Total donated by Alpine Property so far 41 940€

We give 1% of our turnover to local groups dedicated to supporting our local environment . That’s 1% of everything, not just profit. We pay this out even if we make a loss. So if you work with us, 1% of the commission we charge you goes to supporting local environmental organisations.

These donations are audited by the French 1% for the Planet organisation. We started this in 2022, our first year has just been audited.

Donations in 2022

First tranche of donations 2023, there is more to come

So far we have supported 5 organisations.

Montagne Verte

Montagne Verte is a non-profit association funded by the community that serves with a simple mission; develop solutions for the local region to reduce its environmental impact. They envision a valley in which mountains, people and biodiversity thrive. A united community building a carbon neutral, sustainable future for all. They aim to inform, inspire, encourage and integrate with the community ; educate and support businesses to become more sustainable. The mountain is our playground, our home and our reason for living, they help people act to respect and preserve it.

More information about their work is here

Working with local mayors to encourage eco policies for the future, including organising an educational trip to Zermatt

• Running a local second hand shop
• Looking into improving cycling infrastructure
• Running the bio-waste collection scheme
• Lobbying for improved train connections to the Alps
• Helping local businesses & residents to reduce their carbon footprint
• Encouraging local businesses to give discounts to people that arrive by train through the AlpinExpress pass
• Organising weekly food boxes using local producers

Association un Rêve d’Abeilles

Un Rêve d’Abeilles is dedicated to protecting pollinators (not just bees!). They run educational initiatives with schools, youth organisations (MJC’s), and other non-profits (associations). Through their projects, they create new habitats for bees while simultaneously raising awareness among these diverse audiences.

Their efforts involve organising intergenerational events that cater to people from various backgrounds, providing opportunities for bees to thrive in new environments. Additionally, they establish individual apiaries (bee hotels) as sanctuaries for domestic bees, allowing visitors to connect with both domestic and wild bee species. These locations serve not only as educational spaces featuring alternative hives and wild bee hotels but also as awareness-raising hubs with informative panels on everyday practices to support all pollinators.

Furthermore, their actions extend to the re-naturalisation of specific areas, fostering conditions to allow wild pollinators to flourish. This includes initiatives to relocate nests of wasps, bumblebees, and bees, contributing to the overall health and vitality of pollinator populations.

2023 report available here 

Ecotrivelo

Ecotrivelo is an association that collects biowaste from various businesses in the Chamonix valley, including restaurants, hotels, bars, and canteens. The collected waste is composted locally, they have minimised their environmental impact through bicycle-powered collections. Since 2020, Ecotrivelo has successfully collected and processed 153 tons of biowaste.

Upon collection, the organic materials are stored in wooden composters within the valley. To enhance the composting process, dry matter sourced from local companies, such as Scierie Revilliod and atelier Rabbit on the Roof, is incorporated. Maintaining a careful balance between dry matter and organic matter (50/50 ratio) is crucial. The composters undergo regular mixing and monitoring several times a week to ensure optimal conditions.

Upon reaching full capacity, the composters are emptied to create windrows or mounds (known as “andains” or “buttes” in French), allowing the compost to rest. After a period of six months, the windrows are turned to facilitate aeration. This meticulous daily management ensures the compost’s high quality and balanced composition.

More information on their website

https://www.ecotrivelo.fr/

Inspire

Established in 1996, Inspire is an association dedicated to improving air quality in the Mont-Blanc region and advocating for the protection of the environment, health, and climate. They consistently implement actions to ensure that the concerns voiced by local citizens are acknowledged by the authorities. In addition to these efforts, they actively engage in extensive public awareness campaigns and contribute to the development of proposals presented to elected officials and decision-makers. Their commitment extends to fostering a sustainable and healthier environment for the community.

In 2023, Inspire made proposals for the transfer of goods by train to elected officials, decision-makers and economic players, in the local and national media. They appeared on the following media channels:

• Un dimanche en politique/ France 3 Alpes
• La Terre au Carré / France Info
• Radio Mont- Blanc
• Le Messenger

Also they monitored the evolution of the negotiations of the new European Directive on air quality. And worked to monitor the application of the Arve Valley Atmosphere Protection Plan, PPA CL’AIR (Application du Plan de Protection de l’Atmosphère) and presented the progress to local associations.

