. It is also in close proximity to the southern Alpine ski resorts for winter sports enthusiasts.
Culture & Lifestyle
The Côte d’Azur is justly associated with style and elegance, gaining an image as a chic ‘millionaires’ playground’. As well as hosting illustrious international events such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show, there are numerous golf courses, marinas, spas and casinos to be enjoyed along the coast and inland. Together with the attraction of the golden beaches and urban attractions of the major centres, the region appeals to a diverse group of both residents and tourists.
Investment
Real estate on the Côte d’Azur, particularly that classed as luxury residential, has for years been viewed as a safe haven for investors. Driven by constant demand and a limited supply, prime residential prices increased by nearly 15% between 2019-2022 and continue on this upward trend. The Côte d’Azur has the highest proportion of foreign owned second homes in France, with 12% of the resident population being foreign nationals. Accordingly, demand stems from a diverse buyer profile, boosting the market’s long-term sustainability. For example, US buyers have recently been taking advantage of a favourable exchange rate, with St Tropez a favoured location for investment.
Accessibility
With international flight connectivity via the airport at Nice, the second busiest in France, the Côte d’Azur is easily reached by overseas visitors. Private jets can also be accommodated at the smaller airfields in St Tropez and Cannes. Furthermore, France’s high-speed rail network links Nice to Paris and other major cities in France and continental Europe. Equally, the region is well served by the country’s autoroute network, to the east providing access across the border to Italy. Finally, the multitude of ports permit mooring for yachts and cruisers arriving from the Mediterranean.
Key Valuation Considerations
Valuation of property on the Côte d’Azur is an important process for both owner-occupiers and investors, especially with the elevated cost of real estate in the region and the dynamic nature of the market. Coupled with 70% of total buyers in the prime sector being non-residents, many from overseas, factors influencing the market are clearly international in nature. Below are some of the key considerations that must be accounted for when valuing property in this illustrious location.
Location and Accessibility
With such an international influence, access to transportation links is frequently desired whether via road, rail, air or sea. Properties in coastal locations will likely benefit from proximity to services such as high-end shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Meanwhile, although inland properties are more valued for their seclusion, reasonably local facilities are still desirable as well as adjacency to nature and outdoors pursuits.
Architecture & Building Condition
The general condition of the building is always an important consideration when determining its value, as well as its architectural merits in accordance with current trends. Generally, properties equipped with modern facilities and technology are highly desired, especially those employing green technologies to minimise their environmental impact. Additionally, the size of any adjoining land and recent renovations will have an influence on the valuation.
Market Conditions
The real estate market across the Côte d’Azur is clearly both dynamic and greatly influenced by international demand. Equally important is the diverse source of demand for varied types of properties across locations with unique attractions. Accordingly, urban development policies and government initiatives attempt to strike a fine balance between maintaining supply for this consistent demand and preserving the region’s environmental and architectural character. Although the market is strong at present, it is not immune to global economic fluctuations. Correspondingly, economic downturns can impact the local property market, with uncertainty and rises in interest rates potentially leading to a fall in demand.