Gulf of Saint-Tropez : buying for bliss

Long advocating a lifestyle dedicated to voluptuousness, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez attracts a privileged clientele from many horizons. Henceforth, French buyers are inviting themselves to the party.

An estate agency focusing on prestige properties, Émile Garcin Saint-Tropez is directed by Philippe Boulet.

“We mainly cover the coast of Le Var and pay special attention to the quality of the properties we present to our clients, for both acquisitions and seasonal rentals. Our portfolio consists of a selection of properties offering charm and character, in Saint-Tropez or close by, which always stand out for their top-notch appointments or rare location. Currency fluctuations, Brexit or even the economic dynamism of the buyers’ home country are all variables that determine the presence or absence of our clients. Just recently, American, Belgian and Swiss buyers have been making a noticeable comeback. Lockdowns have also led to a massive influx of French clients.”

Philippe Boulet, Emile Garcin Alpilles et Avignon (04 90 92 01 58).

In the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Philippe Boulet explains that the price range is basically 2 to 6 million euros.

“Prices have not yet been affected by the Covid crisis, though the situation could soon change, as properties of quality available for sale are becoming rare. Most of the homes we are offering for sale bear price-tags of over 2 million euros, as we only retain properties with remarkable appointments, meeting the demands of the Émile Garcin brand. We recently sold a house priced at 8 million euros that may not have been the finest in the portfolio, but which benefits from a truly exceptional location. Its new owner will invest close on 3 million euros in refurbishment and will then own an extraordinary property.”

Run by Maud Bouffenie, Daniel Jacquemot and Caroline Schipani, the Barnes International agency in Sainte-Maxime mainly devotes itself to the upper end of the market along the coast.

“Our clients give priority to properties with exclusive appointments : vast surface areas, full sea views, contemporary construction, lovely grounds, indoor pools, movie lounges… To set one’s sights on such villas, the buget required starts from around 3 million euros.” For its affluent clientele, Barnes International offers bespoke service in order to handle sales of properties worth around 20 milion euros.

“We are in fact welcoming many French buyers, together with Belgian, Swiss, Dutch, British and Lebanese clients, looking for second residences. This clientele is mainly comprised of families, the actively employed and young retirees. Faced by steady demand, supply is still abundant though, since the start of the health crisis, it has been marked by a wait-and-see attitude on the part of sellers.”

Maud Bouffenie, Daniel Jacquemot et Caroline Schipani, Barnes Sainte-Maxime (04 23 15 02 08).

These specialists mention marked enthusiasm for Sainte-Maxime which combines the pleasantness of a seaside location with the liveliness of a town active year-round.

“Private estates are seen as sound investments, especially those close to the golf-courses. New developments also offer fine opportunities for our demanding clientele. We present them directly to certain potential buyers who appreciate the quality of the appointments on offer. The current trend, however, is more for properties enabling their future owners to benefit from them immediately.”

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