France still a global Top 10 country brand

by Charlotte Ashton France

France continues to be among the world’s top 10 strongest country brands, demonstrating great resilience in the face of Eurozone challenges according to the 2011-12 FutureBrand Country Brand Index (CBI).

In its 7th year, the CBI illustrates perceptions of 113 global nations, and is based on more interviews, insights and information than any other study of its kind. The index assesses the strength of a country brand measuring awareness, familiarity, preference, consideration, advocacy and active decisions to visit a particular country.

Ranking in 9th place, France remains a top brand according to the CBI. Indeed, when it comes to a popular country brand recognised across the globe, France leads the way ranked in 1st place for awareness and familiarity among the public.

Furthermore, France flies the flag for 2nd place in the top 10 category for brand heritage and culture whilst it scores 5th place for brand tourism.

Of course, France has always held a strong identity and enjoys enormous popularity as not only a top tourist destination, ranked in 1st position by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s top ten tourist destinations for 2010 but as one of the best destinations for a new life abroad according to recent data.

Research from Lloyds TSB International Wealth Survey revealed that 21% of respondents selected France as their number one choice for a home abroad while the findings also highlighted an increase in the number of wealthy Britons considering a move overseas with Brits accounting for 11% of the buyers in France putting them in 3rd place behind the Portuguese and the French themselves.

Business Development Manager, Charlie Williams of Terresens, France’s leading eco-friendly property developer, comments,

“France is one of those places that in spite of economic uncertainty, still affords a timeless appeal. Indeed, it has an unbeatable reputation and with a solid country brand, people will always stop by and visit making this a reliable bet for property investors.

“At present, the French Alps is one destination that has seen a rise in popularity with around 62% of the market driven by buyers seeking lifestyle and investment choices and French ski property provides both. For example our development, Le Centaure in Belle Plagne offers a great package with a 4.6% rental income and 1 weeks personal usage while our luxurious ski property in the heart of Méribel, ranked one of the 50 most expensive locations for residential property in the world by the Knight Frank Prime Residential Index (2010), might provide a suitable option for wealthy Brits as mentioned in the Lloyds TSB survey.”

Le Centaure in Belle Plagne, a beautiful character resort situated in an ideal location in the heart of the French Alps in the Savoie provides studio to 3 bedroom apartments which are spacious and bright as well as offering a range of luxurious facilities dedicated to wellness and relaxation such as an indoor heated swimming pool, massage room and Turkish bath.

Nestled between forest and mountain pastures, Le Centaure in Belle Plagne offers stunning scenery, a splendid panorama and slopes for all the ski delights and as a snow sure key ready development Le Centaure priced at €190,748 excl. VAT offers a 4.6% guaranteed rental income as well as 1 week personal usage which can be increased throughout the year via the ‘a la carte’ programme.

Additionally, the limited number of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments and chalets of Les Balcons de la Chapelle occupy a prime location in Meribel, just a short walk from the ski lifts, shops and restaurants and commands incredible unobstructed views out over the mountains. Available fully furnished to your specification, these luxurious residences afford stunning views over the valley and La Chapelle Notre Dame costing from €560,000.

For those looking to buy property in one of the best country brands in the world please contact the developer Terresens on + 44 (0) 203 101 110 or visit www.terresensproperties.com to find out more.

Over 50’s look across the Channel to the ultimate active living resort

by Georgina France

With more than a third of homes in England “under-occupied,” according to the latest data from The Intergenerational Foundation and older people remaining in their properties longer, putting pressure on the housing stock available for younger generations, The Villages Group are stepping up, providing a cutting edge alternative.

Whilst the government has vowed to increase the number of new homes and get Britain building, 55 to 65 years olds still remain the largest group of home owners in the UK. Responding to criticism of “under-occupation” many within this group are arguing that their occupation of an estimated £3 trillion worth of bricks and mortar is no fault of their own and that they are desperate to sell their homes, release their capital and move elsewhere.

With this in mind and with financial experts stating that buying a home for retirement 5 to 10 years beforehand could in fact be beneficial, large numbers of over 50’s are now seeking alternatives, looking across the channel to France for less expensive housing, a relaxed pace of life, sunny skies and a culture respectful of those in their ‘third age’.

Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, comments,

“France has one of the best lifestyles in the world, perfect for over 50’s who are seeking a lifestyle option away from the doom and gloom of the UK. Indeed, in spite of the economic problems felt across Europe, France has been proclaimed one of the Eurozone’s more stable economies with the nation outperforming expectations in the third quarter of this year.”

Silver continues,

 

“The British over 50’s market is one of the most rapidly growing sectors and it is important that their demand for housing is recognised. Indeed, we at The Villages Group have acknowledged that active living Villages for the over 50’s in France which provide services and amenities that encourage an active, happy and healthy lifestyle focussed around a strong community of like-minded individuals, could provide the answer to the UK housing shortage and the best lifestyle for over 50’s.” 

The concept for The Villages Group in France has taken four years of research and development to create the very first active living resorts in the country dedicated to the over 50’s. Designed for living, the Villages will initially be situated in three stunning French communities including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canal du Midi, a 240 km long canal in Southern France that’s serves as a shortcut between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.

As one of Europe’s longest and widest canal systems, Canal du Midi is one of the most remarkable feats of civil engineering in modern times. Laden with plane trees, planted in neat rows in the 1830s to strengthen the banks, this magnificent environment became an integral part of the canal´s beauty and a tourist attraction when it finally ceased to be used for commercial transport in the 1980s.

For engineering enthusiasts or for those simply wanting to bask in the beauty of the canal, The Villages Group will provide a village community of around 116 villas on the banks of the Canal du Midi. This village site will afford full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment programmes, perfect for living an active and fulfilling life within a community of like-minded individuals.

For more information on a fresh alternative and unique lifestyle choice for the active over 50’s please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com
 

Active living resorts in France for the over 50’s provide the answer to UK housing shortage

by Georgina France

As the over 50’s housing market in the UK changes, seeing those entering the ‘third age’ form the fastest growing demographic group in the country according to the Knight Frank Retirement Housing Report 2010, considerable pressure is being placed on housing for the older generation. With this in mind, dedicated active living resorts for the over 50’s could well present the best option.

The Knight Frank report identifies that older households will represent half of all household growth between now and 2026 having significant impact on existing housing stock. And so, as a result, it is no surprise that the innovative active living Villages already popular in Australia, Scandinavia, the US and New Zealand are providing a viable alternative to this dilemma.

With a large proportion of over 50’s seeking lower living costs and a better quality of life than ever before, those entering their ‘third age’ are beginning to turn away from the UK, ranked in lowly ninth position in the Quality of Life Index compiled by uSwitch recently. France however, topped the ranks affording the earliest retirement age in Europe, the highest proportion of GDP spent on healthcare and the longest life expectancy. Indeed, it’s no wonder British over 50’s are looking for lifestyle options across the channel. 

Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, comments,

“The British over 50’s market provides one of the biggest opportunities for growth and it is important that their demand for housing is recognised. Indeed, we at The Villages Group have acknowledged that active living Villages for the over 50’s which provide services and amenities that encourage an active, happy and healthy lifestyle focussed around a strong community of like-minded individuals is definitely the way forward.  

“Our Village resorts across France will provide a lifestyle that we believe will be most attractive to active 50+s who want to live their lives to the full in one of the top ten expat countries in the world, one that affords a relaxed pace of life, stunning natural landscapes and low living costs.”

The concept for The Villages Group in France has taken four years of research and development to create the first active living resorts in the country dedicated to the over 50’s. Designed for living, the Villages situated in three stunning French communities in Bordeaux / Perigord, Canal du Midi and Provence, offer one-level eco-friendly homes set within outstanding natural environments with full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment programmes.

Indeed, with 80% of the UK’s £6.7trn in wealth being owned by baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) the Villages concept in France is set to be a success, offering a practical solution to the housing shortage in the UK as well as providing a fresh alternative and unique lifestyle choice for the active over 50’s seeking the perfect lifestyle abroad.

For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com

 

French Ski properties still providing best opportunities for buyers according to expert report

by Charlotte Ashton France

Investors looking for a ski property this season may want to turn their attention to the French region of the Alps according to the recent Alpine Property Market report from Savills.

Over the last decade, the popularity of Alpine properties has risen significantly with ski properties accounting for 9% of holiday home purchases between 2009 and 2011.

Meanwhile, the report highlights that France is still the most visited ski location in the Alps, maintaining resilient apartment and chalet prices thanks to continued rental demand from tourism despite the effects of the economic downturn.

