The director of an elite estate agency predicts more American buyers will head to Europe in response to the Trump presidency beginning next month.

Paul Finch, Director and Head of New Homes at Beauchamp Estates,says: “Over the next four years the wave of American buyers into Europe looks set to increase further. 

“Last time Donald Trump was in power we saw a significant 20% upturn in wealthy Democrats buying £15m-plus homes in London and the South of France to live out the first Trump administration. 

“Since June 2024 onwards we noticed a 30% rise in overseas clients enquiring about suitable homes in the capital that they could purchase, and the largest group of buyers have been Americans.”

Beauchamp Estates (France) says for Americans spending over €30m for a home along the French Riviera the top three most popular locations are the Cap d’Antibes, Cap Ferrat and St Trope. This is not only because these locations have some outstanding luxury homes, but also because each of them has, from the 1920s onwards, a long story of being frequented by American’s rich and famous.

For example Cap d’Antibes was a favourite holiday resort of Elizabeth Taylor, the Duchess of Windsor, the Kennedy family, Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. Likewise St Tropez has hosted Leonardo Di-Caprio, Beyonce, Jay-Z and Jennifer López whilst Cap Ferrat has attracted Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, actor Johnny Depp and the late Paul Allen.

Affluent Americans typically look for Riviera homes offering classical architecture providing 500 to 600 square metres of living space plus sea views.

Adrien Willing-Lamy, Managing Director of Beauchamp Estates (France), says: “In the last few months three trophy homes on the Cap d’Antibes priced between €10 million and €30 million have sold which gives you an indication of the demand in the local marketplace which remains characterised by a significant lack of supply.

“In late July of this year American billionaire Ken Griffin is reported to have purchased an €85m two-acre waterfront luxury home and estate in St Tropez on the French Riviera, joining other high profile American buyers including British-American gaming tycoon Chris Parker, who purchased the 25-acre Château de la Croix des Gardes in Cannes, that was listed for sale at €100m and sold for below €50m, Hollywood actor Bratt Pitt who owns Chateau Miraval in Brignoles and American financer Israel Englander who in January of this year purchased the €100m Villa Maryland in Cap Ferrat, previously owned by US billionaire Paul Allen.”