Brexit And Buying Ski Property In The French Alps

What will it mean? Does it matter?

This article originally appeared on France Property Angels. Specialising in the Haute Savoie region of the French Alps as estate agents and property finders, France Property Angels help buyers find their dream ski chalet or apartment.

Dare we mention the “B” word? For any Brit thinking of buying a property in the French Alps, the EU Referendum or potential “Brexit” later this month may feel like an invisible brake, bringing with it an inevitable climate of uncertainty and confusion. The outcome, at this stage, is anybody’s guess!

At the end of the day does it actually matter?
When a British buyer buys a chalet in the French Alps, the purchase is generally driven by a love of the mountains and mountain sports, which with the best will in the world, the UK cannot offer. For value for money and property prices ski property in France still looks a better option to Switzerland.

French ski resorts such as Chamonix are hard to beat for snow surety; while few ski areas can compete with the Portes du Soleil for size and ski miles. The Swiss airport of Geneva will always provide an easy gateaway to French ski resorts in the Haute Savoie.

So our love affair with the French Alps will continue. Where else would you find an authentic farmhouse? Or a piece of land with Mont Blanc views? Or a ski-in/ski-out chalet? And if the Brits aren’t buying, another nationality will, such as the Belgians, Scandinavians, the Swiss…

The alpine market is truly international, a chalet in the Alps is a desirable purchase and one less country in the EU (if Britain leaves) is unlikely to change that.

Until the outcome of the EU Referendum is announced, the repercussions are unknown. There may be taxation issues, currency ups and downs and additional admin (which we look at more here - the possible impact of Brexit on expat property owners).

Whatever the outcome, if you love winter sports or the mountains in summer, and you dream of a chalet of your own, the French Alps will still be a go-to destination.

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