Considering a property on the Cote d’Azur, but unsure whether you should invest or simply rent? This guide will cover all the pros and cons of each choice, helping you decide whether to buy or rent a villa on the French Riviera once and for all.

To buy or to rent? Villas on the French Riviera

Renting

When you rent a villa on the French Riviera, you can choose exactly when you stay, meaning you can visit just for the desirable summer season if preferred. The rest of the year, you have no ties to the property. You can also choose where you stay each time, meaning that you can explore new areas and all the best villas on the Caps, instead of just committing to one.

You don’t have to worry about the maintenance and upkeep of a property while renting, which can be especially useful if you are only planning to visit at certain times of the year. When you are enjoying your precious free time, the last thing you want to be worrying about is the condition of your holiday home. Of course, as an owner, you can hire staff to maintain the villa, but then you must worry about managing them and paying their salaries all year round.

You can be sure that you aren’t going to have to cover any unexpected costs – you benefit from just one all-inclusive price. You also don’t have to pay owners’ tax on the property.

However, some people may prefer to return to the same place year after year, allowing them to feel completely comfortable in their environment and leave all their holiday possessions at the property. This is not possible with a rental property, where many other groups will likely stay when you are not there.

Buying

Investing in villas for sale on the French Riviera is a smart move – with the area in such high demand, it is likely that the value of the property will increase significantly over time. What’s more, you have the option of renting your villa out when you are not staying there, which can provide another revenue stream.

You can also decorate the property to your exact taste, changing the space as your requirements fluctuate. This makes it feel like a real home away from home. Having a place to come when the Cote d’Azur is in its off-season is also a real blessing, allowing you to experience the region as no one else does. Living in the South of France when it is quieter lets you enjoy secret eateries and deserted beaches, and the cooler months are a great time for hiking and nature-watching excursions.

However, when you buy a villa for sale on the French Riviera, you do have to take charge of the maintenance and the costs associated with that, plus pay tax on the property. If you are the kind of person who likes to feel free to holiday in different places, not just on the Cote d’Azur but all over the world, then you may find that having a vacation property restricts your adventures. But, it does not have to – you can always rent your villa out for the entire summer season if you want to escape elsewhere.

Ultimately, whether you decide to buy or rent a villa on the French Riviera depends on what your priorities are. If you are a free spirit who doesn’t like to be tied down, renting is more suitable. Likewise, if you feel most comfortable in your own home and are driven by the idea of a good investment, then browsing villas for sale on the French Riviera is a good option. Whichever you choose, you are sure to enjoy your time on the glamorous Cote d’Azur.