Many skiers aspire to invest in a ski property in the future. There are over 2,500 alpine properties for sale in the Alps and beyond, investing in a ski property will make this dream a reality or keen buyers.
Where do I begin?
Any property purchase begins with a series of questions. What? What is the location? What is the method? The options become even more confusing in the Alps. Is France the best country? Austria, Switzerland, or Italy, perhaps?
Where should you buy based on location?
As with any property acquisition, location is crucial to get the most out of it while maintaining resale value. Location and budget are inextricably linked; property prices in world-famous ski resorts like Courchevel and Val d’Isere are unavoidably exorbitant. For most purchasers, buying a ski condo or chalet in the Alps boils down to finding the appropriate balance of ski area, resort amenities, and property costs.
Spend some time learning about your preferred location
While the internet provides much information about ski resorts, the best way to determine if an alternative is suited for you is to spend as much time there as possible. Visit as often as possible and at various periods of the year to ensure that it is a suitable location for you.
Consider a lesser-known or satellite ski resort
The cost of a ski property varies substantially amongst resorts, even within the same region. If property prices in your preferred ski resort are prohibitively high, try purchasing in a nearby hamlet connected to the same ski region. Courchevel in the Three Valleys ski area has some of the best skiing in the world, as well as some of the most costly and desired real estate. Property costs are substantially lower in the Belleville Valley, in the charming St Martin de Belleville, part of the Three Valleys ski region.
Choose a resort with two seasons or one that is open all year
Winter is the most favourable time to buy a ski chalet; summer in the Alps is becoming increasingly attractive as a vacation destination. Summer-friendly ski destinations, such as Chamonix and Morzine in the French Alps, are a fantastic option. Both resorts’ property values have risen in recent years, and there are various activities to keep the whole family entertained, from cycling to hiking, climbing to swimming. Holidaymakers and potential buyers alike are drawn to the property’s dual seasonality. Summer in the Swiss Alps is breathtaking, and while destinations like Verbier are out of reach for most, Villars-Sur-Ollon or Crans Montana are excellent alternatives.
Snow-guaranteed and at a high altitude
Property purchasers are attracted to the high altitude and the duration of the ski season. In a high-altitude resort-like Tignes or Val Thorens in the French Alps, snow is almost always assured at some level. The more extended ski season means more chances to ski and rent out the home, as well as some summer skiing.
Easy to reach ski resorts
Ski resorts’ shorter commute times make weekend excursions more accessible and tempting to visitors if you decide to rent them out. Geneva airport is a slew of ski resorts within an hour’s drive, including Flaine and Les Carroz and year-round flights from the UK. Ski vacations of up to three days are becoming increasingly popular, making ski resorts within convenient driving distance of an airport even more enticing.
What should you invest in? Locating the ideal property
So, how do you choose the proper type of ski home for you? In the end, it comes down to personal preference, and it’s critical to consider how and when you’ll be using the ski property. A ski apartment may provide the best return and hassle-free ownership if you will only be there for 2 or 3 weeks in the winter and will rent it out the rest of the time. If you want to stay full-time, search for a larger property with more room and adaptable guest accommodations in an area that provides more than just skiing.
Is it better to buy a ski apartment or a ski chalet?
Both have advantages and disadvantages. If you want a “lock-up and leave” property, a ski apartment in a managed home may be the best alternative. A management company will manage apartment buildings. If you plan to invite friends and family or live in it for weeks at a time, a ski chalet offers more comfortable living as well as a garden for the summer.
Will you pay cash or obtain a mortgage?
If you choose to borrow money to purchase a ski property, request a letter of intent from a bank or a mortgage broker. You’ll know your budget and be able to narrow down your search to properties that are within your price range. Applying for a mortgage is a paper-intensive procedure, so having all of the necessary paperwork is needed.
What is the buying process like?
Usually, it takes from 3-6 months to complete the purchase once you’ve discovered your dream home and your offer has been accepted, depending on whether you’re buying it with a mortgage.
