While Chamonix is still competitive compared with other luxury ski resorts in the French Alps, prices have risen over the last twelve months and are expected to increase throughout 2017.
Chamonix, located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is one of the most popular ski resorts in the world. It also has a solid property market, so many investors buy property in Chamonix because it is considered to be a safe haven for real estate investment.
“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. “We’ve seen prices increase by up to 5% over the last year and so it is a good location for those looking for a long-term investment. At the same time, if buyers want to make a fast sale and move on quickly, they can.”
A mountain of options for everyone
Chamonix is famed for being the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924. This spectacular event put winter sports and Chamonix on the map, for thousands of people in the region as well as Parisians who became enthralled by winter sports and the stunning Alpine scenery in France.
Since then Chamonix has consistently upheld its position as one of the most coveted ski resorts in the world and to this day basks in its glorious reputation. It is no surprise that National Geographic voted it the number one ski resort last year. While considered to be the “holy land” for serious skiers and the “birthplace of alpinism” – since Mont Blanc was first climbed there in 1786 – Chamonix’s unique set up means you don’t have to be an experienced athlete to experience the mountains.
“While Chamonix is still the big favourite for extreme sports in Europe – and is still competitively priced compared to destinations such as Méribel or Val d’Isère – it has something to offer everyone,” says Tim. “Another reason people come specifically to this resort is because you can experience the heights of the mountains through the lifts and cable cars even if you’re not an experienced climber.”
The 20-minute cable car ride up towards the summit of the Aiguille du Midi – which serves up spectacular 360° panoramas of the Mont-Blanc massif – welcomes around half a million visitors each year. View highlights include Mont Blanc’s peaks at 4,810 metres and Grand Combin, a 4,314-metre mountain in the western Pennine Alps of Switzerland.
Year-round holidays and income
In terms of why Home Hunts’ clients look to buy property in Chamonix, Tim says that some love skiing and winter sports so much that they want to make it part of their working lives, while others are looking to live more active, family-orientated lifestyles.
The ski resort’s proximity to Geneva airport means this is possible to attain alongside an existing job, and the fact that it offers year-round activities, so is busy in both winter and summer, means that a salary or second income can be made throughout the year, if desired.
According to Chamonix’s tourist office, the town has over five million visitor bed nights as climbers, hikers and winter sport enthusiasts flock to the town all year round.
“Chamonix offers an active lifestyle and the chance to be part of an entrepreneurial, international and cosmopolitan community, which is highly attractive to our overseas clients,” says Tim. “At the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is in a beautiful location with terrain that appeals to beginners as well as experts, and the traffic-free centre, with its lovely galleries, boutiques and excellent après-ski scene, are ingredients for an extremely pleasurable lifestyle both on and off the slopes.”
If you are looking to buy property in Chamonix, you can discover luxury chalets through Home Hunts’ property search facility at www.home-hunts.com, but to speak to a consultant directly about your real estate needs, call +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
