Relocate to the Alps

I fancy doing this. What should I consider, and anyone know of any
resources I might use to research.
Currently thinking of chalet renovation. This sort of thing, this sort of
price!, probably with better access ;-)

http://www.frenchpropertylinks.com/f...perty=fache347

Open on location Swiss/France/Italy - as snow sure as I can afford ~?200K
all in excl refurb.

Know nothing of laws, tax etc.

Aim is to gradually earn an income from catered chalet business.

--
Mike W

There's not enough time or space to tell you everything - but
a) don't stretch your budget to the limit. Refurb will probably take longer
and cost more than you imagine - before you see any income (and you'll money
need to advertise to get clients)

b) don't buy anywhere with difficult access. If it's difficult in summer
imagine what it's like in winter. Everyone wants ski in ski-out - but not
with luggage nor do they want to be half-way up a mountain at night -
especially on a black slope. And someone has to do the daily shopping when
there are guests.

c) as in all property "Location, Location, Location" Val d'Isere, Meribel,
Courchevel are expensive - because they sell well. If you want income, it's
better to buy smaller in a better location than bigger in a bad location.
For capital appreciation - work out why it's cheap and what factors indicate
it might become expensive by the time you want to sell.

d) Don't count too much on friends as being the source of clients a) it's
more stressful before they arrive and when they are there b)you are more
likely to feel obliged to offer a discount c) if they are good skiers - they
will still want to go to somewhere they can be sure they will get great
skiing on their holiday. (Some will no doubt come - but better not to expect
them to when doing your financial projections and budgeting.

e)Learn the language of the country where you want to be - this should maybe
have come first. You'll need help from locals and you'll get more help if
you can communicate properly with them and avoid a lot of misunderstandings
which could be very costly in time and money.

f) France attracts more skiers than Switzerland - but you do usually get
more for your money in Switzerland. But you can't buy everywhere - different
regions have different regulations, but it is opening up. Italy might be
worth looking at - but only in resorts which have a very good snow record
and potential to expand as chalet holidays are not so popular.

g) Do a lot of research and find out all the laws about buying property,
planning laws and restrictions, and all the laws and regulations required to
operate a business - including taxes etc. (You can get plenty information on
the net - look at Official Government websites - you can start by looking at
English language Chamber of Commerce websites for Switzerland and France.

You could go in blind a be very lucky! - but just think what you'd do if you
were buying a property in the UK - and what you'd want to be sure of before
handing over any money or agreeing to buy.

If you aren't going to take the same precautions when buying abroad make
sure you know why you aren't taking those precautions - rather than being
convinced they aren't important.

Good luck !




"visionset" wrote in message
...
I fancy doing this. What should I consider, and anyone know of any
resources I might use to research.
Currently thinking of chalet renovation. This sort of thing, this sort of
price!, probably with better access ;-)

http://www.frenchpropertylinks.com/f...perty=fache347

Open on location Swiss/France/Italy - as snow sure as I can afford ~?200K
all in excl refurb.

Know nothing of laws, tax etc.

Aim is to gradually earn an income from catered chalet business.

--
Mike W