Finding a home in Aix-en-Provence

Radia Amar - 21 February 2019

Always on the move, Aix’s property market restructures itself and gains new momentum from one year to the next. Very diverse, it is comprised of classy, noble addresses, comfortable new apartments meeting top-of-the-range standards, but also highly-prized houses on the near periphery. Our latest up-date…

“High-end clients target town houses and noble old apartments, especially in the historic Mazarin neighbourhood,” says Aline Sans, who runs the ALS Gestion agency. “They are mainly discerning retirees looking for a pleasant lifestyle in which they can do everything on foot. As for active young couples and investors, they are increasingly inclined to acquire properties in the numerous new developments of quality which are springing up near the centre of Aix. Such as a high-end residence in Luynes, an address becoming increasingly popular due to the quality of its infrastructures, amenities, public transport, and its proximity to the international secondary schoool. Apartments here are priced from 5,000 to 6,000 €/ per sq. metre.” Aline Sans’ firm is currently participating in the marketing of several small and soundly-built residences in Luynes, Puyricard and Fuveau. “High-quality construction, today’s thermal and energy standards, reduced notary’s fees, the assurance of not having any renovation costs for at least 10 years..., all positive points contributing to a well-reasoned acquisition.” 1- and 2-bedroomed apartments are the most widely sought-after properties.

Heading up Goyard & Associés with agencies in Aix-en-Provence, Luynes, Saint-Maximin, Paris and Luxembourg, Valentin Goyard announces that a new agency will open in Aix this spring, the third within the commune. Specializing in rental management, “syndic” activity, sales and rentals, the agency offers a portfolio of quality properties including a good number of apartments in Le Haut de Saint Jérôme, villas in Luynes and on the nearest ring around the town. “In Saint-Jérôme, most of the sales we handle involve main residences for the locally employed and retirees, who appreciate the setting, the closeness of the town centre and easy access to main roads,” says Valentin Goyard. “The 2- and 3-bedroomed apartments from 70 to 100 m2 that we present are mostly priced from 350,000 to 450,000 €. In Luynes, our portfolio contains more houses, some very highly-prized, such as one home of about 180 m2 with a garden of approx. 1,000 m2 and a pool. In a quiet spot in the centre of Luynes, it soon found a taker for around 700,000 €.” Buyers looking for modern or renovated houses, apartments in the town centre or building plots are, however, confronted by slim offerings, which naturally puts some pressure on prices. “Though only properties suiting today’s taste, in good locations and benefiting from quality appointments can now allow themselves real upward surges in their prices. In this lively market, we are seeing a desire on the part of buyers to take their time when considering availabilities.” Also representing the historic centre of Aix through a few noble properties, including up-market apartments and prestige residences, the Agence Goyard meets the needs of a clientele consisting of investors. “The centre of Aix is still seen as a privileged address and thus a sound long-term investment.” The agency also assists its clients in rental management. “Our competence in this area is highly appreciated, especially when the owner does not live in Aix-en-Provence. We can state that, in all respects, our services meet strong demand.”