Morzine, the largest town in the popular Portes du Soleil ski area, is a “safe haven” in the French Alps that is perfect for buyers seeking lifestyle-enhancing homes or smart investment opportunities.
For investors looking to buy property in France, the French Alps continues to attract attention, particularly from American, British, Middle Eastern and Asian buyers. Aided by the strong dollar, interest in French Alpine properties is booming, as many resorts offer year-round holiday and rental opportunities, and market prices are expected to rise throughout 2017.
“Investors with assets in dollars are looking more and more at buying high-end chalets in resorts such as Morzine and Les Gets, in the Portes du Soleil area,” explains Tim Swannie, Director of Home Hunts. “Political uncertainty in the US has led more investors to buy French real estate as it’s a safe and stable marketplace. Resorts like Morzine and Les Gets are considered ‘safe havens’, and with interest rates still incredibly low there are good deals to be made.”
Something for everyone in Morzine
Morzine is a vibrant town which has become one of the most visited ski resorts in the Alps. It is the largest town in the Portes du Soleil area, which comprises 13 resorts and 650km of runs, which stretches between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.
While there’s a large selection of hotels and catered-for chalets, owning a property means a lifestyle-enhancing second home, as well as the possibility of a regular rental income. With a resort like Morzine, which caters all year round for families, young children, teenagers and adults, well-positioned, high-end rental properties are often in demand.
Traditional chalets such as this sunny four-bedroom property (HH-10012377) are highly coveted in Morzine. In a quiet spot with mountain views, yet just a two-minute drive from the town centre, this homely, well-positioned property, which also has a well-kept garden and mazot, is a must-view, especially at €885,000.
Escape to the Alps all year round
It isn’t all about skiing in Morzine as there is a huge selection of activities to enjoy. Winter sports options include snowmobiling, Nordic walking, mountaineering and ice skating, and summer activities range from archery to kayaking, cycling, scuba diving and mountain bike riding.
Families with young children can enjoy donkey trekking and farm visits, and parents can even take a break by using the various childcare options available in the town.
The après-ski scene is also a crowd pleaser. There is live music, happy hours and club nights for those who are looking to party the night away, but there are also plenty of bars and restaurants catering to those seeking quieter and more refined options, with options ranging from traditional Savoyard cuisine to fine dining.
Many overseas buyers are making permanent moves and are following their dreams of living an Alpine lifestyle in France. Income can be found in a variety of ways – some work in Geneva, others teach sports, open shops, or run gites, catered chalets or hotels. But the buzzing nightlife in Morzine also makes restaurant ownership a realistic way to earn a year-round income.
This pretty restaurant in the heart of Morzine (HH-10722191) – which is exclusively on the market with Home Hunts – has an excellent reputation and could be a sound investment opportunity for the right owner. Popular with tourists and locals alike, it is featured in the 2016 Michelin guide and has a capacity of 160 seats. There is also the possibility of purchasing a cheese-producing chalet at an additional price. It is on the market for €3,800,000.
If you are looking to buy a property in the French Alps, you can search for real estate opportunities at www.home-hunts.com. To discuss your specific requirements with a Home Hunts consultant, call +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
