Above: a historic château set on over 3.5 hectares of parkland in Normandy’s Secteur Sauvegarde district
Featured image: a stunning mansion nestled on a hilltop in the French Riviera © Michaël Zingraf Real Estate
Michaël Zingraf Real Estate is a distinguished and well-established luxury real estate company operating primarily in France, with a strong presence in the French Riviera and other high-end locations. Boasting a remarkable legacy of over four decades in the industry, the company was founded by Michaël Zingraf, a man with a profound love for the Mediterranean coast. Since opening the first agency in Cannes in 1977, the company has grown into a thriving network of over 25 agencies, offering unrivalled services to a diverse international client base. Throughout its journey, the brand has become synonymous with luxury, trust, and sophistication, positioning itself as a major player in France’s luxury real estate market and beyond.
Specialising in selling, purchasing, and renting high-end residential properties, including luxury villas, estates, apartments, and exclusive properties in some of the most sought-after locations in France, the company boasts an extensive portfolio that caters to the needs and desires of affluent individuals seeking upscale living spaces in prestigious areas. With years of experience in the luxury real estate sector, the company’s team of agents and professionals offer unparalleled expertise, personalised service, and deep market knowledge. Client confidentiality is also paramount, with Michaël Zingraf Real Estate prioritising discretion, ensuring the utmost privacy and protection for its clientele.
Above: Heathcliff Zingraf, CEO of the company (left) and Michaël Zingraf, President and Founder of the company (right)
THE GROWTH STORY
Michaël Zingraf’s journey in real estate began with a single agency in Cannes in 1977, but his passion and expertise soon paved the way for rapid expansion. Fluent in his native language, Zingraf naturally connected with German clientele, later extending his reach to European nationals, including Swiss, Belgian, Dutch, British, and Scandinavian individuals, who were captivated by the allure of the French Riviera and Provence. Over time, the company embraced clients from the Gulf countries and the former Soviet Bloc, further diversifying its client base.
“I started in this profession in 1977, and I had everything to learn,” shares Michaël. “Growing up in Cannes, I naturally established my first agency on the Croisette. In the 90s, I opened my second agency in Mougins, then Saint-Paul de Vence, and 20 years later, Saint-Tropez. At the dawn of the 2000s, my son Heathcliff joined me, and since then, we have opened 26 agencies and forged partnerships both in France and internationally.”
In 2012, Michaël Zingraf Real Estate achieved a significant milestone by becoming the exclusive affiliate for the Provence-Alpes Côte d’Azur region in the esteemed Christie’s International Real Estate network. With nearly 138 international affiliates and 940 offices in 47 countries, Christie’s International Real Estate brings a wealth of connections and prestige to the table. This affiliation not only bolsters Michaël Zingraf Real Estate’s reputation but also provides a global platform to showcase its exceptional properties to high-net-worth individuals worldwide.
“Our exclusive affiliation with the Christie’s International Real Estate network in 2012 infused new dynamics, extending our presence beyond the south of France and beyond our borders,” continues Michaël. “The launch of our brand licensing demonstrates our tireless determination to continuously reinvent ourselves. We have accomplished so much already, and there is still so much to do!”
Above: Set in one of Cannes’ most sought-after areas, this contemporary, light-filled home boasts 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms © Michaël Zingraf Real Estate
Expanding Horizons
As Michaël Zingraf Real Estate celebrates its 46th anniversary this year, the brand’s success continues to soar. The company’s expansion through brand licensing offers aspiring luxury real estate entrepreneurs an opportunity to benefit from its renowned reputation and expertise, fostering further growth and development in the luxury real estate market.
With more than 130 multilingual collaborators, the brand’s network of over 25 agencies includes iconic locations such as Cannes, Cap d’Antibes, Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat, Nice, Saint-Tropez, and more. In recent years, the network has grown to encompass Paris, Deauville, Biarritz, Uzès, Gstaad, Lyon, Megève, Chamonix, Mauritius, and Marseille, with further openings planned. The expansion demonstrates the brand’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to serving luxury real estate enthusiasts across different regions.
Over and above its licensing opportunities, Michael Michaël Zingraf Real Estate incorporates various other tools, including digital marketing, to ensure its portfolio of esteemed properties reaches the right audience, garnering the attention they deserve.
“We have implemented a new website that ensures a strong online presence, complemented by our social media channels and various innovative tools offered by digital marketing,” says Heathcliff Zingraf. “Our group continually innovates to maintain its position as a major player in the luxury real estate market in the southeast of France, and this is what we aim to provide to our future licensees.”
In response to growing demand, and as a testament to its pioneering spirit, Michaël Zingraf Real Estate has also launched a specialised service for viager sales, term sales, and bare ownership sales. This division caters to the needs of homeowners on the French Riviera, providing tailored solutions for both sellers and buyers. As viager sales gain popularity as an alternative solution for older populations, Michaël Zingraf Real Estate remains at the forefront of this niche market, offering customised offerings and unrivalled expertise.
Above: Originally a 400-year-old farmhouse, this seaside property in Cap d’Antibes has been transformed into a luxurious haven © Michaël Zingraf Real Estate
Premium Value-Added Services
Beyond its core operations encompassing property sales and rentals, Michaël Zingraf Real Estate distinguishes itself with two main divisions: Concierge Services and Property Management. These divisions offer clients a comprehensive range of bespoke services, including vehicle rentals, airport transfers, restaurant reservations, and more, enhancing the luxury living experience. The Property Management division provides owners with turnkey solutions for optimising and preserving their properties, offering reliable support and assistance for all their needs. Valuations and advisory services are also available for clients looking to invest in the luxury real estate market.
Throughout every facet of its business activities, the Michaël Zingraf Real Estate brand stays true to its founding principles, which put high-quality service front and centre. “Michaël Zingraf Real Estate is built upon its expertise and success rooted in four essential values: trust, integrity, discretion, and excellence. These values are inseparable and indispensable in our industry, which demands a high level of precision and rigour,” explains Heathcliff Zingraf.
Above: This 7-bedroom villa in Le Riou, Cannes, offers panoramic sea views and a beautifully landscaped Mediterranean garden © Michaël Zingraf Real Estate
To find out more about Michaël Zingraf Real Estate and its selection of stellar properties, visit the links below…
Michaël Zingraf Real Estate
55 La Croisette
06400 Cannes
France
Web: michaelzingraf.com
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 39 77 77
Email: cannes@michaelzingraf.com
Instagram: @michaelzingrafrealestate
Above: Set in a gated estate in Châteauneuf-Grasse, this modern villa offers sea views and unmatched luxury © Michaël Zingraf Real Estate