The Landes is truly one of a kind. The invigorating environment consisting of pine forests, huge beaches and world-class surf is almost surreal. Although many feel that the Landes is limited to being the quintessential vacation destination, an increasing number of people are leaving polluted, expensive cities to live in areas that offer a higher quality of life at a cheaper price.
If you’re thinking about moving to the Landes, here are four things to consider.
1. There is work
When you think about destinations for a lucrative professional career, the Landes probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. However, with remote work becoming increasingly common due to COVID, professionals of all ages are less tied to their offices, making it possible to live and work anywhere with an internet connection.
If remote work is not your thing, there are still several other industries that are alive and well.
- Construction
- Capital goods
- Service
- Agro-food industry
Breakdown of the business activity in Les Landes:
- 44,214 public and private establishments including 3,700 new companies since 2012
- 5,5500 Farms
- 6,800 business establishments
- 2,700 industrial companies
- 4,500 construction and public works companies
- 7,800 business service establishments
- 8,700 personal service establishments
- 2,200 tourism companies
According to the CCI, the turnover generated by the Landes economy in 2016 was 15.84 billion euros, an increase of 19.8% in ten years. Service activities including transport and tourism represent a turnover of 2.8 billion euros.
The Landes is also a major thermal department in France: 75,849 curists in 2016 spread over five thermal spas: Dax, Saint-Paul-lès-Dax, Eugénie-les-Bains.
The Landes is also the first tourist destination in the region. Every year, two million people enjoy the ocean, forest, gastronomy and unique heritage.
2. The population is growing steadily
The population in the Landes has been growing by a rate of about 10.5% since 2006. This population is diverse and consists of families, retired persons, and students looking for more diverse programs than those that are offered in larger cities.
This steady increase in population is likely thanks to the stunning, rugged coast surrounded by largely undeveloped, natural settings and plenty of space to breathe. Not only are the surroundings appreciated, but the local gastronomy and mild climate.
Even globally speaking, more people are following the urge to live in more natural settings that facilitate a healthier existence. What’s the point of living in cities if all of the best amenities are always closed?
3. Real estate for every budget
The Landes real estate market is varied and the prices change drastically between the coastal towns and those which are further inland.
The most popular destinations are Hossegor and Capbreton, so the price per m² is also the most expensive: between 3200 € / m² and 6000 € / m² on average. Seignosse and Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains are more accessible for the seaside, with prices remaining between 2,700 to 4000 € / m² on average.
The average budget dedicated to the purchase of a house will average between 350,000 and 700,000 € in Hossegor and Capbreton, and between 250,000 and 450,000 € in Labenne and Tyrosse.
Tarnos, Labenne, Saint André de Seignanx and Saint Martin de Seignanx are places that cater to lower budgets while allowing easy access to both the ocean and amenities.
The Landes real estate mainly consists of houses, but there is a predominance of apartments (over 60%) in Capbreton, Hossegor, and Seignosse due to their popularity among secondary residence owners.
4. Choose the Commune Wisely
Each sector in Les Landes has something unique to offer.
Here is a breakdown of the most popular areas
Capbreton
- Historic fishing port
- Located right across from Hossegor
- More accessible prices than Hossegor
- Great surf
- Bike paths
- Although Capbreton is a major tourist destination, an increasing number of people are living in Capbreton year-round.
- Approximately 9,000 inhabitants live in Capbreton throughout the year, and roughly 50,000 during the summer.
- Several new projects are underway in order to supply the buyers’ demand.
Seignosse
- Seignosse has two parts – bourg and océan. Seignosse Ocean is mainly comprised of secondary homes, while Seignosse Bourg’s inhabitants live year-round. Seignosse Bourg is the oldest of the two.
- 4,000 inhabitants year-round
- Growing population
- Prices are more accessible than Hossegor
- World-class surf and golf
- Homes typically require renovation
Hossegor
- Average price per m2 exceeds 5,000 euros
- Very strong demand
- Roughly 4,000 inhabitants year-round
- Population increases 10X during the summer
- Famous for its surf, golf and casino
There are also several other sectors with more accessible pricing, including:
- Angresse
- Benesse Maremne
- Biados
- Labenne
- Ondres
- Saint Martin de Hinx
- Saint Martin de Seignanx
- Saint Vincent de Tyrosse
- Sainte Marie de Gosse
- Saubion
- Saubrigues
- Tosse
Ready to Move?
If you’ve made your decision and would like to live in Les Landes, contact O’Plus Immobilier so that we can help you get settled in the best possible way. If you don’t need help, don’t hesitate to drop in and say hi! Our office is located just inside one of the best flea markets in the Pays Basque, the “Brocante O’Plus”, which has existed for almost 30 years. You’ll be sure to find something to help complete your new interior decoration.
Si vous avez pris votre décision et souhaitez vivre dans Les Landes, contactez O’Plus Immobilier afin que nous puissions vous aider à vous installer dans les meilleures conditions! Si vous n’avez pas besoin d’aide, arrêtez-vous quand même et dites bonjour. Notre bureau est situé au sein de l’un des meilleurs marchés aux puces du Pays Basque, la”Brocante O’Plus“, qui existe depuis près de 30 ans où vous pourrez dénicher des pièces uniques pour compléter votre intérieur.
