The Alps have always been the prime ski resort for the Brits. The popularity of ski property in the French/Swiss Mountains peaked in 2006, when consumer confidence was at an all time high, and there was a general feel good factor regarding European property investment.
Now interest has picked up to a level that is predicted to approach that of 8 years ago, and investors are returning to the French Alps to purchase second homes. The prices are right at the moment and as an investment goes, great value can be found within this beautiful ski paradise.
A Second Home and Investment Opportunity Rolled into One
As a second home, the Alps provide a location that has something for everyone, whether skiing is your thing or not. In the summer months thousands of holiday makers flock to the Alps to go hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing or to play golf.
In the winter months it’s all about skiing of course, but regardless of the activity, you can pretty much guarantee interest in renting your property all year round. Most choose to rent out their property for 9 months of the year and use the other three months to go over themselves or allow family and friends use.
The income generated from renting the property out more than covers the mortgage repayments and, depending on the area, you could find the property you have purchased is in very high demand.
Some Things to Consider
Proximity to the airport and the resorts is something that should feature very highly on your list of preferences when it comes to looking at a property in the Alps. Holiday makers (especially those that have come to ski) will be looking for a happy medium between resort and airport so if you can get this balance just right, it puts you in a very good position in terms of the price you can charge for board.
Also worth considering is how much the letting agent will charge for upkeep and finding tenants, often it can be between 20% and 30%. Remember however that here is nothing in this world that is non-negotiable.
Some Examples for all Budgets
Location: Flaine
These apartments are ideally situated in between Geneva and Chamonix Mont Blanc, an area that has enduring appeal and popularity. It boasts easy airport access and a chairlift that goes to 2204 metres. This is the kind of happy medium property that will prove popular all year round. Prices for these properties start at 160,875 Euros.
Location: Les Deux Alps
These brand new apartments come in 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms and offer facilities such as communal swimming baths and all year round skiing on one of the most famous glaciers within the Alps. This is the second oldest ski resort behind Chamonix and has a ski lift that can transport 66,000 people per hour. It often does this too, such is the popularity of the resort. Prices begin at 240,000 Euros for these apartments.
This is just a taster of the options available to you as you look at Les Deux Alps Ski property as an investment, for more information and advice please enter your details in the enquiry form and we can get back to you to discuss your options.
