The seaside remains the preferred destination for holidaymakers during the summer period. In love with a small corner of the territory, some take the step of acquiring a residence there. But this dream is becoming increasingly difficult to access, as prices have soared in recent years on the coast, notes the Fnaim, following a study of 520 seaside resorts, namely coastal towns that either have a beach or are classified as “tourist resorts” and which have at least 15% of second homes.
Prices there are much higher than in France as a whole, with an average price per square meter of 4,514 euros on June 1, 2024, compared to 2,933 euros for mainland France. Above all, they have soared in recent years, particularly from mid-2020 to mid-2023. Result: in ten years, real estate has increased by 38% in seaside resorts, compared to 22% for the price index for metropolitan France.
It is in Brittany that the progression has been the most spectacular, with an increase of more than 50% in the value of housing. A consequence of the health crisis. After a phase of decline, it has rebounded over the past three months. The most expensive resorts in the region are all located in Morbihan: La Trinité-sur-Mer (€6,739/m²), Larmor-Baden (€6,269/m²) and Ile-aux-Moines (€6,202/m²).
The top three
But they are far from being the most expensive in France. It is under the sun of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur that records are raining down: Ramatuelle (€16,083/m²), Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (€15,819/m²) and Saint-Tropez (€14,400/m²) not only form the top three in the ranking of seaside resorts, but also that of the most expensive communes in France, ahead of Courchevel, Neuilly-sur-Seine or even Paris. The region also has the highest average price, ahead of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Corsica.
Before considering an acquisition in one of these places, beware of the risk of coastal erosion. According to the Federation, over the past fifty years, 30 square kilometres of land have disappeared in France as a result of the retreat of the coastline. 30% of the 520 seaside resorts studied are said to be affected. Over the past ten years, these resorts have nevertheless seen a greater increase in prices than others. However, in recent months, there has been a start to awareness. “This may be linked to the new obligation to mention this risk in advertisements for properties for sale, since 1 January 2023”, the study suggests.