The Côte d’Azur, from Cape to Cape
Cap d’Antibes and Cap Ferrat are peninsulas boasting panoramic views bathed in blue and stretching along any number of coves and beaches where prestigious properties rub shoulders with renowned heritage hotels.
“The trend towards a seller’s market seen in previous years has eased considerably in Cap d’Antibes and Cap Ferrat. The fact remains, however, that property supply is still slightly higher than demand from a clientele consisting mainly of Scandinavians and the British for Cap d’Antibes, and a large number of French - expats or otherwise -, Swiss, Monegasques and British customers for Cap Ferrat. Slightly being the operative word, as in the Cap d’Antibes area it’s easy to sell your property today if they have two major assets: a good view and a fair price,” says Fredrick Lilloe, CEO of Knight Frank Côte d’Azur, whose main strength lies with a strong international network. “We’re not just sales agents, we’re property consultants. Since 1896, we’ve conducted some exceptional transactions worldwide and we still enjoy an impeccable reputation today - but we haven’t lost sight of what’s essential: people and their values,” he stresses.
As Marie-Claire Sangouard, Managing Director of Engel & Völkers Côte d’Azur, points out, “The Capes are a highly international market renowned for their luxurious waterfront properties offering breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding hills. One example she gives of the prestigious products currently presented by Engel & Völkers Cannes is an elegant property of 667m2 in grounds of 8,200m2 located on the west coast of Cap d’Antibes, between Cannes and Nice. Comprising 10 bedrooms, this prestigious 1930s property was built on the seafront and is hidden from view. Bordered by a majestic Mediterranean garden lined with a heated swimming pool, pool house, tennis court and 3 garages, it is listed at €24.5m. “Usually, most of our transactions are priced between €6m and €8m. Above that, most of our clients, including many from Luxembourg, Ireland and Denmark, prefer to have the sale of their property handled by our Private Office.”
Located in Cap d’Antibes since 1997, the John Taylor Cap d’Antibes agency run by Aurélien and Thomas Monnier covers the area from Antibes to Juan-les-Pins. “A property will have more or less going for it depending on whether it’s to the east or west of Cap d’Antibes, and whether or not it has a sea view. Our regular market is for houses priced between €3m and €5m. Demand far outstrips supply in this segment. In our portfolio, villas priced between €5.5m and €10m make up the Prestige segment and occasionally we present exceptional properties worth more than €10m,” he confides.
