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COVID-19 UPDATE
New Lockdown declared in France as of Friday 30th October

We are now in a new lockdown period in France.

If this means you can no longer come and visit properties with us in person, you can rest assured that we are continuing to work for you. We are doing the following:

  • Updating and adding new properties on our website
  • Exchanging emails and calls with buyers and vendors
  • Putting together property lists, sending you available information and material on your preferred properties
  • Accompanying you on live virtual tours
  • Taking on new sales mandates
  • Carrying out virtual signing using an e-signing facility for all legal documents.

The buying process will continue for all the ongoing sales as notaires, banks, administrations and France Property Angels continue to work.

With our best wishes to all our clients from the France Property Angels Team

Buyer's Guide: From 'Angel' Tim


In my experience the most important thing for clients looking for property in the Alps to think about is what will they use the propertyfor. There are so many variables that must be considered to find the right property that suits your needs and wants.

Of course there are no set rules; however here is a guide to help you make a more informed and comfortable decision.

Self-catered Renters
If renting out your property is important then you need to look at a few fundamentals to attract clients and get you some bookings.

I have found these are very important for holiday makers and if the property ticks all these boxes you will be able to charge a premium.

 Renovators/investors2
Of course a rustic farm in the Alps with a contemporary interior finish is a dream for a lot of people. When thinking about renovation you need a clear goal as to what you envisage the end product will look like. Admittedly not for the faint hearted but the outcome can be spectacular and end up being an extremely desirable property.

Once you have an idea what it will look like when finished, study the market to see what else is for sale that compares. This will give you an idea of potential resale value; then work backwards from there. Obviously the bigger the property the more it will cost to renovate. This of course doesn't just apply to farmhouses but apartments as well. Smaller more manageable projects will still make a profit. We can put you in touch with local artisans and architects to help. 3

Primary residence

For people that want to take the plunge and move to France, and experience the alpine lifestyle all year round, the important thing is to imagine living at the particular property. You need to take into account all aspects of life. How long does it take to do the shopping, getting to ski slopes, are you happy with the views and neighbours. Do you have enough bedrooms? In my experience every single variable needs to be thought about. Make a check list to prioritise.

What is most important to you? Budget, views, privacy, outside space, proximity to amenities? Although it may look good on paper sometimes you have to go with your heart.

Fully catered business
More and more people are buying property in the Alps to set up catered ski chalet holidays. This is a great way to own and pay for a alpine property if you don't mind a bit of hard work and opening your home to guests. If this is for you then the property has to lend itself to this style of ownership. Are there enough bedrooms to make a profit, do they have en-suites? What are the communal areas like? Is there a self contained accommodation for you or staff to live in?
4
A second home just for you
I have found that many buyers want their little get-away in the Alps. Just for them, a way to escape normal life. Again this opens up many variables like the primary residence scenario. Are you going to be comfortable spending your holidays at the property? Can you see yourself putting your stamp on the property?

Long weekenders
If you are the type of person that loves to be in the mountains whatever the reason and grabs cheeky weekends when convenient, you are spoilt for choice with the studio apartment market. To cut down on the cost of accommodation it seems to be more sensible to invest in a your own little holiday pad. An apartment recently on the market was priced at 35,000 euros. Granted it was sold very quickly but other bargains are out there.




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© Copyright Campion (UK) Ltd 2017.
FRANCE PROPERTY SALES SARL C.P. No CPI 7401 2016 000 004 662