Buying & Selling Property

So why the Alps? Freshly baked diet defying croissants, delicious cheeses, market fresh produce, sprawling vineyards or French men in a stripy t-shirts with berets and onions are all loveable clichés that attract millions of visitors to France each year. However, France’s low property prices have more recently also become a major attraction for many British visitors looking to continue their fond holiday memories abroad. As such, France has experienced a surge in the number of Britons taking the plunge across the channel and buying a property there. Brittany and Normandy were historically the popular destinations people chose to buy their second home as travel distances were short and relatively straight forward. Today it is not uncommon for property hunters to look at chateau restorations in the Dordogne, or ambitious barn conversion in the Ardèche without any hesitation.

Low-cost airlines that fly to smaller, local French airports combined with rising UK property prices are contributing factors for the surge in interest in the French property market. For some, the chance to own a second home or holiday villa in France is no longer a dream or a right that’s reserved for the rich and famous. As property in France has become more accessible and affordable, many Britons have looked to invest. Currently it is estimated that approximately 500,000 homes have been bought by Britons making France a popular foreign property buying destination. ... see "How to Buy a Property in Switzerland" for more

Spurred on by a love of skiing or a simple investment purchase, the past few years has seen a surge in the number of investors snapping up chalets and apartments across the French and Swiss Alps. The demand for Alpine snowy boltholes is rising year on year and is currently being led by young British investors who have a passion for the outdoors who are looking to invest some of their hard earned cash. The range of alpine property available means that there is generally still something out there to suit most skiers’ pockets and taste. ... see "Buying Property in the Alps" for more

For many of us purchasing a property abroad is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. The buying stage can be the most exciting part as this is where it all becomes real. You've done all your homework, you've trawled through the internet, scanned pages and pages of houses and apartments particulars and visited numerous potential property candidates before finally locating your ideal property!

It's the buying process where you will be required to sign official documentation and hand over the required cash to make the property legally yours. Buying property abroad can sometimes become a complicated process and you should note that in many countries, the process varies significantly from that of the UK. It is strongly advised that before venturing down this final route you come fully armed with all the relevant purchasing information and have completed all necessary financial and structural checks that will relate to your property. Before signing any official documentation you should make sure you fully understand the legal complexities involved in your purchase and if possible, make sure you have a solicitor that is fluent in both English and the local language so they can explain to you exactly what you are signing. ... see "The Property Buying Process" for more

Regional differences Biarritz, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Grenoble and Lyon are all areas where house price inflation was relatively stable until the low cost airlines started flying into nearby regional airports. Over the past few years, property prices in these areas have increased significantly, with some as much as 40 per cent! In buying your dream property in France you should expect to pay several fees and taxes (link) also which may include some of the following:

Solicitor's ('Notaire') fees and commission ... see "Costs Associated with Buying in France" for more

Many people can think that buying a house in a foreign destination will be much cheaper than buying a property in the UK. Whilst this may be true, it is advisable to take some time investigating and understanding your tax and legal position before you make concrete decisions about your dream property as they can add significant amounts to your purchase price and annual maintenance charges. Don't rely on your estate agent or seller to furnish you with all the facts, they' are afterall after the sale and wont want you to be delaying that process completing.

When buying in a foreign country, you should always consider the tax implications of buying, selling and possibly renting out your property. Taxes rules and rates can vary immensely from location to location so make sure you have done your homework as unexpected taxes could be crippling for you further down the line. Your tax situation may well be affected as a result of your foreign property purchase so advice should be sought from a professional who can offer specific guidance on issues such as taxation in the UK ... see "Property Taxes & Legal Fees" for more

Despite the appeal of purchasing property in the Alps, owning property abroad is not a realistic dream for all individuals. In addition to the upfront expense, there are yearly taxes to consider as well as the fees and hassles of maintenance that must be taken into account.

For many individuals, purchasing a timeshare in the Alps is a more economical option, because you pay a fraction of the cost for the initial purchase and a set nominal yearly fee for maintenance. Once you are an owner, you can enjoy annual week-long vacations in the Alps. Moreover, if you purchase a timeshare affiliated with a major exchange company, such as an RCI timeshare, you can trade your vacation time for different destinations throughout this region.

Before purchasing any property – timeshare or traditional real estate – be sure to research both initial costs as well as recurring fees and expenses to ensure that you are not exceeding your means. Learn more about timeshares.