Market Overview and Catered Chalets

The snow continues and so does the popularity of Morzine as a winter and summer destination.  We have seen an increase in Sales and Rental enquiries for the whole of the area including neighbouring villages of Montriond, Essert Romand, La Côte d’Arbroz and St Jean d’Aulps.

Property purchasers are coming from all around the world as it would appear that the Haute Savoie is weathering the downturn in the Eurozone and Global economy well.   Even with the recent credit downgrading of France (along with Italy and Spain), Greece moving to default and Germany still contemplating its next move it would appear that we are not all going to be doomed .  In the Micro Economy of Morzine, throw in a great snow season in the Alps and we could be forgiven for actually waking up with a smile on ones face looking forward to the day ahead!

Morzine has seen a great change during the last decade.  It has grown into a resort which now caters for all tastes and skiing ability with the Summer Season becoming more and more vibrant.  This has had the positive effect of driving prices forward in the area.

Early 2010 saw British buyers constrained by the weak pound together with more international buyers coming to the Alps to buy property, most notably the Dutch and other Eurozone countries.  However, the market was surpressed by the
wide divide of price expectations from purchasers and vendors.  This also reflected global economic factors and where vendors were realistic showing up to a 20% drop in valuation (from their 2008 high) properties were changing hands.

More recently we have seen property prices make a resurgence in value, with buying conditions especially in the last 18 months having much improved.  Some property prices are now back and beyond their 2008 highs.  This has been helped also by the inward investment that is being made by the Morzine commune on snow canons and general facilities ie new indoor swimming pool.

Prices do seem to be on the rise again as it would appear Morzine is “finding its feet” as one of the more popular Alps destinations.  The reasons for this are mainly twofold:-

• Morzine is accepted as a one of the most “child friendly and family orientated” towns, but also prices still offer great value for money when comparing them with other neighbouring resorts of Chamonix and Megeve and also further afield to the 3 valleys.
• Connectivity – With its location just over an hour away from Geneva airport people have realized how easy it is to be sitting in their Alpine retreat sipping a beer within mere hours of having left their work desk in another country!

The investment market is being backed by a thriving rental market with demand for popular weeks throughout February and March being booked months in advanced.    Summer rentals are also becoming more certain as the holiday period has lengthened over the past few years.

This month we have listed a few great opportunities of chalets which are currently run as catered chalet companies.   Given the dearth of Hotels in the area, catered chalet operations have always been very popular in the Morzine area especially with the plentiful supply of English tourists coming on holiday to the Porte du Soleil.  With the strict planning regulations that exist in Morzine and the surrounding areas it is unlikely that we will see any more hotels coming to Morzine in the near future.  This has lead to an expanding market in catered chalets and we have some great ones for sale at present.

All of the chalets offer amazing accommodation which would be ideal for a family or to continue to be run as a catered chalet operation.  All of the owners would be happy to discuss occupancy levels and are also happy to leave websites, bookings and substantial contact list with any eventual purchaser.

Here are a few for your perusal

Morzine - Ski in ski out chalet with 12 bedrooms all ensuite

Les Gets - Amazing chalet with an additional 3 apartments on the Ground floor.

Montriond - Stunning 8 bedroom chalet with a wonderful open plan entertaining area with vaulted ceilings.

Essert Rommand - Fabulous contemporary designed chalet with 5 bedrooms ensuite and a 2 bedroom independent apartment.

La Côte d’Arbroz - Charming and Elegant chalet in a tranquil setting with 5 bedrooms ensuite and a 2 bedroom independent apartment.

We continue to report on a number of properties so please keep in touch with is us if you are still looking for your perfect property.