Hyères, a delightful place to live
Radia Amar - 20 July 2018
Occupying some 32,100 acres of land at the edge of the Mediterranean, the commune of Hyères is one of the largest in France. Its rich and varied heritage offers all architectural styles and eras from the Middle Ages and the Old Regime to 20th-century Art Deco, Modernist buildings and large complexes, and even climatic architecture of the 21st century.
Launched in 1966 in Hyères, the Cabinet Immobilier Ripoll has developed all aspects of real-estate activity while maintaining its independent status as a family enterprise. “The market in Hyères is enjoying good momentum for all types of properties,” says Cyrille Tizon. “In addition to retirees who comprise our target clientele, we are seeing the return of younger buyers consisting of the locally employed in search of their main homes. There is currently strong demand and a lack of properties to satisfy all requests. For example, we recently sold a lovely villa in Costebelle priced at 561,000 €. In the town centre, we have just handled the sale of a 3-bedroomed apartment in a high-class residence, pegged at 400,000 €, and that of a 4-bedroomed apartment with renovation on the programme, acquired by first-time buyers for 190,000 €.”
Based in Hyères since the 1960’s, the Agence Verdino is now represented by Carole Verdino, the third generation of this independent family enterprise, an expert in transactions in Hyères and its surrounding area : Carqueiranne, La Londe, Bormes Les Mimosas, La Crau, Pierrefeu… Recently extended, the agency’s team is perfectly familiar with the region. “In the first half of 2018, our market has been extremely buoyant,” confirms Carole Verdino. “Following a decline, prices are now stable and demand is very steady, especially for large top-floor apartments offering sweeping views from their terraces. Priced from 4,000 € per sq.m when in good condition and offering sea views, they are especially sought-after by a French clientele of retirees who have sold their houses and want to live in the centre of Hyères. Availabilities of this type of property are becoming scarce.” Also highly-prized, houses built from the 1900’s to 1930’s in the town centre sell quickly when presented at the right price, with at least one bedroom on the ground floor. As witnessed by the recent sale, within 15 days, of a charming residence of 185 m2 with a garden of 600 m2. Built in 1925 by renowned local architect Léon David, it sold at its asking price of 1,050,000 €. “As well as properties of prestige or character, apartments in Hyères now sell on average from 3,000 to 3,500 € per sq.m, villas from 3,000 € when in need of renovation, to 6,000 € per sq.m if they enjoy views of the sea and are located in the most sought-after neighbourhoods, ie. the Giens peninsula, Le Mont des Oiseaux, La Californie in Carqueiranne, and the seafront in general.”