Good things, small packages
"Châtel is smaller than the other resorts in the Portes du Soleil, but that’s why we like it!"
Buying your first property overseas off-plan and in a location you’d only skied in once before would make most buyers go weak at the knees. But for Mr and Mrs Rowley from Norfolk, England, it was the attention to detail given to their research that gave them the extra confidence they needed to complete their first purchase abroad.
They chose Châtel, which has been an increasingly popular resort for international buyers purchasing ski property in the French Alps. Whilst smaller than its Portes du Soleil mix of charm, world-class skiing and improved infrastructure has put it firmly on the map.
Yet despite this increasing popularity property prices are yet to reach the levels of its more internationally recognised neighbours. High specification properties with good sizes are still cheaper here than in its big neighbours of Morzine and Les Gets.
Charming Châtel…
“We’d been skiing in Châtel once before and could therefore picture the building which the new development would replace. Using street view helped refresh our memories too and we could also retrace our steps by walking virtually around the resort.”
“The previous investments into the resort were also a big factor. The new lift to the Linga ski slopes helps the resort access other parts of the ski domain more easily and there is also an aqua-spa which is great for the kids on snow days.”
“Châtel is smaller than the other resorts in the Portes du Soleil, but that’s why we like it. It still has its little heart, just like it was a long time ago. The skiing is very good and it is close to Geneva too, so you can be there in a little over an hour.”
“We do lots of walking in the UK, so we’re looking forward to stomping the Alps during the warmer months. Summer is big in the Portes du Soleil, there are a lot of activities for all ages.”
“We were given a lot of valuable advice by Athena and they really helped us navigate the process.”
A helping hand
“We did as much due diligence as we could,” said Mrs Rowley, who bought a one bedroom south facing ski apartment at a central property , in the Portes du Soleil ski domain.
“As well as researching the basics like the location and developer, we also looked into the others involved in the project, the management company, Athena Advisers, everyone.”
“We were given a lot of valuable advice by Athena and they really helped us navigate the process. But buying a property abroad can be a nerve-racking experience so you have to give yourself the best possible advice too, and this is where our research came in.”
