Insider Guide to Buying on the French Riviera
The French Riviera is one of the most sought-after real estate markets in the world, renowned for its charming villages, seaside resorts, and luxurious Mediterranean lifestyle.
The Côte d’Azur has had a long history of exclusivity and glamour as a favoured retreat for European aristocracy and international high society—and this legacy is still very much alive today.
Yet foreign buyers can become easily frustrated with how fragmented the real estate market is in France as there is no “single source of truth” or “MLS” that consolidates the market in one place. Not to mention, a lot can get lost in translation.
Because foreign buyers can feel a bit like outsiders, we sat down with expat and founder of Carlton International, Philip Weiser, to get an insider take on the process.
A leading luxury property consultancy in the south of France, the Carlton Group has unique credentials and specialized services for foreign buyers on their real estate journey in the south of France, from purchase to property management.
The multi-lingual New Zealander has had a fascinating career history as an executive for leading hospitality brands, a role which took him around the world before he settled in the south of France in the 1980s. Weiser transitioned his unique skill set and luxury industry expertise to the real estate market and launched Carlton International in 1997.
FY: As an expat in the south of France, your experience is invaluable for foreign buyers. How has this market segment been underserved by “local” agencies and what should buyers be wary of?
PW: Aside from expertise (geographically and legally) the most obvious problem is language. Having little knowledge of the French language is more risky than having no knowledge at all.
If the buyer does not have any ability to communicate in French, the need for translation is essential. When a buyer has some ability to speak French - they can often manage to communicate. But they often fall into a trap of misunderstanding. This, and the absence of detail can create stress and mistrust surrounding such serious financial and legal commitments in a foreign country.
Within the Carlton Group, we have the ability to communicate in 14 different languages. All of our agents speak a minimum of French and English, plus their native language. We understand that buyers must feel comfortable when purchasing real estate in France.
Buyers can be rest assured that Carlton International have their best interests at heart. Our consultants provide support, advise and of course translation to ensure that our clients have complete peace of mind.
Choosing a real estate consultant is like choosing a doctor a lawyer in whom you must have full confidence. As an Expat myself, I have myself experienced how overwhelming this can be. Which is why I have instilled a strong ethos of clear communication into the members of Carlton Group.
FY: How does the Carlton brand stand out on the French Riviera among French legacy brands?
PW: As of all areas in the world, there are agents and agencies of all kinds. Not all of these agencies are licensed or qualified. Famous real estate brands have offered franchises to local agents, often masking the incompetence of those agents.
Carlton International is the fruit of 40 years of experience in real estate on the French Riviera, with the same management team in place for over 20 years.
We are licensed and insured with expertise in all fields of real estate. We have a team of 30 qualified and experienced consultants that can speak French and English - and as a team, we collectively speak 14 languages!
We offer a personal service with accompaniment throughout your search, selection and contractual procedure. Carlton Group also offers a complete property management service that can help look after your home when you are away from it.
FY: You have an impressive background in luxury hospitality before you ventured into luxury real estate. How has your unique experience shaped how you serve your clientele?
PW: Having graduated from a Swiss university with degrees in hotel management, my career evolved within sophisticated environments in Canada, the USA, Bermuda, Mexico, and London.
As the marketing director of an important hotel group, with 45 hotels found throughout the world, the insight into the needs of a demanding clientele became second nature to me. My decision to move my home to the French Riviera allowed me to merge my previous experience into the development of a real estate agency.
FY: The French Riviera is one of the most sought-after markets in France, if not Europe. Do pockets of value still exist in the luxury market?
PW: Urban planning regimes are strict and adhered to on the French Riviera. This has protected the environment throughout the region, which is what began its role as the centre stage for high profile visitors in the mid 19th century. This has resulted in very little potential for new developments in prime areas and means that the supply of homes is limited by the constant demand from international clientele.
However, the demand for homes on the French Riviera is not limited to international clients. French clients are also seeking to buy homes in this highly sought after region of France. Aging properties that have belonged to the same families for decades offer renovation opportunities. There is potential to increase the value of these properties, and with careful planning, the renovation investment can see a return in value of 100% of the costs in some cases.
There are opportunities for investment outside of prime areas of development, in addition to the redevelopment opportunity of luxury homes. Our agents can provide expert advice to target these areas wisely with their specific and evolving experience in the region.
FY: What is something that foreign buyers should consider when thinking about the French Riviera?
PW: Those who are unfamiliar with the French Riviera should understand its diversity. There is easy access to the Alps, sea, the airport, and international schools. Together with the charm of the medieval villages and sophisticated cities such as Nice, Cannes and Saint Tropes are only a few examples of the unlimited potential for a fulfilling lifestyle!
FY: Can you speak about your property management services and the holistic approach to investment properties that Carlton provides for clients?
PW: Foreign buyers have an important concern when moving to France to live, either permanently or semi-permanently. Who will look after our home when we are not there? Who will take care of it in the event of an emergency?
Carlton Signature is a branch of the Carlton Group that specifically handles property management. From managing staff, artisans, technicians and legal consultants to ensure the security and comfort of our homeowners, the Management team is available constantly to represent owners in their absence. They handle insurance issues, property maintenance and security.
Carlton Signature also provides renovation and decoration consultancy. They are vastly experienced in providing tailored care for our clients.
FY: What is the best way to get in touch and get started?
PW: Please call us on +33 (0)4 93 95 11 11 or email us at info@carlton-international.com