New-builds in Cote d’Azur

Each issue we throw the spotlight on an exciting new-build project. Eve Middleton explores a development in Cavalaire-sur-Mer in Var…

The French Riviera has long been known as the millionaire’s playground – and with its constant sunshine, beautiful beaches and even more beautiful people, it’s not hard to see why. Thankfully there’s still place on the C�te-d’Azur for the rest of us to enjoy the gorgeous weather and stunning landscape, even without a millionaire’s budget.

This new development in the small town of Cavalaire-sur-Mer, just 30 minutes from St-Tropez, may not be as flashy as property available in the locality of its famous neighbour, but has more than enough charm to make up for it. Made up of three small buildings set in landscaped and maintained communal gardens, this gated community is, admittedly, perhaps not one for families. If however you’re looking for a quiet sophisticated environment, then this is a good option.

The buildings are within walking distance of all the local amenities including the local market, boat harbour and a 4km stretch of beach that is close enough for a moonlit evening stroll. You don’t have to go as far as the beach for a swim either as there’s also a communal swimming pool on site.

The apartments themselves are all fitted to a high standard and are being marketed by the developers as being perfect as a lock up and leave’ property thanks to the gated community surveillance system.

In terms of what you get for your money, the list is comprehensive: for the basics expect a full bathroom suite, fitted kitchen with cooker, fridge, dishwasher, oven and microwave, as well as panel radiators, immersion heater, air conditioning, electric roller shutters, and remote controlled main gate and parking areas. For the fancy extras you’ll find satellite TV, heated towel rails, natural stone flooring and white matt finish throughout. The apartments are unfurnished; great if you want to put a stamp on your own place (and it’s worth knowing that there is an Ikea in nearby Marseille for any other essentials).

We recommend taking a look at the building away from the main entrance – it’s in a slightly elevated position and faces southwest so you get the best sunlight. Also worth bearing in mind is the fact that the developers have pitched their new project as available to buy on a buy-back guarantee’, which – according to the publicity – is confirmation of good location, high build quality and long-term capital growth’. In layman’s terms this means that should you decide to sell up and can’t find a buyer, the developer will buy the property back from you at the full cost including legal fees (within 2 years of the date of purchase). Not that you’d ever want to leave a life of sun, sand and poolside cocktails of course…