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Real Estate in Nice, France | Expat Exchange
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Nice, France

Real Estate in Nice, France

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Apr 21, 2023

Summary: The most desirable neighborhoods in Nice, France are Cimiez, Mont Boron, and the Old Town. The average cost to buy a nice 2 bedroom home in Nice is around $400,000 USD, while a nice 3 bedroom home can cost up to $800,000 USD. These properties typically include modern amenities such as air conditioning, balconies, and terraces. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership for properties in Nice. An expat searching for a home to buy in Nice should start by researching the different neighborhoods and their amenities. They should also consider their budget and look for properties that fit their needs. Additionally, they should contact a local real estate agent to help them find the perfect home.

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

How do I find a place to live in Nice?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Finding a place to live in Nice can be a challenging process, but there are several great resources available to help make it a bit easier. One option is to use a rental site such as Airbnb, Booking.com, or HomeAway to find available rentals in the city. You can narrow down the search using different criteria that fit your needs, such as type of accommodation, price, and area. Additionally, you can use website such as The Local, Idealista, or Se Loger to search for property listings or rent directly from an agency. Furthermore, you can also find local real estate agents that specialize in long-term rentals on websites such as Zimmo, Logic-Immo, or the Good Place website," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Nice, France.

French Riviera House Hunting - FRHFrench Riviera House Hunting - FRH
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We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!

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French Riviera House Hunting - FRHFrench Riviera House Hunting - FRH

We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Nice?

"A typical expat home or apartment in Nice is likely to be spacious and airy, with large windows allowing in plenty of natural light. Many of the buildings are from the Belle Epoque era with balconies and terraces overlooking the striking Mediterranean Sea. Expat homes in Nice often feature traditional French design elements such as wood-beamed ceilings and parquet or terracotta tiled flooring. The walls are generally white, pale yellow or blue, adding to the warm, inviting atmosphere. The housing market in Nice is also quite reasonably priced compared to other cities in the area, making it an attractive option for expats looking to establish a home in France," said one expat who made the move to Nice, France.

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What is the average cost of housing in Nice?

If you are thinking about moving to Nice, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The average cost of housing in Nice can vary significantly depending on the type of accommodation desired, the size, the area and the amenities. Generally, rent for apartments tends to be the most expensive, with the nicer properties in the central parts of the city being more costly than those that are located further away. Other options, such as studio apartments, can be more affordable but still expensive compared to other cities. Additionally, the cost of buying a property in Nice also varies depending on the size, location and quality," said one person in Nice, France.

Should I buy or rent a home in Nice?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Nice, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"If you are looking for a long-term living situation in Nice, buying a home may be a wise investment. Not only do you get to experience the benefits of home ownership, but you can also benefit from the potential appreciation of your property value in the future. Although buying a home can be a large expense up front, you will have the security of a long-term living situation that you can make your own. On the other hand, if you prefer a more flexible living situation without the long-term commitment, renting a home in Nice, France can be an excellent option. You may have more freedom to explore other areas or neighborhoods in the city, as well as access to a greater variety of rental properties. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent will depend on your financial situation, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Nice, France.

What do I need to know when buying property in Nice?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Nice, they said:

"1. When buying property in Nice, it is important to do as much research as possible to ensure you are getting the best price and deal available. 2. It is recommended to obtain a lawyer who is experienced with French legal matters to assist you with negotiations. 3. Make sure to obtain a property inspection by a qualified inspector before making any kind of financial commitments. 4. It is also essential to know the applicable taxes and fees in Nice regarding the purchase of property. 5. Additionally, be sure to be knowledgeable about French banking practices, the Euro currency exchange rate, and the property registration process. 6. Lastly, be aware of the specific legal requirements for purchasing property in Nice, such as the length and type of required paperwork," said one in Nice.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Nice?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Nice, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Nice. Non-residents of France are able to purchase property in the same way as French citizens, and there are no restrictions on foreign ownership. However, it is important to note that foreign buyers must obtain a French bank loan in order to purchase property in France, and they must also pay a transfer tax of 5.09% of the purchase price. Additionally, foreign buyers must also pay a registration fee of 2.5% of the purchase price," said one foreigner living in Nice, France.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Nice what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in Nice typically include amenities such as a refrigerator, oven/cooktop, washing machine and microwave. Depending on the property, many may also come with dishwashers, clothes dryers, televisions and air conditioning along with necessary kitchenware and cooking utensils," explained one person living in Nice, France.

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Nice:

We asked foreigners in Nice what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats looking for homes in Nice can search online for real estate listings, contact local real estate agents, or look for rental postings on websites such as Airbnb or HomeAway. Additionally, expats can look for housing options in local newspapers or on expat forums," said one person in Nice.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Nice, France

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