Property Search Agents on the Côte d’Azur & Beyond

Buying a property on the French Riviera or abroad is an exciting but often overwhelming process. Between hundreds of agents, private sellers, off-market listings, and complex negotiations, it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s where Polarius International Real Estate comes in.

We are your dedicated property search agents, acting exclusively on your behalf as a property buying agent across the Côte d’Azur and South of France, and internationally in Bali, Italy, Malta, the UAE and the UK. Our role is simple: to represent you, the property buyer, and ensure you gain access to every available option on the market — not just the listings of a single estate agency.

From luxury villas in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Villefranche, Nice, and Monaco, to second homes in Tuscany, Malta, Bali, or Prime Central London, Polarius works with one goal in mind: to find you the right property at the right price.

Why Work with a Property Hunter in the South of France?

Most estate agents represent the seller. Their job is to market and sell specific properties in their portfolio. That means buyers often only see part of the market — and risk missing hidden gems.

As your independent property hunter, we flip this model. Our sole responsibility is to you, the buyer. Polarius will:

  • Access on-market, off-market, and private listings.
  • Compile a comprehensive shortlist of every property that meets your criteria.
  • Provide unbiased advice, as we are not tied to a single agency’s inventory.
  • Handle negotiations purely in your best interest.

When working with Polarius, no stone is left unturned. We bring together properties from multiple sources, preview them on your behalf, and ensure that when you come to view, you are only seeing the best, most relevant options.

The Advantages of Choosing Polarius

  • Based on the ground – With offices in Mayfair (London) and on the French Riviera, we are ideally placed to serve both local and international buyers.
  • Language advantage– We are native English speakers and fluent in French, bridging cultural and linguistic gaps during negotiations and paperwork..
  • No added fees – Many buyer’s agents or house buying agents charge 3–5 % of the purchase price. At Polarius, our service is free to you — our fee is paid from the seller’s commission.
  • Comprehensive market access – Acting as your property finder, we combine internal databases, external systems, and private networks to cover the entire Riviera market.
  • Negotiation power  – As your property advisor for buyers, we negotiate firmly on your behalf, focusing on both price and terms.
  • Time saved – nstead of juggling multiple agents, you deal with one trusted contact who manages everything from calls to viewings.
  • Assistance with additional services – we can help find architects, engineers, builders, rental management companies and much more.
  • After-purchase support – From utilities and renovations to management contacts, we continue to assist long after contracts are signed.

International Coverage, Côte d’Azur Expertise

Our speciality lies in acting as a property acquisition agent across the French Riviera / Côte d’Azur — including Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche, Èze, and Saint-Tropez.

But our reach doesn’t stop there. We also represent clients searching in:

  • Bali & Indonesia – Vibrant villas in Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, and Sanur.
  • Italiy – Farmhouses in Tuscany, stone houses in Le Marche, and lakeside villas in Como.
  • Malta – Valletta townhouses, countryside villas in Lija, and coastal estates.
  • United Kingdom – Prime residences in London and English country home.

What is a Mandate de Recherche?

When you appoint us as your buying agent in France, you’ll sign a Mandate de Recherche — a legally recognised search mandate.

This document:

  • Authorises us to act on your behalf in approaching sellers and negotiating.
  • Confirms that our compensation comes from the seller’s side, not from you.
  • Allows us to access and present properties that might otherwise remain closed to individual buyers.

Think of it as your professional guarantee that Polarius is fully empowered to protect you in the French property market.

FAQs

Why don’t I pay for the service?

Most buying agents in France charge the buyer a fee of 3–5 % of the purchase price. At Polarius, we work differently. Our commission is taken from the seller’s agency side, meaning our clients receive full professional representation at no extra cost. This is possible because sellers and their agents are usually happy to split commission if it secures a qualified buyer. In practice, this model ensures you save money while still benefiting from expert advice, negotiation, and market coverage.

Why not rely on just one estate agent?

An estate agent represents the seller and is restricted to their own stock. By working with only one agent, you limit your visibility to a fraction of what’s available. On the Côte d’Azur, some of the most desirable villas in Nice, Saint-Tropez, or Cap Ferrat are never published on mainstream portals — and agents rarely show properties that are not listed with their own agency.

As your buying agent, we cover the entire market, including discreet off-market listings, and present every viable option. You gain an objective, full-picture perspective, saving both time and missed opportunities.

I live abroad — can you still help me?

YES - Many of our clients are based overseas, whether in London, Dubai, Singapore, or New York.
We provide:

  • Remote consultations via video call.
  • Curated property lists tailored to your preferences.
  • Virtual tours and detailed photo reports.
  • Full organisation of viewings for when you visit in person.
  • Liaison with notaires, lawyers, surveyors, and local providers.
  • From first enquiry to handing over the keys, you can rely on us as your trusted partner on the ground in the South of France.

How do I sign up for the service?

The process is straightforward:

  • Contact us to outline your search criteria.
  • We prepare a customised Mandate de Recherche reflecting your needs.
  • Once signed, we immediately begin scanning the entire market — on-market and off-market.
  • We present a shortlist of suitable properties and arrange viewings, which can be refined and updated with new opportunities right up until the viewing date.
  • When you decide to proceed, we negotiate, coordinate due diligence, and support you through to completion.
  • With Polarius, you have one point of contact who manages the full journey.

How long does the property search and buying process take?

Every search is unique, but typically the process takes between three and four months. Shortlisting properties can take a few weeks, while the legal process with the notaire usually requires 4–8 weeks. With Polarius managing the timeline, clients benefit from smoother coordination, quicker responses, and fewer delays.

What makes Polarius different from other buying agents?

Several things set us apart:

  • Dual base in London and the French Riviera – giving international and local reach.
  • Native English and fluent French speakers – ensuring clear communication and cultural understanding.
  • No extra fee for buyers – unlike many other services.
  • Access to every listing – on-market, off-market, and private introductions.
  • Broad international scope – replicating the same thorough process in Bali, Italy, Malta, and the UK.
  • Long-term support – continuing even after the purchase with local services, renovation advice, and property management introductions.

With Polarius, you don’t just have a buying agent — you have a trusted partner dedicated to finding and securing your perfect home.

Start Your Property Search with Polarius

Whether your goal is a waterfront villa in Saint-Tropez, a panoramic penthouse in Nice, a Tuscan farmhouse, or a Bali retreat, Polarius International Real Estate provides the expertise and representation you need.

Get in touch with us today to begin your personalised property search journey

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