Cost of Seaside Retreats: The Pursuit of Waterfront Properties
In the picturesque coastal towns of Argelès-sur-Mer and Saint-Cast-le-Guildo, the issue of houses for sale and housing affordability is causing a stir. Jean-Pierre Mortier, a resident of Saint-Cast-le-Guildo, spends six months a year in his 170 square meter home for sale near the sea, often accompanied by his nine grandchildren who share his passion for sailing. However, in Argelès-sur-Mer, Valérie and Martine, a couple living together, have had difficulty finding accommodation due to the abundance of second homes for sale. They believe these properties are blocking the real estate market and driving up prices. In Saint-Cast-le-Guildo, the housing tax for second houses for sale has increased by 45% in two years, from 1,953 euros to nearly 2,200 euros. This has led to a movement among second homeowners, including Jean-Pierre Mortier, to challenge the tax increase. Christophe Maréchal, a member of the association Citoyens Castins, aims to increase the percentage of second homeowners registered on the electoral lists to 30%. In Argelès-sur-Mer, the situation is similar. Out of the total 15,600 residences, 5,600 are main residences, and 10,000 are second homes for sale. Owners of second homes for sale are mobilizing against the tax, with Bernard Olivier, a second homeowner, planning to run for election. He aims to make a statement and show the presence of second homeowners in local politics. Mayor Marie-Madeleine Michel of Saint-Cast-le-Guildo suggests that the surtax on second houses for sale could encourage owners to also rent out their properties, thereby increasing the housing supply. The surtax on second houses for sale in Saint-Cast-le-Guildo is used to finance an EHPAD, a health center, and 200 homes for 4 million euros. A unique case in Argelès-sur-Mer is Romain Grau, who decided to run in the municipal elections despite only having a second home for sale there. His move is seen as a reflection of the growing influence of second homeowners in local politics. The location of both towns offers a unique charm, with long sandy beaches, greenery, and the Cap Fréhel in Côte-d'Armor. As the debate on second houses for sale and housing taxes continues, it remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed and what impact they will have on the communities.
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