Property market in Bassussarry, Arcangues, Ahetze and Arbonne

Charming communes in the Basque province of Le Labourd, Bassussarry, Arcangues, Ahetze and Arbonne propose airy urban development very close to the Atlantic beaches. A market offering quality homes, on which some real opportunities can now be snapped up.

Close neighbours of Biarritz, Bayonne, Anglet or Saint-Jean-de-Luz and their highly-prized coasts, the villages of Bassussarry (pop. approx. 2,500), Arcangues (3,000), Ahetze (2,000) and Arbonne (2,000) comprise a hinterland preserved from urban development with a pronounced Basque identity. The ideal area in which to unearth a lovely large villa in a quiet spot, offering a view of the first peaks in the Pyrenees (La Rhune, Le Mondarrain, L’Artzamendi…). Especially as slightly lower prices are currently very appealing, offering enticing value for money…

“In Bassussarry, the most affordable commune, houses usually proposing living space of 200 to 350 m2 cost from 900,000 to 1.5 million euros, drawing a traditional clientele in search of a high-end holiday home or one with character, but also local buyers, both retired and actively employed,” says Pierre Deglaire, manager of the Coldwell Banker agency in Biarritz (the N° 1 group worldwide for prestige properties), founded in 2009. “Ahetze is more popular as it is closer to the ocean. The starting-price here is 600,000 € for a villa of about 200 m2. Larger properties can soar to 4.5 million euros, as for a 17th-C. Basque farmhouse of 600 m2, renovated throughout, on 34.6 acres of land with a swimming pool and tennis court. Enjoying superb views of the village and mountains, it is just a few minutes from the beaches.” Arcangues, a village of genuine character, particularly appreciated for its golf-course and listed château, posts the highest prices : “They range from 4,000 to 7,000-8,000 € per sq. metre for very desirable properties, even more for outstanding examples such as a villa of 400 m2 in 2,000 m2 of grounds at the edge of the golf-course, on offer at 4.5 million euros.” Otherwise, a more classic house of over 300 m2 in Arcangues can be found for 1.2 to 2 million euros.

In Arbonne, a villa of approx. 250 m2 (with extension possibilities) in 5,000 m2 of grounds was recently marketed by the Emile Garcin agency in Biarritz at less than 1 million euros. Opened in 2000 and specializing in remarkable real estate, this firm proposes houses in this area priced between 500,000 and 2.5 million euros, or more for exceptional homes : “Set in grounds of 2,000 to 5,000 m2, they offer living space of 200 to 450 m2,” explains agency manager Benoît Verdet. “Their market value is also determined by the quality of renovation work, as well as location : tranquillity and spaciousness are widely sought-after by both an urban- and family-oriented clientele.” Another recent transaction : a house of 250 m2 with 2,000 m2 of grounds in Arcangues, which sold for close on 850,000 €. As for building land, a plot of 3,000 m2 costs about 450,000 €. “We haven’t escaped the general trend on the downside - price declines of 10 to 20 % since 2010 -, a situation which now presents some real opportunities. The impact is, however, still limited, with international demand for the top end of the market remaining very important here. The Basque country, a top-notch European destination, simply has to pursue its development…”

Jérémie Cordier heads the Carmen Immobilier and Koté Palais agencies in Biarritz (created in 1991, the Carmen Immobilier group now consists of over 35 agencies covering the entire Basque Coast and southern part of Les Landes). “Excellent bargains are available,” he says, mentioning a house of 120 m2 in a quiet neighbourhood in Arbonne with a garden of 300 m2, up for sale at 332,000 €. “A rare property which we have just added to our portfolio and which should sell very quickly.” Properties on offer between 500,000 and 550,000 € also meet with strong demand : “These homes of 130 to 150 m2 with gardens of 1,000-1,500 m2 are unfortunately too scarce on the market. Usually, buyers thus have to wait a few months when hoping to acquire one.” On the other hand, family-sized properties of 250-300 m2 in grounds of 5,000 to 6,000 m2 proposed from 650,000 to 850,000 € are in less demand : “In this market segment, supply largely outstrips demand, keeping prices somewhat unstable.” What about building plots ? “Relatively rare, plots of 1,000 to 1,500 m2 in quiet surroundings, benefiting from a view, range from 180,000 to 250,000 €. You can build houses of 130 to 140 m2 on them, for a total cost of about 500,000 €.”

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