According to the notaires, sales of houses were down in the year to June 2023 by -11.3%, whilst those for apartments by -9%.

According to Maguelonne Escande-Cambon, president of the Chambre de Notaires in the department: "The slowdown in the market in recent months can be explained by the rise in interest rates, the shortage of existing properties, combined with high prices and the cessation of new build programmes."

"This slowdown varies, depending on the geographical area. It is strongest in cities like Montpellier and Sète. In the semi-rural sectors and the west of the department the drop is less pronounced because the prices are lower and therefore remain more attractive,” she explained.

Nevertheless, despite the slowdown in sales, prices rose on average by +5.8% in the year to June 2023. The average selling price of a house is €266,500.

However, as can be seen below, there is considerable variation by geographic area, with average prices highest around Montpellier (€390,000) and lowest in the more mountainous areas to the north (€188,000).

Indeed, an analysis by commune shows even greater variation. The notaires illustrate these differences with prices in a selection of the communes, as shown in the graphic below.

Highest prices in the department are in Castelnau-le-Lez (€523,300) on the outskirts of Montpellier, whilst lowest average prices are at Valras Plage on the coast (€180,000).

Over the past 5 years average prices in the department have increased by +26.9%, but by +40.3% in Montpellier.

Apartment prices in the department average €3,390m2, but with significant geographic variations. Highest average prices are in Le Lido near Sète (€4,990m2), whilst lowest average prices are in Beziers (€1,420m2).