Falling prices make seaside flats cheaper in France
Survey reveals small fall in prices in some resorts
Some of the largest percentage falls were along the Mediterranean coast
David BISE/Shutterstock
Property surveys consistently show seaside homes command higher prices than their equivalent inland, thanks largely to a 1986 law effectively banning any new construction, outside urban areas, within 100 metres of the sea.
However, a survey by specialist website trouver-un-logement-neuf.com shows prices for new-build flats fell in the first half of the year in 70% of the 35 seaside towns it surveyed.
The fall comes in the context of a difficult 2024 for new home builders, which saw a 31% fall in the number of new properties put on the market. Inflation, rising interest rates and political uncertainty delayed many projects, while difficulty selling at the projected price caused some developers cash-flow problems.
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Small number of new builds
The first half of 2025 saw a slight upturn but not in the seaside areas surveyed. However, the report noted the small number of new builds in coastal areas means the figures could be skewed by one project where prices fell.
Capbreton in Landes recorded the largest price fall, with new-build flats commanding 26% less than in 2024. A typical seaside three-room apartment in the town can now be bought for €285,000, with delivery forecast for spring 2026.
The town, popular for its surfing, saw a lot of new-builds come on the market at the same time, leading to the reduction in price.
Outside Capbreton, some of the largest percentage falls were along the Mediterranean coast. In La Ciotat (Bouches-du-Rhône), a new three-bedroom flat costs €420,000, compared to €480,000 in 2024. On the other side of Marseille, a three-bedroom flat in Istres, situated on the Etang de Berre, saw a 12% drop to €221,000.
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Côte d’Azur prices
Closer to the Côte d’Azur, a new three-bedroom flat in Fréjus now costs €278,400, down 7%.
Meanwhile Le Havre, on the English Channel, now has new three-bedroom flats on the market for €224,100, an 8% fall from 2024.
Other seaside towns have seen prices rise. Guidel (Morbihan) recorded a 33% rise and Berck (Pas-de-Calais), which developed in the late 19th Century as a holiday resort for wealthy Parisians, saw a 24% rise, with prices for a three-bedroom flat in the towns now costing between €315,000 and €320,000.
