 Poster: A snowHead
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The major Alpine property developers MGM are claiming that Chamonix's property boom hasn't halted, and that demand for second homes in the region is still "considerable".
This report from Maria Fitzpatrick for Telegraph.co.uk
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| Richard Deans, sales consultant, adds: “Mont Blanc will always draw British people to it, but lately we’re seeing less of the 'pure investor’ and more of those who are looking long-term and are fulfilling a life dream by buying here.” |
The British love of Chamonix goes back centuries, with a particular fascination (well before Queen Victoria) for visiting the Mer de Glace. But I'd contend that the property boom achieves nothing for the place except pollution and congestion. In my opinion, the Alps need second-home owners like they need a hole in the ozone layer.
Any views on this?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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The Abominable snowHead, no second home owners and the Alpine economy would suffer. Overrun the place with them and the Alps lose their charm and will suffer later. The optimum number of second home owners? I don't know and neither do you.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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The Abominable snowHead, Second home owners are not the major problem, the real problem is property owning non residents.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| Boredsurfing wrote: |
| The Abominable snowHead, Second home owners are not the major problem, the real problem is property owning non residents. |
Excuse me for being dim here,but are you drawing a distinction between those who have a second property in the alps for their own use and those who buy purely as an investment to let commercially? If so what do you think the different impacts are?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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midgetbiker, Second home owners from Paris Lyon etc tend to visit regularly and 'put something back' into the community. Non resident property owners visit 3/4 times a year and whilst paying taxes etc contribute little to village life.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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A bit like townies here buying holiday homes in the Yorkshire Dales - tends to over inflate prices and makes it difficult for local buyers. Should be more control like it used to be in some of the Swiss Cantons.
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| Boredsurfing wrote: |
| The Abominable snowHead, Second home owners are not the major problem, the real problem is property owning non residents. |
Yup. A major problem for all resorts where property speculation has been the primary driver of growth are cold beds. Chamonix has far too many buildings sitting empty which means the resort is overbuilt and can suffer from too many visitors at peak periods and not enough capacity at other times. The French Alps would benefit from fewer apartments and more good value hotel/guesthouse space like you get in Austria.
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Local occupancy restrictions on new developments, similar to those operating in our National Parks and some rural districts under pressure from second homes, would do the trick.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Peter S wrote: |
| Local occupancy restrictions on new developments, similar to those operating in our National Parks and some rural districts under pressure from second homes, would do the trick. |
Agreed, they should shut the doors (now that I'm in  )
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| Boredsurfing wrote: |
| midgetbiker, Second home owners from Paris Lyon etc tend to visit regularly and 'put something back' into the community. Non resident property owners visit 3/4 times a year and whilst paying taxes etc contribute little to village life. |
Our apartment in Chamonix will be used by us (the 2 families who own it) for about 120days in 2010 and probably a further 20days'ish by friends. Does that make us second home owners or non residents?
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FAQ
