Mountains or plains: what's the difference between two real estate worlds?
When it comes to real estate, location changes everything. But did you know just how striking the differences can be between an estate agency in the mountains and one on the plains? At Besson Immobilier, specialists in properties at altitude, we'd like to take a look at the differences between these two real estate worlds.
The properties: between chalet and villa
In the mountains, property dreams come true. Authentic chalets with fireplaces, cosy flats with panoramic views, or mazots full of charm... These properties respond to a search for comfort and a change of scenery. Here, location is key: being close to the slopes or south-facing can turn a property into a real gem.
On the plains, property is often more practical. We're talking about family homes, detached villas, functional flats and building plots. Everyday life guides the search: proximity to schools, access to transport and urban amenities are the priorities for buyers.
The clientele: tourism or main residence
In the mountains, the clientele is a fascinating mosaic, often international, attracted by the unique appeal of the Alpine landscapes and sporting activities. Many are looking for a second home offering a timeless interlude: a cosy chalet for waking up to snow-capped peaks, or a contemporary flat with a spa for relaxing evenings after a day on the slopes. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a family looking to spend some quality time together, you'll find a property that embodies charm and escape. Investing in the mountains also means choosing a way of life that's shaped by the seasons and the pleasures they bring.
On the plains, the agencies are mainly aimed at local residents or people on professional mobility. They are looking for a stable, practical ‘home from home’ in which to live, work and grow up as a family. Functionality often takes precedence over the ‘coup de coeur’, although some sought-after areas also offer exceptional properties.
Renting: long-term or seasonal?
In the plains, rentals are generally for long periods, often for a year or more. Tenants are looking for stable accommodation close to their place of work or day-to-day amenities.
In the mountains, rentals are much more flexible and varied. It can range from a few days for a long weekend, to a week for a holiday, or even an entire season for winter sports enthusiasts or seasonal professionals. This difference reflects the tourist nature of mountain regions.
A very different seasonal pattern
The mountain property market is very much influenced by the tourist seasons. Winter, with its snow sports, and summer, with its outdoor activities, are crucial periods. Outside these peak periods, activity slows down.
On the plains, activity is more stable throughout the year, with a slight peak in spring and summer, which are good times to move house.
Tailor-made services: rental and sales
Mountain agencies offer a range of services tailored to the needs of their clients, including seasonal rental management, advice on renovating properties at altitude and recommendations for optimising access to the slopes and ski lifts. Agents need to be familiar with the specific regulations in mountain areas, such as architectural and environmental constraints.
They also take charge of the management of PPE (propriété par étage) properties, monitoring repairs and any work required, and coordinating to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of owners. These personalised services make it possible to offer a unique experience and meet the varied needs of mountain customers.
On the plains, the focus is more on optimising spaces for day-to-day use, annual rental management, and assessing amenities (transport, shops, schools). Agencies often focus on specific, practical needs.
As far as sales are concerned, mountain agencies focus on highlighting the tourist and landscape assets of properties, while lowland agencies emphasise the proximity of infrastructures and the quality of everyday life.
Le prix : entre luxe et pragmatisme
En montagne, le rêve a un prix. Les biens situés à proximité des pistes ou offrant des vues imprenables sont très prisés et atteignent souvent des montants élevés. L’emplacement est roi, et les acheteurs sont prêts à investir pour l’expérience unique.
En plaine, les prix sont plus réguliers et influencés par des facteurs comme la proximité des centres-villes ou la disponibilité de services. Cependant, certaines régions comme la Riviera ou des cantons spécifiques affichent des prix très élevés, reflétant la forte demande pour ces emplacements privilégiés. Les acheteurs doivent souvent composer avec des coûts significativement plus élevés dans ces zones prisées.
Deux approches complémentaires de l’immobilier
Que vous rêviez d’un chalet à flanc de montagne ou d’une maison fonctionnelle en plaine, ces deux univers immobiliers offrent des opportunités uniques et complémentaires. Chez Besson Immobilier, nous sommes fiers de proposer un service sur mesure, adapté à chaque désir et projet, qu’il s’agisse d’une résidence principale, d’une location saisonnière, ou d’un investissement de rêve.
Notre expertise sur des destinations prestigieuses comme Verbier nous permet de vous offrir une expérience unique, que vous soyez à la recherche d’un chalet avec vue imprenable sur les Alpes ou d’un appartement proche des pistes.
Toute notre équipe est prête à vous accueillir, à écouter vos envies, et à vous accompagner à chaque étape pour transformer vos aspirations en réalité. Contactez-nous sans attendre pour démarrer cette belle aventure immobilière ensemble !