Moving to Marseille: 10 mistakes to avoid
Marseille
Every year, families, entrepreneurs, and investors are drawn to Marseille by its climate, sea, and Mediterranean energy. But moving to Marseille without proper preparation can quickly become complicated: a tight rental market, significant disparities between neighborhoods, seasonality, schools, mobility, etc.
Here are the 10 most common mistakes to avoid in order to ensure a successful installation.
1. Choosing your neighborhood without careful analysis
Marseille is a city of contrasts. Between the 7th, 8th, 12th, and certain areas of the city center, the quality of life can vary greatly.
Common mistake: relying solely on photos or an attractive price.
To do:
Analyze proximity to schools, transportation, and shops
Check the actual dynamics of the neighborhood
Visit at different times of the day
2. Underestimating the tension in the rental market
The Marseille market is very active, especially for:
Familial T3/T4
Properties with outdoor space
The most sought-after neighborhoods (Endoume, Périer, Saint-Barnabé, etc.)
Error: waiting until you are there to start your research.
Solution: prepare a complete file in advance (income, guarantor, scanned supporting documents).
3. Do not anticipate schools
For families, this is a key issue. Public, private, bilingual, international... the options are varied but uneven depending on the area.
Mistake: looking for housing before securing a school place.
Tip: Prioritize the establishment, then target the surrounding neighborhood.
4. Ignoring traffic realities
Traffic in Marseille can be smooth... or very congested.
Error: underestimating travel times.
The Prado-Carénage Tunnel
The roads to Aubagne
The North Entrances
Testing routes during rush hour is essential.
5. Misunderstanding local charges and taxes
Between property tax, condominium fees, agency fees, security deposits, and other costs, the budget can quickly spiral out of control.
Error: only calculate the advertised rent.
To be integrated:
Actual annual expenses
Energy performance certificate (EPC)
Parking cost
6. Buying too quickly
Marseille is a city of opportunities, but also of micro-markets.
Mistake: buying on a first visit when you fall in love with something.
It is often wise to rent for 6 to 12 months before investing in order to understand the city.
7. Neglecting the actual environment of the property
A sea view does not always mean peace and quiet.
Being close to the beach does not mean easy parking.
Always check:
Noise pollution
Actual access
Neighborhood
Ongoing urban projects
8. Relying solely on online platforms
The best properties are often off market.
In Marseille, the local network plays a key role:
Implanted agents
Notaries
Word of mouth
Developers
9. Underestimating seasonality
The city feels different in summer and winter.
Some neighborhoods are very lively during the tourist season, but quieter afterwards.
Error: visit only in July-August.
10. Handling everything on your own
Relocation involves:
Search for accommodation
Negotiation
Administrative procedures
Schooling
Electricity/water/internet connection
Local integration
Structured support saves time, secures the project, and avoids costly mistakes.
Why seek assistance when relocating to Marseille?
A specialized service such as Alma Relocation enables:
Customized project analysis
Targeted selection of suitable neighborhoods
Active property search
Visit coordination
Administrative assistance
Local area network connection
The goal is not only to find housing, but to successfully settle in.
In summary
Marseille offers an exceptional quality of life, provided you approach the relocation methodically.
The keys to success:
Detailed analysis of neighborhoods
Market anticipation
Long-term vision
Robust local area network
Structured strategy
Are you considering moving to Marseille?
A strategic exchange helps clarify:
Your budget
Your calendar
Your priorities in life
Your real estate strategy
Relocation does not have to be endured. It can become a real life project that you are in control of.
Call us to discuss your project!