With strong revenue streams generated from rental demand, Alpine ski properties provide an intriguing investment opportunity for potential buyers. In fact, thanks to Alpine resorts having developed a summer tourism infrastructure, property owners can now benefit from both summer and winter returns.

Business Development Manager, Charlie Williams of Terresens, France’s leading eco-friendly property developer, comments,

“French ski property is a sound choice for any property hunter. Interestingly, the report from Savills identifies that around 62% of the market is driven by buyers seeking lifestyle and investment benefits and France is home to a number of famous ski destinations that afford both. For example, our key ready development Le Centaure in Belle Plagne offers a great package with a 4% rental income and 4 weeks personal usage; you can’t go wrong.

“Moreover, the report also suggests that there are opportunities for owners with ski property in prime locations to capitalise on high rental demand. With this in mind, we at Terresens have the most luxurious ski property right in the heart of Méribel, ranked one of the 50 most expensive locations for residential property in the world by the Knight Frank Prime Residential Index (2010), which reflects the desirability and income potential of the Meribel area.”

Further data revealed from a Ski Resort Report from The Post Office, shows that France is one of the more reasonably priced ski options. When it comes to a price breakdown on hiring ski equipment, classes at Ski School and lift passes based over five to six days for instance, France beats its popular ski rivals Switzerland, Canada and the US with a total of £436.80 compared to Switzerland’s £571.54 ski costs.

For potential buyers looking to benefit from consistent rental demand and sustainable yields from tourism, Terresens afford the very best selection of French ski properties designed to accommodate the perfect lifestyle and fill investor pockets.

Le Centaure in Belle Plagne

A beautiful character resort situated in an ideal location in the heart of the French Alps in the Paradiski, Le Centaure in Belle Plagne provides studios to 3 bedroom apartments that are spacious and bright. In addition, the development affords a range of luxurious facilities dedicated to wellness and relaxation including an indoor heated swimming pool, massage room and Turkish bath.

Nestled between forest and mountain pastures, Le Centaure in Belle Plagne offers stunning scenery, a splendid panorama and slopes for all the ski delights and, as a snow-sure key ready development Le Centaure priced at €190,748 excl. VAT offers a 4% guaranteed rental income as well as the added benefit of 4 weeks personal usage.

Les Balcons de la Chapelle, Meribel

The limited number of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments and chalets of Les Balcons de la Chapelle occupy a prime location in Meribel, just a short walk from the ski lifts, shops and restaurants and commands incredible unobstructed views out over the mountains. Available fully furnished to your specification, these luxurious residences afford stunning views over the valley and la Chapelle Notre Dame costing from €560,000.

Le Hameau de Rennes, Vars

In between the Northern Alps and Provence, Vars combines the authenticity of traditional villages and the comfort provided by big ski resorts with up to 4% rental income for just €165,040 excluding VAT.  

Le Hameau de Rennes has 131 furnished and decorated 1 to 3 bed duplex apartments which are divided into beautiful traditional chalets offering large spaces with fully-equipped built-in kitchens, flat-screen TV’s, customised traditional furnishings, finely-decorated interiors, and balconies to enjoy the serene views with your family and friends.

La Chapelle, Sainte Foy, Tarentaise

La Chapelle is a luxurious 4* development providing a fantastic lifestyle and investment opportunity with ski-in ski-out facilities. With only 9 remaining units out of 68 apartments, La Chapelle, located in the heart of a traditional village offers very modern facilities from €255,754 excl. VAT with furniture and parking as well as offering a guaranteed annual rental income of 4.3% plus 1 week usage.

The apartments are finely decorated using traditional Savoyard style, mixed with fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms and flat screen TVs. You will also enjoy the relaxation area with the heated indoor pool, spa and sauna.

Coming soon……

Sainte Foy Phase II

Located in the French Alps, this south facing development is being built in line with the traditional local architecture using specific materials to create the trademark wood and stone finish and will provide ski in/ski out facilities.

With exceptional views, the fully furnished 1bed to 4bed duplex properties will afford a swimming pool and spa as well as a well-being area and will provide investors with a 3.7% rental return guarantee and VAT paid, saving you 19.6% on the purchase price.

La Rosiere

In the Espace San Bernardo, La Rosiere is located at an altitude of 1850m, offering 140km of ski slopes. It has a lovely traditional rustic Savoyard feel with low-rise chalet style accommodation built mostlyin wood and stones. Linked to La Thuile in Italy, La Rosiere offers inter-national skiing with excellent snow conditions.

