The opening of Europe's most modern tramway in the southern French city of Nice is leading to significant investment opportunities for Irish property investors.

That is according to two west of Ireland property specialists who recently launched a free property finding service in the French Riveria, the most sought-after area in the world for luxury apartments and villas.

Based in Nice, Chez Riviera commenced operation the same week as French President Nicholas Sarkozy officially opened an 8.7km tramway in the popular Mediterranean coastal city.

The tram service has opened up previously underdeveloped suburbs of Nice, including Malaussena and Avanue Republique, to property investors.

The introduction of the new service also coincides with Ryanair's launch last month of a daily direct service from Dublin to Nice International Airport.

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Chez Riviera, which is the only Irish estate agency in Nice, represents buyers seeking apartments and villas along the French Mediterranean coast. It has a database of thousands of properties for sale across the Cote d’Azur from Menton to St. Tropez.

Owners Donal Warde from County Galway and Aideen O'Brien from County Mayo have lived in Nice for several years and have extensive experience of the property market on the Cote d'Azur.

The G.M.I.T. business graduates also possess an in-depth understanding of the legal and other processes involved in property ownership in France.

"The coming months will present significant opportunities for any Irish people considering investing in overseas property, particularly in Nice," explained Mr. Donal Warde of Chez Riviera.

Commenting on the tramway's effect on City centre property prices, Mr. Warde said: "The project has transformed the centre of town with much more pedestrianised streets, a cheap, clean and modern form of transport, and urban renewal around the northern and eastern suburbs where the tram is running. We expect prices in the centre to maintain their strong growth and demand."

He indicated that the property market in central Nice and surrounding areas represented great value for Irish people dismayed by sky-high house prices at home.

For more on Chez Riviera call Freephone (from Ireland) 1800-818644, email: [email protected] or visit: www.chezriviera.com.

(JM)