French Alpine Property Investment: How the Rental Market Is Evolving in 2025

Introduction

Ski-in, rent-out, cash-in. That’s the new formula driving a wave of savvy buyers to the French Alps, and it’s no longer just about snowy holidays and postcard views. In 2025, Alpine property has become one of Europe’s most strategic lifestyle investments.

More Than Just Beds: Layouts That Rent

There was a time when cramming two sets of bunk beds into a studio apartment passed for clever optimisation. Not anymore.

Buyers and renters are looking for spacious, flexible layouts. In the high-end Alpine market, the old strategy of “more beds equals more rent” has gone. Instead, open-plan living areas, dedicated workspaces, and adaptable bedrooms (think twin beds that convert to doubles) are highly sought after, especially for off-season bookings like corporate retreats or wellness getaways.

Chalet Victoria, St Gervais — Price Price €3,550,000

Design Sells and Rents

In this competitive market, how your property looks and feels is as important as where it’s located. Guests now expect a bespoke interior, not a copy-paste look from a furniture catalogue.

From tasteful lighting to curated artwork, attention to design detail directly translates into higher occupancy and rates. Professional furnishing is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic investment.

Les Chalets Du Chevril, Val d Isere — Price From € 3,135,000 

WiFi Is Non-Negotiable

The rise of remote work and digital nomads means guests are streaming Netflix in one room while attending Zoom meetings in another. Sometimes, all while the kids are watching YouTube.

In short, WiFi must be robust. Properties with poor connectivity risk negative reviews and lower repeat bookings. The most future-proof builds plan internet distribution during construction, often with professional-grade solutions or even satellite internet in remote areas.

Smart Pricing Requires Smart Data

Rental forecasting has moved well beyond guesswork. With the right data, including historical pricing, local competition, and property-specific features (like hot tubs or saunas), owners can now model 5-year revenue projections with surprising accuracy.

This level of forecasting is especially useful during the planning and furnishing phase, helping owners make design decisions that directly impact income.

The 20% VAT Rebate

Buyers of new-build French Alpine properties can reclaim 20% VAT, not just on the property itself, but also on furniture and management fees.

To qualify, properties must be:

• New or recently delivered
• Rented furnished on a short-term basis
• Managed professionally with hotel-style services (e.g. linen, cleaning, check-in)

The rebate is amortised over 20 years, meaning you retain a percentage if you stop renting after 10 years. The refund can be used to reduce borrowing or reinvest elsewhere, significantly improving your overall return on investment.

Le Hameau du Raffort, Meribel — Prices From €2,850,000

Summer Is the New Secret Weapon

Alpine tourism is no longer just about snow. Resorts like Chamonix, Les Gets, and Alpe d’Huez are fast becoming year-round destinations, offering hiking, biking, and music festivals.

Some resorts are now seeing 25% year-on-year growth in summer bookings — a trend likely to continue as climate-conscious travellers seek cooler destinations in warmer months.

Download Alpine Property Finders Alpine Summer Report 2025

Top Performing Features in 2025

Properties with the following features consistently outperform the market:

• Hot tubs or saunas
• Fireplaces
• Bike storage or boot rooms
• Dedicated office spaces
• Proximity to lifts and town centres

Adding even one of these can dramatically increase rental appeal and pricing power, particularly in high-demand weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What are the most common mistakes when furnishing a rental property in the Alps?
Many owners underestimate the importance of design. Using cheap furniture or over-personalising the decor can negatively impact bookings. A neutral yet high-quality design with some personality tends to perform best. Professional interior furnishing pays off in rental returns.

Q. How important is WiFi for Alpine rentals?
Absolutely critical. With remote work and streaming now the norm, poor WiFi can lead to negative reviews and lost bookings. Fibre-optic or satellite solutions like Starlink are increasingly common, especially in resorts with lagging traditional infrastructure.

Q. Does property size affect returns?
Yes. In general, apartments offer better returns per square metre than large chalets. Smaller units are more versatile, easier to fill, and often better located. However, demand for chalets remains strong in the ultra-luxury segment and for larger groups.

Q. Which French Alpine resorts are best for summer rentals?
Summer revenue is growing fastest in resorts like Chamonix, Chatel, and Alpe d’Huez. Resorts that offer strong infrastructure, events, and outdoor activities now see significant off-season demand, especially among families and remote workers.

Q. Can I reclaim VAT if I stop renting the property later?
Yes, but only partially. The VAT is amortised over 20 years. If you stop renting after 9 years, you retain 9/20ths (45%) of the rebate and repay the rest. This flexible system allows owners to adapt their strategy over time without losing all the tax benefits.

Q. Does a professional management company improve rental performance?
Yes. Properties managed by full-service, hospitality-driven teams see better visibility, higher guest satisfaction, and increased repeat bookings. Services like linen, cleaning, check-in, and dynamic pricing are difficult to replicate independently.

Q. Is it worth adding a sauna or hot tub?
Absolutely. Amenities like hot tubs, saunas, and fireplaces are top features used by guests on booking platforms. Properties with these features command higher rates and longer stays, particularly in the winter peak season.

Q. How often can I use my Alpine property if I reclaim VAT?
You can still use your property personally for around 8 weeks per year while maintaining VAT compliance, as long as you meet the rental criteria. Most owners rent their properties far beyond the minimum needed to qualify.

Q. What are typical rental yields for Alpine properties?
While yields vary by location and property type, apartments typically deliver 3–5% net yield, while chalets yield around 1–3%. Proper management, strategic furnishing, and four-season appeal can push yields higher.