Are you looking to buy property in Grasse but wondering what makes this area of France so special? Today we will take a closer look. Set in the Alpes-Maritimes department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Grasse is one of the most sought-after areas to buy property on the French Riviera. As it’s set back inland, you can find better-value homes here than in other, more tourist-friendly locations on the Côte d’Azur.
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What Makes Grasse an Attractive Destination for Luxury Property Buyers?
Grasse is called the perfume capital of the world, with over 60 companies producing fragrances for the international market. Every year, upwards of 2 million tourists come from all over to visit the flower fields and perfumeries in Grasse.
While Grasse may not have the Mediterranean Sea as its backyard, like other parts of the French Riviera, there’s a solid rental market here with so many people visiting for a close-up look at the centre of the perfume industry.
Job Opportunities in Grasse
Whether you’re buying a primary residence or a secondary home in Grasse, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a lot of job opportunities throughout the French Riviera.
From a rich tourism industry to engineering and management opportunities, there are a number of career paths you could follow. The Sophia Antipolis Technology Park is also in the Côte d’Azur, with both startups and established companies in the science and tech fields.
Of course, as the perfume capital, Grasse also has numerous biotech, cosmetics, perfume and pharmaceutical companies in operation.
How Does Grasse Compare to Other Popular Areas on the French Riviera?
The two biggest reasons why Grasse is attractive to luxury property buyers, particularly when compared to nearby areas, are pricing and location. Let’s take a look at both of them.
Real Estate Pricing in Grasse
Pricing in Grasse can be complex to understand because there are such wide ranges based on where you’re looking to buy and the type of home you’re interested in.
For example, some industry experts say the average price per square metre for a home in Grasse is €3,500, while others put it around €6,357. Luxury homes in Grasse can go for more than twice that.
At HomeHunts, our listings in Grasse range from around €5,000 per square metre to upwards of €18,000 per square metre.
Compare that to the average price per square metre for a home in Nice, though, which is between €8,500 and €13,000. Luxury homes in Nice may even be priced closer to €22,000 per square metre.
In Cannes, real estate pricing is even higher. Of our Cannes listings, the median cost per square metre is around €17,500.
With Nice only a 35-minute drive from Grasse and Cannes closer at around 20 minutes, it’s clear that buying property in Grasse can be a budget-conscious decision without giving up close proximity to the French Riviera.
The Benefits of Grasse’s Location
Accessible and well-positioned, Grasse offers the best of everything — privacy and a notable lack of tourism while still being so close to the sea that you won’t hesitate to head to a coastal town whenever the mood strikes.
A short 30-minute drive away is the international Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which serves 150 destinations around the world. You can also be on a beach in Cannes in about the same amount of time. Moreover, you’re a quick jaunt from Mougins’ medieval village and its incredible restaurants.
All-in-all, Grasse is an excellent jumping-off point to explore the rest of the French Riviera. But don’t be surprised if you want to stay in town a lot of the time.
Grasse’s lovely public gardens, charming Old Town, and jasmine-scented air make it hard to leave behind, even for an afternoon. It helps that you get to enjoy the mild, sunny Mediterranean climate while being in the beautiful countryside, too.
An Overview of the Real Estate Market in Grasse
In 2023, the real estate market in Grasse stabilised. For the three years before that, pricing had increased by over 14%. That means that it’s a good time to buy a home in Grasse, as prices aren’t expected to rise at the moment. Additionally, such a strong market means buying a home here is a smart investment.
Overall, the French Riviera is one of the most expensive places to live, and demand remains high even when home prices soar. The real estate market here even rebounded quickly after the COVID shutdown, which is a signal that prices are likely to remain steady even when the unexpected happens.
What Types of Properties Are Available in Grasse?
While there are luxury apartments for sale in Grasse, most of the homes here are houses and villas. Best of all, because Grasse doesn’t attract as many tourists as other Côte d’Azur destinations on the water, you can get a more spacious home here for a lower price.
Consider a hillside property with stunning views of the Med and a panoramic look at the surrounding countryside. Or, explore a tranquil 1800s-era bastide set on multiple acres that you can appreciate from your multiple terraces.
For the utmost privacy, consider a mansion that has separate wings where everyone in the family can retreat to their own dedicated space at the end of the day. You can also look for a property with a separate apartment for visitors, family members, or to rent out short- or long-term.
If you love to spend as much time outside as possible, you’ll find plenty of country homes in Grasse with swimming pools, summer kitchens and even tennis courts.
What Lifestyle Benefits Does Grasse Offer to Residents?
Grasse has an ideal blend of luxury, tranquility and cultural richness:
- Exciting Outdoor Activities: Whether you like to lounge in the sun or get your blood pumping, there’s plenty to do in the great outdoors here, including cycling, hiking and touring nearby vineyards.
- Vibrant Local Community: The community in Grasse adds immensely to your quality of life, offering regular events, festivals and markets to partake in.
- World-Class Amenities: You’ll have a number of world-renowned experiences at your fingertips, from exclusive golf courses and luxury spas to Michelin-starred restaurants.
It’s easy to see why Grasse is a standout among luxury destinations on the French Riviera, especially if you’d rather be removed from the hustle and bustle, particularly during the busiest tourism times of the year.
How Easy Is It To Relocate to and Live in Grasse?
Buying property in France, including a home in Grasse, is well-regulated, and overseas buyers will have a few extra steps and considerations unique to them.
In general, the buying process includes the following steps:
- Searching for properties that fit your criteria
- Finding a home in France that you’re interested in buying
- Making a formal offer in writing
- Signing the initial contract
- Waiting through the mandatory cooling-off period
- Paying the deposit
- Waiting for the conveyancing process to complete
- Making final negotiations with the seller
- Paying the balance due
- Signing the deed
You can read our complete guide to buying property in France for more information.
One of the biggest conveniences to buying property in Grasse is how close you are to the Nice airport. It’s much easier to visit the area several times to find the perfect home when you can get off a plane and be in town in half an hour.
The French Riviera is also a great place for expats, as are other popular destinations in France. There are plenty of healthcare facilities, international schools and essential services that are easy to access from your home in Grasse. Plus, there will undoubtedly be expat communities that you can get involved with, which will help you meet people and assimilate into the culture.
Why Should You Consider Grasse for Your Next Luxury Property Investment?
For many French property buyers, the perks of owning a home in France are undeniable:
- Excellent value for your money, especially when compared to other French Riviera towns
- Incredible lifestyle with culture, community, luxury, outdoor appeal and more
- Long-term investment potential in a reliable, in-demand real estate market
When you want the best of the Côte d’Azur without throngs of visitors practically year-round, consider a home in Grasse. You can head to Nice, Cannes or other waterfront destinations whenever you wish, then retreat to your lavish country villa or mansion for solitude.
HOMEHUNTS property agents are able to select beautiful, luxury Grasse property based on your wants and needs. Speak directly to one of our property consultants by calling +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
