One of the most desirable locations to own property in France, the French Alps are visited by around 55 million people each year. But where are the best places to buy property in the French Alps?
The Alps span more than 1,000km across eight Alpine countries: from Austria and Slovenia in the east, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany and France to the west, and Italy and Monaco to the south.
Offering good snowfall, world-class ski resorts and facilities, and plenty of income opportunities, buying property in the French Alps can provide ski enthusiasts with the perfect holiday home.
Who is buying what and where?
As outlined in INSIDE FRANCE, Home Hunts’ property insights report, earlier this year, the most common nationalities buying property in the French Alps are British, Swiss, American, Danish, French and Russian.
Renovated chalets, villas with easy access to Lake Geneva and property close to the slopes are the most desirable property types with the highest number of sales and enquiries being made about properties in the €1 million to €5 million price bracket.
So where are the most coveted locations to buy property in the French Alps?
Magnificent Morzine and Les Gets
Morzine and Les Gets in the Portes du Soleil ski area are highly popular choices with overseas buyers. They are both altitude resorts with excellent skiing facilities, and Les Gets is renowned for being particularly family friendly.
Morzine has become increasingly popular in recent years and properties here are better value than in prime resorts such as Chamonix. It also offers some of the best mountain biking trails in Europe.
In winter the resorts offer additional activities such as cross-country skiing, show shoe walks, Nordic skiing and sledging in addition to the standard slope access and spa facilities.
“Off plan” opportunity in heart of resort
For a large family – or for a buyer looking for a particular income opportunity – this stunning eight-bedroom property (HH-10350680) could be a lucrative prospect.
Located in the heart of the resort, it is being sold “off plan” and offers ten rooms in total, including eight bedroom suites and several terraces. With stunning interiors and splendid views, the price is available on application.
Benefit from the rental market in Chamonix
Chamonix, located at the foot of Mont Blanc, continues to be one of the top destinations in the Alps for foreign holiday makers and overseas property owners. While the resort height is 1,035 metres, the top lift is 3,842 metres and due to its altitude offers one of the longest skiing seasons in the Alps.
“We get a lot of investors looking to buy in this area as well as holiday home owners because the rental market is very strong,” says Tim Swannie, director of Home Hunts.
Renovated farmhouse near Chamonix
For those looking to buy property in the French Alps, this six-bedroom renovated farmhouse (HH-10486112) in Chamonix is a warm and welcoming property that exudes a special ambiance.
Located in Taconnaz, just a few minutes from Chamonix, and providing breath-taking panoramic views of Mont Blanc, this property also offers a therapeutic pool system, spa, sauna and steam room. It is on the market for €1,800,000.
Lake Geneva
Properties by Lake Geneva are always in high demand with buyers who need to be close to Geneva, but also live far enough away to make the most of the natural beauty of the area.
Evian-les-Bains has proved to be one of the most popular locations with those looking to buy property in the French Alps. Just 20 minutes away from the ski resorts of Bernex and Thollon-les-Mémises, it is near Geneva yet also a good year-round rental prospect, especially as the Portes du Soleil is only 40 minutes away.
This majestic, modern four-bedroom home (HH-10569017) in Evian-les-Bains offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and has been beautifully designed both inside and out. Highlights include a games room and heated swimming pool, and at €1,090,000 interested buyers should view the property as soon as possible.
Up-and-coming Samoëns
Home Hunts has found that Samoëns has been growing more and more in popularity over the past few years with overseas buyers. Part of the impressive Grand Massif ski domain with four other resorts, this traditional village is famed for its stonemasons and traditional architecture.
“The town is absolutely charming and very welcoming, and has an excellent range of restaurants, bars and shopping, and so on,” says Tim. “It is also within easy reach of Geneva and property-wise, in our opinion, it is one of the resorts offering the best value for money in the Alps.”
To search for more property for sale in France, visit www.home-hunts.com. For further details about the best places to buy property in the French Alps download your free copy of INSIDE FRANCE here. To speak to a consultant directly about your specific real estate needs, call +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
