Rising demand for Arcachon

An essential seaside resort on the Atlantic coast, Arcachon came into being in the 19th century in the land of Buch. It is comprised of seven neighbourhoods, four bearing the names of the seasons playing host to spectacular and picturesque villas built in the “Belle Epoque” at the initiative of the Pereire brothers.

With a population of almost 10,500, Arcachon lies in the midst of an urban area accommodating 61,000 residents. Here, many Parisians are looking for pleasant holiday homes. A trend that has continued to rise since the embellishment of the historic centre, and inauguration of the new high-speed railway line between Paris and Bordeaux, now placing it less than three hours from the capital.

Opened over two years ago and ideally based since the summer of 2016 on the Place des Marquises - a lively square with its market and café terraces -, the Immobilière Duboscq was launched by a former jurist and expert in asset values to specialize in transactions in Arcachon. “Our clientele is comprised of a few investors but mainly “young seniors” making plans for their retirement and hoping to move here permanently in the near future. They see the address as very important. They want a property in Arcachon, not next door !” says Jean Duboscq. “The centre, seafront and Ville d’Hiver are in high demand. Prices vary considerably depending on the neighbourhood, views and architectural styles. For instance, a villa to renovate in the Ville d’Hiver could well be estimated at the same price as an apartment of 100 m2 on the front row. Prices for certain properties are currently soaring. Apartments facing the ocean can now exceed 10,000 € per sq. metre.” Clearly blessed with substantial means, Jean Deboscq’s clients often have a pertinent list of search criteria, especially with regard to parking facilities. “Prices are high for parking places in Arcachon. In the hyper-centre, one can expect to pay around 30,000 € or 45,000 € for a box-garage.” The traditional address for smart holiday homes, the Ville d’Hiver recalls the splendid social life of the past in a series of magnificent architectural achievements inspired by neo-classic, neo-Gothic, colonial and Moorish styles. Ornate and enhanced by little towers, projections and verandas, these charming residences are rarely up for sale. “Furthermore, they are also properties requiring considerable investment. One therefore needs a budget for renovation in addition to the price of the property which will be at least 1.5 million euros, and can easily exceed 2 million,” explains our expert.

”In fact, the Ville d’Hiver is characterized by a unique architectural style,” explains Carmen Milcent of Ateliers Lofts & Associés. “A quiet residential neighbourhood, traditionally upper-middle class, it offers large houses on two or three floors with extensive surface areas ranging from 250 to 350 m2. Some have been split into apartments.” Opened in 2008 in Arcachon, this agency focuses with real expertise and sound experience on unusual properties with specific kinds of architecture such as contemporary or “charm and character”, and the finest locations providing, for example, direct access to the beach or breathtaking views. “The impact of the LGV is being felt, and buyers are confronted by increasingly scarce offerings. In this context, emerging little neighbourhoods are drawing more interest. La Pointe de l’Aiguillon, an area near the harbour, once accommodated fishermen’s families. Their picturesque little houses, now fetching 500,000 € or more, are finding real favour among clients with esthetic taste, who also appreciate the friendly atmosphere and shops that are developing in this area.” Even so, demand remains steady for the entire commune, especially in the neighbourhoods of Les Abatilles, where Carmen Milcent just orchestrated the sale of a traditional house of 180 m2, already renovated, priced at 1,250,000 €, and that of a charming house of 120 m2 rehabilitated by an architect, at 890,000 €.