This might not sound ground breaking but it is quite a departure for Alpine Property. We have always concentrated on Chalets and properties in the valley ski resorts. in 2006/7 when we had a tricky season of snow we wondered if we should look more closely at Avoriaz, the prices held up well as buyers naturally headed for the “snow sure” areas.
We ski through Avoriaz plenty, personally I live down below in St Jean d’Aulps and visit frequently in the Summer and Winter. I have always had a soft spot for the philosophy and the architecture. I have often had to defend it from it’s critics. Here are some reasons why to like it:
1. Car free, when it was built in the 1960′s this went against the flow, it really shows were the designers were coming from though.
2. Designed to blend in with the surrounding mountains, it does a good job too, I love pointing to the horizon from Morzine and asking the people I’m with to spot Avoriaz. It’s there but it is well camoflaged, no straight edges, and clad in cedar. Genius.
3. It’s at 1800m and is predominately North facing, very snow sure and with modern lifts and tons of snow-making (just in case).
4. Very little expansion from when it was finished in the early 70′s has meant that the property prices have held up well compared to other resorts with a more liberal building policy.
Piste Hors have a nice write up on the history of Avoriaz.
Built in 1995, Chalet Les Pommiers is a semi detached property. It has been rented successfully as a business during the winter and summer over the last 5 years, thanks to its location return custom has always been guaranteed. The chalet is demi-detached and is shown here as the right half of this building.
I was reading the Morzine Mairie Bulletin this evening and came across a mention of the “L’Aquariaz” water park in Avoriaz. Currently we are selling apartments in the new Pierre et Vacances project via our Alpine Property website. We refer to this development as a “swimming pool complex”, it looks like we might be understating things a bit. The Morzine Marie bulletin refers to this swimming pool as a 11.6m euros “Aqua park”, that sounds like some swimming pool! I have done a little Googling to try and find some more information and the best I have managed is
” which will include a 400 square metre spa, a 600 square metre heated swimming pool and a 3,000 square metre aquatic and leisure area called Aquariaz. Based on the Center Parcs concept, the Aquariaz will have water rivers, jacuzzis, water trees, wave pools and slides, all at a constant temperature of 29 degrees Celsius”
This quote came from The Post.IE , this sounds quite a lot more impressive than “swimming pool complex” and in fact will provide a brilliant amenity for the whole area. Well done Morzine.
An abbreviated list appears here:
Major investments in 2009
Wood-fired generator and linked heating system: 2 800 000 €,
Improvements to the Tourist Office square: 2 470 000 €,
Projects scheduled for the current administrations tenure
Completion of public infrastructure linked to the Avoriaz 12 M € (communal participation of 5 M €),
Avoriaz aqua park (L’Aquariaz): 11.6 M € (financed by Pierre et Vacances),
Indoor pool near the Palais des Sports: 8.5M €,
New cable car link to Morzine-Avoriaz. 1st section from Prodains-Avoriaz to be completed by December 2011: 20 000 000 € financed by SERMA. 2nd section from Morzine-Prodains (surveys under way).
We have talked about the new cable car link on this blog. I should stress that only the first part from Prodains to Avoriaz is definitely going ahead, the rest is part of the plan!
Either way that is a pretty hefty investment programme that any small town would be proud of.
The French governement has recently announced the introduction of a substantial new tax break of great interest to “buy to let” investors in new properties in the Alps.
The scheme, known as the “Loi Scellier”, has just been extended to include properties destined for holiday lettings.
What you get…….
A reduction in your income tax bill of between 20% and 25% of the purchase price of the property, this reduction to be spread over 9 years.
What you have to do………..
Purchase a new property in a Residence de Tourisme and commit to renting it out for a minimum of 9 years.
What is the catch…………
You need to be paying French income tax. However anyone, no matter where they are resident, renting out property in France is liable to pay French income tax on this income. The scheme is therefore highly relevant to anyone looking to buy new investment property in France with a tax free return on income.
The prestigous Pierre et Vacances development in Avoriaz now qualifies for this tax relief. As a result these properties are selling fast. Contact us to find out more.
Recent activity for the Portes du Soleil region (so that includes Morzine, Les Gets, St Jean d’Aulps and Chatel).
In March so far..
Maison des Gys « sous compromis »
Land in Bellecombe « sous compromis »
Chalet Clos « sous compromis »
Vielle Ferme « sous compromis »
A new development in Essert Romand launched at 2009 prices (not like 2008 prices!), so that means 3,500 euros / m² not 5,000 euros / m² a 30% reduction in new build costs.
This apartment is part of a luxury renovation project in the sought-after location of Les Choseaux, close to the pistes and golf course of Le Mont d’Arbois.
The property was fully renovated to the highest standards with exteriors in natural stone and old wood throughout. Interiors are decorated with the best quality materials and designed in a modern style yet very much in keeping with the mountain atmosphere, with particular attention given to the bathrooms.
This property is on the top floor and comprises 3 double bedrooms each with bathroom, open plan kitchen and living room leading to a balcony, as well as a private garage. The residence has only 4 apartments and is a perfect example of the latest exclusive “new mountain” developments now in fashion in Megève. It will provide a mountain base with modern comforts without the trouble associated with the upkeep of a chalet.
Posted by Gareth 
