With bumper snowfall blanketing the Alps this ski season, adventurous skiers will be dreaming of doubling their fun and going off-piste with increasing numbers looking to the ski region of Sainte Foy, France for thrilling skiing off the beaten track at an affordable price.

Sainte Foy, a traditional village in the Tarentaise valley in Savoie, France remains remarkably unspoilt. Preserving its authentic charm and local Savoyard architecture, Sainte Foy is a place where residents of Val d´Isere, only 15 minutes away, go to escape the pressures of a large-resort, in the hope of finding a peaceful and friendly chalet style resort that boasts around 800 hectares of safe off-piste skiing through epic mountain routes.

Here, lifts take you up to 2,550 meters to the Col de l´Aiguille, the launch pad for much of the off-piste skiing for which Sainte Foy has earned its excellent reputation. Offering acres of virgin powder to explore on the numerous off-piste routes, such as Le Monal and the infamous 1,500m vertical descent at the north face of Fogliettaz, Sainte Foy, a quaint village developed only a decade ago, provides an intriguing and challenging area for off-piste skiers.

Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developer, Terresens, which has experienced a 25% increase in enquiry levels thanks to the recent snow conditions in France comments,

“Sainte Foy is the best kept secret in the Tarentaise valley where ski touring groups find themselves marking the resort as a ‘must do’ destination. Complementing its on-piste runs Sainte Foy has superb off-piste potential affording a unique snow draped paradise and, if you don’t have pots of cash lying around, heading off-piste to a smaller ski resort such as Sainte Foy, one of the most affordable ski resorts in the northern French Alps could give you a different experience.”

Located in the charming Sainte Foy-en-Tarentaise, Etoile des Cimes the latest leaseback development from Terresens, follows the successful completion of phase I, La Chapelle.

Perfect for individuals, couples and families alike the 1 to 4 bedroom ski-in ski-out eco apartments of Etoile des Cimes, about 15 minutes by car to Val d’Isere, Tignes, Les Arcs & La Rosiere, affords exceptional views over the Tarentaise valley and are delivered fully furnished with private parking from €210,500 (mortgage finance is available).

With rental returns of 3.8% guaranteed and personal usage of your property to take advantage of the first class on-site amenities including indoor swimming pool & spa, wellbeing area and crèche, this eco-friendly freehold property that affords a 19.6% VAT refund on purchase in one of the most sought after second home destinations in the world will not only provide excellent returns for investors but some of the very best off-piste skiing in the world for ski adrenaline fans.

For more information please contact the developer Terresens on + 44 (0) 203 101 110 or visit www.terresensproperties.com to find out more.

After what had been a nerve-wracking start to the ski season back in December last year, where ski slopes laid bare, snow, and lots of it, has finally fallen. Sustained heavy snowfall blanketed French ski slopes making the Christmas and New Year season far busier than expected, leading to a 75% occupancy rate across Alpine resorts according to market analyst company Protourisme.

Indeed, this comes as welcomed news among French property investors whose confidence in the market has risen and will continue to rise thanks to historical snowfall figures highlighting that in general across much of the Alps, four times the average snowfall has fallen for mid-January alone.

Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developer, Terresens, which has experienced a 25% increase in enquiry levels thanks to the recent snow conditions in France comments,

“Just this morning I had a call from my mother who is enjoying a week´s sejour in Chatel. The Portes du Soleil resorts are all busy, the air is cold, the skies are blue and the snow is apparently the best she´s ever known in her long skiing career. Property investor leads are also well up on the norm by some 25% and properties in prime snow sure locations in the French Alps remain a seriously investable, income-generating asset in uncertain economic times. ”

As one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in the world, La Plagne in the French Alps is one such ski location that is experiencing perfect ski conditions. Currently, enjoying glorious sunshine and clear skies, Le Centaure in Belle Plagne, a beautiful character resort situated in an ideal location in the heart of the French Alps in the Savoie, which makes use of La Plagne’s snow drenched ski slopes will certainly be viewed as an attractive option for potential property investors this ski season.

Completed and key-ready, Le Centaure in Belle Plagne affords stunning studios to 3 bedroom apartments that are both spacious and bright. While the development affords a range of luxurious facilities dedicated to wellness and relaxation including an indoor heated swimming pool, massage room and Turkish bath, Le Centure’s position, nestled between forest and mountain pastures with splendid views of snow covered slopes provides a breath-taking panorama.

