Driven by an ambitious cultural policy with events like the Rencontres de la Photographie, the Luma Foundation, of patron Maja Hoffmann, or the Van Gogh Foundation, Arles (Bouches-du-Rhône) has experienced real enthusiasm in recent years. “Parisian and foreign buyers arrived in large numbers and we can even say that the market was excited. But it’s calming down a little now.”recognizes Michel Martinez, real estate agent at the Bertaud agency.
A city of 50,000 inhabitants, Arles has a strong identity linked to its position as capital of the Camargue and a rich historical heritage, particularly from the Roman period. The city has also been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1981. It is mainly towards the historic city center located between the Rhône and the Arènes district that Parisian and foreign demand is directed.
Buyers are looking for houses of 100 square meters with terracotta or cement tiles, beams and a terrace. “But beware of poor quality renovations from the 1980s: buyers want authenticity”says Delphine Morgant, real estate agent for the IAD network.
If the property corresponds to these criteria, it is difficult to find a purchase for less than 4,000 euros per square meter, a price equivalent to that of much larger cities in the sector such as Montpellier (Hérault) or Marseille (Bouches-du- Rhône) and, for the moment, prices are not falling.
This is the case of this 128 square meter house, close to the media library and equipped with a terrace with a beautiful view, a garage and an outbuilding, which can be rented seasonally. Estimated at 550,000 euros, it is currently for sale. “Teleworking has changed the situation and helps support demand: people come to spend a few days a week and work in Paris, Fos-sur-Mer, etc. the rest of the time “explains Jérôme Gay, director of the Manaranche Immobilier agency.
Surcharged secondary residences
This success contributes to the renovation of the city center, which still includes pockets of unsanitary housing. The city is also eligible for the Denormandie system, which allows you to benefit from a tax advantage in exchange for a major renovation with a view to renting the accommodation.
Pushed outside by price increases, Arlesians tended to leave the center. Living largely on tourism, Arles has not limited seasonal rentals, but nevertheless carefully monitors their number. “We want to make Arles a city to live in all year round. This implies particular vigilance on the phenomenon of seasonal rentals and we have increased taxes on second homes”, explains Patrick de Carolis, mayor of Arles, also known for his career on television. A 60% surcharge was thus applied to the latter.
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