FOCUS ON SAINT-RAPHAËL

This town on a human scale in the eastern part of Le Var offers a quality lifestyle on a year-round basis. Canat & Warton has agencies here in the golf-club area, on the Mediterranean coast, and in the hyper-centre. The 14 members of its team carefully select fine references for a demanding clientele.

“The first Canat & Warton agency in Saint-Raphaël opened in 2011,” explains Jean-Philippe Bossy. Since then, logic has led to hyper-specialization and, ideally, exclusive mandates. “We are duty-bound to provide information and advice. We see assistance for both buyer and seller as primordial.”

Today, the entire difficulty resides in the search for balance between demand and supply, the latter characterized by a certain scarcity. Buyers prefer to postpone their plans rather than accept the slightest compromise in terms of value for money. 90 % of them are looking for year-round homes. Self-employed professionals, company directors and retirees invest from 800,000 to 1.2 million euros in renovated houses of 130 to 160 m2 with gardens of 800 to 1,000 m2. Apartments find takers at 5,000-6,000 € per sq.m, 8,000-10,000 € per sq.m for addresses in the town centre, with views of the sea : over and above these levels, we are talking about outstanding properties.

On a gated residential estate, this 5-bedroomed contemporary villa, a few minutes from shops and the beaches, enjoys unimpeded views of the golf-course and Estérel hills. 1.789.500 €. En exclusivité.

This modern villa with tasteful appointments offers light and airiy living areas with 4 large bedrooms, and a living-room of 80 m2 opening out to a landscaped garden with a swimming pool and outdoor kitchen. 1.495.000 €. En exclusivité.

Jean-Philippe Bossy, Associate Director of Canat & Warton. Canat & Warton, 57 avenue de Valescure (04 98 11 35 20), 70 rue Henri-Vadon (04 94 54 05 40), 555 avenue des Golfs (04 94 17 10 51). www.saintraphaelimmobilier.fr

Second homes appeal to wealthy French or European families drawn by the acclaim of Saint-Raphaël, its promise of “quality living”, its warm climate, greenery and protected shoreline, with the Estérel hills in the background. The Nice Côte d’Azur international airport is 45 minutes from this destination in Le Var. The top end of the market starts at 2 million euros, rising to 12 million euros, not counting a few sublime properties right at the water’s edge in Santa-Lucia or Anthéor.