Paris
Paris’s prime real estate remains popular with American investors despite precarious political climes, with investment activity slated to increase in 2025. With a limited supply of super-prime listings against consistently high demand, prices are forecasted to rise in the “City of Light” after a sluggish past year. Terraces and gardens are particularly sought after amongst international buyers, and river or Eiffel Tower views add significant premiums. Many of Paris’s highest-value properties are located in the 7th, 8th or 16th arrondissements, all being sold at full asking prices and often off-market.
St Tropez
Seasonality has become a thing of the past post-COVID-19, with buyers purchasing ultra-prime second homes and working remotely for part of the year. Yet, St Tropez continues to attract wealthy American investors wanting to soak up its peak season joie de vivre, complete with lively restaurants, glamorous beach clubs, a mega-yacht port, and party atmosphere for the beau monde. For the most expensive villas, complete with beautiful gardens, panoramic views, swimming pools, and staff accommodation, properties in Le Capon, Ramatuelle, and Les Parcs de Saint Tropez are the most coveted, often negotiated off-market. With high demand and only a small inventory, buyers sometimes wait years before the right home becomes available.
Provence
With greater flexibility from French banks regarding lending to non-EU buyers, the appetite for purchasing property in Provence has increased amongst overseas investors, many seeking homes around the Luberon and the Alpilles. The area is surprisingly accessible given it’s characterised by magnificent rural countryside and sleepy villages, with Marseille airport’s addition of a new terminal and the Eurostar from London to Avignon. Provence is also experiencing dynamic cultural regeneration with various contemporary art spaces, installations, and architectural renovations. Ultra prime real estate is typified by converted farmhouses or spectacular private villas with extensive gardens and gorgeous views.
French Riviera
International investors are back on the French Riviera, with 2025 predicted to be a year of regional growth and recovery. Buyers are drawn to the region’s prime ocean-facing apartments and mega villas against a backdrop of film-star glamour, enchanting inland countryside, jet-set yacht harbours, and international schools. Accessibility also fares well, with Nice Côte d’Azur Airport as its main entry hub and Cannes Mandelieu for private jets. Areas popular with wealthy investors include Cannes, Monaco, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Cap d’Antibes, otherwise known as the “Bay of Billionaires” for its influx of private yachts and association with iconic Hotel du Cap Eden Roc.