Cavalaire-sur-Mer and La Croix-Valmer, two delightful seaside addresses

Located between Saint-Tropez and Le Lavandou, Cavalaire-sur-Mer and La Croix-Valmer offer magnificent beaches at the edge of protected countryside. These charming seaside resorts are home to 6,350 and 3,300 residents respectively.

Fans of windsurfing and underwater diving are well-acquainted with these two villages flying the flag of the Var’s vocation as a destination for watersports enthusisiasts. Well-known for their sandy shorelines, idyllic creeks, a renowned vineyard and about 750 acres of protected natural areas, these two lovely villages in the Var also attract clients from all over Europe.

After seeing a substantial decline in prices, the property market in Cavalaire-sur-Mer is now stabilizing, though a good number of properties still tend to be overvalued. Buyers here, mostly French, Belgian and British, are looking for pleasant holiday homes, ideally close to the beach. “Villas and 1- and 2-bedroomed apartments near the sea are the most sought-after properties,” says Brice Bianci, manager of the Agence de la Baie - Century 21, based on the commune for the past two decades. “Stocks are still at a satisfactory level despite many acquisitions this year. Recent or renovated properties offered at their true market price sell quickly.” Covering Cavalaire, La Croix-Valmer, Grimaud, Ramatuelle and Gassin, the agency confirms the popularity of the commune of Cavalaire due to its exceptional sandy beach edged with pines, its location facing the Iles d’Or, and the go-ahead policy promulgated by the Town-hall. Aspects much appreciated, especially by retirees benefiting from their second residences six months a year. What about prices ? “1-bedroom apartments in good condition and near the beach can be found from 180,000 €. A price which will easily exceed 200,000 € if the apartment enjoys a view of the sea. The most recent properties are in residences built around 2009, when the commune saw the appearance of several new developments.” Ranging from 800,000 to 1.2 M €, the most highly-prized houses around the beaches, in La Vigie, Les Parcs or the Domaine de la Langaste, are becoming rare. Those on offer within this price bracket are also beginning to age. High-end villas are more likely to be priced from 1.2 million euros, like one impeccable property in 5,000 m2 of grounds. Benefiting from top-notch appointments, a sea view and a pool, it just sold for over 2 M €.

“In fact, a desirable property in Cavalaire can easily attain several million euros,” confirms Filippo Speranza-Patrignani of the Coldwell Banker agency (ex Darnis), operating since fairly recently under this new international name in La Croix-Valmer. “One example is a property right at the water’s edge which we just sold for around 4 M €. The market in La Croix-Valmer has been very lively in the first half of 2016. Mostly French and north European, buyers are highly motivated and endowed with budgets ranging from 1.6 to 2.2 M €. They are looking for quality holiday homes in the guise of 3- or 4-bedroomed villas benefiting from swimming pools and sea views.” There is a good choice, especially for properties on offer at around 2 M €. Furthermore, those available offer a variety of architectural styles ranging from Provençal to contemporary. “Buyers opt for La Croix-Valmer for its seaside and Provençal life-style, and its lovely picture-postcard scenery,” adds Filippo Speranza-Patrignani, who has just orchestrated the sale of a superb neo-Provençal house with six bedrooms, offering a panoramic view of Cap Lardier and the vineyards. An English client has just treated himself to this property priced at 2 M €, determined to take full advantage of it throughout the summer.