The French Riviera is a dream destination for many real estate investors and has always known how to attract the most discerning ones: a hot and sunny climate, ease of access, and a strong tourist attraction generating a significant economic activity. Whether it is to spend a pleasant retirement there, enjoy a seaside holiday or buy your main residence, the Côte d’Azur is an excellent choice for a real estate investment. Peter Illovsky and Frederic Barth explain more about the Private Office and its premium real estate services.
What is your background in terms of real estate?
Peter Illovsky: ”I have some 25 years of experience in the real estate market on the Riviera and about a 20-year long relationship with Sotheby’s International Realty. Stepping up into the luxury – VIP segment has been a natural evolution.
Furthermore, Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty’s internal organisation and marketing strategy required the creation of the Private Desk to deal with the most discerning clientele.”
Frederic Barth: ”I also have about 20 years of experience in the high standard/luxury real estate sector, first as an independent property lawyer and then as part of the top management team of Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty.
I’ve always been involved in close relationships with international clients who are willing to invest in real estate on the Côte d’Azur, some of whom are already clients of Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty. Therefore the natural evolution of my professional environment led me to join the Private Desk of Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty.”
What is it that you like best about the work you do?
Both: “We most enjoy contact with international clients who are often extraordinary individuals with exceptional life experiences and extremely high expectations.
“It’s a privilege for us to have access to fantastic properties in one of the most sought-after locations in the world, from Saint-Tropez to Monaco and the Italian border, including Cannes, the Cap d’Antibes, Nice and Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat.”
Can you explain a little bit about Sotheby’s Private Office?
Both: “The private desk is a prestigious department intended to offer UHNW clients wishing to sell or acquire luxury real estate an ultra-personalised advice and support service.
“The evolution of the luxury real estate market on the Côte d’Azur in recent years has revealed new expectations on the part of UHNW customers: an increasingly personalised service of excellence, increased technical skills of the interlocutors’ sales representatives, total discretion in approaching the market and comprehensive support beyond the completion of the transaction.
“We have decided to meet these expectations by making available via the Private Desk our experience, our skills, our international professional network and a perfect knowledge of the market, including properties for confidential marketing (Off-market).”
What makes it different from Sotheby’s International Realty?
Both: “The private desk is the quintessence of Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty’s values but is specially adapted and exclusively dedicated to UHNW customers.”
How would you describe the Private Office service in 5 words?
Both: “Skill, Experience, Discretion, Integrity and Trust.”
Has the Private Office grown in popularity over the years, and, if so, why do you think this is?
Both: “Yes, indeed, as the expectations of the UHNW have grown, so has the Private Office’s popularity. Likewise, the Private Desk inside Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty has perfectly met such expectations.”
What trends or market changes have you witnessed over the last few years?
Both: “The COVID crisis has revealed a new interest and a growing need of acquiring turnkey properties with gardens, close to the international airports, as a getaway for the UHNW clients willing to escape from big, international city centres.
“As the French Riviera has always been a secure and strong real estate market, it is natural that international clientele focus on the Côte d’Azur. Some of the most sought after spots such as Saint-Tropez, Cannes, the Cap d’Antibes and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat are still hugely in demand.”
What do you have in store for 2022/2023?
Both: “Further increase the notoriety of the Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty Private Desk abroad by developing new partnerships and sourcing methods in the leading international spots frequented by UHNW clients.”
Want to know more about Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty Private Desk, and it’s exclusive properties? Click here or email the Private Desk – Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty at privatedesk@cotedazur-sothebysrealty.com or call +33 4 92 92 12 88.