Peyrolles and Rognes, north of Aix-en-Provence

Radia Amar - 05 February 2016

21 km apart, these two communes are about 20 km from Aix-en-Provence, one to the north-east, the other to the north-west. Both addresses are highly-prized among people working in Aix and retirees looking for peace and quiet.

Based in Rognes, the Ajyl Immo agency specializes in the market comprised by communes surrounding Aix such as Bouc Bel Air, Luynes, Callas, Cabriès, Puyricard and, of course, Rognes. “Communes on the outskirts of Aix offer affordable solutions to local employees and senior citizens,” says Alexandre Jacques. “To the north, addresses such as Rognes propose living conditions combining charm and peacefulness at prices considerably lower than those posted in Aix-en-Provence.” Facing the Sainte-Victoire mountain, the area benefits from a convenient location between Aix, Marseille and Aubagne, access by road with smoothly flowing traffic, closeness to the TGV station and international Marignane airport, and relatively affordable property prices. “Prices have dropped by about 20 %. Sellers now accept our estimates more readily, the market has benefited from a clean-out and is getting a boost. In 2015, our sales rose by 20 %,” adds our specialist, also confident thanks to the new PTZ mortgage, which has already brought new buyers to the market. Rognes is a smart address, well-known for its truffles and vineyards. A 3 bedroomed villa in a good location can now be envisaged from 400,000 €, a village house for around 300,000 €, and an enviable property with extensive grounds from 700,000 to 1 million euros. Among the sales recently handled by the Ajyl agency, Alexandre Jacques mentions a 3-bedroomed home of 100 m2 with a self-contained studio on almost 2.5 acres of land. It has just found a new owner at 450,000 €. Designed by an architect, a much larger villa of 300 m2 featuring a lounge of 80 m2, a kitchen of 40 m2, four bedrooms including two suites, and a 1-bedroomed apartment of 50 m2, all with high-end appointments and set in a 1.5-acre park with a pool 4 x 14 m, has found a taker at 750,000 €.

Based in the valley of the Durance, between the Massif du Luberon and that of La Sainte-Victoire, Peyrolles-en-Provence is home to close on 5,000 residents, mostly living here permanently. Forward-looking and lively year-round, the commune has managed to retain its village atmosphere while laying on all the amenities required for pleasant family life. Children are catered for from crèche to intermediate level. Public transport comes in the guise of a bus service to the centre of Aix, making round trips every half-hour. “Our clientele is shared out pretty evenly between retirees from various parts of France and members of the local working population, including many people from Aix. Drawn by the commune’s charme and quietness, and the value for money offered by its property market, they are quite prepared to drive a little each day (20 to 30 minutes on average) to reach the centre of Aix,” explains Florence Meisson, who acquired the Concept Immo Conseil agency in 2013 after gaining 10 years’ experience in the département. “The most frequent budgets are around 300,000 € for 3-bedroomed houses with gardens, and 180,000 to 200,000 € for 2-bedroomed apartments with outdoor areas in recent residences.” Budgets corresponding to prices on today’s relatively stable market, as witnessed by the recent sale of an impeccable villa with 3-4 main rooms, a garden and pool, on an estate, priced at 305,000 €. “Buyers have a wide choice as the stock of available properties is currently rather high. Faced by a diverse array of offerings, they often find it hard to make up their minds. They love to compare, and make lots of visits in the hope of always finding something better,” says our estate-agent, who also covers the communes of Jouques, Pertuis, Rians and Meyrargues. “Markets which are pretty similar, with Pertuis doing rather better in terms of prices.” In all of these communes, new or very recent apartments sell quickly, while older properties are pretty much ignored unless they have benefited from quality renovation. As for those still awaiting renovation, they draw on-going interest from investors, ready to pounce on the slightest opportunity.