La Côte Basque : A re-balancing act
Buyers are back on the Côte Basque, but are taking a different approach : better informed, more demanding, and more drawn than ever to turnkey properties. Encounter with Bénédicte Marchal, Manageress of the Sotheby’s International Realty agencies in Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz…
The prestige property market on the Côte Basque has regained its equilibrium. Without returning to post-Covid turbulence, it now presents a more equal balance between buyers and sellers. “The Côte Basque is still a very attractive region where French and international clients are still vying for the best addresses”, explains Bénédicte Marchal. While long-term investments and year-round residences now support the market, second homes retain all their appeal. Buyers have, however, changed their approach. “They take their time, compare, and want to buy at just the right price.” On a market in which the number of offerings has risen, perfectly renovated properties clearly enjoy a head start : “Renovation work really set a brake on the market : higher costs, delays, complicated management... Buyers are above all looking for homes ready to move in. Those benefiting from quality renovation are now more sought after and sell very quickly”. The market has reinstated a kind of fairness : a property presented at its real market price sells rapidly.
Backed by over 15 years of experience in prestige real estate, Bénédicte Marchal began her career in Paris before moving to the Côte Basque 12 years ago. Today, she manages the 2 Sotheby’s Realty agencies in the region, one in Biarritz, the other in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Biarritz Sotheby’s IR, 4 avenue de la Reine Victoria, Biarritz et 26 boulevard Victor-Hugo,
St-Jean-de-Luz (05 59 22 04 22) www.biarritzsothebysrealty.com www.saintjeandeluz-sothebysrealty.com
Backed by over 15 years of experience in prestige real estate, Bénédicte Marchal began her career in Paris before moving to the Côte Basque 12 years ago. Today, she manages the 2 Sotheby’s Realty agencies in the region, one in Biarritz, the other in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Biarritz Sotheby’s IR, 4 avenue de la Reine Victoria, Biarritz et 26 boulevard Victor-Hugo,
St-Jean-de-Luz (05 59 22 04 22) www.biarritzsothebysrealty.com www.saintjeandeluz-sothebysrealty.com
In Chiberta, in 2,200 m2 of grounds
in a commanding position, this villa designed by architect Marc Whipple offers 400 m2 of Californian-style modernism with 4 bedrooms, spacious terraces, fabulous views of the ocean and golf-courses, a swimming pool, gym... Garage and car-port.
5.200.000 €.
In Chiberta, in 2,200 m2 of grounds
in a commanding position, this villa designed by architect Marc Whipple offers 400 m2 of Californian-style modernism with 4 bedrooms, spacious terraces, fabulous views of the ocean and golf-courses, a swimming pool, gym... Garage and car-port.
5.200.000 €.
In Bidart, a few minutes’ walk to the beach of Erretegia, this villa of 320 m2 designed by an architect offers 5 bedrooms, a landscaped garden of 1,300 m2 with lots of privacy and a swimming pool. It benefits from very spacious living areas extended by 200 m2 of terraces. Double garage, outdoor parking space for 4 cars. 3.490.000 €.
In Bidart, a few minutes’ walk to the beach of Erretegia, this villa of 320 m2 designed by an architect offers 5 bedrooms, a landscaped garden of 1,300 m2 with lots of privacy and a swimming pool. It benefits from very spacious living areas extended by 200 m2 of terraces. Double garage, outdoor parking space for 4 cars. 3.490.000 €.
In Bidart, a few minutes’ walk to the beach of Erretegia, this villa of 320 m2 designed by an architect offers 5 bedrooms, a landscaped garden of 1,300 m2 with lots of privacy and a swimming pool. It benefits from very spacious living areas extended by 200 m2 of terraces. Double garage, outdoor parking space for 4 cars. 3.490.000 €.
In Bidart, a few minutes’ walk to the beach of Erretegia, this villa of 320 m2 designed by an architect offers 5 bedrooms, a landscaped garden of 1,300 m2 with lots of privacy and a swimming pool. It benefits from very spacious living areas extended by 200 m2 of terraces. Double garage, outdoor parking space for 4 cars. 3.490.000 €.
Located in Guéthary, this property renovated by an architect and surrounded by a landscaped garden with a pool is comprised of the main house with 4 bedrooms and a 2-bedroomed house for guests. Garage.Vendu à 2.095.000 €.
Located in Guéthary, this property renovated by an architect and surrounded by a landscaped garden with a pool is comprised of the main house with 4 bedrooms and a 2-bedroomed house for guests. Garage.Vendu à 2.095.000 €.
On the other hand, an over-priced property remains longer in the agency’s windows and may well end up losing value. As for outstanding properties, they remain immune to this kind of logic. In the most highly prized neighbourhoods of Biarritz, Guéthary, Bidart, Chiberta or St-Jean-de-Luz, the most exceptional properties regularly exceed 10,000 € per sqm, and can attain 20,000 € per sqm and more if they combine location with ocean views, high-spec appointments, and remarkable architecture. Search criteria have also evolved. Outdoor areas, lots of light, energy performance, air conditioning, and space dedicated to working from home have become absolute musts : “A view of the sea remains a real asset, though what is now most important is the way of life : being able to do everything on foot, benefit from nearby shops, the beach and restaurants, without having to rely on the car. The countryside then appeals to buyers in search of tranquillity, at prices often more accessible”.
