Ski property buyers used to being spoilt for time may need to rethink their approach. While prices in France’s housing market remain broadly stable, properties – particularly in sought-after regions – are starting to sell more quickly.
This shift matters for anyone looking to secure a ski home before next winter. The pace of the market has picked up, but importantly, it hasn’t yet tipped in favour of sellers. For buyers who are prepared, this could be a rare window of opportunity.
- Market momentum is growing
- Faster sales, but stable prices
- Why spring is a smart time to act
- Where to focus your search
- Steps buyers can take now
- A market that rewards preparedness
A terrace opens your ski property up to the world
Market momentum is growing
Across France, the average time it takes for a property listing to find a buyer is falling. The Délai de Vente Médian (median time to sell) has shortened in 32 of the country’s 51 largest cities since January. In Paris, homes now go under offer in an average of just 68 days.
While that figure may seem unrelated to ski resorts, it signals a broader shift: confidence is returning, and buyers are acting more decisively.
Cities with links to the Alps are seeing similar movement. Nice, often considered a gateway to the southern Alps and a popular base for dual-season living, has seen its selling time drop by four days in April alone, and by 11 days since the start of the year. Montpellier, a hub for year-round alpine and Mediterranean lifestyle buyers, recorded one of the sharpest drops – 15 days – over the same period. Grenoble, Chambéry and Annecy, all key regional centres for ski access, are likely to follow this trend, even if exact figures are not yet published.
These are not dramatic changes, but they are meaningful. For ski buyers looking ahead to the 2025/26 season, they suggest a market that is no longer stagnant.
Faster sales, but stable prices
What makes this shift particularly notable is that it isn’t being fuelled by rising prices. Nationally, French property prices increased just 0.1% in April. In several cities, prices continued to fall. In Nice, prices dropped by 0.8%; in Nantes, by 1.0%; and in Strasbourg, by 0.6%. Even Bordeaux, which has seen modest recovery, only managed a 0.6% increase.
In resort towns where inventory is often limited and demand peaks in winter, this combination of liquidity and value is particularly compelling.
Why spring is a smart time to act
Timing matters in property, and spring offers unique advantages for those looking to purchase a ski home. By April, the winter season has ended, rental calendars are cleared, and sellers often have a clearer picture of their annual income and costs. It’s a logical time to list – and a sensible time to buy.
This year, the timing is especially favourable. Mortgage rates in France, which had spiked above 4% in early 2023, have now stabilised around 3.2–3.4% for 20-year fixed products. For overseas buyers financing in euros, that translates to improved affordability. For cash buyers, it means less competition from local investors who may have been waiting for rates to settle.
Buying in spring also gives new owners time to prepare a property for the following season – whether that means renovations, licensing for holiday lets, or simply furnishing a home for family use. Waiting until autumn often results in a rushed process, fewer choices and a market that’s already in motion.
The Haute Tarentaise is a territory renowned for its world-famous ski resorts
Where to focus your search
Ski buyers may wish to look beyond the resorts themselves to nearby towns and transport hubs where activity is rising and prices remain more flexible. Locations like Annecy and Grenoble offer access to multiple ski areas and strong year-round appeal. They also reflect the broader national trends, making them barometers for buyer behaviour in surrounding resorts.
In resort towns such as Megève, Morzine or Chamonix, direct data may be harder to come by due to smaller transaction volumes and less frequent listings. The broader trend of falling Délai de Vente Médian should give ski buyers reason to act without delay – but not without care.
Steps buyers can take now
Those planning to purchase in the next six to nine months should consider taking practical steps now. Booking a spring or early summer viewing trip is a good starting point, as it offers time to revisit properties and understand the local context without the crowds of the ski season.
Securing a mortgage agreement in principle, or at least speaking to a specialist broker, will position you well when you find the right property. Get in touch with an expert today. With the market moving faster, being financially prepared increases your credibility with sellers and reduces the chance of losing out.
Currency planning is also crucial. The euro has shown signs of stabilisation following the European Central Bank’s recent rate decisions, but volatility remains a risk – particularly for non-euro buyers. A forward contract allows you to lock in a favourable exchange rate, giving you certainty over your final budget.
We recommend contacting Smart Currency Exchange to book an appointment for all your overseas transactions.
A market that rewards preparedness
France’s ski property market is evolving. Selling times are falling, but prices remain grounded. For overseas buyers, that presents a narrow but valuable window: the chance to act before competition intensifies, without overpaying or being rushed by unrealistic timelines.
This is a market that rewards those who prepare well and move with purpose. Spring may not offer the postcard charm of a snow-covered chalet, but for serious buyers, it could be the perfect time to secure the keys to one.
