Le Bas-Chablais, between Lake Geneva, the frontier and mountains

Offering sumptuous rural scenery and villages with lots of character around Douvaine, Le Bas-Chablais benefits from constant economic development due to its closeness to Switzerland and its renowned ski resorts.

Since 1987, the Lac & Frontière agency has covered the borderline communes on the left bank of Lake Geneva. Here, the wide array of properties available consists of contemporary timber-frame houses, rehabilitated old farmhouses, chalets, traditional homes, charming and high-end apartments. “Highly specific, our market does not follow national trends. We depend on Switzerland’s economy and tax measures,” explains Christian Veau who, with his partner Bertrand Vuarnet, directs this agency whose offerings are all situated within a perimeter of 15 km at most, between Lake Geneva and the Swiss border. “Our clientele is mainly comprised of “frontaliers” (French people working in Switzerland) and a few Swiss buyers. Demand most frequently comes from ordinary families with budgets ranging from 500,000 to 600,000 €, looking for pleasant houses ideally located in Veigy-Foncenex, Chens-sur-Léman, Yvoire or Messery : communes which are highly-prized due to their immediate proximity to Switzerland and their quality living conditions.” A view of the lake tops their list of requirements. But while there is a good choice of homes in this area, it is often necessary to make a few concessions. Fewer in number but constantly and steadily present on the market, Middle Eastern clients enjoy financial means allowing them to set their sights on luxury properties priced from 2 to 3 million euros. At these levels, they offer beautiful views of the lake and appointments attaining the summum of comfort and quality.

This proximity to the frontier and especially to Geneva’s airport is an important asset for the village resort of Morzine. From the top of Chamossière, one can see Lake Geneva to the north, Mont-Blanc to the south, and the Swiss frontier, within easy reach. An authentic village resort in Savoyard style, Morzine lies at the heart of this exceptional panoramic setting. Playing host to 50 hotels, two holiday villages, a large aquatic complex, a skating rink, First Division hockey club, and good restaurants, Morzine is a high-end address. “Underpinned by a very strong pound sterling, activity in 2015 proved to be extremely buoyant. British buyers accounted for 60 % of all transactions in this area. The other buyers were mostly French, Swiss and Dutch,” says Ingrid Maes of Majestic Immobilier Morzine. Following a period of observation and wait-and-see after the Brexit announcement, the market is now back on track, boosted by the arrival of new developments bringing a breath of fresh air to this market which had become rather narrow. “Several high-spec residences have been built in the centre, with apartments on offer at around 8,000 € per sq. metre. Others about 2 km away post prices from 6,000 to 7,000 € per sqm. Fans of chalets with generous budgets head for outlying areas where desirable examples can be found at over 1 million euros.” By way of example, Ingrid Maes mentions one of the properties currently offered for sale by her agen­cy : a chalet with 8 bedrooms, tastefully rehabilitated and enlarged in 2011, on offer at 1,850,000 €. Morzine can look forward to a rosy future, especially as the giant cable car linking it to Avoriaz should begin operating in 2020-2021.

These articles might interest you :

Update on the borderline market

Whether in Le Pays de Gex or Upper Savoy, the real-estate market on the border with Switzerland is still in good shape. For both new and old properties, buyers have a wide choice. Possibly a little too wide ?…

 

Le Pays de Gex, a privileged location

At the gateway to Geneva with its airport and international institutions, Le Pays de Gex appeals for its natural, quiet and residential setting. Benefiting from efficient transport networks, shops and amenities, this area in the north-eastern part of...

 

Annemasse, a very buoyant market

An average-sized town with 32,000 residents, Annemasse offers the advantage of a convenient location on the Franco-Swiss border, 2 km from the canton of Geneva. Its very lively property market mainly revolves around acquisitions of year-round homes b...

 

Le Pays de Gex, a market in its own right

Lying in the midst of luxuriant landscapes between the Massif du Jura and Lake Geneva, Le Pays de Gex offers immediate proximity to the border with Switzerland as its N°1 feature. This strategic location endows its with a unique and persuasive argume...

 

The Franco-Swiss region known as “Le Pays de Gex”

Between the Jura mountains and Lake Geneva, the main assets of Le Pays de Gex are its magnificent green scenery and, above all, its immediate proximity to the cantons of Geneva and Vaud. A strategic position, boosted by very efficient transport netwo...

 

La Chautagne, an authentic region

At the north-western tip of the département of Savoy, La Chautagne consists of 8 communes on the banks of Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake in France.