Biarritz: how is the resort real estate market continuing to grow?

Biarritz: the perfect place for relaxation and real estate investment
Why is Biarritz less attractive to Russians compared to other resorts?

General description of Biarritz

Biarritz is a famous resort located on the magnificent Atlantic coast of France, in the picturesque region of Aquitaine, not far from the border with Spain. This city is home to about 26,000 people and has attracted attention for many decades as the perfect location for relaxation and wellness for particularly notable individuals, ranging from royal families to presidents and other VIP guests.

Modern entertainment

In recent years, Biarritz has gained popularity as a place for:

Surfing
Beach activities
Resort vacation with thalassotherapy

These procedures use seawater and seaweed, and also include sunbathing.

Real estate in Biarritz

Many travelers who have fallen in love with this cozy city are considering the possibility of purchasing property here. It is worth noting that the real estate market in Biarritz is showing steady growth, and fluctuations in the economic situation have only a minor impact on its prosperity.

Market trends

Even during difficult years like 2009 and 2010, this resort remained attractive to investors. The successful period for local real estate agents was 2011 and early 2012. According to data collected from the meilleursagents website, property prices in Biarritz increased by 1-2% from November 2013 to November 2014.

Prices for apartments and houses

As of December 1, 2014, the average cost of apartments reached4,692 euros per square meterthat is 3.7% higher than the figures from the summer of 2012.

Apartments in historic buildings with beautiful architecture can be sold for prices starting from5 to 6 thousand euros per square meterHouses in this region typically have a price tag of around4,221 euros per square meterThis represents a 12% increase compared to the summer of 2012.

Villas that offer a stunning view of the Bay of Biscay can cost up to10 thousand euros per square meter...which is comparable to prices in the center of Paris. Notably, even such exclusive properties find their buyers.

Expert opinion

According to Ekaterina Lebreque, an expert in luxury real estate at Coldwell Banker Previews DP & P Consulting, the average price is formed taking into account the entire residential stock, including properties with ocean views and new developments, of which there are quite a few. Her company focuses on selling historic homes by the ocean and luxury properties located a bit further from the coast.

Other agencies

Other agencies, such as Century 21 and Benquet, focus on more affordable options. Typically, such properties costno less than 500 thousand eurosReal estate with a panoramic ocean view can reach10 thousand euros per square meterHowever, the final price often depends on the condition of the property.

Available options

The minimum cost of apartments in Biarritz is300 thousand eurosThis allows you to buy secondary housing with an area of 40 to 70 square meters. In order to own a house near the sea, you will need at least the following amount700 thousand eurosLuxury villas start from2 million eurosand this is just the lower boundary of demand.

Surrounding municipalities

In the surrounding municipalities, such as Anglet, Arcangues, and Bidart, located in40-50 km from BiarritzYou can also find beautiful houses, but they are less in demand, which is related to a lower level of demand and, consequently, more affordable prices.

Conclusion

In general, real estate in this region continues to be an attractive option for both investment and for choosing a place to stay for vacations or permanent residence.

On average, the cost of residential square meters in Angers is 34% lower than in Biarritz, amounting to approximately €3,505 per square meter. Among the surroundings of Biarritz, one of the most popular destinations for buyers is the resort town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. This town embodies Basque culture, making it particularly attractive to tourists. Many visitors to Biarritz start to take an interest in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and, as a result, decide to purchase property there. The distance between these two cities is about 30 kilometers, and although the price levels are similar, they are generally higher in Biarritz, as confirmed by Ekaterina Lebreque.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz is known for its magnificent beaches and excellent cuisine. It is also home to the famous thalassotherapy center Hélianthal.

Sale flat in Alicante with sea view 310 994 $

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Sale flat in Saint-Denis 373 625 $

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Sale flat in Saint-Aubin-les-Elbeuf with city view 85 847 $

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2 Bedrooms

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The average property price ranges between 5,000 and 6,000 euros per square meter, but, as with Biarritz, elite options come at a much higher price.

In-demand properties in Biarritz

If we talk about sought-after objects, it is worth noting that Biarritz is a great place for vacation. The city is full of historical sights, which makes it attractive for buyers. Nevertheless, there is a challenging problem:

Most buyers are eager to purchase apartments or houses in the center, close to the beach, but such offers are limited.
In recent years, the number of people wanting to buy a home has increased, while the supply in the market has noticeably decreased.
This leads to an increase in tension in situations in the real estate market.

International Surf Center

Biarritz is also known for its reputation as an international surfing center. Many people are looking for apartments ranging from 100 to 120 square meters or three-room apartments in close proximity to the city center. Due to the shortage of such properties, potential owners are forced to consider options that are located further from the center or even outside of it, for example, in Bayonne, where prices are often more reasonable, although demand remains consistently high.

According to Stephanie Pere-Lagares, the manager of the local Century 21 agency, resort properties dominate in Biarritz.

About two-thirds of buyers plan to use their purchases as a second seasonal home.
The majority of buyers are French, while among foreigners, Americans and residents of northern European countries stand out.
There are still few Russians in this market, but they are also becoming more and more prominent.

Popular real estate features

Buyers are most attracted tomodern properties with renovationsand views of the sea. The most sought-after areas in the city remain the D'Iver Park, the Basque coast, and Saint-Charles.

Russians' interest inBiarritsu

As for the interests of Russians, in recent years they have started to pay more attention to the French Riviera, which has led to Biarritz becoming less prominent on their radar. However, this city was once very popular among the Russian elite.

The history of Biarritz as a resort began in the late 18th century, and in 1808, Napoleon Bonaparte himself visited the area. Later, he built a magnificent palace in Biarritz for his wife, Eugénie de Montijo.

Conclusion

In conclusion to our study of Biarritz's appeal as a resort, it is important to emphasize that this city rightfully holds one of the leading positions on the Atlantic coast of France. Its unique combination of historical heritage, stunning beaches, vibrant cultural life, and high-quality real estate makes it an ideal place for both vacationing and living.

It can be confidently said that Biarritz has successfully weathered economic crises, maintaining stability in the real estate market and attracting both local and foreign investors. The increase in housing prices, especially in high-demand areas, confirms its status as an attractive resort for real estate purchases.

Key facts about the real estate market in Biarritz:

Market Sustainability:Biarritz has successfully weathered crises while maintaining stable real estate prices.
Price increase:Prices for apartments and houses continue to rise, especially in the city center.
Limited offer:The high demand for housing in the city center is leading to a shortage of quality properties.

In addition, the fact that most buyers opt for the central areas suggests that Biarritz retains its charming atmosphere and appeal. However, as we have seen, the limited supply of quality properties in popular areas only emphasizes the uniqueness of this place and creates additional opportunities for real estate investment.

We shouldn't overlook the cultural aspect: Biarritz has managed to preserve its historical charm, and you can still feel the atmosphere that many famous personalities of past centuries enjoyed here. This resort consistently attracts attention, leaving an indelible impression on its visitors.

Conclusions

In conclusion, I am convinced that Biarritz not only remains one of the most popular resorts in France, but also continues to actively develop, offering new opportunities for recreation and investment. Undoubtedly, this place has the ability to capture the hearts of everyone who steps foot on its land at least once.