There are a few elements that sellers of ski real estate are mentioning as a good place to buy your first or next ski property. These include:
- Dual season resort
- Close to international airport
- Reliable snow conditions
- International appeal
- Property appreciation
- Updated infrastructure
If all these elements are indeed true and will attract local and international buyers then surely there is no better resort than Chamonix in France. So, lets take a closer look to see if Chamonix does indeed answer all these elements for a ideal property purchase.
Dual season resort?
Chamonix is a place that is as busy in summer than it is in winter. Hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking, walking, golf, trail running, tennis are all in a long list of things to do in the summer months.
On average 30,000 people come to climb Mont Blanc (the highest in the Alps and western Europe) but there are other adventures with the Mer De Glace train to the Glacier or the cable car to the famous Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 m with the most spectacular views across the alps.
Close to international airport
Chamonix is in such a great location from Geneva International Airport: it will take you just over 1 hour and is only 82 km from the airport. There are many ways to get to Chamonix, car hire, private transfer, bus. Each option will get you there very quickly.
Reliable snow conditions
Last season’s snowfall was 468 cm. Snowfall in Chamonix is generally good as the resorts are all at a reasonably high altitude.
The Grand Montets is from 1252 m up to 3275m with Brevent/Flegere at 2525m at its peak. You can also move around each of Chamonix’ 9 ski areas and find the best snow from the night before.
International appeal
Being so close to Geneva and having the iconic Mont Blanc as its backdrop it is easy to see why Chamonix is so appealing to an international crowd. There is so much more to do as well as the skiing so you are not limited when you arrive.
There are approx. 5,000,000 visitors per year mostly from the UK and French markets but there is increasing numbers of Chinese buyers arriving especially due to well known landmarks, such as Mont Blanc and Aiguille Du Midi, and of course the easy access from Geneva.
Property appreciation
According to Knight Frank research, (based on a 4 bedroom chalet in a prime location), Chamonix had an annual percentage growth of +2.3% to June 2018.
As we know with luxury Real Estate, the percentage growth can be ambiguous at times but if you stick to the fundamentals in this article, the appreciation and rental income would be positive in a resort like Chamonix with its international appeal and strong branding.
Updated infrastructure
I think the locals will admit there needed to be an update in the lift system, especially from Flegere where the queues can get quite long to get the first runs of the day. However, 2019 brings real optimism for Chamonix. The Compagnie du Mont Blanc have a €447m, 40-year investment plan which includes the new Plan Joran lift at Les Grand Montets.
The new bubble lift in Flegere will have 10 seater cabins carrying 2000 passengers per hour compared to the old gondola carrying roughly 300 passengers per hour, a huge difference. The cost of this is €20.5 million and will be ready for 2019/20 season.
This is exactly what residents, owners and potential owners want to hear from this unique resort.
Now that SnowOnly has established that Chamonix is a wonderful place to invest in property from either lifestyle or investment, here are a few properties that you should consider.
SnowOnly are currently listing 158 properties in Chamonix from studios and apartments to small chalets and large off plan chalets. Here are a few or our recommendations below:
- 1 Bed Apartment 225,000 EUR – Mountain Base Chamonix
- 2 Bed Apartment 327,000 EUR – AIM Agence
- 2 Bed Apartment 485,000 EUR – Cosmique Immobilier
- 2 Bed Apartment 498,000 EUR – Chamonix Real Estate
- 3 Bed Apartment 620,000 EUR (Brand New) – Alpine Property Investments
- 3 Bed Apartment 990,000 EUR – AIM Agence
- 4 Bed Chalet 1,452,000 EUR – Athena Advisors
- 5 Bed Chalet 1,795,000 EUR – Chamonix Sotheby’s International Realty
Please also contact SnowOnly if you want to tell us your criteria and we will put you in touch with the right specialist. SnowOnly has over 7500 ski properties listed for sale.
Mar 22, 2024
