Useful Ski Property Terms Explained
Buying a ski property abroad involves legal, financial and industry-specific terminology that may be unfamiliar at first. The following glossary explains the most common terms you are likely to encounter when purchasing ski apartments, ski chalets or mountain real estate, particularly in France and Switzerland.
Acte Authentique de Vente
The acte authentique de vente is the final legal contract, or deed of sale, in a French property transaction. It is signed by both buyer and seller in the presence of a notaire, who certifies the sale on behalf of the French State. Once signed, ownership officially transfers to the buyer.
Canton
A canton is a regional state in Switzerland, similar to a county or province. Each canton has its own regulations and tax structures. An example is Graubünden, one of Switzerland’s largest alpine cantons.
Commune
A commune is the smallest administrative division in France, comparable to a local council or municipality. Each commune is overseen by a mayor (maire). For example, Les Gets is a commune within the Haute-Savoie department.
Compagnie des Alpes (CDA)
Compagnie des Alpes is Europe’s largest ski resort and lift operator, managing around 22 per cent of ski resorts in France. Resorts operated by the CDA are often well-maintained, with strong infrastructure and long-term investment appeal.
Compromis de Vente
The compromis de vente is the first legally binding purchase contract in the French buying process. It is drawn up once an offer is accepted and signed by both buyer and seller. At this stage, the buyer typically pays a deposit of between 5 and 10 per cent of the purchase price.
Cooling-Off Period
French law provides buyers with a mandatory cooling-off period, usually lasting seven days after signing the compromis de vente. During this time, the buyer may withdraw from the purchase without penalty or loss of deposit.
Dual Season
A dual-season resort offers tourism, activities and amenities during both the winter and summer months. These resorts are particularly attractive for ski rental properties, as they can generate income year-round.
Duplex
A duplex is an apartment arranged over two storeys, often providing greater living space and a chalet-style feel within an apartment building.
FAI (Frais d’Agence Inclus)
FAI means that agency fees are included in the advertised purchase price of a property in France. This ensures transparency for buyers, as there are no additional agency costs to pay on top of the listed price.
Gîte
A gîte is a self-catering holiday property in France, typically furnished and licensed for short-term tourist rentals. Gîtes are often popular with buyers seeking rental income.
Leaseback
A leaseback is a government-backed purchase structure in France whereby the owner leases the property back to a professional holiday management company. The operator maintains the property and rents it to tourists. Owners usually benefit from reduced purchase costs, potential VAT recovery and a set number of personal usage weeks per year.
Lex Weber Law
The Lex Weber Law is Swiss legislation that limits second homes in any resort to a maximum of 20 per cent of the total housing stock. This law significantly affects availability and pricing in Swiss ski resorts.
Maintenance Charges
Maintenance charges are annual fees paid by property owners in an apartment complex or résidence. These charges contribute to the upkeep of communal areas and facilities such as lifts, swimming pools, garages, gyms and building insurance.
New-Build
A new-build property is one that has been newly constructed and has not yet been owned. New-build ski apartments and chalets often benefit from modern design, energy efficiency and lower notaire fees in France.
Notaire (Notary)
A notaire is a state-appointed legal official in France responsible for overseeing property transactions. Notaires act impartially for both buyer and seller, and their fees are fixed by the French Government.
Off-Plan
Buying off-plan means purchasing a ski property before it has been built. Payments are made in stages during construction, with the final balance paid on completion. Off-plan purchases often allow buyers to secure early-phase pricing and customise finishes.
Property Management Agency
A property management agency looks after ski homes on behalf of owners. Services may include key holding, cleaning, maintenance, guest check-ins, rental bookings and changeovers, making ownership hassle-free.
Resale
A resale property is one being sold by an existing private owner, rather than a developer. Resale ski properties are often available for immediate use and may offer established rental histories.
Résidence de Tourisme
A résidence de tourisme is a building made up of leaseback properties, typically apartments or suites, with shared facilities such as reception areas, spas or restaurants designed for tourist accommodation.
SCI (Société Civile Immobilière)
An SCI is a French property-owning company structure often used for estate planning, shared ownership or tax considerations. It allows property to be held jointly under a corporate entity.
Service Charges
Service charges are another term for maintenance charges and cover the ongoing costs associated with communal areas and shared facilities.
Ski-In, Ski-Out
A ski-in, ski-out property offers direct ski access to and from the slopes or lifts, without the need for transport. These properties are highly sought after for both lifestyle enjoyment and rental demand.
Taxe Foncière
Taxe foncière is an annual French property ownership tax paid by the owner. It is split between the local commune and the French State.
Taxe d’Habitation
Taxe d’habitation is a French local tax linked to occupancy rather than ownership. Owners usually pay this tax on second homes, although long-term tenants may be responsible if the property is rented on a permanent basis.
Triplex
A triplex is an apartment arranged over three storeys, often offering generous space and a layout similar to a townhouse or chalet.
TTC (Toutes Taxes Comprises)
TTC indicates that all applicable taxes are included in the advertised purchase price. This term is commonly used with new-build and off-plan ski properties.
TVA (Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée)
TVA is French VAT (Value Added Tax). In some cases, particularly with leaseback properties, buyers may be eligible to reclaim TVA, subject to conditions.
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