With a 4% guaranteed rental return and VAT paid, saving you 19.6% on the purchase price, the development affords fully furnished 1 bed to 4 bed properties only a short walk from the shops and amenities.

Valmorel la Belle

In the core of Grand Domaine, Valmorel la Belle is located at an altitude of 1400m and offers 150km of slopes for alpine skiing and 20km for cross-country skiing. The buildings have been designed to fit in line with the Savoyard architecture using local materials like wood and Lauzes for roofs.

With ski in/ski out facilities, the fully furnished 1 bed to 4 bed properties with provide a pool and spa facilities, a restaurant and easy access to the centre of the resort as well as providing private parking and a 4% guaranteed rental return. VAT is also paid, saving 19.6% on the purchase price.

Flaine

In the heart of the Grand Massif Flaine is linked to Samoens, Morillon, Les Carroz and Sixt Fer à Cheval, and offers 265km of ski slopes as well as stunning 360 degree views over the Massifs of Mont Blanc, Aravis, Belledonne and Jura.

Compromising 2000 sqm of facilities and recreational activities as well as ski in/ski out facilities, the development will afford fully furnished 1 bed to 4 bed properties with a golf course, swimming pool and spa and a great well-being area not to mention a 4% guaranteed rental return and paid VAT.

To find out more about these wonderful French ski properties please contact the developer Terresens on + 44 (0) 203 101 110 or visit www.terresensproperties.com.
 

The Villages Group offers new lifestyle choice for the active 50+s in France

by Georgina France

The concept of communities dedicated to delivering services and support for active” 50+’s has been popular in the US and Australia for several years and now, finally, this opportunity has reached France, one of the World’s most popular retirement and second home destinations, courtesy of The Villages Group. 

Originally started in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts in 2000, the Village concept arose from older community members’ desire to reside in their own homes while being able to access services that address their needs for an “active lifestyle”. The most recognized examples of the “active lifestyle” concept which includes no medical facilities can be found in “The Villages” in sunny Orlando, Florida. As an active retirement community, home to 55+’s, The Villages in Orlando pride themselves on offering the best in homes, lifestyle and amenities for their residents which include free entertainment in the form of music and dance, access to movie theatres, sports clubs and painting classes to name a few.

Indeed, The Villages in Orlando has experienced tremendous growth in only a few short years, reaching an astonishing 90,000 residents. As a result, the “Village” model has spread across other parts of the USA as well as Australia in recent years.

Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, comments,

“The Villages concept is certainly not a place where the older generation go to live out their remaining days in seclusion. For us, we have a positive forward thinking approach about our own Villages in France, providing a lifestyle that we believe will be most attractive to active 50+s who want to live their lives to the full in one of the top ten expat countries in the world that affords a relaxed pace of life, stunning natural landscapes and low living costs.

“The Villages in France will be moulded around our ‘active living’ principal with no medical or nursing facilities on-site. These Villages are places where the older generation can go to enjoy life. We will be initially launching 3 villages all of which offer residents something special. We are also in the advanced stages of developing vineyard and equestrian Village sites. All Villages are English speaking, located within a few kilometres of the local town centre and bring together like-minded people looking to enjoy France and all that it has to offer.”

The concept for The Villages Group in France has taken four years of research and development to create the first active living resorts in the country dedicated to the over 50’s. Designed for living, the Villages situated in three stunning French communities in Bordeaux / Perigord, Canal du Midi and Provence offer one-level eco-friendly homes set within outstanding natural environments with full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and a quality entertainment programmes.

With this in mind, the Villages concept will provide a fresh alternative to buying abroad for the older generation offering a unique lifestyle choice for the active 50+’s. And, considering that more than 80% of the UK’s £6.7trn in wealth is owned by baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) seeing property become a good investment for this generation with one in five baby boomers owning a second home, The Villages in France are destined to be a hit with the over 50’s.

For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com
 

ABPM now representing The Villages Group – a new concept for active over 50’s living in France

by Georgina France

AB Property Marketing, the UK based leading property PR agency, is pleased to announce the representation of The Villages Group – a new concept for active over 50’s living in France.

