Investing in alpine property
Monday, 9 January 2012 10:11 AM
Tired of paying expensive rents during the ski season? The solution may well be to invest in an alpine property. We've got a few of the best resorts below:
Val Thorens – the undiscovered gem
Val Thorens resort is something of an undiscovered mountain gem, situated at the highest point of the Three Valleys ski area and boasting the longest season running from November to May.
As part of a recent €10m investment by the operator, new and renovated three-star, four-star and five-star hotels, along with a host of quality eateries and a high end spa overlooking the Cime du Caron, combine to offer a stimulating alpine experience.
Val Thorens signifies the best value in terms of high end investment potential across the Three Valleys, with higher occupancy rates and lower prices per sq m than neighbours Courcheval or Meribel.
Erna Low Property is offering a unique investment opportunity with the four-star development 'Residence Le Hameau du Kashmir'. Managed by one of France's most established operators, this ski-in ski-out property commands panoramic views, plus spa, pool and steam rooms, and a Michelin starred restaurant. Properties are available on a leaseback scheme and prices range from €277,592 to €613,712.
Francois Marchand, sales manager of Erna Low Property, said: "The Hameau du Kashmir development makes great investment sense because of the quality of the building and management company.
"The location of Val Thorens as the highest ski resort in Europe means there are no concerns about snow fall levels, and as investors are going higher and higher, there will be very good capital appreciation for the future sellers."
Arc 1950 – ski in, ski out
Arc 1950 forms part of the newly created 'Paradiski' area. On-going investment into the infrastructure, including the state-of-the-art spa, Les Sources de Marie, and new lift structure, continue to add value to the resort and enhance the skiing year on year.
Designed in a sympathetically alpine Savoyard style, as a completely four-star village, Arc 1950 benefits from being wholly pedestrianised, so all the properties are ski-in ski-out.
Apartments range from one to four bedrooms with traditional features and tasteful décor. Properties can be purchased either through a classic freehold or the French government supported leaseback scheme, offering VAT waiver and guaranteed rental return through the management company.
There are some excellent deals to be had in the village, with property prices ranging from £160k all the way up to £995k.
Francois Marchand said: "The altitude of Arc 1950 makes for great ski condition, the village is exclusive and is also the only entirely four-star resort in France.
"There are only 750 apartments in total, with no more to be built. Prices will increase over time, and now is the time to buy, with plenty of options available, offering different sizes for different budgets."
Briancon – the one to watch
Briancon has been attracting an abundance of tourists since it was elected as a Unesco World Heritage Town, and because of its great location with access to the beautiful ski area of Serre Chevalier.
At the newly built development Residence l'Aigle Bleu in the resort of Briancon, there are only two units left, both being sold by the developer at reduced the prices. That means a rental yield of five per cent per annum, which is a great return on investment.
B41 is a four bedroom duplex apartment of 113.89sqm south facing, selling now at €354,078 with a five per cent yield (€16,030) leaseback property, and B45 is a three bedroom duplex apartment of 86.60sqm East facing, selling now at €269,775 with a five per cent yield (€12,211) leaseback property.
Briancon is the resort to watch as there are other new property developments on the way.
The properties/developments mentioned are all on the market through Erna Low Property.
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