Interview with Frédéric Montanaro & Raphaël Mallié

Over the last twenty years, I’ve seen the Extreme South become Corsica’s leading tourist destination, and the prestige property market develop around properties that are mostly located on top-quality private estates.

This segment remains very buoyant today. It’s a market of scarcity. And the Covid effect has made second homes even more attractive, and kept prices up.

Geographically, most of the demand is concentrated between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, as this is the sector where most of the exceptional properties are located. The second market is the Bay of Ajaccio, and to a lesser extent Balagne, where opportunities are rarer.

The rise of franchises is a worldwide phenomenon. So it’s not surprising that it’s happening here too. But we remain convinced that people and their in-depth knowledge of properties and markets are irreplaceable guarantees of reliability and efficiency.

If we were ever to decide to become affiliated, it would clearly not be to hide a lack of reputation, resources or expertise behind a particular brand name, but rather to focus on the strength and density of a network that offers real synergies, in other words, new transaction flows…

For nearly 30 years, we have been and remain the market leader in exceptional property in Corsica. No doubt because we were the first to believe in it and to devote a great deal of energy to it. But also because we have always focused on building long-term relationships with our customers. Our aim is never to sell for the sake of selling, but to search patiently for the house that will make them fall in love with it.

Buying or selling a property requires an experienced, competent and discreet partner who knows how to support its customers over the long term in order to optimise and facilitate their move.

In fact, many of them seek our advice wherever they invest in the world.

None in particular. Because over and above the great deals I’ve done, it’s the many bonds of trust, even friendship, that have been forged with the people I’ve helped to choose their family home, that form my most vivid memories.

Over the last 20 years, our profession has undergone considerable change, if only because of the emergence of digital technology and social networks, which have invaded everything. The reasoned use of these networks has become an essential part of our communication strategies.

Fortunately, however, the emotional and human aspects of the luxury market remain paramount.

Despite rising interest rates, economic uncertainty and the international situation, the market remains very active. We expected prices to adjust in the first quarter of 2023, but the scarcity of quality properties and planning permission are keeping the market buoyant. “Stone for pleasure” remains a safe bet, because it provides security for your assets.

The Gulf of Ajaccio is expanding both to the north and to the south, and successive requests from customers require relevant and instant responses. So it was only natural that we should recruit a new member of staff, Sylvain, whose perfect knowledge of the imperial city and the Ajaccio area is a real asset in helping our customers with their projects.

Coralie helps our owners with the day-to-day management of their property, which is what we call property management. She can also book a boat or a restaurant, fill a fridge or organise a meal at home. She has a wide range of skills, and her responsiveness and discretion always meet our customers’ expectations.