Best Practices For Luxury Villa Managers On The French Riviera

Forbes

5 days ago

Johan Hajji, Cofounder & Co-CEO at The BnB Group. Passionate about property management, real estate investment, proptech & business growth.
For luxury villa managers operating in the Côte d'Azur, or French Riviera, providing a top-tier experience matters more than ever.
That's because for property owners, buying a luxury property in the French Riviera isn't just a real estate move; it's a lifestyle decision. Owners expect ease, comfort and a flawless experience. Many also view these properties as long-term investments and family assets. Well-located villas can bring in significant annual yields from seasonal rentals, and managing these properties well is critical to preserving their value.
As a co-founder of two companies specializing in Airbnb property management, I've spent years seeing firsthand how global demand continually boosts the luxury property market on the Côte d'Azur. Through working closely with hundreds of property owners from Paris to Geneva, I've also learned what attracts international buyers and keeps this region thriving—and what villa managers and property management firms need to keep in mind to position themselves for success.
Understanding The Market: What's Driving Demand
From Nice to Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera is home to one of the most consistently in-demand luxury real estate markets anywhere in the world.
Bloomberg reported that prices of properties valued over 15 million euros along the French Riviera grew 15% to 20% between 2018 and 2023, outperforming property price gains in London. "The increase has been driven by a resurgence in international buyers after the pandemic, especially those from the US and Middle East seeking second homes from where they can work," Bloomberg also said.
In my experience, some of the most-wanted properties are luxury villas with sea views, privacy or a bit of Riviera history, often in places like Cannes, Nice, Antibes, Saint-Tropez and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Ultra-luxury estates are typically valued anywhere between 18 million and 30 million euros, according to Beauchamp Estates, a luxury real estate agency with offices in the French Riviera.
Best Practices For Managers
A villa manager's job isn't just to keep things running smoothly. They also help with regulations, permits, rental laws and bookings, all while maximizing occupancy and rental income.
What this means for villa managers is that luxury management is not just about upkeep anymore. It's about delivering five-star service in a private home setting.
Privacy must be a priority. Many owners are celebrities, CEOs or public figures. They need staff and service teams who understand discretion.
Everything has to look and feel perfect. Villas must be spotless. Pools need to sparkle. Gardens should look like they're straight out of a design magazine. Interiors may range from classic provençal to sleek modern minimalism—but everything needs to be kept at a luxury level.
Service should be personal. Great villa managers take care of more than just the property. They book yachts, arrange private chefs, plan events and coordinate with wellness teams. It's about making sure the owner or guest never has to think about logistics.
Smart, Sustainable And Ready To Rent
In 2025, I'm finding that many people are seeking properties that are eco-conscious and tech-friendly. That's changing what management companies need to offer. Features like solar panels, rainwater systems and energy-efficient upgrades are no longer rare; they're often expected. Many owners and renters of these properties want to know the property is not only beautiful but also responsible.
Smart technology is just as important. Villas need systems that allow remote control of lighting, security, heating and pool systems. People who invest in these properties often expect to monitor and manage them from wherever they are in the world.
Key Challenges And Where The Opportunities Lie
Buyers are more selective than ever. Today's clients don't just want space and a view. They want design, amenities, privacy and a smooth experience tailored to their lifestyle. A smart manager knows how to deliver that by working with top local vendors, keeping standards high and anticipating what the client wants next.
New properties are hard to find. In 2024, new residential construction and building permits along the Riviera reached their lowest. That's made well-maintained older villas more valuable. Managers who can modernize properties without losing their charm can help property owners turn them into profitable rentals.
Insurance costs could go up. Experts have warned that insurance costs could increase in France due to climate change risks. Savvy managers can help control costs by locking in smart service contracts, doing preventive maintenance and upgrading homes to be more efficient.
What The Best Firms Do Well
In my view, the firms setting the bar are those that don't just show up after the sale; they're involved from the beginning. They help investors choose the right property, figure out renovation potential and make sure everything is in line with local laws.
Once the deal is done, managers handle everything: finding and training staff, setting up utilities, handling bookings, styling interiors and managing events. They also know how to add luxury touches without turning the property into a hotel. Think private yoga retreats, wine tastings, spa services and seasonal art collections—personalized, quiet luxury.
The most effective firms and managers also have local knowledge. They know the plumbers, landscapers, security firms, city officials and event planners. That kind of access saves time, cuts costs and solves problems fast.
Looking Ahead
As we head through the year, I believe the outlook for luxury villa management looks strong. Financing is becoming more affordable, and the rental market is still hot, thanks to steady tourism and demand from long-stay travelers and international families.
What this means for luxury villa managers is simple: Providing top-tier, professional management is key. In 2025, the stakes are higher, but so is the reward. Managing a luxury villa in the south of France used to mean checking the mail and calling the gardener. That's not the case anymore. Today, it's about creating a fully serviced lifestyle, protecting a valuable asset and making sure everything runs like a world-class business.
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