If you are looking to buy property in the Alps, these are the most sought-after locations by Home Hunts’ clients.
A FRENCH Alps lifestyle is like no other and choosing a property in the right location can bring year-round activities, lucrative rental deals and business opportunities, which make the most of the excellent transport links to the rest of Europe.
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Lake Geneva most coveted hotspot
Research gathered during 2016 by Home Hunts shows that the most sought-after area for prime property in this part of France is around Lake Geneva, particularly locations such as Chens-sur-Léman, Messery, Sciez, Yvoire, Thonon-les-Bains and Evian.
This stunning six-bedroom property in Sciez (HH-11312169) demonstrates the type of luxury home and lifestyle that is possible in this desirable area. With direct access to Lake Leman’s beaches, residents can also enjoy their own private beach, a Jacuzzi and pontoon. The white modern interiors with splashes of vibrant colour have been designed to perfection and the large panoramic windows bring the breath-taking lake views into every room possible.
“Each season brings a special and contrasting beauty to experience as it is a lovely place to bring up children with good schooling in a safe area,” says Victoria Meneely-Holt, Alps consultant for Home Hunts, adding that there are abundant activities to enjoy which promote a healthy lifestyle.
Winter sports include skiing, boarding, ice diving and snow shoeing, while summer brings white-water rafting, mountain biking, golf and horse riding.
Luxury shopping down the road in Geneva is popular no matter what the season. Whether you’re looking for haute couture, fine Swiss timepieces or want to explore some of the exclusive boutiques and antique shops in the old town, the unique selection of products is difficult to resist.
“Annual price rises are only around 1.4% in this area, so long-term investments are best,” says Victoria. “The rental market is strong, especially as you get closer to the Swiss border – in places such as Veigy-Foncenex, Chens-sur-Léman and Messery – due to high demand from commuters.”
The most popular ski resorts
For those that want to invest in property in an all-year-round ski resort, Morzine and Les Gets in the Portes du Soleil ski area are endlessly attractive to prime property buyers. Despite being in high demand, more luxury properties are being built in these resorts, so supply is getting better in the short term.
It isn’t only chalets that are in demand here. Properties like this five-bedroom farmhouse (HH-9742068) – which is on the market for €1,550,000 – have excellent rental potential and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Located near a forest, but not far from all the amenities in Les Gets, it offers glorious views and a large terrace in the garden, as well as an annexe that could be guest or staff accommodation.
“Buying a secondary residence in the main ski areas allows you to use the property when you want to while delivering high rental yields, especially at peak season,” says Victoria. “Typically, a luxury five-bedroom chalet in Morzine can be rented out at €10-15k a week in peak season.”
Legendary Chamonix, which hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924, and Megève, with its chic chalets and medieval cobblestone streets, are consistently popular with prime property investors, but it is Annecy that is rising up as one of the most sought-after locations to own property in this region.
Demand growing for property in Annecy
A beautiful and romantic town, which is steeped in history, art and culture, its position on the lake and proximity to major ski resorts makes buying here a priority to many as it is a real year-round destination.
“The eastern shores of the lake are the most desirable, as you get the sunshine for longer during the day and some of the most prestigious properties are located here,” says Victoria. “However, interest is rising on the west side because the weather is a little cooler in summer, it’s slightly better value for money and you get the views of the sun setting on the mountains.”
This three-bedroom character villa (HH-10953424) is located on the west side of Lake Annecy around five minutes from Marquisats beach and local ski resorts, as well as being just a few minutes from the town centre. The view from the main terrace offers magnificent views of the lake and mountains, but with other cascading terraces winding around the house, it is not the only place to appreciate the impressive panoramas. This property is a good investment opportunity for the right buyer and is on the market for €1,390,000.
Buyers looking for savvy investments should explore property in Saint-Jean-d’Aulps and Le Biot as property here is better value than in Morzine and Les Gets. “A property costing more than €2 million in Morzine would be half the price in Le Biot, which is still only a 20-minute drive from the main ski area,” says Victoria.
If you are looking to buy property in the French Alps area, visit www.home-hunts.com to view more luxury homes, but to speak to a consultant directly about your specific property needs, call +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
