The Var sits between Provence’s rolling countryside and the glittering coastline of the Côte d’Azur. With picturesque hill villages, glamorous seaside resorts, and around 300 days of sunshine each year, it’s easy to see why so many people dream of buying property in the Var.
Whether you’re planning to relocate, retire or buy a holiday property, the Var offers a diverse and exclusive real estate market – along with some unique challenges for international buyers. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the process with confidence in 2025.
Contents
- Why you should be buying property in the Var
- What kind of property can you expect?
- What are the costs of buying property in the Var?
- The steps to buying property in the Var
Buying property in the Var could mean a home in the beautiful village of Gassin
Why you should be buying property in the Var
The Var offers unmatched variety across landscapes, lifestyle and architecture. From the superyacht glamour of Saint-Tropez to peaceful Provençal villages such as Gassin or Le Thoronet, the department caters to a wide range of buyers. It’s notably less frenetic than the area around Nice or Cannes but still enjoys all the benefits of the Côte d’Azur lifestyle – great food, mild winters and endless coastline.
If you’re passionate about the outdoors, the Var is a dream region. You can explore the Massif des Maures on foot or by bike, sail along the turquoise waters of the Méditerranée or unwind in the vineyards of Bandol and Collobrières. The region is known for its rosé wine, lavender fields and olive groves – all part of a rich cultural identity that dates back thousands of years.
For international buyers, the Var is attractive because it offers reliable rental demand during summer months and excellent air and rail links. The Toulon-Hyères airport makes the region particularly accessible. The Var is also an area of France that is accustomed to welcoming foreign residents, making it an easy move from an English-speaking country.
Whether you’re drawn by the Mediterranean climate, investment appeal or lifestyle benefits, the Var promises long-term value and quality of life.
For a fuller look at purchasing property abroad, claim your free copy of our France Buying Guide:
What kind of property can you expect?
The property market in the Var is highly varied, with something to suit most budgets – if you’re willing to compromise on location or renovation work. Properties fall broadly into three categories:
- Seafront and resort apartments: Often modern, purpose-built and priced at a premium, particularly in areas like Sainte-Maxime or Sanary-sur-Mer.
- Hilltop village homes: Traditional stone houses with character features, many dating back centuries. These are often found in areas such as Bagnols-en-Forêt, Tourtour or Cotignac.
- Provençal villas: Popular with second-home buyers, these detached houses usually come with outdoor space, pools and views. Expect large price variations depending on proximity to the coast.
The average resale apartment price in Toulon stood at around €2,600/m², while prices in more exclusive coastal enclaves often exceed €8,000/m². Detached homes around inland villages can start from €350,000, but near the water, modern villas easily command €1 million+.
The share of second homes in the Var is just under 25%, one of the highest in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. This means the region has developed well-established services for non-resident owners, including bilingual estate agents, property managers and tax advisers. However, it also means fewer year-round residents in some parts, particularly outside Toulon and larger inland towns.
What are the costs of buying property in the Var?
Buying property in the Var – as with anywhere in France – comes with essential additional costs beyond the property price. Understanding these early helps avoid surprises later on.
Notaire fees: Budget an average of 7% to 8% on top of the property price if you’re purchasing a resale property. For newly built or off-plan homes, the rate drops to around 2% to 3%.
Estate agent fees: These are typically included in the advertised price. Fees vary but often sit at around 5% to 6% of the sale price, and it’s usually the seller who pays them under French law. Always double-check contracts to confirm this.
Taxes: Annual property taxes include taxe foncière and taxe d’habitation (although the latter has been phased out for main residences, it often still applies to second homes). Exact amounts depend on the commune and property type. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand euros each year.
Currency exchange risk: If you’re buying in euros but your income is in another currency, exchange rate fluctuations can have a major impact. Protect your budget with a forward contract from a specialist international payments provider – this lets you lock in a rate for future payments. Book a call with Smart Currency Exchange to discuss your options.
Overall, expect to add around 10% to 12% to the property’s purchase price to cover legal, administrative and financial costs.
The steps to buying property in the Var
Buying property in the Var follows the standard French process, which is known for being secure but also strongly regulated. Here are the main stages:
1. Define your goals: Decide on your priorities – permanent residence or holidays, full renovation or move-in ready, coastal or inland. Make a wishlist and share it with your consultant or agent before arranging viewings.
2. Find a reputable local agent: Agents in France must be licensed and are often the main point of contact between buyer and seller. Work only with registered agents who understand the needs of international buyers. Services may include translation help, document support and negotiation assistance. Consult our France experts page to find a reputable agent.
3. Plan your currency strategy: Talk to a currency transfer adviser early in your search. Fixing your rate or setting alerts can prevent expensive last-minute surprises when transferring a deposit or final purchase payment. Speak to Smart Currency Exchange to learn more.
4. Get legal support: While the notaire is a legal officer overseeing the transaction, they are not obliged to act in your interest. Hire your own independent English-speaking solicitor to review contracts, flag risks and represent your interests. This is especially key in mixed-use buildings or rural properties with shared land.
5. Make an offer and sign the contract: Once your offer is accepted, you and the seller sign a preliminary contract – either a compromis de vente or promesse de vente. You also pay a deposit (usually 5% to 10%).
6. Completion: After a cooling-off period (for the buyer only), the notaire conducts detailed checks and finalises paperwork. You sign the acte de vente in the notaire’s office, pay the balance and receive the keys. This phase usually takes around 3 months.
You don’t need to be fluent in French to buy here, but strategic partners matter. Having a bilingual notaire, agent or legal adviser ensures nothing is lost in translation – literally or financially.
Ready to buy in the Var?
With stunning natural surroundings, excellent transport and a strong appeal to both holidaymakers and retirees, the Var offers a lifestyle few regions can match. But the property market here moves quickly, especially in coastal areas, so early preparation is key.
At Your Overseas Home, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our trusted local estate agents, legal experts and currency professionals can guide you through every phase of buying property in the Var safely and smoothly.
