Val d'Isere Alps Ski Property
Recommended
Recommended
Area Guide
• Excellent supply of high quality, luxury property
• Potentially superb returns from all year round rental market
• Popular all year round so perfect second home location
Ski through breath-taking miles of snowy white slopes bordered by deep green fir trees before enjoying a well-earned hot chocolate laced with brandy in one of the many après- ski bars; sample one of the local gourmet specialities such as a triple cheese fondue or a delicious creamy tartiflette – potato gratin made with local reblochon cheese, onions and bacon washed down with the local wine; enjoy a summer hike through the stunningly beautiful Vanoise National Park and drink in the spectacular mountain views before relaxing over a leisurely picnic lunch. Located in the French Alps in the eastern Savoie right next to the Italian border, with excellent air and railway links including a direct Eurostar service during the ski season, Val d'Isère property offers investors the opportunity to buy property in what is now considered to be the world’s premier ski resort.
Originally a small alpine farming village, Val d'Isere has grown over the years and is now part of the Espace Killy sharing 300 kilometres of ski slopes with its sister resort of Tignes offering some of the most seriously challenging on and off piste skiing in the Alps. With an altitude of over 3,000 metres Val d'Isere has snow for a good part of the year and is a haven for the serious skier. However, despite its growth Val d'Isère has not lost its village feel and sense of tradition and the centre in particular is a pretty mixture of Savoyard charm with an abundance of chic boutiques, stylish cafés and restaurants offering both traditional Savoyard cuisine through to Asian food and pizzas.
Val d'Isere is not just a winter resort – summer is just as popular. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback or donkey trekking as just a few of the summer pursuits on offer. Located at the entrance of the Vanoise National Park you can choose one of the many hiking trails from a simple one hour stroll to a three day expedition taking in glaciers, valleys and spectacular mountain vistas.
Due to its popularity both in winter and summer, Val d'Isere property is an attractive investment and crucially there is a strong rental market which remains high all year around.
There is a wide range of Val d'Isere property for sale to suit all tastes and budgets both in the centre of the village itself and also in one of a number of the small pretty hamlets that run along the valley floor which include Le Cret, Le Chatelard, Le Laisinant, Les Carats, Le Joseray and Le Legettaz. Val d’Isère property ranges from modern apartments right in the centre of the village, mountain-side traditional chalets and luxury apartments with mountain views.
A recently renovated two bedroom apartment in Le Cret, for example, with a large balcony, underground parking and ski storage would cost around 435,000 EUR. Alternatively a light and spacious two bedroom duplex apartment in a new development within walking distance of the centre of Val d’Isere with a large balcony offering mountain views is on the market for 820,000 EUR. For something more traditional how about a beautifully renovated four bedroom 18th century chalet in the heart of Val d’Isere; combining modern luxury with traditional charm the property has vaulted ceilings, wooden floors, stone fireplaces with modern kitchen and bathrooms and balconies with westerly mountain views and a price tag of 4.5m EUR. For the ultimate in luxury there are a number of fabulous chalets on the market oozing Alpine luxury living and style; designed with antique wood and stone interiors, underfloor heating, floor to ceiling windows with panoramic mountain views and complete with indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, home cinema, private parking, these luxurious properties start at around 10m EUR.
Whether you decide to buy a modern apartment with sun soaked terrace and panoramic views or a luxury and secluded traditional wooden villa gazing out across the snowcapped mountain peaks, Val d’Isère property provides investors with the perfect opportunity to buy property in the world’s premier ski resort. The combination of style, fabulous scenery, unparalleled skiing and buzzing nightlife combined with its charming Savoyard heritage and tradition make Val d’Isère a perfect holiday and property investment destination.
Buying a Property in France
1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)
On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner.
The next step, once you are in agreement, is to sign the preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente). This is a legal document and after ten days will be binding on both parties. Rules change frequently in France and it is best to consult with your notary about when this period starts. Generally the compris will be signed in France with the Agent.
Variants can be included in the compris, for example an Acte (clause) can be added if the name or names to go on the title deed have not been finalised. If a mortgage will be required to purchase the property, the details for this, including the name of the mortgage company, must be on the compris.
2. Paying the Deposit
Generally the deposit will be 10% of the agreed purchase price. This will normally be paid to the notaire. There are exceptions to this, if the agent holds a carte professionelle, is bonded and fully registered then you may pay them, but do not hand over the deposit to anyone else. If for some reason the purchase does not go through, for example, if you write to the notaire and the agent that you do not wish to go continue with the purchase before the contract is binding (within seven days of signing the compris), then your deposit would be repaid. This would also apply if a condition had not been met, or the mayor or S.A.F.E.R. (a government agency that has the right of first purchase on most rural property that comes onto the market in France) could oblige the purchaser to give way. If you decide after the seven days 'cooling off' period that you do not wish to complete the purchase and pull out of the sale you would lose your deposit. If however the vendor pulls out of the sale then you will receive your deposit back plus the same amount from the vendor.
3. On Completion
Generally it will take around two or three months to complete the purchase.
During this time the balance of the purchase money must be paid into the account of the notaire, this must be done well ahead of the completion date. The notaire will prepare the documents, check that the deed of sale (Acte de Vente) is in order and have the legal title ready to be signed over. It is possible to have someone sign on your behalf if you give them power of attorney. An interpreter may be of use at this point if your French is not very good and many Notaires will suggest (or insist) that an interpreter is with you.