UK to Alps ski train set to boost property values
Its ease of accessibility has ensured that France remains one of the most popular second home destinations with British buyers and the announcement of a new Eurostar winter service between London and the Alps is sure to boost demand further says French property expert.
The new winter service commencing from December 19th 2010 will allow passengers to travel direct from St Pancras and Ashford International to Moutiers, Aime-La-Plagne and Bourg St Maurice in the heart of the Alps. The journey will take only 7 hours, passing through stunning scenery with returns fares costing around £149 per person return.
Charlie Williams, French property expert at Experience International and passionate Alpine skier comments, “The French Alps have and always will offer the finest skiing in Europe in my opinion. Ski property with quick and easy access from the UK is in particularly high demand and the news that you can go from London to the Alps in 7 hours spells good news for owners; I fully expect demand and subsequently property values to rise.”
There has been a marked increased in the number of people choosing to visit France by train as opposed to flying with Eurostar reporting a 6% rise in passenger numbers during the first half of 2010. Environmental concerns combined with the impact of the volcanic ash cloud earlier this year and the rising trend of travellers choosing rail travel over short-haul flights is believed to have accelerated this growth.
One resort tipped by expert Charlie Williams of Experience International as a hotspot for the ‘10/11 ski season is Sainte-Foy-en-Tarentaise. Located just 15 minutes from the train station at Bourg St Maurice and 15 minutes from both Les Arcs and Val d’Isere, this beautiful unspoiled resort has long been the preserve of experienced guides bringing their clients over from nearby Val d’Isere to enjoy the famous powder and off-piste skiing available.
Williams enthuses, “Thanks to some sensitive re-development this Savoyard town has been reborn as a luxuriously quiet retreat for families and groups alike. Prices increased by 7.5% over 2009 and in response to demand for quality accommodation a prestigious developer has released La Chapelle, a ski-in ski-out development with many facilities and outstanding views on the leaseback system with 100% finance.”
With a freehold leaseback property, owners can enjoy guaranteed index linked returns for 18 years as well as personal usage including an extra 4 months during the summer. The first phase is almost sold out but prices for the soon to be released second phase of 4* one to four bedroom luxury properties start from £185,000 with furniture, ski locker, storage & underground parking included.
For more information about the wide range of leaseback properties easily accessible via the new Eurostar Alps service visit experience-international.co.uk.
