Beaulieu-sur-Mer : prestigious and lively

A reputable holiday resort since the 19th century, Beaulieu-sur-Mer blends a high-quality life-style with security, a remarkable heritage both natural and architectural, amenities and year-round entertainment, and proximity to Nice and Monaco. An address offering undeniable assets.

In a beautiful spot at the edge of the Mediterranean, only 10 km from Nice and Monaco, Beaulieu-sur-Mer (pop. approx. 3,800) certainly lives up to its name. A seaside resort with a glorious past, home to numerous prestigious properties built in the “Belle Epoque” (former Hôtel Bristol, La Rotonde, Villa Kérylos, Palais des Anglais…), it offers pretty sandy beaches and splendid views of the sea and Pointe de Saint-Hospice in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Its yacht harbour, casino, restaurants, shops and efficient public transport also guarantee a lively atmosphere all year round, sometimes lacking in neighbouring communes. As for the climate, it is particularly pleasant thanks to Mont Leuze which shelters it from the wind.

Due to all these factors, property prices here attain an appreciable level : “For apartments, the price per sq. metre ranges from 5,000 € in the centre without a sea view, to 12,000 € if the residence is on the front row,” explains Benjamin Mondou, general manager of Century 21 Lafage Transactions, an agency created in 1980 with five branches in Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer. “Houses, which are in most demand, are to be found in the area overlooking the town. Magnificent villas enjoying sublime views are particularly worth discovering on Boulevard Edouard-VII. By way of example, a property of 250-300 m2 in perfect condition, with a garden of 700 to 1000 m2 and a pool will sell for around 6 million euros.” Building land is extremely rare : “We recently sold the only plot in our portfolio - 3,000 m2, priced at 4.3 million euros”. Mostly looking for holiday homes, Benjamin Mondou’s clientele in Beaulieu-sur-Mer is comprised of foreigners - Russian, Scandinavian and British -, and company directors looking forward to a peaceful retirement.

Also based in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Jessica Bovis, manageress of the Agence Générale Bovis (founded in 1895), covers the area extending from Mont Boron (Nice) to the border with Monaco : “Apartments drawing the highest demand are studios from 150,000-170,000 € to apartments at around 400,000 €. Between that figure and 1 million euros, the market is less active. Over and above 1 million, we are mainly talking about houses”. Whose prices can soar, depending especially on their location : “On Boulevard Edouard-VII, some properties easily exceed 7 million euros. Though we are currently proposing several villas priced from 2 to 5 million euros. Offering living space of 150 to 170 m2, they all benefit from gardens, sea views and parking space”. What about building land ? “We are regularly contacted by people wanting to build their own homes. Unfortunately, building land here is virtually non-existent. Unless large properties are split up…” Describing a market which is today less active but still very promising, Jessica Bovis says that overall prices are stable. Her clients are mainly foreigners in search of quality second residences on the Côte d’Azur. “A few French buyers also fall for Beaulieu-sur-Mer’s charm. Often from the Paris region, they acquire a pied-à-terre which will become their main home when they retire.”

Cédric Veber, manager of Trade Immo International, specializes in prestige properties between Nice and Monaco. Based in the town centre, he reports prices ranging from 140,000 € for a studio of 20 m2 to 1,750,000 € for a 3-bedroomed apartment of approx. 140 m2 with sea view, commenting that “there is not really any upper limit”. Village houses post prices from 500,000 to 1 million euros. “Desirable properties of 200 to 500 m2 on elevated ground fall into a very wide price bracket, ie. from 3 to 10 million euros : one villa of 400 m2 offering a panoramic view recently found a taker at close on 7 million”. Prices “which have not seen any significant declines over the past two years and are now relatively stable”. Cédric Veber describes two customer profiles : “First of all, French retirees looking for permanent homes in a quiet town, safe and very convenient in terms of accessibility, public transport and closeness to amenities. Their average budget is between 300,000 and 600,000 €. Then there are foreign families hoping to acquire a luxurious holiday home with at least 2 or 3 bedrooms. Clients from East European countries are especially fond of high-end appointments : a sea view, swimming pool, concierge, high ceilings... Their budgets are consequently higher : from 1 to 2 million euros”.