Le Beaufortain : the mountains on a human scale

Radia Amar - 30 November 2020

Alpine pasture land between lakes and mountain peaks, the Massif du Beaufortain with its winter sports resorts on a human scale offers an appealing setting, henceforth protected by strict legislation.

Far removed from the highest prices seen in Savoy’s resorts of international renown, the Beaufortain property market nevertheless posts prices which can prove to be “exclusive”, especially for homes such as chalets at the foot of the slopes, which have become extremely rare. As for the market for new properties, it has suffered a real slowdown since the start of the pandemic. Furthermore, the latest modifications to local urban planning have greatly reduced offerings of building land. In fact, the Valley of Beaufort has year-round residents but remains well-preserved, offering village life in tune with seasonal activities : skiing in winter, hiking in spring, green tourism in summer and, finally, in autumn, peacefulness for local owners left among themselves.

”Specializing in sales and seasonal rentals, we cover the entire Beaufortain valley,” says Etienne Mathoré, Manager of the Imogroup Beaufortain agency. “Starting prices of around 100,000 € give access to small apartments within the village. Many buyers hear the call of the mountains and consider buying a barn or chalet in need of refurbishment, with a budget of 150,000 €, without calculating that the cost of the work often amounts to a sum that would enable them to acquire a property in better condition, with more advantageous amenities. Especially as legislation aimed at preserving the mountains can make the acquisition process more complicated. For example : being prohibited from building an access road over agricultural land - which discourages certain buyers who end up abandoning their plans.” For those wishing to own homes within the resort, the localities of Arêches, Hauteluce and Les Saisies remain favourite destinations where the market is mainly comprised of apartments - approx. 100,000 € - and village chalets whose prices vary significantly depending on their appointments. “To treat yourself to the cliché of a chalet amidst the fields, overlooking the forest, you will need a budget of at least 400,000 €, which can easily attain 600,000 € or even more.” Finally, it is also worth noting that, faced by the sudden influx of buyers right after the first lockdown, owners have become more reticent about putting their properties up for sale, thus accentuating the rare availability of properties of quality, but keeping prices on an even keel.