TL;DR
Buying a second home in the South of France remains a dream for many international buyers—and for good reason. The French Riviera offers sunshine, excellent infrastructure, strong property demand, beautiful beaches, international airports and a lifestyle that is difficult to match elsewhere in Europe.
Whether you are looking for a holiday apartment, a sea-view penthouse, a family villa or a future retirement home, the Côte d’Azur provides options for a wide range of budgets. The key is choosing the right location, understanding the buying process and focusing on properties that combine personal enjoyment with long-term value.
The South of France has attracted second-home buyers for generations. What started with artists, writers and aristocrats has evolved into a global destination for entrepreneurs, retirees, investors, remote workers and families seeking a better quality of life.
From the colourful streets of Nice to the glamour of Cannes, the villages of Mougins and Valbonne, and the beaches of Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera continues to attract people who want more than just a property. They want a lifestyle.
Today, buying a second home on the Côte d’Azur is not only about enjoying holidays. Many buyers also see it as part of their long-term wealth planning, retirement strategy and family legacy. France remains one of Europe’s most transparent and secure real estate markets, making it attractive to international buyers.
Why Buy a Second Home in the South of France?
The French Riviera offers a unique combination of climate, accessibility and lifestyle.
- More than 300 days of sunshine per year
- International airport in Nice
- Excellent healthcare
- High-quality restaurants and culture
- Mediterranean beaches
- Strong international community
- Excellent infrastructure
- Long-term property demand
Many owners initially buy a holiday home and later decide to spend several months per year in France. Some eventually retire permanently to the region.
Browse our latest French Riviera property listings.
Choosing the Right Location
The French Riviera stretches from Menton near the Italian border to Saint-Tropez in the west. Each location attracts a different type of buyer.
Nice
Nice is the Riviera’s largest city and offers excellent transport connections, beaches, restaurants and year-round activity.
It is particularly popular with buyers who want:
- Easy airport access
- Rental potential
- City life
- Walkability
- Good value compared to Monaco or Cannes
Explore property for sale in Nice.
Antibes and Juan-les-Pins
Antibes combines Riviera charm with a practical lifestyle. Families appreciate the schools, marina, beaches and international community.
View available properties in Antibes.
Cannes
Cannes remains one of the Riviera’s most prestigious addresses. It attracts buyers seeking luxury apartments, sea views and strong rental demand linked to international events.
Discover properties for sale in Cannes.
Mougins and Valbonne
These villages appeal to buyers who prefer villas, gardens, privacy and a quieter lifestyle while remaining close to the coast.
Popular among entrepreneurs, families and retirees, they offer more space than the coastal cities.
See our selection in Mougins and Valbonne.
Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez remains one of Europe’s most iconic second-home destinations. While prices are higher, the area’s exclusivity and limited supply continue to attract international buyers.
Browse Saint-Tropez real estate.
What Type of Second Home Should You Buy?
Your ideal property depends on how you plan to use it.
Apartment
Apartments are popular with buyers who want:
- Low maintenance
- Lock-up-and-leave convenience
- Rental income potential
- City-centre locations
Penthouse
Penthouses combine apartment convenience with outdoor living. Large terraces and sea views make them highly desirable on the Riviera.
Villa
Villas offer:
- Privacy
- Swimming pools
- Gardens
- Space for family and guests
View our collection of French Riviera villas.
New-Build Property
New-build homes are increasingly popular among second-home buyers because they require little maintenance and include modern energy-efficient construction.
Advantages include:
- Lower notary fees
- Ten-year construction guarantee
- Modern layouts
- Energy efficiency
- Staged payment schedules
Explore new-build properties on the French Riviera.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in France?
Yes. France places very few restrictions on foreign buyers. Buyers from Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and many other countries regularly purchase property in France.
The purchase process is highly regulated and supervised by a French notary, which helps protect both buyers and sellers.
The Buying Process Explained
The typical French buying process follows these steps:
- Property search and viewings
- Offer submitted
- Offer accepted
- Compromis de Vente signed
- Cooling-off period
- Legal and administrative checks
- Final signing at the notary
- Key handover
The entire process usually takes between two and four months.
What Costs Should You Budget For?
Beyond the purchase price, buyers should budget for additional acquisition costs.
For resale property, notary fees and taxes are typically around 7% to 8% of the purchase price. For new-build property, these costs are usually lower.
Additional costs may include:
- Mortgage fees
- Insurance
- Annual property taxes
- Co-ownership charges
- Maintenance costs
- Renovation costs
Should You Rent Out Your Second Home?
Many owners rent out their property when they are not using it.
Popular rental markets include:
- Nice
- Cannes
- Antibes
- Menton
- Saint-Tropez
- Villefranche-sur-Mer
Rental income can help offset ownership costs, but buyers should always verify local regulations and co-ownership rules before purchasing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying Purely with Emotion
The Riviera is beautiful, and many buyers fall in love quickly. However, location, accessibility and future resale value remain important.
Ignoring Running Costs
Swimming pools, gardens and large villas require ongoing maintenance.
Not Visiting in Different Seasons
A location that feels lively in August may feel very different in January.
Skipping Professional Advice
Independent legal, tax and financing advice can help avoid costly mistakes.
Why the French Riviera Remains a Strong Second-Home Market
Demand for Riviera property remains strong because the region offers something that cannot easily be replicated: a limited coastline, an exceptional climate, international accessibility and worldwide recognition.
Many buyers view their second home not only as a lifestyle purchase but also as a long-term family asset that can be enjoyed for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners buy a second home in France?
Yes. France allows foreign buyers to purchase residential property with very few restrictions.
Can I get a French mortgage as a non-resident?
Yes. Many non-residents can obtain French financing, although lending conditions vary depending on nationality, income and financial profile.
Is buying a second home in France a good investment?
Many buyers see it as a combination of lifestyle enjoyment, wealth preservation and long-term value growth.
Which Riviera town is best for a second home?
Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Mougins, Valbonne and Saint-Tropez are among the most popular locations, depending on budget and lifestyle preferences.
How long does the buying process take?
Most transactions complete within two to four months after an offer is accepted.
Find Your Perfect Second Home on the French Riviera
At Living on the Côte d’Azur, we help international buyers find the right second home between Menton and Saint-Tropez. Whether you are looking for a city apartment, a sea-view penthouse, a new-build residence or a luxury villa, our team provides access to thousands of properties and local expertise throughout the buying process.
Start with our French Riviera property collection and discover why so many buyers choose the South of France for their second home.
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