The French Alps are home to some of the world’s largest linked ski areas, as well as popular resort towns like Les Arcs, Chamonix, Grenoble, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and Tignes, just to name a few. And while the French Alps are synonymous with winter sports, they also provide a year-round playground even if you never plan to strap on a pair of skis or a snowboard. For property investors, there are all sorts of properties for sale in the French Alps, many of them with unbeatable views of Mont Blanc.
While you may want to move to the French Alps permanently, it’s also a prime location for a holiday home. With so much to do any time of year and a flock of tourists hoping to find a rental to book, you can visit during your off time and make some rental income during the rest of the year.
Where Are the French Alps?
The French Alps are set in southeast France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Rhône-Alpes regions. They border both Italy and Switzerland, and it’s common to plan on landing in Geneva when traveling by plane before heading into the many towns and villages of the French Alps. In addition to flying, you can also take a regular or high-speed TGV train to get to the French Alps.
What Makes the French Alps So Popular?
If you’re a skier or snowboarder, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to hit the slopes in the French Alps – made all the more possible when you have a home to call your own here. But in addition to those wintery pastimes, you can also get outside for spring and summertime adventures. Go biking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, golfing, rock climbing or white water rafting as you wait for December to roll back around. There’s also a huge nightlife scene in the French Alps, so if you’re more of a night owl than an early bird, you can stay out extra late – you’ll probably see skiers on their way up the mountain to start their day as you get ready to head to bed.
Having so many different resorts in the French Alps makes the region appealing to home buyers of all kinds. In addition to the world-renowned ski ranges, there are also adventure and extreme sports to take part in, especially in fun and diverse Chamonix. Grenoble has an interesting combination of natural settings, an urban vibe and exciting nightlife, and it’s also a leading business area in the French Alps. Les Arcs’ villages have lots of shopping and dining, while the smaller Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is best for beginner skiers who are just learning.
Types of Properties Available in the French Alps
No matter what type of property you have in mind, chances are good you can find it in the French Alps. Traditional chalets with ski-in/ski-out access are available of course, but so are waterfront homes with direct lake access and luxury apartments in the heart of town.
Chalets often have multiple bedrooms, making them perfect for large families or getaway homes if you travel in a large group. There are both traditional chalets dating back decades and modern ones with high-tech features and luxury amenities such as home automation, indoor pools, game rooms, etc.
If you’re looking for a project property, there are wonderful homes here with a lot of potential, ready for your renovations so you can create the chalet of your dreams. But if you want something move-in ready, requiring no more work than unpacking your bags and boxes, duplex apartments and new-build houses are also waiting for you.
When looking for property for sale in the French Alps, consider your proximity to the nearest airport, especially if you’re purchasing a holiday home or one that you plan to rent out. You may end up further from the slopes, but getting to and from your home will be easier, and you’ll also be closer to the town centre. It may be preferable to travel a bit further for a day of skiing than to have to always come down the mountain to head to town.
Overview of How to Buy Property in the French Alps
It’s always a good idea to hire a property buyer’s agent when looking for a home in an unfamiliar area, especially somewhere as vast and varied as the French Alps. In addition to knowing the many towns and villages to look for property, agents will have unlisted homes that aren’t available to the public. Plus, they understand the entire buying process and will be by your side from start to finish.
When you’ve found a property in the French Alps that you’d like to buy, you’ll make an offer in writing, which will be presented to the seller. If the offer is accepted, you’ll both sign the initial contract (Compromis de Vente).
Next, there’s a mandatory 10-day cooling-off period. During this time, you can pull out of the sale if you change your mind, and you won’t have to pay any penalties or lose your deposit.
If you decide to move forward with the sale following those 10 days, the conveyancing process will begin, which takes around 12 weeks to complete. Several home assessments will be carried out so that everyone has a better idea of the state of the home.
The last steps of buying property for sale in the French Alps include having the deed drawn up by the notaire, signing it and paying the final balance and fees due. Once that’s all taken care of, you can call the home yours!
HOMEHUNTS property agents are able to select beautiful, luxury property for sale in the French Alps based on your specific search criteria. Whether you want to live in the middle of a busy town or city or in a more tranquil setting, there is French Alps property to fit your wants and needs. Search the HOMEHUNTS website and browse our selection of luxury homes. You can also speak directly to one of our consultants by calling +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
