Buying a house in the South of France, on the sunny Cote d’Azur. A dream, a long-cherished wish or a good intention to bring more quality into your life? Who makes the step for a second home on the Côte d’Azur, should first look how big the spending budget is, including legal fees. Are you looking for something new or for an existing home?
What is the best season to buy a house in the South of France?
Find some advice on additional costs and maintenance and determine your budget. Once you know broadly what you want, you can go and look yourself or hire a local agent (hint hint). But what is actually the best time to buy a house in the South of France? Spring, summer, autumn or winter?
Buying real estate in Spring: much supply and many buyers
It is logical that in the period between late March and late June you’ll find more offerings in the real estate market on the Cote d’Azur. Each vendor has its garden in order, fresh flowers are out and the sun is warm. Due to this ideal sales situation, the prices at this time are the highest. On the other hand, there are on the Côte d’Azur also more rivals active. A selling owner or developer will not easily accept a low bid. In this period you can easily pay too much for an existing home. But if you hesitate too long, then the chances are that someone else buys the property under your nose for the asking price.
Buying real estate in Summer: season of negotiation
Much quieter than the spring is the summer; a period in which sales activity in real estate on the French Riviera drops slightly. The transfer of sold property often takes place in the summer. This is because most agreements are already signed in spring. As a buyer you can take advantage of this situation. The slowdown in real estate activity in the south of France is actually a good time to negotiate. Moreover, there are fewer buyers active than in springtime. So you have less competition and you are not rushed to quickly make a bid too high.
Buying real estate in Autumn: buy without competition
From September aka Indian Summer on, the number of real estate transactions reduces gradually. A great time to make an offer to purchase during the Indian summer and following months. If the seller puts extra pressure on you to decide quickly, don’t let them seek you crazy. It is in most cases bluff. You have all the time to consider the offer and to deliver this when you think the time is right. Exceptions, of course, prove the rule, but autumn is generally a good time to negotiate the price.
Buying real estate in Winter: the perfect season to buy real estate in the South of France
Between December and February, the real estate transaction market on the Cote d’Azur is relatively quiet. This is traditionally a period of preparation and in which the seller must make a greater effort to find potential buyers. The winter months are also a good time to look calm and negotiate. Take the opportunity to ask for a discount on the sale price.
Not sure if you should invest in new construction or existing French Riviera property? Each property type has its advantages and disadvantages. For more information on new and existing offers that suits you and your budget, you can contact Living on the Côte d’Azur. We have direct access to the databases of almost all major agents and developers. With our seven days open service, we look forward to meeting you.
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