Savills, heir to 165 years of expertise

Born in Denmark, Alex Balkin joined the group in 2012 and now manages the Savills agencies on the Côte d’Azur and in the French Alps. He describes the qualities which serve as inspiration for Savills.

“In our profession, emotional sensitivity is fundamental. We have to demonstrate high levels of attentiveness and agile behaviour. Relationships are very often transcultural and intergenerational. It is through conversation that one one can perceive the deep desires of buyers, their way of life, their aspirations, whether they are focused on investment, asset enhancement or personal pleasure. Pedagogy and empathy are essential to make the specific features of the French real estate market intelligible and less mystifying ! Each first encounter is followed by a detailed, comprehensive report, covering the property, the market, professional expertise and methodology.” This aspect of the profession is perfectly mastered by Alex Balkin. Born in Copenhagen, the son of a Danish father and French mother, he speaks Scandinavian languages, English, French, German and Persian fluently. After his studies in finance and marketing, and an initial experience in Paris in an international law firm, whose judicial approach he has retained, he turned his attention to luxury real estate.

“The foremost quality of Savills, founded in London in 1855 and listed on the stock market, is that it encompasses all the disciplines of property consulting, including, but not only, sales, rentals, property management, surveying, research and development, unlike the franchises that are becoming widespread in France. With over 600 offices and 40,000 employees all over Europe, in the USA, the Middle East and Asia, we provide in-depth information and advice to private individuals, companies and institutions.”

This modern villa in Le Castellet, a gated and guarded estate in Villefranche-sur-Mer, offers living space of 350 m2 (five bedrooms) and a terrace of 400 m2 in grounds of 2,000 m2 enjoying a panoramic view of Cap Ferrat. 13,5 M € (04 93 87 41 15).

Not far from the beaches, this Provençal villa of 350 m2 on Cap d’Antibes offers five suites and a self-contained apartment. The property is also available for rent. 5,5 M € (04 97 06 06 90).

Alex Balkin perfectly embodies the Savills philosophy : professionalism, curiosity, a ready ear, and a sense of responsibility in consultancy.

Alex Balkin runs 7 offices with a team of 25 colleagues between Nice and the border with Italy, in Cannes, on Cap d’Antibes, in Valbonne-Mougins, Saint-Tropez, Courchevel and Méribel. All addresses highly-prized by a wealthy international clientele, in search of both a premium location, a safe haven and properties with rental potential. The selection reflects an all-round concept of very high quality in terms of architecture, appointments and finishes, location and outlook.

Despite the current international situation, the Côte d’Azur and the French Alps, with their wonderful natural settings and climates, remain highly sought-after sectors in which to acquire a second residence, rent a property or ultimately settle down. While the health crisis is currently preventing travel, Brexit has had virtually no effect on the market.