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Investing in the French Alps

Investing in the French Alps

In recent years, real estate has often been cited as a safe and profitable investment - especially when compared to savings with a very low rate of return and stock market investments with much more volatile prices. Rental investment is proving profitable in certain large cities, mid-sized towns and areas undergoing strong development. and tourist areas.

However, ski resorts have the reputation of presenting low profitability due to a short peak season, high maintenance and development costs, and unduly high real estate prices. Despite these preconceived ideas, investing in real estate in the Alps offers excellent profitability, especially if you find the ideal accommodation in the right resort. Cimalpes and its network of real estate agencies support each investor in the purchase of accommodation in the Alps, the property's development, and its rental management. Discover the reasons why a real estate investment in the Alps can be a good idea.

Should you invest in the mountains?

Acquiring an apartment or even a chalet in a resort in the Alps is reserved for a particular type of buyer. Indeed, Alpine resorts such as Courchevel, Les Gets, Megève, Val d'Isère and even Alpe d'Huez are regularly positioned in the rankings of the most expensive areas in France, along with the towns of the Var or the Parisian region. Thus, investment in the mountains seems to be inaccessible. However, the seasonal real estate market often has smaller areas, making investment accessible to many buyers. Moreover, it is quite possible to obtain an attractive bank loan for the acquisition of a secondary residence, with a low contribution or no contribution at all, by accurately estimating rental income. Interest rates are very low, and the financing of such a project will be easier.

The other obstacle for buyers is the level of snow cover. Indeed, it is often feared that global warming will reduce the snow season in the mountains, therefore producing less occupancy. However, this argument can be minimised for two main reasons. First of all, the snow cover remains excellent, especially in the higher resorts. In the Alps, the skiing season can last all spring and even extend into summer. Les Deux-Alpes, Val d'Isère, and Tignes even offer the possibility of skiing in July in part of their ski area. All the mountain resorts have equipped themselves with facilities for sports, activities, and leisure centres in order to attract tourists all year round, who can enjoy the benefits of the mountains. This means that second home owners in the Alps will be able to occupy their apartment or chalet more regularly or choose to rent it out all year round.

The strengths of the Alpine real estate market

As mentioned above, the French Alps constitute a prime geographical area for investors. Indeed, seasonal tourism, in both winter and summer, is concentrated in the alpine resorts. They have undeniable advantages compared to the Pyrenees or the Jura when it comes to attracting both French and foreign tourists: excellent snow cover, high levels of sunshine, high-quality ski areas, state-of-the-art equipment and services, easy access to resorts, etc.

The Alpine real estate market also offers a wide variety of accommodation, from studios to large family chalets, including apartments in perfectly equipped residences (with gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi, etc.). This diversity makes it possible to meet the needs of the majority of investors, whether they are looking for new housing, renovated housing, or housing to be renovated. This phenomenon is accentuated by the differences between each resort in Savoy and Haute-Savoie. Prestigious resorts such as Courchevel, Méribel, Val d'Isère, or Chamonix rub shoulders with the more family-oriented resorts of La Plagne, Valmorel, or Les Arcs.

The Alpine real estate market, therefore, stands out with its high-end positioning, attracting holidaymakers with greater purchasing power. The potential rental income offers interesting possibilities, and the net profitability is higher.

The appeal of seasonal rental investment

The specificities of seasonal rental investment make this type of "in stone" property investment unique compared to conventional rental. Seasonal rental is for short periods, generally one to two weeks maximum.

The advantages of seasonal rental investment are as follows:

  • Better profitability: depending on the type of property, the location and the services, a seasonal rental can generate net profitability twice as high as a conventional or long-term rental
  • Advantageous taxation: French taxation offers the possibility of benefiting from a tax reduction (Pinel law) and other incentive schemes for investors
  • Rentals are paid in advance: the risk of non-payment is therefore rare, if not non-existent.
  • Low vacancy period: in both summer and winter, apartments and chalets in the Alps are appealing to holidaymakers in your absence
  • Flexibility of rental and prices: prices can be adjusted according to the season and demand in order to maximise rental income

By nature, seasonal rentals are shorter, and there are many changes in tenants. This requires much more regular property management to welcome holidaymakers and to prepare the accommodation for the next visit. Our team at Cimalpes takes care of the rental management of your chalet or apartment with tailor-made services to maximise income while ensuring that your accommodation is in good condition.

How to invest in real estate in the Alps

Rental investment in the Alps is something that cannot be done half-heartedly. In order to maximise profitability and simplify the rental management of your property, it's best to seek the assistance of a real estate agency that specialises in the rental market with a presence in the Alps. Our team at Cimalpes will support you in the realisation of your project, from the search for the ideal property to rental management and the provision of para-hotel services.

We make sure to enhance your property and help you grow your investment. With complete transparency, we will recommend the most popular and profitable sectors by helping you identify opportunities in a dynamic local market. Obviously, our team of enthusiasts will also be able to understand your expectations and facilitate your desires if you are looking to purchase a holiday home as your investment. You can stay there whenever you want and generate income through rental when your second home is unoccupied.

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