Cannes, an international address

Radia Amar - 03 August 2018

More than a third of the living accommodation in Cannes consists of holiday homes. Seen as one of the Côte d’Azur’s most desirable addresses, the Festival City can lay claim to many attributes, including a lifestyle of undeniable quality underscored by international status.

Founded 40 years ago in Hambourg, the Engel & Völkers group operates in 34 countries on four continents through over 800 agencies, including three in flagship addresses on the Côte d’Azur : Saint-Tropez, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and, of course, Cannes. “We build our relationships with our prime Parisian clientele and international clients thanks to the strength of our networks,” explains Marie-Claire Sangouard, General Manageress of Engel & Völkers Côte d’Azur. “Cannes has long been a top-notch address on the French Riviera, highly-prized by buyers looking for second residences basking in the sun, and investors drawn by the attractiveness and dynamism of this town which holds essential trade-fairs and international festivals all year round.” While being known as an expert in high-end and prestige residences, Engel & Völkers selects properties in Cannes ranging from the pied-à-terre at 300,000 € to outstanding properties worth around 80 million euros “What counts for us is a property’s quality : its location, address, potential… Not just its size,” says Marie-Claire Sangouard, adding that the core of the agency’s portfolio in Cannes lies between 1 and 3 million euros for apartments with sea views, and over 2 million euros for houses within the city limits. Beyond the perimeter of Cannes, villas sell from 1 million euros, as exemplified by a house of 215 m2 designed by an architect and set in a garden of over 1,000 m2, on offer at 1,070,000 €. The most privileged neighbourhoods ? “The Croisette, of course, Palm Beach, La Californie, then the centre known as the “Banane”, Le Suquet (Old Town), Oxford...” According to our specialist, the French property market chalked up an historic year in 2017, and 2018 seems to be enjoying strong momentum.

After opening her agency, Cannes Rossi Croisette, a year ago on the Croisette, Brigitte Rossi, who also covers Megève and Corsica, presents a selection of high-end and prestige properties in the best neighbourhoods in Cannes : on the Croisette, in Super Cannes, Lower Californie and La Californie. “A view of the sea, quietness and security are the main assets offered by the Californie area. For year-round or holiday homes, our French and international clients are particularly keen on top-floor apartments in high-class residences with gardens, swimming pools and 24/7 security,” says this agent who noted excellent activity in June. “It was quieter in early July, then after the 14th, high-end clients were back again. Despite their substantial budgets, they are nevertheless ready to bargain…” Among properties representing her current offerings, Brigitte Rossi mentions a 1-bedroom apartment of 35 m2, refurbished as new and in a prime location on the Croisette, priced at 720,000 €, an exceptional 2-bedroomed apartment of 100 m2 benefiting from a roof-terrace of 120 m2 with a breathtaking sea view, at 995,000 €, and a luxury villa of genuine charm a short walk to the Croisette, up for sale at 2,100,000 €.