“Biarritz is international and modern,” explains Catherine Thomine-Desmazures, head of the Emile Garcin agency in Biarritz. “Houses usually negotiate at around €3,500 and 4,000 in Biarritz depending on the type of property and the area,” says Didier Herbin, director of the Achbe agency and spokesperson for the Orpi network in the Netherlands.

“And old properties cost almost the same as new ones due to the shortage of products.” Prices rise the closer you get to the Atlantic: a 50 sq. m. 2-roomer near the sea will sell for €268,000, while a 48 sq. m. 2-roomer with a sea view will be snapped up for €300,000. Houses are another much sought-after product. “Near the town centre of Biarritz, you can find a fine old 7-room house in good condition from €900,000 to 1.1 million,” says Jacques Hacala, joint manager of Basque Immobilier, in Biarritz, and Luz Immobilier, in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

The seafront is more expensive, at “€2 to 3 million depending on the condition and size.”

Saint-Jean-de-Luz is far more sought after by families. “People who buy at Saint-Jean-de-Luz often have local roots,” says Catherine Thomine-Desmazures. Overall, prices are a little higher than in Biarritz – from €3,900 to 4,700 a sq. m. for most properties.

There again, sea views tend to up the price. “Our clients are looking for attractive residences,” explains Emile Garcin, who heads the agency. “25 sq. m. studios with a balcony going for €300,000 sell like hot cakes.” However there is a lack of large properties on the market. One solution may be to go for an old house.

But prices can be much higher, with a minimum of €2 million for a house in good shape.