In addition Inspire have organised:

• Workshops on eco-mobility for school students from Passy and Cluses.
• A conference on the automobile eco-guide in Fillinges.
• A presentation of the new bus network in Chamonix.

More information here – https://inspire74.com/

1% for the Planet Organisation

1% for the Planet” is a global movement that encourages businesses and individuals to contribute at least 1% of their annual sales or income to environmental causes. The initiative was founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, the founder of outdoor clothing company Patagonia.

Companies that join the “1% for the Planet” commit to donating 1% of their annual revenue to approved environmental nonprofit organisations. The goal is to encourage businesses to take responsibility for their environmental impact and contribute to the protection and preservation of the planet. The funds raised through this initiative go toward various environmental projects, including conservation efforts, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity protection.

As you can see, we give an annual “subscription” of 1,200€, we would like to avoid giving money to fund “administration”. The 1% for the Planet France annual report fully details in 23 pages what they do for this and is available here.

Put simply:

• 1% for the planet France oversees 10m € of donations to environmental projects etc
• Their turnover is 2,25 m, about 700 000 € of that comes from subscriptions like ours.
• 79% of the money they receive is distributed to environmental projects.
• 17% goes on running their organisation.
• That is 4% on running costs when you take into account the 10m€ they audit in total.
• There are 1 000 companies in France doing as we do.
• Worldwide there are over 5 000; outside of the US, France is the second largest member.

Since it was founded in 2002, 1% for the Planet has given over $585m to environmental organisations.

As I always do, I have reread the summer update to see how things have changed. Back in the spring of this year, we definitely felt there might be a “wobble” in the property market. Winter 2022/23 started off with the energy crisis, thanks to the war in Ukraine. Then we had the further issue of a lack of mortgages due to quickly rising interest rates (remember Kwasi’s kamikaze budget?). This was then followed up with very little snow at Christmas. Altogether, it felt a bit like a perfect storm.

In January, the snow came, and we had a long period of cold, stable weather. The energy issues stabilised and mortgages reappeared slowly. There was indeed a stutter, but it did not last long. Summer started, and it was mostly a scorcher. Thanks to the efforts of our local Tourist Office’s we had lots of big-name events. So often the fortunes of the property market here are tied to the weather, much like the fortunes of the holiday industry in general. Sometimes I think this is what it must feel like to be a farmer.

The summer was busy again, but still with two underlying issues: the difficulty of obtaining a mortgage and a general lack of available properties. I have looked at our numbers for the last few months. The number of people looking was slightly higher in the “Covid years” of 20/21, today’s numbers are up from last year (2022), and up from the pre-COVID year of 2019. HOWEVER, the number of properties available is down compared to all those years, so there is pressure that is keeping the prices up. The number of sales is down compared to these last few years due to a lack of “stock.” If you are selling, don’t be tempted to overprice your property, because if you do, it will linger on the market. And if you are looking, secure financing first if you need it, and don’t be surprised if you have to offer at the asking price.

Political pressures are building in our ski areas due to two issues. One is environmental. Continual growth just feels wrong when we are trying to preserve our planet for future generations, and the other is available and affordable housing for residents. People see the new developments going up in the center of our towns and rail against the local council to do something about it. Unfortunately, local councils are mostly overruled by national planning guidelines. Change is slow, but it is happening.

You may have heard talk of higher taxation on second homes. This is part of the slow change mentioned above. Despite what some UK papers will tell you, this is not something aimed at the British. It’s a blanket change that affects everyone. Second homes and vacant premises will be subject to higher taxes, and the money raised will help build affordable housing. All in all, a good thing in our book.

Other changes that are slowly having an effect are our energy performance certificates (DPEs). They have been around for more than 15 years now, and their importance is starting to have an impact. Eventually, the French government is aiming to have all dwellings as a D or better. From this year, properties with an F or G certificate are considered a “fail” and further costly surveys are required before a property can be advertised for sale. This is to educate a buyer about the work required to improve the energy efficiency of the property. Properties in this failed category are known as “passoires thermiques” or thermal sieves. If they are rated G, then they can’t be let out long-term from 2025; this regulation will eventually affect E and F properties as well.

