Top Tips to Secure your Dream Alpine Home this Summer!

Thinking of buying a mountain home in France this summer? The guys from International Private Finance have some excellent tips to help you nab that dream alpine home!

Before you visit, check the market from the comfort of your sofa!

Gone are the days of having to go directly to your favourite ski resort to find out what the property market is doing. Write a list down of everything you are looking for in your dream ski home, hop online and search! Going online is all you need to do these days to search for your ideal properties. Websites like ski property portal nidski.com allow you to search properties in dozens of resorts around the world, whilst allowing you to compare asking prices of similar properties and gain an understanding of current market trends. Once you have found a property (or two) you like, you can easily contact the estate agent to arrange a viewing trip!

Know your budget, and get pre-approved for a French mortgage

Even though you might think estate agents in ski resorts might be relaxing in the summer months, many ski resorts in France are actually busier in summer meaning the agents are busier too. As a result they are less likely to take prospective buyers on viewings unless they can confirm they have funds in place for the purchase. A good broker will be able to check whether you can obtain a French mortgage in 15 minutes, though a full approval can take 2-3 weeks to secure.

Ski property for sale avoriaz resort france

Speak to your (potential) neighbours!

You won’t find anyone better to help you understand the area you are thinking of buying in than your potential future neighbours. From schools and transport to skiing, they are best placed to give you all the insider knowledge you need to help you make your decision when it comes to buying!

Try before you buy

One of the biggest benefits of looking to buy a ski home is that owners frequently rent them as holiday lets, giving you the opportunity to try the ski home before you buy it. Renting the home before you buy it means you get a true sense of what it is like to live in the home, and gives you a greater understanding of all the ins and outs of the property in a way simply viewing doesn’t. Another benefit is that if you decide you would like to rent it too, it already has an established rental history and the current owners might be able to share their tips & connections with you.

Make the most of current low interest rates before they increase

All of the main lenders to non-French residents have said that they expect French mortgage rates to raise in the second half of 2018 which is fast approaching. Buying as soon as possible with a lower mortgage rate means your budget will go further. With a fixed rate for the lifetime of the loan at 2.15% or an interest-only variable mortgage from 2%, a French mortgage is definitely worth exploring, and there is no time like now to do it. Click here to find out more about how to get the best mortgage for you.

Contact International Private Finance for Rates and a Quote

You can research the latest French mortgage rates here. As the top introducer of non-resident French mortgages, we can secure discounted rates and arrangement fees. To get a personalised quote, based on your current financial circumstances, please fill in our online form. One of our Consultants will be in touch within 24 hours.