‘Résidences de tourisme’ or tourist residences are a form of accommodation that’s common in ski resorts and other tourist hotspots in France. They offer self-catered accommodation combined, in some cases, with hotel-style amenities like access to a swimming pool, gyms, bars etc. They may also come with an on-site caretaker/concierge who can tackle maintenance issues in communal areas or offer an added layer of security.
The advantages of owning your own property in a ski resort
Generally speaking, if you’re interested in buying an apartment in the mountains, this is one fairly common route to do so. Tourist residences are often located closer to the centre of towns or major ski resorts rather than out in the countryside, making them a good bet for investors or second-home owners who want to be at the centre of the action!
These town-centre locations help ensure a steady stream of rental income, simply because they represent a convenient option that suits many visitors. The very fact of their construction is usually an indicator of an area being in high demand and increasing numbers of guests can have a knock-on effect in the shape of a ‘virtuous circle’ of more amenities and entertainment facilities, which in turn attract yet more tourists. This phenomenon also impacts upon the re-sale value of such properties.
Getting the most from your apartment – all year round
Winter sports resorts have long since re-invented themselves into all year round tourist destinations. Most people who buy an apartment in the Alps will carefully research what kind of leisure activities are on offer at different times of the year. This is relevant whether you intend to use your holiday apartment principally as your own base or if you want to let it out for most of the time. The more extended the holiday season in your chosen resort, the easier it will be to rent out your flat for longer periods of the year.
An apartment in a resort that has an active calendar of summer events as well as plenty to do in the winter is also likely to appreciate in value more than property in resorts that are quiet for most of the year. From a personal point of view, buying in resorts with all year round activities means that you are likely to get greater enjoyment and use from your investment. If there’s poor snowfall one winter season, then at least you have a second bite at the cherry the following summer.
Typical summer activities in the larger ski resorts include golfing, tennis, spas, climbing, horse-riding, hiking, paragliding, ziplines and obstacle courses, mountain-biking and much more! Most resorts in the French Alps are also within easy reach of Switzerland or Italy, should you wish to enjoy an international day-trip!