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Luisa Newfield (ERENA): Mr. Jean Paul, Nice on the Côte d’Azur is a stunning location, but many of our readers report difficulty finding houses for rent. Why is that?
Jean Paul: That’s absolutely true, Luisa. Nice is one of the most desirable regions in France, if not the world. Its mild climate, coastal proximity, and high quality of life attract many people, including tourists, expats, and wealthy investors. Unfortunately, the demand for properties—especially houses—far exceeds the supply.
Luisa Newfield: Why are houses so much rarer than apartments?
Jean Paul: There are several reasons. First, Nice is a densely built urban area with limited space. Most residential buildings are apartments because they can accommodate more people on less land. Freestanding houses are rare and often considered luxury properties. Second, many homeowners in Nice prefer to sell their houses or use them as vacation rentals rather than offering them for long-term leases.
Luisa Newfield: That’s surprising. Why do owners prefer using their houses as vacation rentals?
Jean Paul: Vacation rentals are often significantly more profitable. Nice is a tourist hotspot, and platforms like Airbnb enable owners to earn high revenues during peak seasons. Additionally, short-term rentals offer more flexibility: owners can use the property themselves when they wish and are not tied to long-term rental agreements.
Luisa Newfield: Are there legal barriers that discourage long-term renting?
Jean Paul: Absolutely. French tenancy laws strongly favor tenants. Landlords often face difficulties evicting tenants, even in cases of non-payment. This makes long-term renting less attractive. Furthermore, landlords often encounter complex tax and bureaucratic requirements when renting out properties.
Luisa Newfield: You mentioned earlier that many owners choose to sell their houses instead of renting them. Why is that?
Jean Paul: Especially in Nice, where property prices have surged in recent years, many owners opt to sell to benefit from the appreciation in value rather than renting out. Houses in Nice are often in the luxury market, and there’s a high demand from international investors willing to pay top prices.
Luisa Newfield: For those determined to rent a house in Nice, do you have any advice?
Jean Paul: While it’s challenging, it’s not impossible. Prospective renters should reach out to local real estate agencies, as many houses are not publicly listed. It’s also worth expanding the search to surrounding towns like Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, or Cagnes-sur-Mer. These areas often have more rental options, sometimes at more affordable prices.
Luisa Newfield: That’s a helpful suggestion! What can cities like Nice do to make the market for long-term rentals more attractive?
Jean Paul: One solution could be providing landlords with incentives to offer long-term leases, such as tax breaks or simplified bureaucracy. Additionally, stricter regulations on short-term rentals—similar to what we’ve seen in cities like Paris—could ease the pressure on the housing market.
Luisa Newfield: Thank you, Mr. Jean Paul, for sharing your insights!
Jean Paul: My pleasure, Luisa. It was great to discuss this important topic.
Luisa Newfield: Dear readers, if you’re looking for a home on the Côte d’Azur, check out our Real Estate & Living section on ERENA.me for more tips and regional providers!
