Although the economic situation has driven many borrowers out of the market, Méribel's appeal remains undiminished. Competition between buyers is simply a little less intense. This is an opportunity for some people to make their dreams come true in this resort with its authentic charm.
Wood, stone, lauze and slate... thanks to its authentic architecture, Méribel is more than ever like a Savoyard postcard. To make matters worse, the resort is at the heart of the 3 Vallées ski area and its 600 kilometres of pistes. One of the most beautiful ski areas in the world, accessible from Moûtiers and its TGV station. But of course, this charm comes at a high price. According to the Notaires de France, the median property price in Méribel reached €10,040 per m² in 2023. According to Sabine Gorrand, a negotiator with Foncia Tarentaise Méribel, this high level has stabilised in recent months.
Longer sales times
"With the rise in lending rates, many buyers have postponed or reconsidered their plans. We've noticed this phenomenon since February 2023," she adds. "We're taking a little longer to sell our properties," confirms Marine Pouliquen, property consultant at Foncia Tarentaise Méribel.
While more affluent buyers have not been much affected by the rise in interest rates, those on a tighter budget and taking out a loan have been much more affected.
Towards price stabilisation
In fact, demand has fallen back somewhat. But not enough to undermine the market? At the very most, we are seeing slightly stronger price negotiations, of the order of 7% on average. We should therefore be heading for a stabilisation in the market by 2024. Even so, the most upmarket properties and those known as 'ski in, ski out' should continue to increase in value," says Marine Pouliquen.
Some clients have not hesitated to invest their cash in the mountains, the ultimate safe haven. That's why, in 2023, there were a lot of purchases in Méribel, for amounts ranging from €200,000 to over €1 million, with no condition precedent for obtaining a loan. "The buyers are mainly French. Historically, the resort has also attracted many Belgians and Britons," explains Guillaume Charrier, expert property adviser at Foncia Tarentaise Méribel.
Demand for all types of property
Despite a slight slowdown, demand continues for all types of property, from studios to chalets. "Most of the demand is still for T3s and T4s," says Sabine Gorrand. The range of properties on offer is varied: "prices start at €7,000 per m² for a property without exceptional views or good exposure, and can rise to €27,000 per m² in a new top-of-the-range development. Or even much more. An exceptional development, the conversion of a former hotel into luxury accommodation, is about to be built in Méribel. Price per m²: €50,000.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Comments