Six Alpine properties perfect for year round rentals…

Summer holidays hiking and mountain biking, winters spent skiing and snowboarding, and a constant additional revenue stream. If that sounds appealing, check out some of these suggestions for year-round rentals in the French Alps…

The French Alps is an excellent choice for real estate investment and one of France’s most coveted property hotspots. The resorts and properties featured below are recommendations for locations with year-round rental prospects and properties in the area that could make good investments.

Les Gets: popular with British buyers

Les Gets is fast becoming a favourite for the UK market and those seeking regular weekends away. “With a vast ski range – the same size as the Three Valleys – and close proximity to Geneva, Les Gets keeps growing in popularity with our clients,” says Tim Swannie, Director of Home Hunts. “It is rapidly catching up with Chamonix on price though, so it’s better to buy sooner rather than later.”

Farmhouse in Les Gets

This stunning five-bedroom farmhouse (HH-9742068), which has been renovated to expertly combine the traditional look with modern features, is located by a forest not far from the centre of Les Gets. Converted by an interior designer, this pretty property also has an annexe, which could become a guest apartment. Outside the large garden and terrace mean that entertaining at home is possible all summer long if desired. It is priced at €1,550,000.

Morzine: family fun in the Portes du Soleil

The picturesque town of Morzine is the largest in the Portes du Soleil area, one of thirteen resorts located between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. Intermediate terrain, such as Plenye Plateau, makes this a popular resort with families, but the more difficult slopes aren’t far away for those looking for more of a challenge. Summer activities are abundant and highlights include a summer sledge run, adventure trails, horse riding, white-water activities and paragliding. There are also two golf courses in the area.

Chalet close to the centre of Morzine

This homely three-bedroom chalet (HH-10012145) is positioned close to the centre of Morzine and by the free shuttle bus stop. Built over two levels, there is the possibility of creating a fourth bedroom, making it an excellent investment opportunity.

This chalet is well located so residents can make the most of Morzine’s slopes. It also has a balcony and a wooden-decked terrace so the summer months can be fully enjoyed at home as well as in the resort itself. A property that should be viewed so its full potential can be appreciated, it is on the market for €840,000.

Chamonix: year-round favourite

Still a big favourite as the capital for extreme sports in Europe, Chamonix is a common choice for mountaineers and extreme skiers. The town is located by Mont Blanc – the highest mountain in the Alps – and is busy all year round.

In the summer trekking, hiking and mountain biking are popular, as are the more extreme sports such as rafting, paragliding and canyoning. Families and children are also catered for – even children under three can be entertained with animal and leisure parks, swimming pools and playgrounds.

“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. “There is something to offer everyone all year round, from serious skiers to families on holiday, which optimises rental opportunities in the area.”

Country home in Chamonix

Properties such as this four-bedroom country house (HH-10536990) in the Moussoux district are extremely popular with buyers looking to both enjoy and rent out their Chamonix property. Set over three levels, it includes a balcony and a sunny garden with views of Mont Blanc. There is also an independent studio apartment on the ground floor. A property you can truly enjoy for twelve months of the year, it is priced at €1,320,000.

Annecy: the pearl of the French Alps

Annecy is one of the most beautiful areas in France and it is fast becoming a favourite for year-round vacationing that is renowned for its excellent water sports activities on the lake. As it is central to the entire Alps and just 30 minutes from La Clusaz, which is part of the Lake Annecy Ski Resorts, buying here is a perfect solution for those looking for regular winter and summer sports holidays. A quiet and unspoilt resort, La Clusaz caters for all ranges of ability and is very popular with mixed-ability families and groups.

Villa with stunning view of Lake Annecy

It isn’t easy to find a property with a better view over Lake Annecy than this stunning three-bedroom character villa (HH-10953424). Located on the edge of a forest with panoramic mountain views and cascading terraces, this is a unique property that needs to be seen to be believed. It also has an independent apartment and is just five minutes away from the beaches and 40 minutes from Geneva airport. It is priced at €1,390,0o00.

Evian les Bains: spa town on Lake Geneva

A popular holiday resort and spa town on the shores of Lake Geneva, Evian les Bains is just twenty minutes away from ski resorts of Bernex and Thollon les Mémises. Buyers looking for a solid investment property in the French Alps will not be disappointed as purchasing here can make an excellent year-round rental prospect – especially as the Portes du Soleil can be reached in just 40 minutes.

“Properties by Lake Geneva are always in high demand,” says Tim. “Clients that buy here usually do so because they want to be in peaceful surroundings, yet close to the city, and able to ski whenever desired.”

Luxurious family home in Evian

The perfect family home, this impressive four-bedroom property (HH-10138922) is just a few minutes away from the centre of Evian and has been designed to maximise enjoyment of the breath-taking view of the lake. The swimming pool and Jacuzzi make this a luxurious base from which to enjoy year-round holidays, but the property would work equally well as a permanent residence. On the market for €999,000, interested buyers should view this unique property as soon as possible.

Courchevel: year-round rental hotspot

The Three Valleys is the biggest inter-connected ski area in the world and it comprises eight ski resorts: Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, Brides les Bains, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens and Orelle.

Courchevel itself is made up from four separate resorts: Courchevel 1850, Courchevel 1650 (renamed to Moriond), Courchevel 1550 (known as the village) and Courchevel 1300 (now Le Praz), and overall has 150km of ski runs and almost 60 lifts. Beginners can learn in complete safety in the “zen” areas, but there are also many red and black runs for accomplished skiers.

Summers can be spent partaking in a wide range of sports, such as hiking, biking and climbing. Visiting Aquamotion – a centre featuring an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a surfing area, water slide, rapids, climbing wall and an ice rink – is possible all year round.

Prestigious property in Courchevel’s centre

This unique, contemporary chalet (HH-7138504) in the heart of Courchevel is a luxurious residence that provides year-round entertainment in itself. Featuring a cinema/play room, a large living room for entertaining, a swimming pool, fitness centre with spa and sauna, and a Jacuzzi, this property has it all. There is also the possibility of a sixth bedroom, making this a highly interesting investment opportunity.

If you are looking to buy property in the French Alps, visit Home Hunts’ impressive portfolio at www.home-hunts.com. To speak with a Home Hunts consultant directly about your specific real estate requirements call +33 (0)970 44 66 43