The French Alps – who is buying prime property and where?

Real estate in the Alps has seen a marked increase in demand this year. Home Hunts research shows that this reflects renewed confidence in the market, particularly from UK buyers, as a result of the strengthening economy and favourable exchange rates.

France’s economic recovery reaches the Alps

So far in 2014, the French economy has seen a positive start, in part due to François Hollande’s encouraging change in attitude towards business growth in France. This has been boosted further by the recent announcement from French Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici that France is out of recession and that the country saw 0.3% growth in 2013.

However, in the snow-covered French Alps, it is not only the President’s attitude which is having an impact on the real estate market, Sochi 2014 (running from 7 to 23 February) is also behind an increase in sales and enquiries.

“There is no doubt that the Winter Olympics is having an effect on enquiries, in fact the past few weeks have been quite ridiculous,” says Chris Leder, Manager of the French Alps region for Home Hunts. “And we are quietly confident that a good number of these will turn into sales,” he adds.

Alps prices “still very negotiable”

Despite the more favourable conditions, Home Hunts can report that this has not yet had an effect on property prices in the Alps. “It seems that the good news has not filtered down to most sellers – especially those who have had properties on sale since the summer,” says Chris.

“Prices remain very negotiable, depending on how long the property has been on the market, but with all four of the last quarters seeing an increase in volume of sales, we don’t believe it will be long before prices creep back up to pre-2008 levels.”

Currently, Home Hunts data shows that around 15% of buyers are enquiring about properties below €1m, 80% are interested in the €1m – €5m range and 5% are seeking real estate at the top of the market in the €5m – €15m price bracket. Home Hunts’ French Alps office also says that it deals with a “handful” of enquiries for property over €15m.

Who is buying – and what is selling?

According to Home Hunts, when it comes to prime real estate in the French Alps around 70% of transactions are made by the English – and a further 10% are English with Swiss residency. Then around 5% of buyers are Scandinavian, Russians make up 5%, a further 5% are Middle Eastern and the final 5% is made up by those in the rest of Europe, primarily Spanish, Italian and Dutch buyers.

An analysis of real estate shows that beautifully-renovated chalets with contemporary interiors are most popular with buyers, as are properties close to Lake Geneva and country estates with access to both the slopes and Geneva.

The most coveted locations in the Alps revealed

Annecy

Annecy is fast becoming a hot spot for year-round holiday homes, or retirement. “It is widely considered to be the most beautiful lake town in France and offers abundant water sports activities all summer long,” says Chris. “It is located just 30 minutes from La Clusaz and central to the entire Alps.”

This stunning four-bedroom house (HH-6066217) is situated near the centre of town and the lake, and offers panoramic mountain and lake views. Its interiors have been styled luxuriously and to the highest standard, while outside features terraces and a heated swimming pool. This property is currently on the market for €1,590,000.

Morzine

According to Home Hunts, Morzine and Les Gets is fast becoming a favourite for the UK market, especially Swiss residents or weekenders. “This is due to its proximity to Geneva and vast ski range – which is the same size as the Three Valleys – and more reasonable prices,” says Chris. “However, it is rapidly catching up with Chamonix on price.”

Just five minutes from the centre of Morzine lies this sumptuous and sophisticated five-bedroom farmhouse-style chalet (HH-6339341). As the project of an English interior designer, it offers spacious interiors for entertaining that have been styled with natural materials in keeping with the traditional nature of the property. A terrace, cinema entertainment system and garden with hot tub are few more of the property’s highlights, which is on sale for €1,900,000.

Chamonix

Still a big favourite as the capital for extreme sports in Europe, there is no other choice for mountaineers and extreme skiers. “It is still reasonably priced compared to other destinations, such as Meribel or Val d’Isere,” says Chris, “both of which are rapidly creeping up in price.”

Just minutes from the Brévent ski lift in Chamonix, and the last of four new builds in the same complex, this chalet has five en-suite bedrooms (HH-5588236) and an underground high ceiling garage. Completed to an extremely high standard with breath-taking views of Mont Blanc, this property offers excellent rental value and, having just been completed, will not be on the market for long. It is priced at €3,300,000.

To find out more about real estate investment opportunities in the French Alps, visit www.home-hunts.com, and to speak with a Home Hunts’ consultant, call the French office on +33 (0)970 44 66 43