Bridging Loan For Property in the French Alps

By Georgia Galloway | Friday 6th October 2023 | 4 minute read

Home to Mont Blanc and the stunning scene for a vast range of winter and summer activities, owning a property in the French Alps would be an alpine dream come true. 

View of the alps and houses in Barcelonnette Town, Ubaye Valley, Vallée de l'Ubaye, Alpes Haute Provence, French Alps

In the winter, the amazing sports include skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, activities include hiking, mountaineering, biking and rock climbing, with people travelling worldwide to wonder at the beauty of the French Alps.

It's not only about securing your dream alpine property; it's also about understanding how bridging loans can help accelerate this process while offering flexibility that traditional finance methods may lack.


Why Purchase Property in the French Alps?

The French Alps offer an alluring blend of picturesque landscapes, year-round recreational activities, and a robust property market. Investing can be profitable, offering potential buyers an attractive return on their investment.

A prime reason to purchase property in this region is its appeal as a top tourist destination. Whether you're drawn by the snowy slopes during winter or prefer hiking and biking in summer, there's always something for everyone. The bustling tourism industry makes it ideal for those looking to generate rental income from their properties.

Strong Infrastructure & Accessibility
The infrastructure supports residents and visitors, making life easier even if they are unfamiliar with local customs. It boasts well-connected transport systems, including international airports, making accessibility easy whether travelling domestically within France or from another country altogether.


Best Locations to Buy Property in the French Alps

Chamonix: The Adventurer's Paradise
Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix offers both thrill and tranquillity. It boasts world-class ski slopes, attracting adventurous spirits year-round.

Apart from this adrenaline-pumping activity, it has an active town centre with bustling restaurants and shops that make a living here full of life.

Courchevel
If luxury living is what you seek, then Courchevel might be your best bet. Known as the 'St Tropez of Winter Sports', it caters to an elite clientele seeking upscale properties.

You'll find everything from chalets with panoramic views to plush apartments within walking distance from ski lifts - perfect if skiing straight out your front door appeals.

Morzine
Families looking for quieter environs will find Morzine ideal. This village-style resort prides itself on family-friendly facilities like outdoor ice rinks and horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy trails.

Purchasing a property here offers dual-season appeal due to summer activities such as hiking and mountain biking alongside traditional winter sports.

Saint Martin de Belleville
In contrast to glitzier resorts, Saint Martin de Belleville maintains its authentic alpine charm. Its serene atmosphere and traditional Savoyard architecture make it an attractive choice for those desiring a peaceful mountain retreat.

With the Three Valleys ski area at your doorstep, you can enjoy world-class skiing without the hustle and bustle of busier resorts.


Benefits of Using a Bridging Loan to Purchase Property in The French Alps

A bridging loan could be just what you need. With loan amounts from £25,000 up to millions and interest rates starting as low as 0.44% per month, they provide a faster solution than traditional finance options such as French mortgages.

The Flexibility Factor
Bridging loans offer flexibility that's hard to beat. You can secure one within seven working days if all goes well. That's quicker than most lenders would even process your application.

This speed gives buyers an edge when bidding on properties at auction or trying to close deals rapidly before someone else does.

Filling the Gap When Time Is Essential
You're short on cash because of buying costs, and renovations aren't cheap either. This is where bridging loans, including those designed specifically for refurbishment projects, come into play. They give you quick access to needed funds, so your dream home doesn't slip through your fingers.

Tailored To Your Needs
No two property transactions are identical - each has unique features and requirements, so conventional mortgage offers may fall short sometimes.

In contrast, bridging loans let buyers tailor their financing according to their specific needs, such as loan term or purchase price. Whether you're a seasoned investor looking for commercial property finance or a first-time buyer hoping to step onto the property ladder, bridging loans can be customised to suit your financial situation.


Understanding the Costs and Taxes Involved in Purchasing Property in The French Alps

When buying property, especially abroad, understanding the tax implications is vital. France has a particular array of taxes that could considerably affect your funds.

Stamp Duty Tax
In France, stamp duty is an unavoidable part of any property transaction. It's usually between 5-10% of the purchase price, depending on whether you purchase new or old property.

Local Taxes
The local authorities also get their share when you buy a home in the French Alps through two types of annual taxes: taxe d'habitation (residence tax) and taxe foncière (property tax). Both depend on factors such as the location and size of your Alpine retreat.

Income Tax Implications for Rental Income
Good thinking if you rent your newly acquired ski chalet for extra income during peak season. Just be aware that rental income from properties located in France is subject to French income tax regardless if you're living in the UK.

Capital Gains Tax
Selling property isn't all profit; capital gains come into play here, too. In France, selling residential property could lead to hefty capital gains taxation unless held for over 22 years – something worth considering before flipping that charming cottage. 


We're experienced financial experts who arrange short-term bridging loans for property owners, securing you the best deal from over 200 bridging loan providers, including private investors and family offices.

If you're undecided about buying property specifically in the Dordogne and would like to consider some different locations for property investment in Europe, discover our complete guide to buying property in France.

Get expert assistance today; we're on hand to answer any questions about bridging loans.

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Call our friendly team on 01202 612934, we're ready to help.

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