Our guide to investing in ski resort real estate

Real estate investment is not limited to large student cities. The most beautiful seaside resorts and vacation spots also have real appeal when it comes to rental properties. With this in mind, why not consider investing in a ski resort? Homebooker, which specializes in high-end real estate, helps investors purchase properties in the most prestigious resorts in the Alps every year. Here, we offer a comprehensive guide to real estate investment in ski resorts.

The ski resorts in the Alps are among the most prestigious in the world. Names such as Megève and Courchevel are the stuff of dreams for skiing enthusiasts, but also for those seeking high-end vacation destinations. A demanding clientele, with the means to stay in the most elegant hotels in the resorts, but who often prefer the tranquility and anonymity of a rented chalet. So, if you're wondering why you should invest in ski resorts, there are many reasons.

As we have just seen, the prestige of resorts plays a special role in their profitability, as these exclusive locations attract crowds in both winter and summer. Apart from the rental aspect, owning a pied-à-terre in a ski resort allows you to spend your vacations in an idyllic setting whenever you want.

One last point to consider: resale. Properties in ski resorts are sought after because they are rare. And what does rarity create? Prestige and prices that can skyrocket. As a result, investing in a property in a resort can translate into a nice capital gain when you resell it a few years later.

When investing in furnished rental properties, there are two types of methods to consider: seasonal rentals or long-term rentals. In ski resorts, seasonal rentals are the obvious choice.

The principle of seasonal rentals is as follows: you rent a furnished property to vacationers for a short period of time. This can be by the night or by the week, for example, which is common in ski resorts, where customers usually stay for a few days, several times during the season.

You can choose to manage the rental yourself or delegate it to professionals, such as Homebooker agents, who will take care of finding reliable tenants and handling the day-to-day administrative formalities for you.

Among the resorts to consider, there is a limited choice of a few resorts where prestige and excellence compete for the top spots in the hearts of vacationers. But then, which resort should you invest in?

Let's first take a look at Courchevel, with its exceptional ski area and unrivalled nightlife and festive atmosphere. With prestigious gourmet restaurants, snow-capped peaks offering breathtaking views, and significant rental income potential, Courchevel is a popular destination in the Alps.

Val d'Isère, the highest and one of the most exclusive resorts in the Alps, is also an excellent option to consider. The extreme altitude allows you to target a clientele of true sports enthusiasts. A luxurious and elite resort, Val d'Isère offers exceptional services and high-end real estate.

With its vintage old-fashioned resort decor and renowned boutiques, Megève attracts a different clientele, more in search of authenticity. A ski area and an elegant town center with wood paneling and beautiful materials are on the agenda.

And finally, Chamonix, where Homebooker also offers some exceptional properties. More of a town than a resort, tourists can discover activities that are as prestigious as they are unusual. Spas, restaurants, and cultural life are on the agenda in Chamonix.

Homebooker agencies, present in each of these resorts, will guide you step by step in analyzing your investor profile and help you find the best opportunity in the region.

Where rental property investment can show its limitations is in the choice of property. Indeed, a poorly located or poorly equipped property will have a high vacancy rate, thereby minimizing your profitability. With this in mind, there are a few criteria that should be carefully evaluated when selecting a property to invest in.

Firstly, location: be particularly vigilant on this point. If you plan to invest in a chalet, consider an exceptional setting or proximity to the slopes. If you opt for an apartment, look for a property in the town center so that your tenants can enjoy all the resort has to offer.

The resort's non-skiing activities are also important: restaurants, family and other activities, shops, and wellness facilities are all details that future visitors to the resort will look at. Do your research in advance to see what these exceptional ski towns have to offer so you can refine your project and select a property that is suited to your target tenant profile.

Our specialized and qualified agents, true experts in the high-altitude real estate market, will guide you step by step through your ski resort real estate investment project, helping you find the most attractive properties or those with the most exceptional amenities.

Take advantage of our solid expertise and in-depth knowledge of the local market to refine your project and bring it to fruition under the best possible conditions.