The growth in property prices in Monaco has been gathering momentum since prices recovered from what, compared to other markets, can be merely described as a ‘wobble’ following the credit crunch. According to the official statistics, the average price paid for a property since records began in 2006 has increased by 115% and the number of annual transactions rose 20% in 2013 against the previous year’s figures, suggesting that buying in the Principality is once more on the agendas of the world’s very wealthy.
This year’s Knight Frank Wealth Report put Monaco at the top of the list of the world’s most expensive real estate. It found that $1 million would only buy 16sq m of space (about 170sq ft)-about one, good-sized bedroom-and nothing else. The secret to the success of the property market is threefold, according to Irene Luke of Savills Monaco (00 377 97 70 42 00): ‘Monaco’s land mass is restricted and there are few opportunities to build significant numbers of apartments. Additionally, it’s viewed as stable, safe, sophisticated and generally more “liveable” than other comparable tax-friendly jurisdictions and it’s set to remain a fiscally privileged jurisdiction in a world where other countries are tightening their tax rules.’
It is perhaps this last point that helps to explain the ongoing rise in demand and, therefore, prices, with initiatives such as the UK Swiss Tax Cooperation Agreement coming into force. And this burgeoning activity isn’t only in the sales market-the rental market is also booming. ‘There is little available and what there is gets rented immediately,’ adds Miss Luke.
As ever, there are sectors of the market doing better than others. A large proportion of apartments-the housing stock in Monaco is 99% apartments -are in blocks built in the 1970s and 1980s, in which a cool €16 million will buy just three bedrooms, a small kitchen and a living room with a wraparound terrace. It may have a view of the sea, but isn’t necessarily seafront.
‘Today, more buyers seem to want larger apartments and thus more recent buildings (and, indeed, the newer neighbourhood of Fontvieille) are the best sellers,’ according to Stuart Hindle of buying agents Hindle & Baldock (00 33 69 5055 505). The ‘Golden Square’ around the casino is preferred by those who can afford it; a new building is rumoured to have sold off-plan for a jaw-dropping €100,000 or more per sq m.
According to Fred Schiff of Knight Frank (020-7629 8171), buyers vary between international families looking to relocate permanently and local marchands de biens who are snapping up apartments that require some work. ‘As ever, international demand is coming from Italy, Holland, Belgium, the UK and Russia, but there has been a notable pick-up in interest from the USA as well as the Far East-these buyers are looking for large development opportunities or entire buildings.’ Sea views or ‘part sea views’, to adopt the local lexicon, are very important for both aesthetics and future resale.
However, Mr Baldock has a caveat for would-be buyers: ‘The seafront is sought after, but the new land reclamation scheme will put some frontline apartments into the back row. One always has to beware of views changing in Monaco as even comparatively recent buildings can sometimes be torn down and something taller built in their place.’
After an earlier, and rather ambitious scheme to reclaim more land from the sea was mothballed during la crise, local stakeholders and the palace have drawn up new, more moderate plans. ‘But this is a long-term project,’ explains Miss Luke. ‘It isn’t likely to be completed until 2024 at the earliest.’
One new building to add a new dash to Monaco skyline recently has been Tour Odéon. The 49-storey skyscraper will be the Mediterranean’s second tallest building when it’s completed next year and is crowned by a five-floor penthouse that comes with a giant infinity pool (plus its own slide). Niccolo Marzocco, of Groupe Marzocco, which is behind the project, is delighted with the sales so far. ‘Not all of the apartments at Tour Odéon are going to be brought to the open market, so we’re thrilled with the sales success to date. Construction is going as planned and we’ve sold approximately 70% of the apartments we’ve released.’ The recently finished show apartment on the 22nd floor is on the market with a guide price of €28 million (00 377 97 77 37 77; www.odeon.mc).
One of the frustrations with the Monaco market is not only that its size restricts what’s available at any one time, but, given the nature of the buyers and sellers, the somewhat predictable concern with discretion and privacy means that what you see in the agents’ windows (and there are a little over 100 at the last count) is just a fraction of what’s available.
Furthermore, many of the apartments in the best buildings are never for sale. Those owned by the Pastor Group, one of two dominating families in the Monégasque property scene (the other being the Marzoccos), are only available to rent plus some buildings, not unlike country clubs, have waiting lists of various lengths.
However, as Patrice Pastor himself puts it, there will always be demand for their stock: ‘Like London, Monaco retains its position as an international city of choice in respect of both investment and location.Coupled with a beautiful climate and the glamour of Monte Carlo, Monaco has enduring appeal.’
The top 10 addresses in Monaco
Park Palace
Mirabeau
Sun Tower
Porto Bello
Palazzo Leonardo
Seaside Plaza
Terrasses du Port
Villa de Rome
Le 21 Princesse Grace
Monte Carlo Sun
Note: This list excludes rental-only Buildings
Apartments for sale in Monaco
Le Panorama
For fans of Formula 1 looking for a pied-à-terre in Monaco, this
two-bedroom apartment could be the answer.
It’s been recently renovated and comes with a large terrace that has dining and sunbathing areas and fantastic views of the Grand Prix track and the sea beyond. Knight Frank (020- 7629 8171
Porto Bello
This three-bedroom Apartment on the avenue J. F. Kennedy comes with a large living room that opens out onto the terrace, which overlooks Port Hercules. The bedrooms are light-filled all day long. They each have a bathroom and views of the harbour. Pastor Immobilier (00 377 97 70 2070)
The Rock
This very unusual five-storey town house is situated in the attractive, historic area of Monaco-Ville, just steps from the palace. It has been entirely rebuilt and has a roof terrace with exceptional views. Savills (00 377 97 70 42 00)
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