Alpine News
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.
