Are you dreaming of a life in the beautiful French Alps? Wondering about the property market conditions and how to plan for a successful move? Look no further! In the latest episode of Just Jump podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Yates, an expert from Transactel, a reputable French estate agency. Andrew shared his story and provided valuable tips for expats looking to make their move to the mountains. In this blog post, we’ll highlight the key takeaways from the podcast, covering property market conditions in the Alps and essential planning considerations.
Property Market Conditions in the French Alps
Importance of Energy Ratings: Energy efficiency is crucial when buying property in France. Andrew stressed the significance of energy ratings and how poor energy efficiency may require additional investments. However, properties with lower ratings can still be viable options if they fit within your budget and allow for potential value addition.
Impact of Brexit: Despite initial concerns, Brexit hasn’t had a negative impact on the property market in the Alps. Buyers from various countries continue to view the market positively, especially for holiday properties. The allure of the mountains remains strong for international investors.
New Build Challenges: While certain parts of France have faced challenges with new build projects, the Alps present a different scenario. Property developers actively seek opportunities for new builds, although planning laws and availability of property and land pose certain difficulties. Nonetheless, the demand for new build properties, including apartments, remains high.
Demand for New Build: The increasing interest in purchasing properties in the Alps has resulted in significant demand for new build options. Saint Gervais, in particular, has witnessed remarkable growth over the past two decades, attracting investors looking for promising opportunities.
Positive Property Market Outlook: The forecast for the property market in the Alps is optimistic, with an anticipated increase of around 7% over the next 12 to 18 months. While there may be fluctuations, the market remains healthy, making it an excellent place for investment.
Planning for a Move in the French Alps
Andrew also shared valuable insights on planning for a successful move to the mountains. Here are the top tips:
Importance of Planning and Income Generation: Andrew and his wife chose to run a small bespoke holiday business to generate income. Their focus was on providing a complete service to their clients, ensuring a hassle-free experience from arrival to departure. Proper planning and identifying income generation opportunities are key to making your move sustainable.
Flexibility and Adaptation: Andrew highlighted the need to stay adaptable to evolving customer preferences and market trends. People’s holiday preferences have changed over the years, with a growing inclination towards designing their own bespoke holidays. Keeping up with these shifts will ensure your offerings remain attractive to potential clients.
Financial Preparedness and Risk Management: Having a financial buffer and contingency plans in place is crucial, especially during challenging times. Andrew shared their experience during the 2008-2009 financial crisis, emphasizing the impact of currency fluctuations on their business income. Being prepared and managing risks effectively is vital for long-term success.
Building Strong Relationships: Establishing strong relationships with partners and property owners is essential. These relationships are tested during challenging times, but maintaining good bonds can help overcome difficulties. Networking and fostering connections within your chosen community will be invaluable throughout your journey.
Learning from Challenges: Andrew believes that challenges and setbacks can be opportunities for growth and learning. Embracing these experiences and taking lessons from them will contribute to your personal and professional development. Stay resilient and use setbacks as stepping stones to success.
About Andrew Yates
Moving to the mountains and starting a new chapter in the French Alps can be an exciting adventure. As you embark on this journey, it’s essential to have the right information and guidance. If you’re curious about what properties are available in the Alps or have any questions regarding the market, I encourage you to reach out to Andrew Yates directly.
To explore the incredible opportunities that await you in the Alps, visit Transactel’s website. You can also connect with Andrew by emailing him directly at [email protected]. His expertise and knowledge will be invaluable in helping you find your dream property and making your move to the mountains a smooth and successful experience.
Don’t hesitate to take that leap and make your dreams of living in the French Alps a reality. Reach out to Andrew today and let him guide you towards finding the perfect property in this breathtaking region.
Thinking about moving to France?
Whether you’re planning to move or you’re already living in France, listen to real life stories on our Just Jump podcast or read our useful blog posts to make your relocation a success!
