Ski Property in the French Alps

The French Alps attract buyers from the UK and worldwide. Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry and Grenoble provide arrival options, and many resorts are within one to three hours by road. UK buyers can also consider Eurostar and onward TGV services. Wherever you live, compare the full journey from your home, seasonal travel connections and transfer arrangements before deciding how often you will use the property.

France also offers a broad range of property, from farmhouses and village chalets to ski-in apartments in purpose-built stations. Foreign buyers can purchase freely, and the notaire-led process is well regulated, with a ten-day withdrawal period for non-professional buyers after signing the preliminary contract. The trade-offs are acquisition costs, tax planning across two countries and the need to understand energy performance rules that now affect letting.

Our current French shortlist features Combloux and Megève in the Mont Blanc area and Méribel in the Three Valleys. They offer different choices for UK and international families: a quiet village with a view, direct access to a large linked ski area, and a historic town with life beyond the slopes.

Budget for acquisition costs on top of the price. For an existing home these are commonly around seven to eight percent; a qualifying new build is often much lower, around two to three percent, but the notaire must confirm the figure. If your funds are not held in euros, plan currency transfers with a regulated provider. Keep a reserve for furniture, works and the first winter.

Your nationality, residence and intended length of stay affect the advice you need. For example, British visitors without an applicable visa or residence permission are generally subject to the Schengen 90-in-180-day limit; other buyers must check the rules that apply to them. Take advice on French ownership and succession rules, together with tax obligations in your country of residence. The legal steps are explained in our article on the legal process of buying ski property in France.