Investing in the mountains: the Alps, an attractive investment destination (copy)
Investing in the French Alps is attracting more and more buyers. By 2025, some resorts are expected to see prices exceeding €15,000 per square metre and occupancy rates of over 80% in winter.
The result is a dynamic market, driven by strong rental demand and global tourist appeal.
Whether you’re looking for a second home or a rental investment, the Alps now offer an excellent balance between enjoyment and profitability.
Tourism in the Alps: strong rental demand and tourist appeal all year round
The French Alps are among the most popular destinations in Europe, with over 50 million tourist overnight stays per year.
- Winter: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing
- Summer: hiking, mountain biking, trail running, golf
- Off-season: wellness, nature breaks, remote working
This high visitor numbers ensure high property occupancy rates, particularly in high-altitude resorts.
Skiing, hiking, mountain biking: outdoor activities that boost rental profitability
The major advantage of the Alps lies in their year-round tourist activity, which allows for the optimisation of a property’s profitability.
In winter, skiing attracts an international clientele with weeks offering high rental value, particularly during school holidays. In summer, hiking, mountain biking, trail running and other outdoor activities appeal to a rapidly growing clientele.
This dual season helps reduce periods of rental vacancy and allows a property to be let for a longer period, with income spread more evenly throughout the year.
WHAT RETURN CAN YOU EXPECT FROM A PROPERTY INVESTMENT IN THE ALPS?
Profitability depends on several factors (location, standard, management), but here are the average trends:
- Gross yield: 2% to 5%
- Occupancy rate: 60% to 85% annually
- Revenue peaks: school holidays + Christmas and February periods
Properties with ski-in/ski-out access or close to ESF ski schools remain the most profitable.
SECOND HOME IN THE MOUNTAINS: COMBINING PLEASURE AND INVESTMENT
Investing in a second home in the mountains not only allows you to enjoy moments of relaxation and leisure with your family, but also improves your quality of life.
The French Alps offer an ideal setting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush nature, fresh air and a peaceful environment.
Owning a second home in the mountains can be an excellent opportunity to recharge your batteries and enjoy the benefits of nature.
Investing in the mountains, particularly in the French Alps, offers numerous advantages. Tourist appeal, year-round outdoor activities, the promotion of heritage, and the chance to own a second home in an idyllic setting make the Alps...
WHERE TO INVEST IN THE ALPS? THE MOST PROFITABLE RESORTS
Here is a comparison of the most sought-after resorts:
| Resort | Average price per m² (2025–2026) | Rental yield | Peak season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Méribel | €10,000 – €14,000 | 3–5% | Winter + summer |
| Chamonix | €9,000 – €13,000 | 3–4% | All year round |
| Megève | €11,000 – €16,000 | 2–4% | Premium winter |
| Val d'Isère | €12,000 – €18,000 | 2–3.5% |
Very high-end winter |
Méribel remains particularly attractive in terms of value for money.
WHAT BUDGET SHOULD YOU ALLOW FOR BUYING IN THE ALPS?
Here is an estimate based on the type of property:
- Studio: €150,000 to €400,000
- 2-3-room flat: €300,000 to €800,000
- Large flat: €800,000 to €2 million
- Chalet: €1.5 million to over €10 million
The budget depends heavily on:
- altitude
- proximity to the slopes
- the standard of the property
SOME TAX INCENTIVES AND SCHEMES FOR INVESTING IN THE MOUNTAINS
Several schemes allow you to optimise your tax situation:
LMNP (Non-Professional Furnished Rental)
- property depreciation
- low-taxed income
Parahotelier status
- VAT recovery
- related services (cleaning, reception, etc.)
These schemes are particularly well suited to tourist resorts.
CHECKLIST: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT INVESTMENT IN THE ALPS?
✔ Location (ski-in/ski-out / resort centre)
✔ View and aspect
✔ Access (car park, ski lifts, shops)
✔ Summer and winter rental potential
✔
Service charges ✔ Quality of the residence
✔ Option for rental management
TRENDS IN THE ALPINE PROPERTY MARKET
Since the pandemic, several key trends have emerged:
- a return to nature
- the rise of remote working in resorts
- increased demand for large apartments
- a move towards higher-end amenities
The Alps are no longer just a seasonal destination, but a genuine year-round place to live.
BECOMING A PROPERTY OWNER IN THE ALPS
If you wish to invest in the Alps, our team will support you every step of the way: property selection, rental strategy, tax optimisation.
Essential local expertise to safeguard your investment.
SELLING YOUR PROPERTY
Are you a property owner looking to sell?
We offer:
- free valuation
- marketing strategy
- full support right through to the sale
Manon SAVOYE
vente@agencesaulire.com
06 03 97 33 87