Brought to the market by established marketers/developers Property Direct France, the concept for The Villages Group has taken four years of research and development to create the first active living resorts in France dedicated to the over 50’s. Designed for living, the Villages situated near existing French communities in Bordeaux / Perigord, Canal du Midi and Provence offer one-level eco-friendly homes set within outstanding natural environments with full on-site amenities.

Danny Silver, MD of The Villages Group, explains,
“The Villages Group draws inspiration from the established +50 active living resorts which have become so popular in the US and Australia. Accommodating only residents of 50 years and above, The Villages are geared up for active living with purposefully no medical or nursing facilities on-site. All Villages are English speaking and bring together like-minded people looking to enjoy the wonderful French way of life.”

Sales begin in mid-2012 with houses from €165,000 in three stunning locations across southern France, owners of homes at The Villages are able to fully enjoy all on-site amenities including tennis courts, gymnasium, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and quality entertainment. Uniquely residents do not only own the land and freehold title of the property but also a full equal shareholding of the entire Village.

Charlotte Ashton, Director of AB Property Marketing, comments,

“Having worked with Mr Silver and the Property Direct France team before we are very excited to be promoting this new concept. France remains one of the most sought after second home and indeed relocation destinations in the world with more and more people attracted to the relaxed pace of life, charming natural landscapes and lower cost of living.

“Dedicated communities for over 50’s have been well established in other western nations and it is exciting to be able to introduce this to France.”

For more information or media enquiries on the active lifestyle living concept, The Villages and indeed locations in which they are situated please contact the team at ABPM on + 44 (0) 207 952 7227 / + 44 (0) 1737 222 334 or c.ashton@abpropertymarketing.co.uk. High res masterplan images and expert market comment are also available upon request.

ABPM now representing The Villages Group – a new concept for active over 50’s living in France

by Charlotte Ashton France

AB Property Marketing, the UK based leading property PR agency, is pleased to announce the representation of The Villages Group – a new concept for active over 50’s living in France.

Brought to the market by established marketers/developers Property Direct France, the concept for The Villages Group has taken four years of research and development to create the first active living resorts in France dedicated to the over 50’s. Designed for living, the Villages situated near existing French communities in Bordeaux / Perigord, Canal du Midi and Provence offer one-level eco-friendly homes set within outstanding natural environments with full on-site amenities.

Danny Silver, MD of The Villages Group, explains,

“The Villages Group draws inspiration from the established +50 active living resorts which have become so popular in the US and Australia.  Accommodating only residents of 50 years and above, The Villages are geared up for active living with purposefully no medical or nursing facilities on-site. All Villages are English speaking and bring together like-minded people looking to enjoy the wonderful French way of life.”

Sales begin in mid-2012 with houses from €165,000 in three stunning locations across southern France, owners of homes at The Villages are able to fully enjoy all on-site amenities including tennis courts, gymnasium, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and quality entertainment. Uniquely residents do not only own the land and freehold title of the property but also a full equal shareholding of the entire Village.

Charlotte Ashton, Director of AB Property Marketing, comments,

“Having worked with Mr Silver and the Property Direct France team before we are very excited to be promoting this new concept. France remains one of the most sought after second home and indeed relocation destinations in the world with more and more people attracted to the relaxed pace of life, charming natural landscapes and lower cost of living.

“Dedicated communities for over 50’s have been well established in other western nations and it is exciting to be able to introduce this to France.”

For more information or media enquires on the active lifestyle living concept, The Villages and indeed locations in which they are situated please contact the team at ABPM on + 44 (0) 207 952 7227 / + 44 (0) 1737 222 334 or c.ashton@abpropertymarketing.co.uk. High res masterplan images and expert market comment are also available upon request.
 

Success on the Slopes: Top French ski resort, La Plagne, celebrates 50th anniversary

by Charlotte Ashton France

As France continues to dominate the ski holiday market, La Plagne in the French Alps, one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in the world will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this winter.

Visitors will be invited to share in the celebrations at an evening light show and fireworks display in the heart of the resort on the 21st December 2011 where the history of skiing, tourism and the evolution of the conquest of white gold between 1961 and the present day will be explained.

At its official opening party half a century ago, La Plagne ski resort had only two lifts and four buildings but now the resort has blossomed incorporating 53,000 beds in 10 sites and is now part of the "Paradiski" ski area with around 425 km of tracks.

