Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its nearby surroundings

In high demand for its charming holiday homes, Saint-Jean-de-Luz offers a calm and elegant seaside lifestyle. Surrounded by Ciboure, Urrugne, Ascain and Ahetze, this flagship commune on the Bay of Biscay enjoys an international aura.

“Since September 2015, Saint-Jean’s market has definitely picked up,” enthuses David Plumeau of Louis 14 Immobilier, based in Urrugne. Specializing in high-end properties - from studios to châteaux – on the outskirts of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the agency presents a coherent selection of properties offering desirable locations, top-notch appointments and striking views. “Now that the market has undergone a shake-out, buyers are actively pursuing their plans. A more even balance between demand and supply is now accompanied by visible optimism. Most of our clients are looking for pleasant holiday homes with potential for becoming permanent residences, when they retire. We have also noticed the arrival of a new kind of buyer : young entrepreneurs from Paris wanting to set up businesses in the region. They are looking for houses where they can live with their families.” Posting more affordable prices than those in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the communes of Urrugne, Ciboure and Ascain are certainly not lacking in assets to draw and convince buyers. Between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye, near the beach of Socoa, Urrugne is to see changes in its urban planning policy in 2017. “A close eye should be kept on this commune, as numerous building plots in good locations should soon be released on the market.” Set further back from the coast, Ascain appeals for its authenticity and well-preserved nature. “We are offering several villas here in elevated positions, enjoying sweeping views while being close to amenities,” says David Plumeau, who has just completed the sale of an impeccable house of 170 m2 here, in grounds of 1,200 m2 with a swimming pool, priced at 725,000 €.

“Since the fourth quarter of 2015, activity has definitely picked up,” confirms Nicolas Descamps of the Côte Ouest agency affiliated to Christie’s, specializing in select and prestige properties. “Over the past 12 months, we have orchestrated numerous transactions for foreign clients and ex-pats working in London or Singapore.” These well-heeled clients able to to set their sights on properties over 1.5 million euros tend to focus their search on Saint-Jean-de-Luz intra-muros, though availabilities here are thin on the ground. “Despite limited offerings, buyers still want to obtain the real market price. Overvalued properties do not get any visits, no-one even makes an offer.” Sainte Barbe and Aice Errota are the most sought-after neighbourhoods, together with all residential addresses allowing for a walk-everywhere lifestyle. “Our portfolio is becoming more diversified. We are currently proposing a few fine properties of character in the historic centre, and a new high-end development called “La Résidence de la Croix du Sud”. On 3 floors, it is comprised of eight apartments with 2 to 4 bedrooms, priced from 270,000 to 590,000 €. We can also offer a few building plots at the entrance to the town. Their surface areas range from 1,700 to 2,500 m2, allowing for construction of a villa enjoying a view of the mountains.” Costing from 1.2 million euros, this investment is an attractive alternative in this narrow market with no possibilities for extension.

These articles might interest you :

Update on the borderline market

Whether in Le Pays de Gex or Upper Savoy, the real-estate market on the border with Switzerland is still in good shape. For both new and old properties, buyers have a wide choice. Possibly a little too wide ?…

 

Le Pays de Gex, a privileged location

At the gateway to Geneva with its airport and international institutions, Le Pays de Gex appeals for its natural, quiet and residential setting. Benefiting from efficient transport networks, shops and amenities, this area in the north-eastern part of...

 

Annemasse, a very buoyant market

An average-sized town with 32,000 residents, Annemasse offers the advantage of a convenient location on the Franco-Swiss border, 2 km from the canton of Geneva. Its very lively property market mainly revolves around acquisitions of year-round homes b...

 

Le Pays de Gex, a market in its own right

Lying in the midst of luxuriant landscapes between the Massif du Jura and Lake Geneva, Le Pays de Gex offers immediate proximity to the border with Switzerland as its N°1 feature. This strategic location endows its with a unique and persuasive argume...

 

The Franco-Swiss region known as “Le Pays de Gex”

Between the Jura mountains and Lake Geneva, the main assets of Le Pays de Gex are its magnificent green scenery and, above all, its immediate proximity to the cantons of Geneva and Vaud. A strategic position, boosted by very efficient transport netwo...

 

La Chautagne, an authentic region

At the north-western tip of the département of Savoy, La Chautagne consists of 8 communes on the banks of Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake in France.