Pinning down a crystal clear answer is challenging, as we continue to assess the situation, on a day-to-day basis.

The market across the French Riviera never came to a halt during lockdown, despite the initial drop in enquires, requests and interest remained with virtual visits on the rise as people focused on their criteria. 

Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. Taken from genuine conversations with our vendors during the lockdown period, we have compiled responses and insights to reassure you when looking to sell your home on the French Riviera.

Make your next move with Savills.

Q. I would like to sell my home on the French Riviera, with lockdown ending, how do I go about it?

Let’s have a conversation, talk it through with us, in your own words. The multilingual Savills team are available seven days a week, and we have amazing technology at our fingertips, which means that physical distance is no longer a barrier.

We help you to be realistic in your requirements, your timescale, target and wishes and we adapt how we work to meet your expectations.

Our experienced team have excellent knowledge of the local area so if you cannot travel right now or want to hold off a formal visit we can start the process with basic data shared by email, online or mail. This step lets us gather the essentials.

As soon as possible we would need to inspect your home and complete photography so that we have all the right answers for interested parties. We would also, if need be, make candid suggestions in terms of minor improvements that could make a major difference.

Q. You have been to visit my home, what is the next step?

Buying or selling a property is a huge undertaking, so first of all thank you for trusting Savills, we look forward to working with you.

You can expect to receive our follow up report outlining the market, our thoughts about value and how we plan to market your home alongside a run down on Savills so you can really get a feel for the brand and the people you will be working with.

Following a decision to instruct Savills, there is some legal requirements and paperwork to ensure we have all the required documents - don’t worry if you don’t live here, we can handle signatures and document sharing online and remotely.

The next step is preparing your home for the market whilst we work our database of clients to make them aware of a new listing. Working in accordance with government guidance, we can still photograph you home and collect footage for the all-important video tour and promotion. At this stage, it is essential that the property be prepared for photography - to really capture a home at its best. If you can’t travel, then think about local contacts who could assist, and rest assured that there are companies we can suggest to assist in line with your needs and wishes.

Once all the data is collected, we roll out a range of marketing and again, we work our database to start the conversation and book visits.

Q. I live outside of France, how is this going to work?

Physical distance is no longer a barrier, we can start the process following an in-depth conversation and the collection of data relating to your home. Is there a trusted contact who can assist by opening your property for visits? Alternatively Savills can hold keys for your home to ensure visits and the photography can take place.

Q. I am currently living in my property, I would like to agree to visits but how does social distancing work in this situation?

In preparation for the lockdown lift, the French government and the property industry has detailed extensive measures and processes, all of these have been taken on board. Following training and trial visits, our teams are prepped with individual viewing packs complete with masks, gel, gloves etc. We kindly ask that numbers are limited on visits with social distancing maintained throughout. We ask that windows and doors are left open and that the property be prepared to remove the need to open doors, turn on lights etc. Most importantly, we work in line with your wishes to ensure you are confident - every step of the way.

Q. The gardens at my property are looking beautiful in the summer sunshine, it is the perfect time for photos, can you still take photographs?

This has been a very popular request and our photography team is busier than ever. Great photos are key to selling your home. We have strict guidelines to follow regarding access, presentation of a property and number of people present however there is no reason we cannot complete this important step.

Q. Visits have happened, I have an offer accepted, how can I move towards completion?

In cooperation with selected notaries, we are able to ensure that the next steps can be taken remotely. Exchange of contracts, remote signing by proxy etc, all are possible and we have quite a few transactions completed to confirm that it works!

View a range of properties for sale and rent across the French Riviera.

Alex and the French Riviera team remain available to assist you in your property search.

Contact the team for further information and to start your search today.

At the time of writing, France has moved into post confinement with strict social distancing gestures and travel limitations in place.

The network of Savills offices across the Riviera have reopened post lockdown and the team are available to discuss your requirement, please note whilst we remain open for business, the health and safety of our clients, colleagues and suppliers is of utmost importance. We have put in place the following measures:    

Use of protective measures such as gel, masks and screens

Frequent disinfection of our offices

Limitation on numbers of people present in our offices and during visits

Possibility of virtual visits, property valuations at a distance  and electronic signature

For physical visits, strict rules of hygiene and protection are respected

Use of new, innovative technologies to reach a wider audience online