Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, an international address

Radia Amar - 02 May 2024

Blending charm, peacefulness, authenticity and dynamism, Valbonne-Sophia Antipolis offers a special art of living, prized internationally.

Founded in 2010, Octantimmo specializes in estimates and sales of properties, rentals, rental management and seasonal rental management, in collaboration with a specialized partner. Under the management of Marie-Jo Battesti, this agency with a team of five covers communes within a 30-minute radius around Sophia-Antipolis, as far as Grasse.

“Our clients are mostly professionals working in the technopolis, researchers, people looking for a second home, and families wanting their children to attend one of the area’s international schools : CIV, ICS Côte d’Azur, Mougins School, Les Colibis Montessori, Skema Business School, or the Mouratoglou tennis academy,”

explains Mme. Battesti.

The local market offers a wide diversity of properties. Small apartments draw students and rental investors, while families look for modern accommodation with four main rooms and a swimming pool. Provençal, contemporary and high-end houses with views of the sea are particularly prized as second residences by Parisian, Scandinavian and UK clients, though the latter have been fewer in number since Brexit.

“Since last summer, a certain tension has been felt, though the Valbonne-Sophia market remains buoyant. Demand is still steady due to the region’s numerous assets : its geographic location, its international technology and university park, its natural environment, quietness and security...” What about prices ? “They have not fallen dramatically, though we are seeing an adjustment. And each property has its own price. Depending on its location, whether it is affected by any nuisances, structural defects, or is influenced by plans for construction in immediate proximity, prices will fall. All these factors have an impact on our estimates,” explains Marie-Jo Battesti.

“We always have estimates made by two of us, then we get together to validate them. We evolve, adapt, offering more and more advice. In this kind of context of constant change, it is essential for me to belong to networks such as MLS Côte d’Azur, and to be present and active on social media.” Founded in 2003 in Valbonne, the Côte d’Azur Villas agency focuses on seasonal rentals, long-term rentals, property management and sales, under the direction of Florence Beglia who has run the firm since 2013.

“With our agency inaugurated four years ago in La Croix Valmer, we manage almost 400 villas all over the Côte d’Azur, from the hinterland to the coast, as far as the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and in Provence. Which, in particular, has given us access to a clientele of buyers and sellers who have placed their trust in us, whether landlords or tenants, for several years. Since 2017, our agency has proposed a sales department with high-end properties, especially in Valbonne, Mougins, Châteauneuf-de-Grasse, but also Cannes and Le Var... Our clientele consists of French, Scandinavian, British and German buyers in search of a second home near the sea or in a quiet spot in the country. Around Valbonne, we present villas with 4 to 5 bedrooms blending charm, character and authenticity with luxurious amenities. Set in grounds of at least 2,000 m2 with swimming pools and views of the sea or countryside, they range from 1 to 5 million euros,”

says Florence Beglia who, since January, has seen signs of a relaunch of the market after a wait-and-see period. “Thanks to our expertise in property and rental management, buyers appreciate the all-round service we propose, ensuring total peace of mind and a return to investment.”