Alps investment: Lockdown pushes buyers towards year-round resorts

Alps investment: Lockdown pushes buyers towards year-round resorts

The coronavirus pandemic and the lockdowns imposed to control it have left investors thinking about what they really want out of life and their properties, according to MGM French Properties.

It says that with more people now considering balance in their lives, the appetite for property investments that can be accessed all-year-round is likely to increase sharply in the coming months.

During lockdown, many people have also found enjoyment in outdoor pursuits so this is likely to be another consideration for overseas investors, says the agency.

It has identified Châtel, a resort town on the Franco-Swiss border in the Northern Alps, as one such location that can provide investors with the year-round appeal they crave.

Alongside providing access to premier ski areas with a combined 650km of pistes across 12 different resorts, Châtel boasts a lively traditional town centre with an authentic French feel.

During the summer months, the snowline retreats to reveal the alpine forests and woodlands across the valley. Summer visitors can access a range of destinations, including Ecrins National Park, Region Park, Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut and Régional du Massif des Bauges National Park.

The area is particularly popular with cyclists, runners, windsurfers, ramblers and sailors who use the nearby Lake Geneva as their playground.

For those who have embraced cycling during lockdown, Châtel has The Mountain Bike park, regarded as one of Europe’s best bike parks. It’s located at Pré-la-Joux/Plaine Dranse and is reached via the Pierre-Longue and/or Rochassons chairlifts.

“Châtel is a delightful resort set at the top of the valley with charm and convenience in abundance,” says Laurent Hallez, Sales Manager at MGM French Properties.

“For those who are seeking a property they can visit year-round Châtel is a gem with a deep-rooted sense of community and access to a host of stunning slopes and great activities.”

UK visitors can access the town via Geneva International Airport, which is an hour and a half away or Morzine, which is just an hour away.

MGM has two developments in the area – Les Chalets d’Angèle and La Ferme de Suzanne. Both have properties available on lease and outright purchase, starting at respective prices of €212,500 and €415,000.

Both developments have been designed to fit with the local 16th century alpine chalet architecture, while boasting modern ski property must-haves such as digicode access, large balconies, underground parking and ski lockers.

Les Chalets d’Angele comprises seven two to three storey, one to two-bedroom chalets, which incorporate clean and local resources.

Each apartment enjoys grand balconies providing vistas of the valley in all seasons and the development is situated near the centre of the village, providing swift access to local amenities.

La Ferme de Suzanne is located in Petit Châtel, to the north of the village. The residences are found at the foot of the Barbossine chair lift, giving owners direct access to the expansive Portes du Soleil ski area.

MGM says the interiors are luxurious with pine doors, granite and stone surfaces, oak parquet flooring and warm timber furniture.

The article was first published on www.propertyinvestortoday.co.uk