Seasons seem to be extending, this is another slow change, but bit by bit, the local amenities are staying open a touch longer. Not that many years ago, the summer season was very much limited to July and August, but in areas like the Portes du Soleil it now feels more like June through September. Chamonix has always had longer seasons, nowadays there is almost no down time.. Add to this that more people are enjoying our mountains “out of season,” such as in Spring and Autumn, something the people that live here have always appreciated. We’ve just had family to stay during the November holidays, and there has been plenty to do during some pretty inclement weather. Mountain walks between the rain, the ice rink, and swimming pool have been open, and the new “luge d’été” in Les Gets too. Beyond that, a showstopper of a trip up the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix was a real hit and should be on everyone’s bucket list.

We took part in a Webinar hosted by Lumon (currency specialists), we answered 22 questions about buying a property in the French Alps, these questions had been put forward by our audience.

The panel members were:

Gareth Jefferies – French Property Expert at Alpine Property
Fiona Watts – Finance specialist at IPF
Dennelle Taylor Nizoux – Visa specialist at Renestance
Jonathan Watson – Currency Specialist at LUMON

The full video is available on the video posted below. However you can jump to a relevant question by clicking on the time-stamps below.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 07:29 Looking for a property at altitude, do you have any advice?
• 10:13 How easy is it to obtain a mortgage in France when self-employed?
• 11:59 How do I obtain a long term visa for France, without becoming tax resident?
• 15:08 What costs are added to the purchase price when buying in France?
• 16:20 Why should I use a currency broker over the high street banks?
• 19:19 Does a residency permit allow access to the EU schengen area over the current 90 and 180-day restrictions?
• 20:34 Can UK Nationals obtain French mortgages?
• 21:11 Can the French government help subsidise making your home more efficient?
• 24:31 Does buying a French property through a company change the financing arrangements?
• 26:21 Does France have a digital nomad visa?
• 28:16 Do I need to engage an architect for a barn renovation in France?
• 30:32 Can I get insurance that covers natural disasters when buying a property in the alps?
• 33:47 How is affordability for a mortgage calculated in France? How much deposit will I need?
• 36:42 How does a currency broker know the best time for clients to transfer their money?
• 40:06 When Fiona says finance costs should not be more than ⅓ of income, is this before or after tax?
• 41:02 Can you tell us where the new “up and coming” place is to invest in the Alps?
• 43:04 It is being reported in the UK that France is going to tax British second home owners. Can you tell us about this please?
• 46:05 If I have an Irish passport, can my husband and children (who do not) stay longer than 3 months?
• 47:21 Do purchase chains exist in France?
• 52:15 Can you give us an overview of the taxes involved when buying an investment property?
• 54:57 What is your view about global warming and less snow in the winter?
• 58:42 Do I need a visa if I am joining my family in France?

The government in France is trying to rebalance the housing situation in favour of primary residences and renters. This is raising many questions. The press in the UK is often reporting this as a tax on British second home owners, however these taxes concern everyone, the French included.

Briefly

• Taxe d’Habitation has been abolished for primary homes, taxe d’habitation is payable only on furnished properties that are not primary homes, this mainly concerns second homes that are not rented out.
• Owners of furnished rentals should declare the rental income in France (wherever they live), this means they may well be registered as a small business. In this case cotisation foncière des entreprises (CFE) is payable and the owner is exonerated from Taxe d’Habitation.
• If a property is rented out AND used occasionally by the owner, then both Taxe d’Habitation and CFE is payable
• All properties are liable for Taxe Fonciere (land tax), these are broadly related to the rental value of the property.
• Unfurnished, vacant properties are covered by Taxes sur les logements vacants (TLV), this is payable on vacant unfurnished properties. This does not concern many properties in the French Alps!

Communes in certain areas of housing stress (all the communes we cover in the Haute Savoie) can increase the tax d’habitation on second homes from between 5 and 60%, I have already seen that some of the communes around here have made their announcements.

Cluses have increased theirs by 30%

https://www.ledauphine.com/politique/2023/09/29/cluses-la-taxe-d-habitation-sur-les-residences-secondaires-sera-majoree-de-30

The money raised should go to providing low cost housing for residents.