Priced at €190,748 excl. VAT with a 4.6% guaranteed rental income as well as 1 week personal usage which can be increased throughout the year when rental is reduced, this French development is perfect for property investors looking for the perfect French ski property this season.

For more information on Le Centaure in Belle Plagne please contact the developer Terresens on + 44 (0) 203 101 110 or visit www.terresensproperties.com to find out more.

Every year, millions of skiers take to the slopes in Europe, with French ski resorts being among the most popular ski as well as second home destinations. Indeed, it is no secret that skiing just so happens to be one of the most environmentally damaging sports in the world and with this in mind, we ask, can skiing ever really be synonymous with green living? The experts say yes, explaining that a number of resorts are now working hard to reduce the sports environmental impacts.

According to Mountain Riders, the Grenoble-based green campaign group who conducted the first carbon audit of ski resorts identified that around 75% of greenhouse-gas emissions arose from transporting skiers and snowboarders to their destinations. With this in mind, Eurostar will be helping to ease the environmental impacts by operating direct seasonal ski services. As of the 17th December 2011, travellers from St Pancras and Ashford International will set off for the French Alps via the high speed rail alternative. It is suggested that on average, a Eurostar journey accounts for just one tenth of the carbon emissions of an equivalent flight whilst allowing travellers to arrive closer to their resort without the need for long transfers.

Of course, ski resorts themselves also hold some accountability with 2% of greenhouse gas emissions derived from ski lifts according to Mountain Riders research while concrete sprawl and overheated properties also contribute to environment degradation.

However, a growing number of resorts are now realising their environmental duties with Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developer, Terresens, commenting,

“The French ski property industry has received criticism in the past for being slow to adopt green strategies particularly as housing is one of the main contributors to C02 emissions. Indeed, we have a moral and legal responsibility to consider sustainable eco-friendly alternatives for the properties we build and own. In fact, around 79% of property buyers consider respecting the environment as an important part of their purchasing process with many thinking green in order to ensure their dream property in France holds the same value in 20 years time as it does today. ”

Williams continues,

Undoubtedly, eco homes are the future of not only the skiing world but the residential property market as a whole. Not only are they attractive but they are also cheaper to run because they require less heating and cooling than a conventional house meaning that overall, eco homes appreciate in value. And, with increasing levels of EU environmental legislation being passed, potential property buyers need to start planning now to ensure that their investments meet the criteria in years to come in order to avoid incurring heavy operating and possible redevelopment costs later down the line. ”

With environmental impact at the very heart of Terresens, affording an environmentally conscious attitude to its design and construction, each ski property holds an ecological rating out of 150 enabling buyers to make educated choices.

The luxurious 4* development La Chapelle, set in the traditional Alpine village of Ste Foy  consisting of 68 apartments with only 9 remaining units, boasts an ecological rating of 112 due to the use of natural building materials and water retrieval as well as sustainable management, costing from just €161,014 excl. VAT.

Additionally, Le Hameau de Rennes in Vars has 131 furnished and decorated 1 to 3 bed duplex apartments which are divided into beautiful traditional chalets costing from just €165,040. Dedicated to the environment, this development employs waste management, use of renewable materials such as wood, stone and brick as well as recycled materials including soft flooring and laminated parquet helping it achieve an ecological rating of 92/150.

Coming soon……

Sainte Foy Phase II

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 from €210,500. With exceptional views, the fully furnished 1bed to 4bed duplex properties employ efficient waste water management, 100% green electricity and waste sorting and recycling.

For more information about investing in sustainable, eco friendly leaseback developments in France contact Terresens today on + 44 (0) 2030 101 110 or visit www.terresensproperties.com

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.

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.
 

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.

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.
 

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.

The latest data from leading independent international property portal, TheMoveChannel.com, reveals that in terms of volume of enquiries to date in 2011, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur is the most sought after region by potential property buyers followed closely by Rhone-Alpes.

Analyzing over 7,000 enquiries for French property made to the site to date this year, 9% of total enquiries and 3% more than 2010, the five most popular regions were Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur in the south east (25%), Rhone-Alpes (21%), Languedoc-Roussillon  in the south (14%), Aquitaine in the south west (8.5%) and Midi-Pyrenees (7%).

