Set on the French Riviera, St Tropez is an irresistible location for buying property. Surrounded by sun-drenched beaches, high-end shopping, fine dining and vibrant nightlife, St Tropez’s exclusivity has made it a destination for the world’s elite. Once a modest fishing village, the St Tropez of today has retained its Provencal roots even as its status has been elevated to one of glitz and glamour.
In this guide, we’ll help buyers navigate the in-demand property market in St Tropez.
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Where Are the Best Neighborhoods to Buy Property in St Tropez?
Upmarket and expensive, St Tropez has incredible properties all over. Nearby villages, like Gassin and Ramatuelle, have their own charm, history and offerings as well.
The St Tropez neighbourhoods to put at the top of your list include:
- Les Canoubiers: Les Canoubiers is close to the village centre while also having its own beach, and it’s where you’ll find the Saint Tropez sailing club.
- Gassin: The hilltop village of Gassin offers panoramic views of the countryside and the Gulf of Saint Tropez. The village has renowned bistros, historic landmarks and cultural events throughout the year. For a distinctly urban setting, consider a home in Sinopolis.
- Les Parcs de Saint Tropez: This large, gated community boasts a private beach, 24-hour security and famous residents, and its luxurious villas offer views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Ramatuelle: Set in the Pampellone Beach district, the peaceful village of Ramatuelle has vineyards that produce standout wines in the region. La Capilla is one of the area’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.
These areas of St Tropez are popular with buyers looking for sprawling villas set directly on the waterfront or with views of the sea.
Luxury homes in the villages and neighbourhoods are secure and private, many with their own swimming pools and additional conveniences, like wine cellars, separate guest apartments, and helipads.
What Types of Luxury Properties Are Available in St Tropez?
There are a range of luxury properties for sale in St Tropez, including apartments and penthouses, estates, villas, and exquisite waterfront homes.
It’s common for homes here to have luxury features and amenities, including:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows, fireplaces, and fully-equipped kitchens
- Indoor fitness areas and outdoor sports courts
- Jacuzzis, heated infinity pools, and pool-houses
- Separate apartments for caretakers or guests
- Advanced home automation and security systems
- Carports, enormous garages, and helipads
Whatever’s on your must-have list — a cinema room, wine cellar, multiple terraces, the Med as your backyard — there’s likely a home in St Tropez to meet your specifications.
On average, the listing price of homes in St Tropez is approximately $4.9 million, with prices ranging from $550,000 to $28.7 million.
What Should Buyers Consider When Purchasing Property in St Tropez?
Buying property in St Tropez is a dream come true, but careful planning is needed to ensure you find a home you love and the property buying process goes smoothly. Here are four main areas of consideration when looking for St Tropez property.
Legal Considerations
Be sure to comply with French property law, particularly for foreign buyers, as there may be additional regulations to adhere to. It’s also helpful to learn about legal protections for buyers, such as the mandatory 10-day cooling-off period, during which you can change your mind about buying the property without losing your deposit.
Taxes and Fees
There are a number of taxes and fees to prepare for when buying property in France, including:
- Notary fees
- Registration tax
- Property and residence taxes
- Value Added Tax (VAT)
A real estate agent or financial advisor will be able to tell you which taxes and fees apply to your particular purchase. For example, some taxes only apply to new properties or homes under construction.
Financing Options
As a non-resident, you’ll need to look into the specific mortgage options available to you, which tend to have interest rates and terms just for international buyers. You’ll also have to provide documentation, like information about your assets, credit history, and income, and these requirements may also be more in-depth than those for French residents.
Due Diligence
A qualified surveyor should check the condition of the property and identify possible issues. You’ll also need to ensure that building regulations and zoning laws are being followed and that the home’s amenities and utilities are in working order.
How Can Buyers Maximise Their Investment in St Tropez Property?
Not only does owning property in St Tropez mean you can have a piece of paradise all to yourself, but it also comes with investment and financial opportunities.
Rental Market
Like many areas on the French Riviera, St Tropez has a strong rental market because it’s such a popular destination for tourists. By researching the most in-demand areas and property types, you can purchase a home with a high potential for rental income. Also, by offering luxury amenities and services, you’ll appeal to high-end renters, and a management company can take care of bookings and maintenance for you.
Renovations
To enhance the appeal and value of a property, you may want to make renovations that modernise the home. Refurbishing bathrooms and kitchens typically yields the highest ROI. Additionally, adding outdoor areas, a swimming pool, or high-tech equipment, like advanced security systems or energy-efficient utilities, will add to the property’s value.
Seasonal Considerations
Even though the French Riviera has sunny, mild weather year-round, the peak rental periods are usually during the summertime, when most people are holidaying. It’s important to adjust your rental pricing with demand. You can offer premium rates during the summer and discounted rates for the off-season.
Long-Term Potential
In general, the French Riviera always has in-demand properties, and the value of homes here only grows with time. Analysing the historical property rates in your area will give you an idea of your home’s appreciation potential. You’ll also want to factor in planned developments in the area, which may impact your home’s property value in a positive or negative way.
What Lifestyle Benefits Does St Tropez Offer?
St Tropez has much more going for it than gorgeous landscapes and great weather. Here are just some of the lifestyle benefits you can take advantage of by living here:
- Culture and Recreation: There’s more than enough to keep you busy in St Tropez, including art galleries and museums, historic landmarks, beaches and seaside lounges, exciting nightlife, cultural festivals, and more.
- Dining and Shopping: From local Provencal fare to Michelin-starred restaurants, there are numerous dining options for both casual and exclusive experiences. The same goes for shopping, with options ranging from unique local artisan shops to designer stores.
- Quality of Life: St Tropez has excellent access to quality-of-life amenities, including education and healthcare. It’s also a safe area to live, and many homes have advanced privacy and security measures.
- Proximity to Major Destinations: Its central location on the French Riviera makes St Tropez the perfect jumping-off point to visit destinations like Antibes, Cannes, Èze, Marseille, Monaco, Nice and Provence.
Between serving as a luxury destination on its own and being a gateway to other French Riviera experiences, St Tropez is a hub for enrichment, relaxation, and thrills, catering to whatever you’re in the mood for.
What Does the Property Buying Process Involve in St Tropez?
While a property agent can walk you through each part of the property-buying process in detail, here’s a brief overview so you know what to expect:
- Work with a reliable real estate agent or buyer’s agent who knows the region, local property market and buying process in detail.
- Conduct a property search and make appointments to view properties in person. This may require you to make trips back and forth to France until you find a home you love.
- Once you’ve found a property you want to buy, make an offer to the seller and negotiate terms. You’ll both sign the initial agreement, which may have details that change later in the process.
- Decide if you want to move forward with the purchase during the mandatory 10-day cooling-off period. If you decide you don’t want to buy the property, your deposit will be returned without penalty.
- Work with legal advisors and notaries to prepare documentation, conduct necessary surveys, and carry out other required activities.
- Finalise the purchase by signing the deed and making the final payment. At this point, the home is yours, and you can consider yourself its owner!
Learn more in our complete guide to buying property in France.
Final Thoughts: Is St Tropez the Right Choice for You?
By exploring the best neighbourhoods in St Tropez and deciding what type of property best suits your lifestyle and goals, you’ll be closer to buying a luxury apartment, estate, or waterfront villa to live in full-time or visit on holiday.
Knowing what to expect from the beginning in terms of legalities, fees and other considerations will make the property-buying process run as smoothly as possible.
To explore the region and discuss the buying process with an expert in St Tropez and French Riviera property, contact our team of expert property agents today.
