GREEN SHOOTS SIGNAL MGM’S LONG-TERM CONFIDENCE

Confidence in the long-term property market in the French Alps is underlined this month by the region’s biggest developer, MGM, which has just announced plans to build new ski-in, ski-out properties in Bisanne 1500.

The small hamlet in the Savoie region is six kilometres from the family-friendly resort of Les Saisies, venue for the 1992 Olympic cross country ski event.

“Like all developers, MGM is affected by the current downturn but we are continuing to sell properties in the French Alps and the level of interest shown by would-be buyers attending The France Show in London in January reinforces our confidence in the long-term future,” says Nathalie Turchet, MGM’s UK sales manager.

“We are looking beyond the gloom of the current year and our green shoots’ will be the start of construction of our latest scheme in the autumn.”

The new development, Le Chalet Ameria, comprises 12 apartments for outright purchase. Located next to the ski slopes and a five-minute walk from village shops and cafes, the properties range in size from two-bedroom apartments to a three-bedroom duplex. They have floor areas of between 42 and 88 sq metres. Off-plan prices start at €222,000.

This artist’s impression of Le Chalet Ameria shows how MGM’s 12 apartments for outright purchase at Bisanne 1500 will look when they are completed in December next year.

The scheme follows the success of MGM’s earlier development of 120 apartments at Les Saisies – Les Alpages de Bisanne – which was completed in 2007.

Dubbed The French Tyrol, the area around Les Saisies features timber and stone architecture which blends with the mountain scenery.

This earlier MGM development – Le Chalet des Trappeurs in Les Carroz – is similar in style to Le Chalet Ameria which MGM plans to build at Bisanne 1500.

MGM has followed this traditional approach in the design of Le Chalet Ameria where standard facilities include secure cellar store and ski lockers. Most of the apartments come with underground parking spaces.

The scheme is the latest to be announced by MGM which recently has revealed details of other new developments planned in Les Arcs, Tignes and Courchevel as well as several locations around Lake Annecy.

For travellers from the UK, Bisanne’s nearest airport is at Chambery, 75 minutes away by road. Others are at Geneva (one hour and 35 minutes) and Lyon and Grenoble (both two hours away).

Winter skiing

At an altitude of 1,650 metres, Les Saisies has one of the best snowfall and sunshine records in the Alps. Located between two valleys – the Beaufortain and the Val d’Arly – and enjoying panoramic views of Mont Blanc, it has direct access to the Espace Diamant ski area. Covering 185 kilometres of slopes, it embraces five ski resorts – Les Saisies, Crest Voland Cohennoz, Notre Dame de Bellecombe, Flumet and Praz sur Arly. In addition to extensive high quality downhill and cross-country skiing, the area offers a wide range of other winter activities including snowmobiling, paragliding, snowshoeing, torchlight descents and snow-karting.

Summer holidays

In summer, Les Saisies is a centre for outdoor activities which include hiking, horse riding, mountain biking and quad biking. Adrenalin sports’ on offer are paragliding, climbing and canyoning. For families, sightseeing trips to the local villages, an adventure assault course, nature trails and mountain walks to see marmots and alpine herds can be enjoyed.

For full details of the new MGM homes for sale in Annecy contact the company’s UK office at Kingsland House, 122 – 124 Regent Street, London W1B 5SA, telephone 0207 4940706 or visit the website www.mgm-constructeur.com