TERREs & OCÉAN : FROM HOSSEGOR TO BIARRITZ

Even though a slowdown in sales is being observed pretty much everywhere in France following the euphoria of the past two years, the love of French citizens for bricks and mortar is as strong as ever. A view of the market on the Côte Basque and Landaise with Serge Pilke, founder of the Terres & Océan agencies…

After the exceptioal property boom in 2020 and 2021, post-Covid, the second half of 2022 has been quieter, as explained by Serge Pilke.

“We are seeing a slight reduction in the number of sales along with stabilization for prices. Which is not surprising given the abnormal character of the past two years. In our region, the rise in prices has been rather spectacular these past few years, with very steady demand. It continues to be very high on the part of both French and foreign clients, with the appeal of the Côte Basque and Landaise showing no sign of abating. Properties offering easy access and a walk- or ride-everywhere lifestyle win all the votes and are as highly-prized as ever. Sensitive to the current situation, the property market is feeling the impact of the very tense economic context, with the war in Ukraine, rising prices and interest rates which have doubled. Sales are seeing a slight slowdown, though the market has so far shown good resistance. The phenomenon of teleworking is also worth noting, together with on-going relocation of business executives. People from big cities who came to live here after the pandemic have stayed on, and the region is still welcoming new arrivals. We are currently handling a sale to be completed in the new year, with a couple of 50 year-olds who are still actively employed and want to move from Paris to the Côte Landaise. They have sold their house in Paris to benefit from a smaller pied-à-terre while also acquiring a house in Les Landes. This way of life continues to be highly popular among an active clientele.”

This superb contemporary house of over 350 m² benefits from an exceptional location in Biarritz, just a 3-minute walk to the beaches and golf-course, with views of the ocean and a heated swimming pool. On three floors, it offers spacious living rooms and 5 bedroooms including 2 Masters. Prix entre 4,5 et 5 M€.

20 minutes from Bayonne, in lovely wooded grounds of 5,400 m² with a heated pool and outdoor kitchen, this 18th-C. house of 370 m², recently renovated by an architect, offers lofty volumes and 4 bedrooms enjoying views. Double car-port and workshop. 2.100.000 €.

In Capbreton, between the centre and the beaches, this smart house of 180 m2 designed by an architect opens out to a garden of over 700 m2. It is comprised of a large living-room with an open kitchen, a study and 4 bedrooms including a master suite. Bike garage. 1.575.000 €.

After starting his career in Paris, Serge Pilke moved to the south-west in 2003 and founded four years later the Terres & Océan agency in Hossegor, joined in 2016 by a branch in Biarritz. Agence Terres & Océan, 37 avenue Maître Pierre, Hossegor (05 58 43 60 41) et 3 bis avenue François Mauriac, Biarritz (05 59 47 29 77). www.terresetocean.com

What about the future ? “I remain confident and cautious ! I think there will be a smooth adjustment in keeping with the general context.”