Posted on 03 March 2020
When it comes to ski real estate, the Chatel property market stands out and for many good reasons. Attracting both investors and traditional home buyers, this area is maintaining a stronghold on the list of desirable places to buy in France.
Offering a vast selection of ski apartments and chalets, whether you want a winter getaway, buy-to-let, investment opportunity, permanent residence, or looking to cash in on capital appreciation, one trip around the resort to see the homes on the market will prove why Chatel real estate attracts buyers from around the world.
One reason is that it is an all rounder offering everything needed from the ski runs to infrastructures to après-ski and off slope activities. But what specific reasons match it as a strong contender against other resorts?
7 Reasons People Buy Chatel Property
1: Traditional Alpine Architecture
Tranquil Chatel has done an exceptional job of marrying modern trends with traditional Savoyard architecture to present a typical alpine village. While other resorts have been accused and rightly so, of selling their heart and soul to concrete development, Chatel strived to keep traditional and character. Some describe it as unspoilt, yet do not think means comprising on modern home décor and technology because all homes keep up with the times.
2: Portes De Soleil Ski Area
Chatel links to the Portes De Soleil ski area, which links 13 ski resorts between Mont Blanc in France and Switzerland’s Lake Geneva. As one of the world’s largest ski areas offering an abundance of opportunities, it provides 426 kilometres of pistes from 900 to 2400 metres altitude, for skiers of all levels from beginners to experienced. Such is the size of this ski area;It takes days to travel between all the resorts;Hence , ski chalet owners have an impressive playground right on their doorstep.
3: Chatel in Summer
Lasting from June to September, Chatel is one of few resorts to offer dual season tourism;Hence , home owners get more out of their properties in France. The Pierre Longue, Morclan, and Rochassons chairlifts and the Super Chatel cable car open for business, and buying one of the Portes De Soleil multi passes gets you discounted prices for many activities. You can be energetic or as relaxed as you want with a variety of activities including an outdoor skating rink, hiking, roller blading, go-karts, tennis courts, mini golf, stand up paddling, zip lining, tree climbing, summer bobsleds, the cinema and the spa and wellness centre.
4: Après-ski and Restaurants
Around 80 restaurants in the main villages and on the pistes offer a variety of menus, including Italian;However , diners adore the restaurants offering traditional Savoyard cuisine made with grown produce. Although après-ski in Chatel does not provide the high-profile social scenes like Val d’Isère, it does a decent job with low key entertainment. Above all though, diners love the local made Abondance cheese Chatel is famous for.
5: Range of Property for Sale
Chatel’s jewel in the crown for property prices is it accommodates both budget and luxury homes for sale from stylish village centre apartments to six figure ski-in ski-out chalets with stunning mountain views. New build and off plan developments are in favour at the moment, thanks to the ability to personalise layout and décor and add extra features like walk-in wardrobes. See properties for sale in Chalet here. Each listing on the market contain various information like prices, location, and home details, then email or call to find out more and arrange a viewing.
6: Investment and Development
Chatel’s local council has received much praise over the last seven years thanks to investment in its infrastructure, ski facilities and off slope amenities. This includes the construction of the local aqua centre and the final link between Chatel and Linga that had been stuck in discussions stages for over 40 years. This year sees the new Morclan lift that increases capacity per hour from 1200 people to 1800. In 2016, it won an award for its environmental sustainability plan of action, and they promise to keep on evolving with the times to ensure property owners and residents have the best of the best.
7: It is a Great Family Resort
Since its beginnings as a holiday ski resort, Chatel has strived to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere. This includes restaurants, events, activities, and themed weeks like Christmas and Easter. Drawing on the notion kids are non stop, they’ve also encouraged local business to offer child-friendly activities including the L’Adventure centre from 2 to 12 years. One personal service though is the childcare facilities including the Lutins Des Neiges Nursery, Club Des Petits Montagnards, and a local ski school with pick up and nursery care.
Further Reading
Portes du Soleil Property: This article talks about the Chatel property market and the larger Portes du Soleil area it belongs to. Including information about all the resorts and advice, hints, and tips, it will be of use to any first-time buyer in the French Alps.
Ski Real Estate in France: Guide to the overall market including summer resorts, deciding on whether an apartment or Chatel is for you, financing, running costs and taxes, leaseback properties and off plan developments.
About Us: We are Spot Blue, an International Estate Agent, that can help you with your property search. With specialised knowledge of the housing market in many countries, our local offices handle property listings in many areas of France. If you are looking at ski real estate for sale, whether it is in Chatel, Morzine, Courchevel, Chamonix, Megeve or any other resorts, we can help, from finding a French home to the buying process and getting your deeds. Also, sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay updated with property news abroad.
