Stéphan Barbiéra, Tourrettes-sur-Loup Immo (04 93 24 14 58). Jean-Claude Hilaire, John Taylor (04 93 32 83 40). Christian Maccoco, Le Mas Provençal (04 93 32 86 18).
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Perched villages in the Alpes-Maritimes
Saint-Paul, La Colle and Tourrettes-sur-Loup are all just a stone’s throw from the sea, Nice Côte d’Azur international airport and the cities on the coast. Yet, they still offer the same country surroundings and gentle way of life as Provençal market towns.
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270-m2 property (six/seven rooms), plus a self-contained cottage, pool and a summer lounge on 4,000 m2 of land. 1.430.000 €. John Taylor (04 93 32 83 40).
A superb stone house, built in the upper parts of Tourrettes-sur-Loup and facing the sea,
with 250 m2 of living space (7 rooms) on 4,000 m2 of land. 2.040.000 €.Tourrettes-sur-Loup Immobilier (04 93 24 14 58).
Recent mas, between La Colle-sur-Loup and Saint-Paul, for lovers of tranquillity, sunshine and typical views. 920.000 €. Le Mas Provençal (04 93 32 86 18).
In the residential hills of La Colle-sur-Loup, this 4-bedroom villa offers 220 m2 of living space, on 3,900 m2 of mainly flat land. 2.160.000 €. John Taylor (04 93 32 83 40).
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M & A : What are the main features of La Colle-sur-Loup, Saint-Paul and Tourrettes-sur-Loup ?
Christian Maccoco : La Colle-sur-Loup and Saint-Paul are strategically located near main roads, the airport and shopping centres. People working in Nice and foreigners love this sun-kissed area and the friendly villages which have a Tuscan feel about them, plus the fact that the area is livelier than its Italian counterpart.
Jean-Claude Hilaire : Saint-Paul, La Colle and Tourrettes are three magnificent villages. Saint-Paul hosts myriad galleries, while La Colle features many antique shops. Tourrettes plays the card of authentic charm and bucolic surroundings. They all have beautiful village houses, often well renovated, and a large choice of villas starting at 700,000 €. Prices can reach several million euros, depending on land size and appointments.
Stéphan Barbiéra : Tourrettes is in direct contact with nature. Some properties enjoy views to the sea overlooking nothing other than undeveloped hills. Character and well-being best describe this medieval town. The area is quiet and less touristy than Saint-Paul in the height of the season. It benefits from proximity to Vence and complements the latter’s facilities. The market mainly comprises villas and second or semi-main residences. With modern communication means and low-cost flights, people are staying longer and longer. A square metre fetches between 3,000 and 5,000 € in the village, the spread being explained by condition, view or outdoor space. For a villa, budget between 600,000 and 800,000 €, a bracket which accounts for 70 % of supply and will buy 160-200 m2 of living space on 2,500 m2 of land. There are some rare properties at 500,000 € and others at more than 1 million euros.
How much have prices risen and to what extent ? What do you foresee ?
S. Barbiéra : Prices of exclusive and very upmarket properties are not falling. There is a slight slowdown on villas, except those selling for less than 600,000 €.
J.-C. Hilaire : After rising for several years, prices are relatively stable or being brought down when the property has been on the market for several months.
Ch. Maccoco : Costs have nearly doubled in five-six years, especially for small properties. Shortage of land has also greatly affected prices.
Would you say this is currently a buoyant market ?
S. Barbiéra : The election period is synonymous with stagnation, but June and July saw a bit of a recovery. As for August, it is traditionally a quiet month. The market is buoyant, particularly as buyers of main homes are prepared to make concessions on the location. Some equally accept to buy in Tourettes-sur-Loup, La Colle-sur-Loup, Bar-sur-Loup, Saint-Jeannet, Gattières or Vence, a wider horizon that is giving professionals new opportunities.
Ch. Maccoco : Supply cannot meet demand, so a fairly-priced property always sells.
Is there a typical buyer profile ?
J.-C. Hilaire : Most demand starting at 1 M € is from European buyers, looking for second homes. After a few years, they sell on to move up a category, and they never skimp on renovation or improvements.
S. Barbiéra : 70 % of buyers are foreign. In Tourrettes, English-speakers remain in the majority, closely followed by Scandinavians and
some Germans. This high-up village also draws people from Sophia Antipolis, some middle-aged buyers and some self-employed professionals.
Ch. Maccoco : The locals mainly have up to 700,000 € to spend. Above that threshold, Northern Europeans outnumber them. Demand for property for conversion into guest houses is also worthy of mention.
Is it possible to speculate and to what extent ?
Ch. Maccoco : While speculation is never obvious, those who bought a plot of land five years ago made a good deal and are now doubling or tripling their outlay.
S. Barbiéra : Buying a plot of land to build a house can undoubtedly generate a gain, if you pay 250,000 or 300,000 € for 1,500-2,500 m2 of open land within easy reach. But it’s no mean feat.
A word about your most recent transactions ?
J.-C. Hilaire : A plot of building land (300 m2 living space) in La Colle with a sea view for 420,000 €. A 200-m2 stone villa in a residential area of Saint-Paul, on 3,000 m2 of land with pool, for 1,650,000 €.
S. Barbiéra : A 90-m2 villa near the village of Tourrettes, with some renovation work needed, on 1,200 m2 of land for 490,000 €. A 180-m2 house on 2,000 m2, 900,000 €.
The last word…
J.-C. Hilaire : The near hinterland will always attract people working in Cannes or Monaco and foreign buyers, who want easy access to the airport but also to the sea.
Interview by Laetitia Rossi
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