And it would appear that their popularity as second home or relocation destinations is reflected in the average asking prices which ranged from £279,541 in the Midi-Pyrenees to an eye-watering £1,109,000 in Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur.

French property expert and Business Development Manager for Terresens, France’s leading eco-friendly property developer, Charlie Williams, comments,

“It is no surprise that Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur that has topped the rankings in terms of enquiries from potential property buyers. This region, a personal favourite of mine, has something for everyone from world class ski resorts in the Alps to sun-drenched chic coastal resorts such as Cannes as well as the charming countryside of Provence.

“The majority of our clients request properties in this region with leaseback properties in prime locations in particular demand due to the flexibility they offer in terms of rental income as well as personal usage.”

And it is buying in a prime location as Williams indicates, that is key to a successful French property purchase. According to recent data from the FNAIM (French national real estate federation) property prices in popular locations have risen for the fifth consecutive quarter, up an average 3.3% over the previous quarter.

One of the key appeals of Terresens’ developments is that the eco-friendly developer only selects premium locations yet prices the residences in line with the market. Les Balcons de la Chapelle for example, the only new build development in the very popular ski destination of Meribel, is located in the very heart of the resort only minutes from lifts, shops, bars and restaurants. The classic freehold boutique luxury development comprises 6 apartments and 2 chalets, all delivered fully furnished yet prices per square meter remain lower than comparable projects in the area.

Further south, also in the most sought after region of France, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur, on the glistening Mediterranean coast lies Cannes. Here Terresens is offering all the glitz and glamour of this chic resort without the price tag with Residence le Six, a stylish development of studio and 1 bedroom apartments available on the leaseback program from €137,659 with notary fees paid (saving you 2.5%) for a limited time. 

If you would like more information about the most popular region in France for property then contact the experts, Terresens on +44 (0) 2030 101 110 or visit www.terresensleaseback.com.
 

The second home destination of choice by Harry Potter star, Emma Watson and future host of one the Alpine ski calendar’s highlights – the World Cup finals 2014/15, property in 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, Les Balcons de la Chapelle, this season.

Heralded as one of the best ski resorts in France by the Daily Telegraph, Meribel, founded by Brit Peter Lindsay in 1983, remains one of the most popular destinations with British ski enthusiasts attracted by the easy access to numerous ski runs within Les Trois Vallées,, impressive lift system and lively après-ski scene.

And now it will be even easier to reach this must-visit ski resort this winter with tickets now on sale for the Eurostar direct ski train which will run from St Pancras, London or Ashford International in Kent straight to Moutiers only 25 minutes from Meribel. Commencing 17th December, trains will run twice at weekends with an overnight service on Friday evenings; return fares available from £149. For those living in the north of the UK, new flights operated this season by low-cost airline, Jet2.com from Edinburgh to Chambery, the gateway to the French Alps and only 80 minutes from Meribel, will also be welcome.

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

“Having been fortunate enough to visit many of the ski resorts in the French Alps, I truly believe that Meribel stands out from the rest. Offering the complete package both on and off the piste, it is clear to see why this Alpine gem holds such great appeal to Brits with visitor numbers continuing to rise and demand for accommodation robust.”

Indeed enquiries for property in the Rhone Alpes in which Meribel is situated has accounted for 20% of all French property requests made to international property portal TheMoveChannel.com so far in 2011 and the winter season has not even begun yet! Ranked one of the 50 most expensive locations for residential property in the world by the Knight Frank Prime Residential Index (2010), property prices reflect the desirability of Meribel with an average of €10,000 per square meter.

Land suitable for construction is at a premium with Les Balcons de la Chapelle the only new build development in the resort this season. The limited number of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments and chalets of Les Balcons de la Chapelle occupy a prime location in the heart of Meribel, just a short walk from the ski lifts, shops and restaurants. Available fully furnished to your specification, these luxurious residences afford stunning views over the valley and la Chapelle Notre Dame.

With prices starting at €720,000 these exceptional residences will appeal to discerning buyers, some of whom may be able to take advantage of Sarkozy’s planned overhaul of France’s wealth tax system next year which sees the threshold at which wealth tax is paid by residents increase from €800,000 to €1.3 million.

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.terresensleaseback.com.