More information on the TLV here

https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F17293?lang=en

Taxe fonciere is increasing too, this affects everyone, French, foreign, main homes, second homes. I have listed some of our local villages here, you can find yours in this article

https://c.ledauphine.com/economie/2023/09/06/taxe-fonciere-ou-sont-les-plus-grosses-hausses-de-votre-departement-et-en-france

Chatel 33%
Grand Bornand 32%
Chamonix 28%
Les Gets 25%
Morzine 26%
Montriond 19%
St Jean d’Aulps 24%

The pandemic has clearly caused an unprecedented surge in demand for second homes in many parts of the world. At Alpine Property, we have seen this influx of buyers manifest itself in the primary home market as well, as people seek to leave the suburbs and move to the mountains to take advantage of remote working opportunities. We have also observed a gradual deflation of this market, however, raising the question of whether the bubble has burst, or just decreased slightly. Nevertheless, the market is still strong and the demand for holiday homes remains high.

The French property market has been booming for two years, making it increasingly difficult to find a new home that meets any size of budget. This has been a factor in the recent slowdown of the market. Moreover, heightened interest rates set by the government have led to a lack of profitability for banks offering mortgages, making them difficult and often impossible for individuals to acquire. This was especially true during the Winter of 2022-2023, when mortgages were virtually unavailable.

As of mid-June, there are signs of the mortgage situation beginning to improve in France. However, it remains a bumpy road, especially in the UK where the interest rate hikes are making it difficult for buyers to secure financing for their UK homes. The biggest problem remains the lack of properties coming onto the market. Cash buyers, who are unaffected by the mortgage situation, are facing stiff competition for each new listing and our advice is to make an offer at the asking price to secure the property they are interested in. Thankfully, the trend of price inflation appears to have subsided, this means the properties that are significantly overpriced will be slow to sell.

It is often a question that our agents are asked – what is the internet access like in the area? For those looking to change their pace of life and seek out a better work-life balance, this question is incredibly important. Opting to work from home has become increasingly common, and access to reliable internet is key for many professions. Luckily, our villages are in the process of being connected to fibre, and for those that are still waiting we have Starlink, Elon Musk’s revolutionary satellite internet service. More and more we are using our bikes for transport, not just for pleasure. It would be beneficial to have improved cycle infrastructure to make the everyday tasks of daily life easier to do without a car – something that Alpine Property strongly advocates for!

We are not new-build specialists here at Alpine Property; we do have some new-build properties for sale on our website, but we generally concentrate on resale properties, renovation projects, etc. As everyone can see, there have been a lot of new apartment developments built in our villages in recent years, and they’ll continue to pop up all across our valley in the coming years. This was mainly down to central government encouraging more house building. Quite often we hear people blaming the local councils, the town halls, the mayors for this change, which is often perceived as the overdevelopment of our authentic mountain villages. It’s important to understand however, that there’s not a lot that our elected officials can do about this situation. In the last year we’ve seen the local planning rules tighten, so there should be fewer building sites in the coming years.

Despite all of these considerations – supply, demand, interest rates, internet speeds – the general situation in the local property market remains the same. People of many different nationalities still want to spend more time than the average holiday affords them in the mountains and when they play the long game, they usually win. Recently I’ve started to notice a few other considerations for buyers however; let’s talk about the weather. To the joy of many, we have four distinct seasons in the alps, punctuating our progress through the year, yet winter is still the main attraction. Earlier this year it looked like the ski season might have been an issue, with record festive season temperatures across Europe resulting in a shortage of snow. It was OK in the end. I’d noticed that in last few years, the season seemed to finish slightly earlier than usual. Not this year however; in the end the skiing higher up carried on until the final days of winter.

Rather than focus on snow depths however, I’d suggest future mountain property owners consider a year-round view on how they’ll use their home. We have three massive cycling events taking place in our region this summer; the Etape du Tour and Le Tour de France in July, both of which will bring in tens of thousands of road cyclists with images beamed across the world. UCI Mountain Bike World Series Festival takes place across Morzine, Les Gets and Chatel at the beginning of September, which will attract as many fat-tyre enthusiasts. It’s my view that these global events will continue to promote our region to future property buyers, picking up any slack that comes from a less-snowier-than-average winter season, and therefore not seeing an end to demand for property in the Alps for years to come.