top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Timing is key when buying French coastal apartments

A study shows buyers could avoid soaring prices by waiting for a sufficient number of newly developed properties to be sold first

There have been huge variations in the price of new-build seaside flats with some rising nearly 30% in the last year Pic: oksana.perkins / Shutterstock

A study by the website Trouver-un-logement-neuf.com looked at the cost in June of new two-bedroom flats in 10 seaside locations in France, which showed prices still rising in five of the towns but falling significantly in others.

Some of the price rises were spectacular – up 29% compared to June 2022 in Anglet (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), for example, to give an average price of €504,600. Sète (Hérault), meanwhile, saw a 19% rise, bringing prices to an average of €314,500.

However, there were also some places with noticeable slumps. Saint-Raphaël (Var) saw average prices tumble by 19% to €388,300, while in Royan (Charente-Maritime) they fell 8% to €317,600.

Read more: Tips and advice as mandatory French property form deadline looms

The report’s authors attributed the variations to the timing of property developments in various locations. When properties first go on sale, they explained, developers hold out for the highest price possible so there is a good chance they will at least cover their costs. 

Once a sufficient number of flats have been sold the developers may be prepared to lower the prices significantly on the unsold properties, so they can take their profits and move on to the next development as soon as possible.

Nationally, there has been a 20% fall in the number of new-build flat developments started in the past year, as developers, faced with rising material costs, realised the chances of making money were slight. The same cannot be said in seaside towns, however, where builders’ cranes are still very much in evidence.

Related articles

We were over-optimistic about new property form, says French tax chief
Brexit blamed as number of Britons with second home in France plummets
Couple fight buyer’s €140,000 repairs claim for self-built French home

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France