"The market in the Massif des Bauges is based on
the year-round accessibility of the area, as it runs
in close proximity to Annecy, Aix-les-Bains and
Chambéry. In the past 12 months buying clients
have been 90% French, with a large proportion
coming from the immediate surrounding area.
This "locals" market has been driven by the low
cost of property, compared to the neighbouring
towns and the exceptional quality of life on offer.
Living (or owning a second home) in a protected
natural park, only 30 minutes commuting time,
with no traffic issues has a strong appeal. This
represents a fundamental change in our buyers
mentality - to accept a 25km commute, in return
for a better family life. The trend started in mid to
late 2019 and accelerated quickly after the shock
of the first Covid confinement.
The Bauges mountains covers the eastern edge of the region and run from Annecy, in Haute Savoie, down to
Chambéry in Savoie. There are 14 major peaks in the mountain range, some of them (such as Semnoz) given
global exposure as they host summit finishes on the Tour de France.
CROSS BORDERS - THE MASSIFS DES BAUGES
The international market is generally made
up of people looking for a life change, rather
than a holiday home. However, the market is
currently moving so fast that good property
(even at ambitious prices) is selling as soon as it is
publicised. This means that international clients
are often unable to react in time. With demand
outstripping supply it is not unusual to have 20
serious clients for every property on our books.
Property prices have increased accordingly and it
has given us a glimpse into the market that our
colleagues in Paris, Bordeaux and Nice have been
enjoying for the past few years."
Max Ashton lives in the Massif des Bauges, close to Annecy, and he gives us an insight into the current
market:
In conclusion, the market
here has been extremely
resilient, throughout the
crisis, and we go into 2021
with the utmost confidence.
"