Grand Bornand Property For Sale
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Area Guide
Ski through breathtaking miles of snowy white slopes bordered by deep green fir trees; enjoy a relaxing massage at one of the picturesque mountain spas; relax with a glass of wine on the balcony of your traditional wooden chalet and enjoy the spectacular views as the sun sets behind the mountains. Situated on the scenic western slope of the Aravis mountain range in the beautiful mountain region of the Haute-Savoie in the French Alps, Le Grand Bornand is a mecca for ski and alpine walking enthusiasts and offers a wide range of alpine sports for all the family. Just an hour’s drive from Geneva and 40 minutes away from the TGV train station at Annecy, there is a good range of le Grand Bornand Property for sale for investors wishing to own alpine property in one of the most popular areas in the Haute-Savoie.
Named after the river Borne which runs through the valley, le Grand Bornand is a summer and winter resort which has gradually developed around the original farming village and is well known as a family resort. Le Grand-Bornand is in a wide part of the valley which has allowed it to develop whilst the village of Petit-Bornand is further downstream in the narrower part of the valley. The commune of Le Grand-Bornand is made-up of three areas: the Bouchet valley, the Chinaillon valley and the village of Le Grand-Bornand located at the junction of the two valleys. The hamlet of Chinaillon to the north east of Le Grand-Bornand and higher up the mountain is the main ski centre. The valley of Bouchet is located upstream of the village along the course of the river Borne.
Le Grand Bornand is the perfect mountain paradise for skiers, sports lovers and those just simply wanting to get away from everything and breathe fresh, clean and invigorating mountain air. The skiing is based around all sides of Mont Lachat, rising up from the centre of the village. Combined with the nearby village La Clusaz on the same ski pass, the total ski area is 220km and provides a huge range of terrain and styles of skiing to suit all levels and interests. If downhill skiing is not for you then try snowboarding or cross country skiing, or even ski touring which is the newest attraction. The Aravis mountain is the perfect place to discover or perfect this novel way of enjoying the mountains. During summer there is a wide range of other alpine sports including hot air ballooning, paragliding, or rock climbing - the Aravis mountain range offers exciting challenges for both new and experienced rock climbers and this stunning mountain range is one of the most exciting places to go climbing. Alternatively take a packed lunch and spend the day hiking on one of the lovely mountain trails winding through fields of wild flowers, scrambling through rocky gorges and fording bubbling streams. After a full day’s activity, relax and enjoy dinner – perhaps a traditional Savoyard raclette or fondue - in one of the many restaurants in the pretty old centre based around the church or seek out the bars where the locals drink for an après ski beer.
No description of Le Grand-Bornand would be complete without mentioning the cycling, with the world famous Col de la Colombière mountain pass of Tour de France fame, which attracts cyclists from all over the the world who come to take up the challenge. There is also the children's festival "Bonheur des Mômes" which is the biggest festival of its kind in Europe and attracts an ever-increasing number of families eager to join in the fun.
Due to its popularity in both winter and summer, Le Grand Bornand accounts for 80% of second homes, which is almost eight times more than the national average, which means that Le Grand Bornand property for sale is an attractive investment with a strong rental market all year around. As with the rest of the Haute-Savoie region, property prices remain high due to the popularity of the region yet demand for le Grand Bornand property is extremely healthy, particularly for luxury chalets near the centre of the village. Le Grand Bornand property for sale comes in all shapes and sizes to suit all pockets and tastes, from traditional wooden chalets and old converted farmhouses to modern and chic apartments and luxury mountain lodges complete with private swimming pool and sauna.
As you would expect prices vary depending on the location and type of property. For example, a 5 bedroom wooden mountain chalet close to the village centre and with panoramic views of the Aravis mountain range would cost in the region of €1.2m. A slightly cheaper alternative would be to choose a renovated farmhouse – typically set in a larger plot of land with a garden and mountain views – which would range in price from €500.000 - €800.000. Apartments in town can be even more competitively priced with the newer developments coming in at around €200.000 for a 2 bedroom property right at the foot of the slopes.
It is easy to see why this area of the French Alps is so popular and in particular why Le Grand Bornand is such a popular resort providing fun and relaxation for the whole family. With such a wide range of Le Grand Bornand property for sale in locations less than an hour’s drive from Geneva airport, Le Grand Bornand is perfectly located both for holidays and as a permanent residence.
Buying a Property in France
1. Signing the Agreement (Compris)
On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner.
The next step, once you are in agreement, is to sign the preliminary contract (Compromis de Vente). This is a legal document and after ten days will be binding on both parties. Rules change frequently in France and it is best to consult with your notary about when this period starts. Generally the compris will be signed in France with the Agent.
Variants can be included in the compris, for example an Acte (clause) can be added if the name or names to go on the title deed have not been finalised. If a mortgage will be required to purchase the property, the details for this, including the name of the mortgage company, must be on the compris.
2. Paying the Deposit
Generally the deposit will be 10% of the agreed purchase price. This will normally be paid to the notaire. There are exceptions to this, if the agent holds a carte professionelle, is bonded and fully registered then you may pay them, but do not hand over the deposit to anyone else. If for some reason the purchase does not go through, for example, if you write to the notaire and the agent that you do not wish to go continue with the purchase before the contract is binding (within seven days of signing the compris), then your deposit would be repaid. This would also apply if a condition had not been met, or the mayor or S.A.F.E.R. (a government agency that has the right of first purchase on most rural property that comes onto the market in France) could oblige the purchaser to give way. If you decide after the seven days 'cooling off' period that you do not wish to complete the purchase and pull out of the sale you would lose your deposit. If however the vendor pulls out of the sale then you will receive your deposit back plus the same amount from the vendor.
3. On Completion
Generally it will take around two or three months to complete the purchase.
During this time the balance of the purchase money must be paid into the account of the notaire, this must be done well ahead of the completion date. The notaire will prepare the documents, check that the deed of sale (Acte de Vente) is in order and have the legal title ready to be signed over. It is possible to have someone sign on your behalf if you give them power of attorney. An interpreter may be of use at this point if your French is not very good and many Notaires will suggest (or insist) that an interpreter is with you.