The report, from market analysts Seloger/Meilleur Agents, says the number of sales is decreasing, and prices are no longer rising as quickly; in some regions, they are even falling.
The study analysed trends in the 500 largest coastal cities in France where 20% of the properties are holiday homes.
"In reality, this slowdown does not indicate a crisis but rather a natural adjustment after years when prices have increased," comments Imane Selmane, an economist at SeLoger.
However, the result is worrying for industry players as it is the first time in 5 years that the market has slowed in this way.
National agents Century 21 recorded a -20% drop in sales of secondary residences by the sea, and Laforêt a -16% drop.
Experts blame the economic context, rising rates, regulations that tighten rental conditions, and the increase in local property taxes (taxe foncière and taxe d’habitation). "Many people think it is a risky investment," summarizes Charles Marinakis, head of the Century 21 network.
The PACA region, despite the slowdown in prices, remains the most expensive with an average price of €5,980m/2
It is followed by the Atlantic region (€5,380m/2) and Corsica, which recorded an +8.6% increase in its prices—thanks to initially quite low rates. Languedoc-Roussillon experienced the largest drop (-4.4%). "The Languedoc region attracts buyers with lower budgets," estimates Imane Selmane. "They need banks, so they are very sensitive to rising rates."
The Brittany coast, close in terms of prices (€4,078m/2 and €4,01m/2 respectively), have also seen a slowdown, after a strong +30% increase in prices between 2020 and 2023. Brittany is home to the cheapest seaside resort in the country: Ploéven (Finistère) at €1,786m/2. The most expensive resorts are Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Alpes-Maritimes) and Ramatuelle (Var), each around €15,000m/2, and both in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
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