Indeed, the anniversary celebrations will be further enhanced by the news that the ski industry is on the up again after numbers dwindled in the face of the economic recession with tour operators reporting that bookings are considerably higher for this season, increasing by as much as 20% in some resorts while early snowfalls over the last two weeks in the Alps has prompted a flood of bookings for ski holidays.

Business Development Manager, Charlie Williams of Terresens, France’s leading eco-friendly property developer with projects in Belle Plagne, comments,

“Winter sports enthusiasts are once again beginning to show an interest in the ski slopes with France remaining the most popular country for skiers. Indeed, 8 out of 10 resorts in terms of customer searches on Skipad.co.uk were for resorts in France, which is wonderful news.

“France affords easy accessibility to the rest of Europe, a wide choice of ski locations, superb food and an electrifying atmosphere and with low cost airline Ryanair launching its London Winter Ski Programme for 2011-12, providing 17 weekly flights from London to ski destinations near Grenoble and Lourdes more tourists will feel inspired to grab their skis and hit the French pistes.”

And it’s not only Ryanair that is after a slice of the slopes as easyJet Holidays launches its first ever ski programme offering holiday packages in a range of resorts catering for skiers and snowboarders of various abilities, including winter sports destinations such as Tignes, Val d´Isere, Chamonix and of course, La Plagne.

In light of the positive effects being felt across ski resorts in France, it appears the value of properties located in the French Alps has recovered from the global recession with a Ski Index report from Knight Frank highlighting that the annual price growth for ski properties in Europe grew by 1.7% during the second quarter of this year.

Charlie Williams of Terresens further comments,

“Property in the French Alps has remained popular with buyers as homes can be used all year round, not just in winter. During the summer months there are plenty of opportunities for rental income that is why we are urging potential second home buyers to invest here particularly in our key ready Le Centaure development in Belle Plagne which hosts events and activities throughout the year and offers excellent returns.”

Le Centaure in Belle Plagne, a beautiful character resort situated in an ideal location in the heart of the French Alps in the Savoie provides studios to 3 bedroom apartments which are spacious and bright as well as offering a range of luxurious facilities dedicated to wellness and relaxation such as an indoor heated swimming pool, massage room and Turkish bath.

Nestled between forest and mountain pastures, Le Centaure in Belle Plagne offers stunning scenery, a splendid panorama and slopes for all the ski delights and as a snow sure key ready development Le Centaure priced at €190,748 excl. VAT offers a 4% guaranteed rental income as well as the added benefit of 4 weeks personal usage.

For those looking to buy and use a ski property such as Le Centaure in Belle Plagne this season please contact the developer Terresens on + 44 (0) 203 101 110 or visit www.terresensproperties.com to find out more.

 

We’re just fanatical about France – ranked best place to live in Europe

by Charlotte Ashton France

It seems that us Brits are just fanatical about France with our closest European neighbour topping, for the third time in a row, the 2011 Quality of Life Index compiled by comparison website uSwitch.

Whilst the UK ranked in lowly ninth position, just ahead of Ireland, France was clearly the favourite destination in Europe followed by Spain, Denmark, Germany and Poland in fifth position. With the earliest retirement age, the highest proportion of GDP spent on healthcare and the longest life expectancy in Europe, it is no wonder that more and more Britons are looking for properties across the channel. 

Indeed earlier this week Savills International and HomeAway.co.uk published research further glorifying France’s prime position showing that the nation has replaced Spain as the top destination for UK buyers looking to buy overseas.

According to the UK Second Homes Abroad Spotlight, contributing key factors for the French dominance comes from the stability of the French market, a less dramatic decline in house values compared with other overseas locations and the close proximity to the UK.

The research also revealed that around 55% of surveyed respondents explained that letting their property to generate income was one of the main reasons for buying property in France with 13% indicating that rental income helped generate a comfortable profit and fight against current global economic situations.

Indeed, with this in mind, it is no surprise that buyers want to soak up the benefits of buying French property considering the World Travel Organisation in 2010 identified France as the most popular country for tourism, with 78.95 million visitors.

Furthermore, a new survey commissioned for Knight Frank´s annual Private View magazine has discovered some interesting trends in the market for luxury second homes with France accounting for nearly a quarter of the properties in the respondents´ portfolios.

