If you’re thinking about buying property in the Alps, one of the decisions you’ll need to make is whether you’re open to buying a chalet renovation project. I mention chalets a few times in this post, but equally you could be looking for an Alpine apartment to renovate.
Whether you’re buying for business purposes or personal use, there are clear opportunities in choosing a renovation project.
Advantages of a chalet renovation
- Enjoying less competition for properties
- Offering a much lower purchase price
- Accessing more desirable locations
- Ending up with a personalised property that’s exactly to your specifications
Of course, some renovation projects are bigger than others and you’ll need to decide how much work you’re prepared to take on. If you’re new to renovations, you may well experience a steep learning curve.
Luckily, you won’t have to do this alone. Having the right professionals on hand to help you through the process will have a huge impact on how manageable the project will be.
Location, location, location
The most popular Alpine resorts are typically also the most populous. This means there are fewer new building plots available in certain locations. Both property developers and individual buyers are getting around this by seeking to ‘recycle’ older buildings in great locations.
In some cases this means demolishing buildings that are no longer fit for purpose and rebuilding on the plots. However, we’re also seeing an increasing trend towards renovating and reimagining older properties. A chalet renovation can be a great way to enjoy contemporary luxury while still retaining a traditional Alpine style.
The benefits of personalisation
Ultimately, when you buy a property in great condition, you’re paying for all the work that’s already been done. Though this can be ideal in terms of getting straight into the property or putting it to work right away, it’s unlikely that the finish will be exactly as you would’ve chosen.
When you choose a ski chalet for renovation, you’ll save money on the purchase price in order to then be able to spend it on a renovation according to your own specifications. You’ll end up with a better finish that’s completely to your own taste, and all for the same – or less – than you would’ve spent on a property that was already ‘done’.
The best way forward
The question of whether or not to take on a renovation project is a very personal one. You may love the idea of being able to personalise property, or you might rather have decor decisions taken out of the equation completely.
There’s a real question of expectation here. If you have a very specific idea of what you want from your property and where you want it to be, renovation is likely to offer you the best opportunity. You’ll be able to create exactly what you have in mind, where you have in mind.
Remember: taking on a chalet renovation project doesn’t have to mean taking on additional work. I regularly work on behalf of clients to project manage professionals such as Alpine architects, interior designers and tradespeople. I also work to bridge the language and culture gap, which means the project can keep progressing as planned.
With my help, clients can enjoy all the benefits and opportunities that come with renovating a property without having day-to-day involvement in the project themselves.
If you’d like to talk about a French or Swiss chalet renovation and whether it might be the right option for you, please get in touch.