A Danish housing professional reflects on the future of second homes — and why sharing exceptional properties may be the smarter way to own.
Since Steen Lundsfryd established the now leading housing and relocation agency called HOUSING DENMARK, this entrepreneur has observed a clear shift in how people think about second homes.
Across Europe’s most attractive destinations — from the French Riviera to Mallorca — beautiful second homes often remain empty for much of the year. Not because owners do not love them, but simply because modern lives rarely allow people to spend enough time in one place.
Steen knows this reality first-hand.
For years, his ground-floor apartment on the famous Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes has been his personal retreat — a place to slow down, enjoy the Mediterranean, and experience the unique rhythm of life on the Riviera.
But like many second homes, the apartment simply cannot be used as often as the location deserves.
Rather than selling the property to a single new owner, Steen has decided to explore a more modern solution that matches better today’s demand. In collaboration with Global Homebase, his apartment is now sold through a co-ownership structure that allows several owners to share this beautiful home.
A Rare Garden Apartment on the Croisette
Located just steps from the Mediterranean, the apartment occupies a particularly attractive position along the Croisette.
While the boulevard is known for its glamour and vibrant life, the apartment itself sits quietly behind the street, surrounded by greenery with a private terrace and garden that create a calm and residential atmosphere.
Step outside and the Riviera lifestyle unfolds naturally. The beach lies just across the street. Restaurants, cafés and boutiques in central Cannes are within easy walking distance.
Only a short walk away is the newly revitalised Palm Beach Cannes — now home to several high-end restaurants, a celebrated beach club and one of the most vibrant meeting points on the Riviera., like the Zuma, Medusa and Baoli.
Despite its central location, the apartment offers a rare sense of privacy.
“It’s the simplicity of life here that I love. Everything is within walking distance — the beach, cafés, restaurants and the energy of Cannes”, explains Steen Lundsfryd
From Private Retreat to Shared Opportunity
Over the years Steen has watched how ownership models in real estate are evolving.
More people are interested in spending time in extraordinary locations like Cannes, yet fewer want the responsibility of owning and maintaining a home that might only be used a few weeks per year.
At the same time, many second-home owners recognise the inefficiency of properties standing empty for long periods.
“I have spent many years working with housing and relocation. The interest in shared ownership of second homes is clearly growing. It simply makes more sense when beautiful homes can be enjoyed by several owners instead of standing empty most of the year”, says Steen Lundsfryd
This perspective led Steen to offer his Cannes apartment through a co-ownership structure that allows several buyers to become owners of the same property and share its use throughout the year.
Try Before You Buy
Because the apartment is fully furnished and ready to live in, interested buyers have the opportunity to experience the home before making a final decision. Potential buyers can rent the apartment, trying out the authentic Provence lifestyle — breakfast on the terrace, then a short walk across the Croisette to the beach and a swim in the sea, and then a short walk to a nice restaurant for dinner… whats not to like ?
All money paid in rent for this try-before-you-buy experience will be deducted from final price, if you become a new Co-owner of this beautiful retreat in Cannes. Explore it here: Try-Before-You-Buy opportunity
Ownership Made Practical
The co-ownership structure also simplifies many of the practical aspects of owning a second home.
Property management, owner coordination and usage planning are handled professionally, allowing owners to focus on enjoying their time on the Riviera.
The apartment is prepared before each arrival, making it possible for owners to travel light and immediately feel at home. Personal belongings can be securely stored and placed in the apartment ahead of visits.
Should an owner later wish to sell their share, the structure also makes it easier to match new buyers with available ownership opportunities.
For Steen Lundsfryd, the idea simply reflects a more practical way of owning property in places that people love but cannot always use year-round.
“Cannes is an incredible city throughout the year. If more people can experience life here, then the apartment is used the way it deserves” , finishes Steen Lundsfryd.
Explore the Co-Ownership Opportunity
Steen Lundsfryd’s Cannes apartment is now available through a co-ownership structure that allows several owners to share this exceptional location on the French Riviera each family owns 1/8 and with that the rights to approximately 46 nights per year (rolling calendar)., see here Steen Lundsfryds co-ownership apartment in Cannes.
