Invest in a luxury chalet in the French Alps

How to build your wealth, invest in a luxury chalet in the French Alps

The price of a luxury chalet in the French Alps has risen around 20% in the last five years. With the trend ongoing, not only is it a good time to jump onboard and invest, but buyers can also carve out a healthy rental income as summer seasons consistently pull in the crowds.

According to Knight Franks’ ski report team the old adage “I came for the winter and stayed for the summer” is resonating louder than ever, driving cohorts of buyers seeking savvy investments carrying lucrative rental income opportunities. 

In the past, a good rental season was 10-12 weeks, these days it can be as much as 40 with summer tourism attracting increasing numbers of hikers, runners, cyclists, foodies, music fans and nature-loving families.

So what should buyers be looking for to optimise rental opportunities? We’ve put together a list of criteria to consider during your property search and purchase process.

1. Buy in year-round resorts near amenities

While a growing number of buyers are willing to travel up to three hours from the airport to the resort, renters prefer proximity. Being close to restaurants, shops and slopes and ski lifts are also key factors.

In terms of which resorts to go for, good bets for winter seasons are high altitude regions, such as Three Valleys, for maximum rental coverage. To tie up year-round income, favour those with busy summer seasons like Morzine and Les Gets. 

Knight Frank reports Chamonix retaining the title of top-performing resort for those looking for a luxury chalet in the French Alps, describing it as “a true year-round resort whose population swells from 10,000 to 130,000 during peak season”.

Check out this charming chalet in Chamonix

If you are looking to buy a luxury property in Chamonix, this prestigious four-bedroom chalet (HH-14649391), in the heart of Les Tignes, could be a smart investment for the right buyer at €3,900,000.

Close to the golf course and the Flégère lift it’s appealing in summer and winter – and downstairs there’s a sauna and Japanese bath for year-round wellness seekers. Residents can also soak up the magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the Drus over a bottle of local red from the vast wine cellar.

2. Renters want views and broadband

Knight Frank confirms that mountain views from the balcony or terrace are the number one feature buyers are looking for. They’re also essential for rental clients. In second place is fast broadband. Despite people wanting to switch off, with more people working remotely and mixing business and pleasure, it’s become a non-negotiable necessity. 

Buyers looking to rent should also be aware that properties rating G for energy can no longer be rented out. Energy efficient properties are becoming the order of the day. 

Discover peace and panoramas in Les Gets

Ticking all the boxes, this phenomenal new build (HH-15081401) in Les Gets ranks high on energy efficiency and is only five minutes from the centre of the resort and the slopes. 

Offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges and a large south-facing terrace outside, inside highlights include a cinema room, gym and sauna.

3. Proritise space, hot tubs and storage

Buyers investing in luxury property in the Alps need to keep in mind that three or four bedrooms rent out more easily than two. Expectations run high at any time of the year for spacious interiors where families and friends can relax, entertain and socialise together. 

Ski and bike storage are also highly prized, as are Jacuzzis, saunas and hot tubs – the latter being the most desirable spa feature – tapping into the ever-growing wellness trend. 

Discover an exclusive opportunity in Courchevel

Almost on a par with Chamonix, Courchevel property has greatly increased in value over the last 18 months with summer crowds flocking in summer and winter. This heavenly four-bedroom home (HH-15278721), part of the select ski in/ski out Orso residences in the heart of La Tania, lies at the foot of the Moretta Blanche slope.

With elegant, light-filled interiors, excellent broadband, ski lockers and a wellness area in the building to rival a five-star spa – with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and ice cave – this must be seen to be believed at €2,080,000. Sold fully furnished, you can move in or rent it out straight away.

Home Hunts is a buyer’s agent and we are here to help you with everything to do with buying a luxury chalet in the French Alps or other prestigious properties in France – as well as Spain, Monaco or Switzerland.

If you would like to speak to a consultant about buying a luxury chalet in the French Alps, or elsewhere, your criteria, or the market in general, you can call us on +33 970 44 66 43 or send a mail to info@home-hunts.com. To browse through thousands of beautiful homes, visit our website at www.home-hunts.com. To keep up-to-date with our latest news read THE HUNTER at www.home-hunts.net and follow us on Facebook or Instagram.