Has Brexit led to an influx of Brits escaping the UK?
“A survey from Leggett estate agents after the referendum shows that a record number of British people wish to leave Britain permanently,” Alistair reveals. “As The Connexion magazine reports, the Leggett survey covering 1,072 British people following the Brexit vote, revealed that 50% of those polled said they intended to make a permanent move to France and 20% intended to buy a holiday home. This is up from 38% from a similar poll conducted by Rightmove last year.
“This makes a lot of sense, as it will be easier to move now while the UK is still part of the EU, than later when the process may become more complex. It also is a good a time to sell while the UK property market is at an all-time high, although the pound is still under pressure against the Euro yet climbing back.”
Which nationalities are buying in the Var area? “It may be a surprise, but among European residents, there are more Italians and Belgians than British here. And the Germans, Swiss and Dutch come next,” Alistair reveals.
The main challenge facing overseas buyers of luxury property in the Var and French Riviera is lack of knowledge about the property buying process – especially if they do not speak French. As well as a bewildering selection of properties online.
Alistair reassures me that, ‘there are safeguards in France, as every sale goes through a notaire, and you are free to choose your own notaire to defend your interests. But I would advise buyers who are not local to use a property finder such as myself, as I can do the necessary preliminary checks, so you don’t waste time viewing the wrong properties.”
Buying a luxury house in France is generally a two-step process. Once the sale price has been agreed between the parties, a ‘compromis de vente’ – essentially a formal offer – is drawn up by a notaire where the buyer gives a 5-10% deposit. The second step is the “acte de vente’. This is the formal offer drawn up by a notaire 2 to 3 months later after which the buyer pays the balance and gets possession of the property.
“My advice for buyers looking for luxury property in the French Riviera or in the Var is to spend at least 10 days in the region mid-season. Do a road trip, explore different areas at different times of the year and if possible, rent a villa as your base. And of course, use my services to source an appropriate selection of properties that you can view when you come out to France.”
Using the www.smartfindervar.com website, buyers have instant access to more than 99% of all current properties for sale across the French Riviera/Côte d’Azur.
“Our recently updated directory of French Riviera property websites gives buyers the chance to explore the massive selection of property for sale in the South of France, particularly between Nice and Toulon.
In addition, buyers have the option of using our free search service by simply filling out the form on our website.
Contact Alistair Phillips, Property Sourcer
For advice on luxury property in the Var and the French Riviera, call Alistair Monday-Saturday 8am to 8pm, or leave a message via the quick contact form.
Tel: +33 (0) 4 94 73 20 67 / +33 (0) 6 74 93 42 08
Email: [email protected]
Information on the Var region
www.visitvar.fr
Featured Luxury Property – Les Issambres €6.9m
Built in the heart of a landscaped park of 3600m², this luxurious contemporary property (see images in this article) enjoys panoramic sea views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Perfectly quiet and just 10 min walk to the beaches and shops of Issambres. Living room of 140m², large kitchen with dining, 6 full master suites with 70m², office, games room, fitness centre, indoor pool and steam room, outdoor pool 20m with submerged beach, lined with 200m² terraces. Lift access to the 2 levels. Garage for 5 cars, wine cellar carved into the rock. Bowling alley. Residual constructability for an independent pavilion.
Getting to the Var – south of France
- By air: EasyJet (easyJet.com), which flies to both Nice and Marseille. Toulon is also a gateway to the Var region; the airport, located in Hyères, is served by Cityjet (cityjet.com) from London City in July and August.
- By Train: Eurostar trains run from London St Pancras and Ashford to Marseille (eurostar.com).
- By Boat: Toulon’s busy passenger port serves destinations throughout the Mediterranean.
- By Road: The Var’s sophisticated road and highway network offers easy access to the region from across Europe.
By Gina Baksa
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