Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël, buoyant markets

High-end apartments, villas, houses of charm, new properties... Living accommodation in Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël proves to be diverse, with prices often reasonable for the region.

Once a Roman town and naval port, Fréjus, mid-way between Cannes and Saint-Tropez, is renowned for its rich historic and architectural heritage, its little harbour of Saint-Aygulf, its coastal path, creeks and sandy beaches. Just next door, Saint-Raphaël with its five harbours and 42-km shoreline offers an ideal playground for fans of watersports and relaxation on the beaches, but also golfers thanks to its famous golf neighbourhood, Valescure.

”Overall, the number of sales recorded in 2019 was on the rise,” says Jean-Pierre Bossy of the Canat & Warton agency. The prized Valescure neighbourhood plays host to two 18-hole golf-courses and a 9-hole academy. Airy, green, near beaches and amenites, well-connected…, this quiet residential address not only attracts golfers but also retirees from all over France and local families in the upper socio-economic category looking for charming villas. “In 2019, sales volume was satisfactory. In particular, we orchestrated several transactions involving villas from 1.2 to 1.6 million euros. The previous year, properties offered for sale in this price bracket often remained for many long months on the market. The prestige sector is clearly now more buoyant.” Even so, buyers of certain kinds of properties need to be patient. “Recent and contemporary constructions are highly prized, with demand outstripping supply.” At more affordable prices, old houses in need of refurbishment in old neighbourhoods in Valescure draw a clientele, often actively employed, in search of a charming house to renovate. In addition to the cost of the work, a budget of 400,000 to 500,000 € is required to acquire this type of property benefiting from a small garden. What about new developments ? “We have just acted as sole agent in the marketing of apartments in two small high-end residences with pools. Mainly intended as year-round homes, apartments in these developments sold at prices from 6,000 € per sq.m.”

All over the Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël area, optimism seems to be confirmed. “The market is strong and we are seeing constant interest,” says Marie-Anne Roubaud of the two WF King Immobilier agencies (Valescure and La Tour de Mare), covering the Saint-Raphaël, Fréjus, Agay, Valescure and Boulouris areas. With sales prices corresponding to market realities, transactions are maintaining a brisk pace. “In 2019, many first-time buyers acquired homes ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 €. Rarity of properties available at these prices is beginning to make itself felt in both of our agencies. As soon as a property is offered at the right price, it sells immediately.” As examples of properties representative of the market, Marie-Anne Roubaud mentions a large apartment of 144 m2 prolonged by a generous terrace offering a view of the sea. In a gated and guarded residence, it is up for sale at 1,480,000 €. And a villa with modern architecture and contemporary decor in the Valescure golf neighbourhood is on offer at 980,000 €.