Sanary : good prospects

Radia Amar - 07 July 2020

In an advantageous position between Marseille and Toulon, this commune in the Var resembling Saint-Tropez is confirming its power of attraction among buyers in search of exclusive appointments

At the heart of Sanary, the Barnes International agency covers an area from the edge of the Bouches-du-Rhône to the gateway to Saint-Tropez, with a propensity for the coastline in the Var. “In the area of Toulon West, the market is dominated 80 % by holiday residences,” says Philippe Braunsteffer, Director of the Barnes Littoral Varois agency. “Buyers are often future retirees looking for a holiday home with potential to become their year-round residence.” Average budgets range from 1.6 to 1.8 milion euros, entitling the buyer to a pleasant villa enjoying a view of the sea and within walking distance of the centre of Sanary and the beach. “These three criteria are essential : they constitute the basis for the evaluation of properties in our area. Since the end of confinement and against all expectations, demand is reaching astonishing levels. A property which was expensive prior to Covid-19 is still pricey, though one which is offered at the right price now finds a taker very quickly.” Over the past three years, prices have soared spectacularly, especially for properties close to the sea, like a development currently undergoing construction, giving directly onto the harbour of Sanary. Offered for sale with two parking places, an apartment here of 144 m2 is priced at 2.6 million euros, ie. 18,000 € per sq.m.

Specializing in sales of high-end properties, the Canat & Warton agency has eight branches in the Var : in September, the one in Bandol will move to Sanary. “As in Saint-Tropez, the harbour and centre of Sanary are in one and the same place, giving the commune special appeal which has been confirmed over the years by regular price rises, underscored by demand that outstrips supply,” explains Frédéric Warton, director of Canat & Warton. “Two markets rub shoulders here : one consisting of old buildings whose prices are relatively affordable - 2,000 to 3,000 € per sq.m - the other proposing more prestigious properties, in immediate proximity to the harbour. On high floors, these vast apartments benefiting from large terraces are available from 5,000 to 6,000 € per sq.m and can exceed 1 million euros.” Finally, the market for individual residences is popular among people working in Marseille and Toulon who, with budgets from 1.5 to 2 million euros, aim for large villas with a garden, pool, and sea view. “Since the end of confinement, activity has picked up : hesitantly over the first few days, then more steadily. Today, the question is whether this rally is artificial or not : our two months in total lockdown led to the resurgence of enquiries we are now seeing, though will this enthusiasm last ? Even so, we can remain reasonably optimistic : Sanary benefits from a privileged, well-maintained location endowing it with potential for real growth on the markets for both year-round and holiday homes.”