Buying Property in Avoriaz
Discover the Avoriaz property buying process
Thinking of buying in Avoriaz? You’ll enjoy one of Europe’s largest ski areas, stunning Alpine views, year-round outdoor sports, and strong rental potential in a resort that’s always in demand. Add in fresh croissants, mountain cheeses, and the relaxed French lifestyle, and it’s not hard to see why people choose to invest here.
Buying in Avoriaz is part of a wider trend as more Britons look to swap city life for fresh mountain air or a holiday home they can return to year after year. With property in France often more affordable than in the UK and easy access thanks to budget flights into nearby airports, owning a place here is no longer just for the wealthy. Whether you’re after a second home, an investment or even a complete lifestyle change, the French Alps are proving a popular choice.
Start buying property
There are several different routes to buying property in Avoriaz, each with its own advantages depending on your circumstances.
- Estate agents (agents immobiliers) – Licensed professionals who bring buyers and sellers together. Many in ski resorts speak more than one language. Properties are often listed with several agents, sometimes at different prices, so it’s worth comparing.
- Private sales – Buying direct from the owner can sometimes be cheaper, as there are no estate agent fees included in the price. Look on national property websites, in local papers, or even for handwritten “à vendre” signs in windows.
- Notaire sales – A notaire is a government-appointed legal official who oversees property transactions. Occasionally, especially with inherited property, sales are handled directly through their office.
- Auctions (ventes aux enchères) – Less common in France than in some countries, but occasionally they offer good opportunities. There are voluntary auctions (owners selling property) and judicial auctions (linked to inheritances or liquidations).
Property for Sale in Avoriaz
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Apartment for Sale, Châtel
A new project of 29 apartments in a chalet style building inspired by Abondance farmhouses, using traditional stone and wooden cladding. This residence is in a sought-after location, perched above central Châtel, offering unobstructed, panoramic views of the valley and mountains.
Price: €495,000
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Apartment for Sale, Abondance
A small development in the Richebourg hamlet of Abondance, at the foot Mont Chauffé. Located at the entrance of La Chappelle d`Abondance, with a selection of restaurants and shops in the immediate vicinity, Mélèzium is just under 2km from the village centre itself, right by the bus stop and only 2 minutes from the ice driving track.
Price: €456,000
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Chalet for Sale, Avoriaz
Ideally located in the heart of the pedestrian resort of Avoriaz, in the Ruches neighborhood, we are delighted to offer you this magnificent chalet that accommodates 16 people on 338 m2 of floor space.
Price: €5,200,000
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Apartment for Sale, Abondance
A small development in the Richebourg hamlet of Abondance, at the foot Mont Chauffé. Located at the entrance of La Chappelle d`Abondance, with a selection of restaurants and shops in the immediate vicinity, Mélèzium is just under 2km from the village centre itself, right by the bus stop and only 2 minutes from the ice driving track.
Price: €388,000
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Apartment for Sale
Located in the sought-after Alpages II residence, this apartment enjoys a prime location: quiet, yet just a few minutes from the resort center thanks to public elevators and escalators.
Price: €205,000
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Apartment for Sale, Abondance
A development of 31 new-build apartments across two chalet style buildings, with traditional carpentry and elegant architecture. Chalet des Cimes is right at the foot of the “Retour Village” blue piste in Abondance thus genuinely ski-in, ski-out and 200 metres from the centre of the village itself.
Price: €354,000
Leaseback property
In ski resorts, you may see “leaseback” schemes offered on new-build apartments. This arrangement allows you to buy the property freehold, then immediately lease it back to a management company.
The company rents it out, you receive guaranteed rental income, and you can usually use the property for a set number of weeks each year. One advantage is the possibility of reclaiming the 20% VAT (TVA) on the purchase price. However, rental returns have declined in recent years, and selling before the end of the lease may require repayment of VAT.
Buying process
Buying property in France follows a structured process with clear stages. Knowing them in advance makes the journey much smoother.
- Make an offer (offre d’achat) – Put your offer in writing, usually via the agent, with any conditions clearly stated.
- Sign the preliminary contract (compromis de vente) – This legally binding agreement sets out the price, conditions, and timescales. Protective clauses (clauses suspensives) can be added, such as subject to finance or survey results.
- Pay the deposit – Typically 5–10% of the price. A ten-day cooling-off period applies, during which you can withdraw without penalty. After that, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
- Completion (acte authentique de vente) – The final deed of sale, signed at the notaire’s office. At this stage, full payment is made and ownership passes to you.
The notaire is a neutral party acting for the state, not just for one side. However, buyers can appoint their own notaire if they prefer.
Estate Agents in Avoriaz
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Immobiliere des Hauts Forts
This respected estate agent has been running in Avoriaz for over 35 years and has a wealth of contacts and knowledge regarding properties in the Portes du Soleil area.
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Mountain Base
Mountain Base is a French registered British estate agency offering property for sale in the Portes du Soleil and Chamonix.
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Selectis Estate Agent
This estate agent has been operationg for a number of years in Avoriaz and has a wide range of properties to choose from.
Offer to completion process
During the buying process you will be required to sign official documentation and hand over the required funds to make the property legally yours. Buying property abroad can sometimes become a complicated process, and you should note that in many countries the process varies significantly.
It is strongly advised that before committing you arm yourself with all the relevant purchasing information, and complete all necessary financial and structural checks relating to your property. Before signing any official documentation you should make sure you fully understand the legal complexities involved in your purchase and, if possible, make sure you have a notaire fluent in both English and French, so they can explain to you exactly what you are signing.
It is also worthwhile ensuring that your notaire checks the debts against the property, as in some countries once the house sale has been registered you could be liable for any attached debt.
Property buying fees
Costs to Expect
Alongside the purchase price, you’ll need to allow for additional fees and taxes. These can vary depending on whether the property is new or old, and how the transaction is structured.
Notaire’s fees (frais de notaire): usually 7–10% for older properties, around 2–3% for new builds.
- Estate agent commission: often 3–10%, sometimes included in the asking price, sometimes added separately.
- Registration tax (droits d’enregistrement): about 5% on older properties, lower for new developments.
- VAT (TVA): charged at 20% on new builds and many associated fees.
- Other potential costs: surveys, mortgage fees, and currency exchange charges.
Mortgages
French mortgages usually last 7–25 years with strict affordability checks. Payments normally can’t exceed a third of your income. You’ll also need life insurance to secure the loan.
General taxes
Property ownership in France carries certain ongoing taxes. These can vary depending on the property and your circumstances, so it’s worth taking professional advice.
- Local taxes: taxe foncière (land tax) and taxe d’habitation (occupancy tax). Both apply even if the property is only used seasonally.
- Wealth tax: charged on assets above a certain threshold.
- Capital gains tax: payable when selling a second home or rental property.
- Inheritance rules: French succession law can override wills, with property often passing directly to children.
Final Tips
Buying a property abroad can feel daunting, but the French system is clear and well regulated. A few precautions will help everything run smoothly:
- Always have contracts translated or fully explained before signing.
- Consider arranging a survey, particularly for older Alpine homes.
- Be mindful of currency exchange fluctuations if funding your purchase from abroad.
- Take independent legal and tax advice tailored to your situation.