July 9, 2025, 9:07 a.m.

Second Homes Coastal Market

France Insider

France Insider

Second Homes Coastal Market

9th July 2025

Over the past two years, the market for holiday homes on the coast has slowed, according to a new report.

The report, from market analysts Seloger/Meilleur Agents, says the number of sales is decreasing, and prices are no longer rising as quickly; in some regions, they are even falling.

The study analysed trends in the 500 largest coastal cities in France where 20% of the properties are holiday homes.

"In reality, this slowdown does not indicate a crisis but rather a natural adjustment after years when prices have increased," comments Imane Selmane, an economist at SeLoger.

However, the result is worrying for industry players as it is the first time in 5 years that the market has slowed in this way.

National agents Century 21 recorded a -20% drop in sales of secondary residences by the sea, and Laforêt a -16% drop.

Experts blame the economic context, rising rates, regulations that tighten rental conditions, and the increase in local property taxes (taxe foncière and taxe d’habitation). "Many people think it is a risky investment," summarizes Charles Marinakis, head of the Century 21 network.

The PACA region, despite the slowdown in prices, remains the most expensive with an average price of €5,980m/2

It is followed by the Atlantic region (€5,380m/2) and Corsica, which recorded an +8.6% increase in its prices—thanks to initially quite low rates. Languedoc-Roussillon experienced the largest drop (-4.4%). "The Languedoc region attracts buyers with lower budgets," estimates Imane Selmane. "They need banks, so they are very sensitive to rising rates."

The Brittany coast, close in terms of prices (€4,078m/2 and €4,01m/2 respectively), have also seen a slowdown, after a strong +30% increase in prices between 2020 and 2023. Brittany is home to the cheapest seaside resort in the country: Ploéven (Finistère) at €1,786m/2. The most expensive resorts are Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Alpes-Maritimes) and Ramatuelle (Var), each around €15,000m/2, and both in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Related Reading:

  • French Property Market News

  • Guide to Local Property Taxes

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