Saint-Jean-de-Luz, very limited offerings

In the 20th century, this fishing village between Biarritz and the Spanish border became an elegant seaside resort, gradually endowing itself with all the necessary facilities for hospitality and leisure activities : charming hotels, thalassotherapy, a casino... Home to some 20,000 year-round residents, it is still a high-end address, in constant demand from those in search of holiday homes.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz witnessed its hour of glory when it hosted the wedding of King Louis XIV back in 1660. As recalled by the lovely Place Louis XIV, lined with superb residences and numerous restaurants, and the famous House of the Infanta, which accommodated Marie-Thérèse (Louis XIV’s bride) during the wedding ceremonies. Nowadays, this seaside town is very popular among families who come here from all over France. They are particularly fond of the large sandy beach, protected by three dykes. As for surfers, they meet up on the beach of Lafitenia, nestling in the crook of a splendid bay. Opening its arms to the ocean, the property market of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is evenly balanced between houses and apartments, with several neighbourhoods offering plunging views of the deep blue sea.

“Buyers are still showing real interest in Saint-Jean, especially since the last quarter of 2015, when we observed a clear rebound,” says Nicolas Descamps of the Côte Ouest Immobilier agency affiliated to Christie’s, specializing in prestige properties. Nevertheless, the market in Saint-Jean-de-Luz remains very tight, with offerings in the most sought-after neighbourhoods such as Aice Errota and Sainte Barbe virtually non-existent. “Properties in the historic centre sometimes disappoint our demanding clients, including foreigners who are making a comeback to the market : German, Dutch, English and a few from Spain.” Some buyers fall back on the neighbouring commune of Ciboure, where high-end properties are presented at prices 10 to 20 % cheaper on average as compared to Saint-Jean-de-Luz intra-muros. Even so, Saint-Jean is still a compelling magnet and certain clients with generous budgets prefer to wait, for years if necessary. “We have recently been marketing about 20 building plots at the entrance to the town, a 5-minute drive from the centre and the beaches,” says Nicolas Descamps. “With surface areas of 1,700 to 2,500 m2, they allow for villas to be built offering lovely views of the mountains. The total investment would be around 1.2 M €, an appealing alternative for buyers prepared to live a little further from the coast while remaining on the commune.”

Based on Boulevard Thiers since 2010, Laffontan Immobilier specializes in properties offering charm and character. “2016 already looks promising. Buyers are making enquiries and transactions are going through more quickly than in previous years,” says Caroline Laffontan, manageress of this agency whose clientele mainly consists of people with long ties with the commune. “The market indeed offers few opportunities and buyers are sometimes prepared to wait several years for a property that meets their requirements. Lovely old homes are always in demand, especially the handsome 17th-C. houses built by ship-owners to be found on Rue Mazarin.” She mentions, for example, a majestic 3 bedroomed apartment of 103 m2 in one of these properties of character, which benefits from a parking place and is up for sale at 965,000 €. Another old apartment which has retained lovely period features and offers a view of the bay is on offer at around 550,000 €. “Some clients turn their attention to Ciboure where, for the same budget, they can envisage a much larger property or one with a beautiful view. Like a split-level apartment of 250 m2 proposing a terra­ce with a view and a parking place, currently on offer at 950,000 €.”