Business Development Manager, Charlie Williams of Terresens, France’s leading eco-friendly property developer responsible for Les Balcons de la Chapelle in Meribel, comments,

“In France there are plenty of options for second-homes in a variety of living environments whether in rural surroundings or ski locations. Property in a ski resort is highly sought after with 13% of respondents desiring a ski property as part of their portfolios according to the Knight Frank findings.

“Of course, new ski property developments such as Les Balcons de la Chapelle have brought a fresh level of quality and luxury to French ski resorts with Meribel remaining one of the most popular destinations with British ski fans.  Meribel affords balmy summers and crisp winters, much needed peace and quiet teamed perfectly with an active social scene and abundance of activities. It is faultless as an all year round location so it makes sense to experience all this in the comfort and style of a gorgeous second home like Les Balcons de la Chapelle.”

The limited number of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments and chalets of Les Balcons de la Chapelle occupy a prime location, just a short walk from the ski lifts, shops and restaurants and command incredible unobstructed views out over the mountains. Available fully furnished to your specification, these luxurious residences afford stunning views over the valley and la Chapelle Notre Dame costing from €560,000.

To find out more about Les Balcons de la Chapelle in Meribel, contact the developer Terresens on + 44 (0) 203 101 110 or visit www.terresensproperties.com.
 

Sales activity in Meribel strong as French ski resorts show signs of recovery according to experts

by Charlotte Ashton France

It seems European ski resorts are no longer snowed under by the global economic downturn and are starting to show signs of recovery according to the first ever Ski Resort Property Index for Q2 2011 from Knight Frank, with prices in many resorts having now stabilised or in some cases seen small increases particularly across the French Alps.

Over the past 5 years, French ski resorts have experienced a substantial amount of investment helping improve accessibility and infrastructure as well as the quality of the skiing experience however it is thought that other factors are at play in the stabilisation of prices and recovery of the market. For instance, it has been suggested that a large number of high altitude French ski resorts often prove more reliable in terms of snowfall, while an additional factor at work, apart from the obvious culinary delights, comes from the wide selection of seasonal sports and activities available beyond skiing.

Liam Bailey, Head of Residential Research at Knight Frank, comments,

“Demand for property is proving less seasonal in many of the world’s luxury ski resorts. Summer tourism, often involving hiking and climbing, particularly in The Alps, has helped to increase rental incomes for many second home owners. The Alps are now host to a number of summer festivals, concerts and sporting events attracting visitors all year round.”

Certainly, the year round appeal has been a big attraction for Eurozone buyers in 2010/11. While UK buyers account for 35-40% of prime property purchasers in the French Alps, Italian buyers have been fiercely competing for a slice of the property market having been unaffected  by currency variations at the time of the global economic recession.

Further research from the Ski Resort Property Index highlights that sales activity in French alpine resorts in 2010/11 has proved strong with areas such as Courchevel, Méribel, Megève and Val d´Isere performing well seeing the best properties draw interest from more than one buyer allowing sales to be made at or near the asking price.

Ranked one of the best ski resorts by the Daily Telegraph and now even easier to reach with Eurostar direct ski trains from St Pancras, London to Moutiers, only 25 minutes away from the resort commencing 17th December, Meribel, situated in the middle of Les Trois Vallées, is in high demand as investors rush to snap up luxury units in the only new build development this season, Les Balcons de la Chapelle.

Business Development Manager, Charlie Williams of Terresens, France’s leading eco-friendly property developer responsible for Les Balcons de la Chapelle in Meribel, comments,

“New ski property developments such as Les Balcons de la Chapelle have brought a fresh level of quality and luxury to French resorts. Meribel remains one of the most popular destinations with British ski enthusiasts,  ranked one of the 50 most expensive locations for residential property in the world by the Knight Frank Prime Residential Index (2010) with property prices reflecting the desirability of the area.

 
“While the market is still very price sensitive, viewings for property in prime French alpine resorts have increased and we at Terresens have seen considerable interest in our luxury new build development in the heart of Meribel, perfect for those who desire all year round indulgence.”

The limited number of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments and chalets of Les Balcons de la Chapelle occupy a prime location, just a short walk from the ski lifts, shops and restaurants and command incredible unobstructed views out over the mountains. Available fully furnished to your specification, these luxurious residences afford stunning views over the valley and la Chapelle Notre Dame costing from €560,000.

To find out more about Les Balcons de la Chapelle in Meribel, contact the developer Terresens on + 44 (0) 203 101 110 or visit www.terresensproperties.com.