Posted on 30 March 2021
Is now really the time to think about buying houses in the Alps? I can hear you ask.
At face value, you might have a point. Buying a house in the Alps is a big decision, and there will always be reasons to hold off on taking the plunge. Whether your reasons are based on general political and economic uncertainty or just a concern that you won’t get good returns on your investment, buying in the Alps is a big decision. That doesn’t mean now isn’t a great time to buy an apartment or chalet for sale in the Alps, and start living your Alpine dream.
So, why look at houses in the Alps over a beachfront villa somewhere warm and sunny, or a picturesque countryside cottage? What is it that makes this such a great choice of investment?
We’re breaking down the four main reasons, below.
The Rental Income is Great
Many Alpine apartments and chalets for sale have been built or renovated within the last fifteen years, making them better insulated and less costly than historic properties and those in high wear-and-tear locations. This means that running costs are not too high, even in the winter months. By contrast, the rental yield of houses in the Alps tends to be high throughout the season.
Peak week income can be several thousand a week even for a decently situated two bedroom property in a desirable resort, and higher for larger chalets with gardens, terraces and spa facilities. A recently renovated and well-decorated chalet will earn a good income through the winter, with some summer bookings too; handily for the keen skier or mountain biker, it would take very few bookings, normally during peak times, to cover the running costs of the chalet.
It’s a Year-Round Destination
The Alps are a superb place to visit throughout the year, and lower altitude resorts are a year-round destination. Resorts like Courchevel Le Praz, connected to a huge, snow-sure ski area but also low enough for wildlife to thrive in summer, are popular amongst summer Alpine tourists. The spectacular scenery of the Alps is as beautiful in summer as it is in winter, and many buyers find themselves falling a little in love with summer in the Alps.
If you’re wary of investing in houses in the Alps because you might only be able to use your new home for six months of the year, you can put your mind at rest knowing that summers in the Alps are only going to get more popular as time goes on. The combination of stunning mountains, hot days, and cool nights strikes just the right chord with tourists and locals alike.
It’s a Stable Investment
Depending on how well versed you are in the Alpine property market, you might be surprised to discover that the average price of houses in the Alps has been rising steadily in the years since the 2008 financial crash. They are now nearly back to the same levels they were at before 2008, and even at their lowest, apartments and chalets for sale weren’t hit the way that other property markets were.
Historically, chalets for sale retain their value well, and more and more potential buyers are looking at houses in the Alps for their bolthole in the mountains. With Brexit finally having happened, buyers who might have been content to wait to invest can finally move forward. Property in the Alps looks like a safe and attractive investment option for UK buyers especially.
Whether you buy in the French or Swiss Alps, investing in houses in the Alps means buying into a strong property market, so your apartment or chalet for sale is likely to make a profit.
The Scenery is Spectacular
It goes without saying that buying a house in the Alps means waking up every morning and looking out at the mountains. It’s the sort of sight that never gets old, no matter how much time you might spend in the mountains. Owning a house in the Alps means you’re able to spend long months hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding. It’s a lifestyle that draws thousands of people to the Alps every year, and it’s one of the biggest reasons you might look to buy chalets for sale.
Whether you spend your time relaxing by a mountain lake, or you decide to get climbing and try the terrifying mountain biking trails, life in the mountains is unlike anywhere else. Even if you’re only interested in visiting during the winters, you’ll spend time in some of the most incredible scenery in the world, and you’ll be doing it from the comfort of your own home.
After all, the best thing about investing in houses in the Alps is going back home at the end of the day to your own space. Whether you’re looking for an apartment or chalet for sale, don’t hesitate to take a look at our property listings and get in touch with us.