Insights - Morzine Property
First of all, after the prodigious snowfall of the 2017-18 season, did you see a follow through of interest from buyers into the summer and autumn?
The winter of 2017-2018 was a very snowy winter and the interest of potential buyers for the resort increased. It is important to point out that Morzine and its infrastructure have developed enormously for several years, and that the resortis very busy in the summer thanks to many events and its large mountain bike area. Potential buyers are interested in Morzine throughout the year.
Do you think it was only a positive effect from the fantastic ski conditions, or can you identify other factors that are supporting the interest?
It is obvious that the ski conditions of the winter of 2017-2018 had a very positive effect for the resort. However, Morzine is a world famous ski resort world and particularly appreciated by the British clientele. The interest of potential buyers is not determined by a single winter, as fantastic as it was. In less snowy winters, the fact that Morzine is connected to Avoriaz (1800m) assures us that the clientele is there every year. In addition, people appreciate that Morzine has retained its traditional charm and its authenticity. There is a good balance of a very family and casual atmosphere mixed with nightlife that is appreciated by the younger guests. In addition, Morzine is 1 hour from Geneva airport, a very important point for our overseas customers for easy access to the resort. For this reason, properties to rent in Morzine remain popular throughout the year.
What sort of properties for sale in Morzine do you see most in demand?
Currently, we have many requests for chalets and 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom apartments.
Is there enough for sale in the market in this segment?
Morzine is an active and popular market. For several years demand has been greater than supply. However, we record a significant turnover. Indeed, an apartment is on average kept 7 years by the owners against 15 years for a chalet.
Are there any ‘soft spots’ in the market in Morzine currently, where might canny buyers find a good deal?
Rather than saying “soft spot” we prefer to say “opportunity”. Today, great value can be added by buying an older farm to renovate, and selling on at a high price.
How is the new development market in Morzine? Which are the best new projects you would flag to our readers?
Many new projects have sprung up in the resort, especially in the center of Morzine. It seems that the municipality has made a conscious decision to develop the centre of the resort.
Please tell us about significant new infrastructures, new hotels, events in Morzine.
A big project is under discussion in Morzine. This is the construction of a new cable car that will link the centres of Morzine and Avoriaz, via the Prodains cable car. Currently, there are shuttles that provide the link between the Pleney cable car and the Prodains cable car. The project would remove a significant number of daily shuttles and provide more comfort to people. In 15 minutes, they will be in Avoriaz. Housing will also be built, including social housing, tourist residences, car parks, perhaps a multipurpose hall. To connect the new cable car station to that of Pleney, a 200 metre long underground conveyor will be built. This is scheduled for 2020 or 2021.
In general, how would you describe price trends in Morzine over the last 12 months?
In the last 12 months prices have remained stable. Mountain property has been an interesting investment for many years!
What would be your best advice to current or potential sellers in terms of timing, how and when to list your property?
I would advise the potential seller to put their property up for sale at the beginning of the ski season (December) or at the beginning of the summer season (May). However, we make sales all year long and potential buyers who are interested in the resort will move at any time of the year!
Alpine Property intelligence – January 2019
Images © Office de Tourisme de Morzine Avoriaz