Dream homes: Why French Riviera property may be more accessible than you think

The phrase ‘French Riviera’ immediately conjures up images of playboy millionaires, expensive yachts and property that has an eight-figure price tag. Although there is a huge amount of wealth and exclusivity to some areas of the region, owning a French Riviera property is not necessarily the exclusive domain of the rich and famous. With a little bit of hunting and a good realtor on your side, there are properties available for a more affordable price-tag, allowing you to invest in a property that is guaranteed to increase in value, no matter what the global markets decide to do.

The name ‘French Riviera’ is a misnomer – the actual region is the Côte d'Azur and covers the Mediterranean coastline of the southeastern corner of France, extending from Menton near the Italian border on the east to Hyères and Cassis in the west. The English term of ‘French Riviera’ originates in its popularity as a health resort for ailing British tourists in the 18th century, who flocked to the region to take advantage of its warm climate. In the later part of the 18th and early 19th centuries the region became popular as a resort for royalty and wealthy visitors, and its popularity amongst the upper echelons of society has remained intact to this day.

Property in the most popular areas of the region is still extremely expensive, but more affordable luxury properties are still available if you are prepared to broaden your search a little. The biggest problem with finding property on the French Riviera is locating realtors who deal in this exclusive marketplace. Those that do know that because of the clientele they’re dealing with discretion is a crucial factor in any property negotiations. As long as you are prepared to consider this as part of your property search and you deal with an experienced Riviera realtor, this should not cause you too much of a problem when buying French Riviera property.

The amount of development that is allowed along the French Riviera is also restricted, which makes property availability limited. However, as low cost air travel has opened the region up to a new type of clientele, developers have spotted a gap in the market and are creating studio and one or two bedroom apartments whereas previously they would have built large luxury apartments. These apartments are more expensive than a similar small house in the Limousin or Gers, but in investment terms they represent excellent value for money.

As with all property investment, location is the key. Whereas property in Cannes is always going to be almost prohibitively expensive, looking towards the outskirts of towns along the coast will often turn up far more affordable properties. The importance of the town to the region can also affect the price of property, with property around the Marseille area being considerably cheaper than that found around Cannes or Nice. Malaussena is the name to watch – this area north of Nice was previously regarded as something of a backwater, but improved transportation links have brought this area to the forefront of property development and it is rapidly gaining in popularity. However, affordable properties are still available, particularly one bedroom apartments and studio flats.

The French Riviera will always have an air of exclusivity, but with a little bit of hunting and making sure you have a realtor with local knowledge on your side, affordable French Riviera property is still available.