Sea view on the Riviera: dream or bad investment?

Buying an apartment or a house with a sea view is a dream for many.
But behind the dream, there is sometimes a harsh reality.

As a real estate agent on the French Riviera, I see every year buyers who let themselves be seduced by the view without considering the true value of the investment.


📍 Why the sea view is so attractive

  • Instant prestige

  • Photogenic and attractive for seasonal rentals

  • Feeling of luxury and daily well-being

All true, but the real question is: is it really worth it?


💰 Prices: beware of the illusion

A sea view property can cost 30 to 50% more than a similar property without a view.
If you buy only for the view, you risk paying a premium that is hard to recover upon resale.

👉 Tip: always compare price per m² and actual location, not just the view.


🧠 Common buyer mistakes

  1. Thinking “sea view = safe investment”

  2. Neglecting exposure and orientation (sun and wind)

  3. Ignoring sometimes very high condo fees

  4. Underestimating maintenance costs


📍 Where a sea view makes sense

  • Waterfront with easy access to Monaco and Menton

  • Top floors facing south

  • Rare and sought-after properties

💬 In these cases, the sea view premium can be justified, especially if you are thinking of seasonal rental or premium resale.


📞 Final advice

Buying with a sea view is wonderful, but it is only profitable if calculated and thought through.

👉 Unsure about a sea view property? Contact me for a personalized analysis with no obligation.