What is good value?

Good value, to my mind, is not about getting something at a knock down price, to me it’s about getting what you want for a fair price, and in ski areas we can see just how much your requirements dictate what is good value.

Here are three 3 bedroom properties for sale in the Belleville Valley, part of the world renowned Three Valleys ski area.

3 bedroom chalet for sale, which could be 4 even 5 bedrooms, 5 mins walk to the lists and centre at 1,248,000€
Three bedroom ski chalet 8 mins walk to the lifts 682,500€
3 bedroom village house 10 mins drive to the lifts at 373,000€.

But let’s look at these three examples in more detail..... what’s this price difference all about and how can they all be good value for money?

The most expensive at 1,248,000€ is a new build. This means that everything is built to the latest standard; there is a 10 year guarantee in place, everything is shiny and new. You can also choose your interior finish to suit your tastes ... hummm.... tempting isn’t it! It is also in a superb location, lots of sun, south west facing, 5 mins flat walk to the lifts and centre of the village, incredible views and lots of potential to make more of the chalet by utilising the lower ground floor which is undeveloped due to local planning law. So actually not a bad buy at all, and in fact even compares well to other new builds in the resort and even better again when looking at other resorts in the Three valleys. So the price isn’t looking so high now is it? In fact I think good value applies very much to this chalet. Quality finish and quality location.

The three bedroom chalet for 682,500€ is a cutie. A pretty chocolate box type chalet and I really like it, but perhaps this style is not for everyone? There is little potential to develop but none the less that is a great price to be able to say “I own a chalet in St martin de Belleville” so why is it such a good price? Well, it has three bedrooms (sleeps 10), and two bathrooms – so far so good – but (here it comes) it is at the lower end of the village so you do have to walk uphill for about 6 to 8 minutes to the lift in the village centre although it only take about 5 mins in normal shoes for going out in the evening. So that limits the buyers a bit. It’s good news for you if you don’t mind walking as the slightly limited market that has been anticipated when valuing the property has helped keep the price down for you! Another but ....... it is close to the local store for snow ploughs .... although let’s face it that means you’ll never be snowed in (you can tell I’m an estate agent can’t you! Next to a nuclear power plant? That’s alright madam you’ll never be short of electricity.). However in this case that really can be a bonus if you’ve got a plane to catch or are a little timid in a car. In addition it has great views. It’s got a terrace, balconies and a little garden. Its 10 years old so maybe coming up to a bit of a refresh but it’s been well looked after so perhaps that’s not an issue in any way other than keeping the price down a little.... for you maybe? It’s pretty, it’s in a ski resort, it’s been well cared for ....... so good value? To me very good value for an in resort 3 bedroom chalet!

Finally the village house, which get’s loads of sun on a terrace that looks to Mont Blanc. It has lots of potential and is based in a friendly, pretty, sunny village that is very attractive to all year round mountain lovers. In the summer it’s a haven for walkers and mountain bikers as well as becoming a good ski base in the winter months.

But you have to drive to the lift.

If that isn’t a problem for you then this is where you’ll get great value and much more property for you hard earned pound.

So three good value properties – three very different prices – which one represents good value to you? Tricky isn’t it!

Other three bedroom properties in or near ski resorts for you to consider;
3 bedroom penthouse for sale, St Martin de Belleville,great views, central village, couple of paces to the ski lift. 920,000€
3 bedroom apartment St Martin de Belleville, great views, ski in/ski out. 446,000€
3 bedroom ski chalet in the heart of Courchevel 1650 for sale. 636,000€
3 bedroom ski apartment for sale in the pretty village of Les Allues 4mins drive to ski lift. 575,000€
3 bedroom village house in t Bon for sale at 424,000€
3 bedroom new build for sale near St Martin de Belleville, 3 mins drive to lift. 395,550€

and there are more ........... www.skifrenchproperty.com