Three prime hotspots

Saint-Tropez

In terms of its property market, Saint- Tropez rose to prominence later than other parts of the Côte d’Azur, but has exceeded Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for €10 million-plus sales since 2014. The town is attractive, with a marina and a busy summer social calendar. It meets the demands of younger buyers seeking proximity to restaurants and bars, as well as families looking to be close to amenities and the beach.

The wider area offers a diverse range of property. Villas in Les Parcs feature reasonably sized plots and spectacular nighttime views of the coast. Prices can exceed €50,000 per sq m. The southern stretch of Les Salins and Le Capon is also highly desirable. Plots are larger, but slightly less expensive.

The area’s prime markets are most brisk around €1-5 million, in which the French are particularly active. Over €5 million, there is high supply and fewer buyers.

^{▲ Ville de Saint-Tropez}

Cap d’Antibes

Cap d’Antibes is a peninsula of 1,200 properties, offering resident privacy, sea views and easy access to Cannes and Nice. Prices range from €2 million to more than €100 million. The most desirable location is the southern tip, known as Billionaire’s Bay, offering bigger plots (some waterfront), with sea views toward Cannes. Prices for villas here exceed €50,000 per sq m.

New development is bringing fresh product to Cap d’Antibes, a market otherwise characterised by villas. Parc du Cap, a gated development of 88 apartments, offers residents a range of amenities (including pools, a spa and a tennis court), 24-hour concierge, and private terraces or gardens. It reflects the type of product many buyers seek today: low-maintenance, lock-up-and-leave apartments, within easy walking distance to restaurants and beaches.

^{▲ The west coast of Cap d’Antibes}

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat remains one of the world’s most sought-after home destinations. Private, secure and with spectacular views, the peninsula has a stock of just 500 residences. The world’s most expensive property is currently for sale here, exclusively with Savills: Les Cèdres, for €350 million.

Prices can reach €50,000 per sq m for the most secluded properties with sea views. Even higher prices are commanded for those with direct waterfront access. Like the rest of the Côte d’Azur’s prime hotspots, this is a buyer’s market. Some 12% of the peninsula’s 500 properties are currently being marketed. Wealthy owners have little incentive to sell, but properties that are trading are doing so at a 10% to 30% discount on asking price.

^{▲ Beaulieu-sur-Mer looking towards Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat}

The Côte d’Azur’s prime enclaves

Market intelligence on the residential values across the region

■ The prime residential markets in Cannes are focused around the Croisette. Large, lateral apartments are popular with those from the Middle East. Short-stay rental markets are buoyant, especially during the city’s events and festivals.

■ The western edge of the Côte d’Azur rose to prominence later than the east, but now accounts for half of ultra-prime transactions in the region. Still popular with the French, the area is now firmly in the international spotlight.

■ Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Cap d’Antibes are among the world’s most sought-after second-home destinations. Prices, which can exceed €80,000 per sq m in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, rival those of top-tier world cities.

■ Prices in Monaco have risen 123% in a decade. Surrounding areas, such as Cap d’Ail and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, have been boosted by Monaco residents seeking spacious second homes nearby.