Interview with Quentin Mac Pherson, Head of Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty in Mougins

A new chapter for the Cannes hinterland

On the eve of the opening of the new Mougins office, Quentin Mac Pherson embodies a clear ambition: to firmly establish Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty as a leading reference in the Cannes hinterland. With over ten years of experience in the region, he shares his vision, priorities, and perspective on a market undergoing significant evolution.

Background and role

Your career has led you to take the helm of the new Mougins office. How did this step come about?

After more than ten years in high-end real estate across the Cannes hinterland, I had the opportunity to be part of a highly structuring project: the creation and development of a new Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty office in Mougins. Taking on this role comes at a key moment, ahead of the office opening, which is currently under construction, with an inauguration planned for spring 2026.

What motivated me was the chance to build a long-term project: structuring a team, defining a strong local identity, and implementing Sotheby’s standards in a territory with high potential.

What sets Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty apart in such a competitive market?

Beyond the international reputation of the brand, the difference lies in our ability to establish a lasting presence in a territory. Our ambition in Mougins is clear: to become a reference player in the Cannes hinterland by combining local expertise, high standards, and international exposure.

Sotheby’s International Realty provides brand power and a global network. Our role is to embody it locally with a hands-on, human, and rigorous approach.

The agency and the team

How did you approach building your team?

From the outset, the Mougins office was designed as a collective project. We are assembling a deliberately tight-knit team, made up of experienced profiles rooted in the area for several years, capable of adding real value in valuation, advice, and support for both sellers and buyers.

Our goal is not rapid growth but the creation of a strong, coherent team fully aligned with the brand’s values.

Is teamwork a key driver of performance?

It is essential, especially during a launch phase. In luxury real estate, success relies on precision, responsiveness, and quality of information. Team cohesion allows us to pool expertise, secure marketing strategies, and provide a seamless, consistent client experience. It also enables us to pursue a shared ambition over the long term.

How do you support the professional development of your team?

From the creation of the office, our guiding principles are clear: continuous training, experience sharing, and hands-on mentoring. These three pillars structure our approach.

The objective is to develop each team member’s skills in market analysis, advisory posture, and complex project management. A high-performing negotiator in luxury real estate is first and foremost an excellent analyst and a trusted partner for clients.

Your sector and market

What is the agency’s area of coverage?

We cover the entire Cannes hinterland, from Mougins, Mouans-Sartoux, Grasse, Auribeau-sur-Siagne, and La Roquette-sur-Siagne in the west, to Valbonne, Roquefort-les-Pins, and Biot in the east.

We focus on villas and properties that define the region’s heritage, from character homes to contemporary villas, generally located in sought-after residential environments.

What makes this territory unique?

Mougins and its surroundings offer a highly sought-after balance between quality of life, accessibility, and authenticity. The French Riviera will, I am convinced, remain a privileged destination on a global scale for a long time.

Mougins has a strong image, cultural, residential, and international, while remaining close to economic and event hubs on the coast. The area attracts families, investors, and international clients seeking primary or secondary residences.

How are buyer expectations evolving?

Demand today is more considered and structured. Buyers expect high-level advice, full transparency, and a clear market overview. Usage patterns are also changing: remote work, outdoor spaces, everyday comfort, and investment sustainability have become central criteria.

What trends and opportunities do you see?

Several long-term trends are shaping the market. We observe a widening buyer spectrum, from international investors to French families seeking a quality living environment. Environmental considerations are increasingly important: energy efficiency, smart home solutions, and eco-responsible features are now decisive factors.

In a territory where supply is structurally limited, especially in the luxury segment, exceptional properties retain their status as solid assets. The region now attracts buyers seeking a second or third home that combines remote work, nature, and urban proximity.

We also see value creation around integrated projects: high-end renovations, new developments, and associated services. It is no longer just about transactions but about creating a full experience around the property.

Market expertise and 2025 outlook

How do you view the state of the market at the end of 2025?

Our market has entered a more mature and rational phase. Activity gradually picked up at the end of the year, with buyers being far more selective.

In Mougins and its surroundings, well-positioned villas, both in presentation and pricing, find their market. Overpriced or insufficiently clarified properties, however, remain on the market longer.

Value now shifts toward the intrinsic quality of the property: usability, outdoor spaces, tranquility, and accessibility have become decisive criteria. In the luxury segment, demand remains present but more professional. The agency’s role is now central: positioning, reassuring, and orchestrating each project with method and transparency.

Vision and perspectives

What are your priorities for 2026?

2026 will be the year of launch and consolidation. Our priorities are to ensure a successful office opening, build an engaged team, and firmly establish the Sotheby’s brand as a reference in the Cannes hinterland. Our ambition is to have a real impact on the local market, both in terms of service quality and professional standards.

What message would you like to convey to clients, partners, and future team members?

We build long-term relationships. To our clients, we provide honest, committed advice. To our partners, collaboration based on trust. And to future team members, a demanding yet deeply human environment, where everyone can find their place and grow with confidence.