Posted on 13 February 2019
Forget about summer homes for sale in the sun. French ski resort property offers just as much and more when making an ideal long-term real estate investment. For a long time, the international market has watched resorts in France, as they transform from winter-only destinations, into dual season tourism hotspots.
That is one of the biggest lure for buyers these days. They get to experience the snow-filled alps from October to November and as the white landscapes clear to reveal beautiful alpine plateaus; they enjoy summer activities while staying in scenic mountain villages. If the slopes are calling you, there are also many more reasons to look at ski properties in France.
4 Reasons to Buy French Ski Resort Property
1: 200 Resorts in France to Choose From
There are over 200 resorts with alpine property for sale. The variety of prices, grades of slopes, architecture styles, an après scene, summer activities and more prove the diversity of the market, whether it’s in among international clientele or sharing the slopes with friendly locals.
Keep an eye on new developments too, resorts like Val D’Isère are investing in infrastructure. Otherwise, look at the choice of year-round activities. For example, Chamonix has much to do including an 18-hole golf course. Each resort has its characteristics, and personal lifestyle preferences will dictate where to buy, but our article on the best places to purchase ski property in France will help decide by listing which ones are best for après-ski, shopping, beginner skiers, and more.
2: Ideal Locations Easy to Get To
France’s choice of amazing resorts also means that wherever you come from, and in these days of remote working, it could be Majorca, Manchester or other global destination, there is an airport within reasonable reach or travel by train or automobile from the coast in just a few hours.
That accessibility lasts all year while in some countries the flights disappear with the snow, cutting off access to the resort if you fancy a summer hike. For example, the international airport of Geneva is just 70 kilometres from Les Gets, La Clusaz and Morzine. It’s also only a 90-minute drive to the Grand Massif area that offers 142 slopes of excellent skiing opportunities.
3: Sensible Selling Prices
While studios and apartments in resorts like Vail and Jackson Hole in the USA are so pricey, you needn’t bother turning up without a few million dollars, in France, good-quality apartments in stylish resorts like Les Arcs or Les Menuires sell for under £200,000.
Budget buyers should also look at backdoor alpine resorts in France. These are close to the main hubs, but homes sell for a fraction of the price. For example, everything about Megeve is upmarket from the hotels to restaurants to clientele visiting the place, but in Combloux, a ten-minute drive away, alpine property is a lower price per square meter, if you forgo the Michelin starred restaurants.
Tignes is rising in popularity as an alternative to pricier Val D’Isère, and buyers in Les Menuires can buy ski properties for 40% less, than in Meribel. Read more in our article about tips and advice for buying property in the French Alps.
4: Extensive Ski Property Portfolio
You name it; you can buy it. French alpine property includes budget, luxury, off-plan and key ready studios, ski-in, ski-out apartments and chalets. While in some countries older homes never reached the age where they became old and beautiful, the French love renovated country homes as much as the British do!
However, the French are also serious builders and in many resorts, have created amazing apartment developments with stunning mountain views, in classic resorts like Courchevel 1850 and Meribel. France also has a range of leaseback schemes offering buy-to-let income for investors. See our portfolio of studios, apartments and chalets for sale in France.
To speak to a sales advisor about French ski resort property, use the chat and messaging feature at the bottom right-hand side of the screen. Also, our blog has more advice, hints and tips on making a sound real estate investment in the French Alps.