Insight – Why are buyers looking for properties near airports?

After much anticipation, many British citizens are hoping to soak up some sun in their dream destination. The foreign travel ‘traffic light’ list is under review, probing potential holiday goers to consider suitable travel and property destinations.

The summer holidays, typically a busy time for the travel industry, are creeping up too. So now marks a good time to consider options.

Granted they have been fully vaccinated, Brits will be given the green light to travel to France. Here we explore destinations and properties in the country that offer what buyers want nowadays.

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, work from home practices have become a way of life for most people. According to The Office for National Statistics in April 2020, 46.6% of people in employment worked from home. A massive 86% did this as a direct result of the pandemic.

With approximately one-third of the average person’s life spent working, maximising work and life balance is key. One way this is done is by choosing the right location.

Opting for locations near resorts and towns that are one hour to one hour and 30 minutes from Geneva or Nice airport, for example, saves time, allowing most of the time away to be spent doing fun activities, rather than commuting. Transfer times are best kept to a minimum to maximise the time abroad.

France, only one and a half hours from London by train, is no stranger to travel-friendly locations. Erna Low Property, legal and financial advice experts specialising in properties in France, have pinpointed areas that offer what property buyers are looking for abroad.

Les Carroz – Les Airelles

Based in the Grand Massif, France, Les Carroz d'Arâches is recognised for its ski area. Mountain carting and paragliding seem a suitable fit for the more adventurous travellers. Though walking and mountain biking along the hiking trails, lakes, rivers, and valleys would be appropriate for all ages during warm weather.

Summer or autumn, there are various activities to enjoy in Les Carroz d'Arâches. In cooler months dog sledding, electric fat bike, alpine roller-coaster, and ice skating are popular activities to do. Les Grand Massif has a large 265 km space filled with slopes for people of all abilities to ski on. Les Grand Massif, as the name denotes, is one of the largest ski-linked areas within France.

The family-friendly resort is only 10 minutes from the motorway which is 50 minutes from Geneva airport. The short distance means time can be maximised.

Francois Marchand from Erna Low Property explains: ‘In the past two years, we’ve seen a serious switch from those looking at the often priced out Les Gets, to the newly popular Les Carroz; we expect this resort to go from strength to strength. With prices starting at just €574,000 for a 3 bedroom centrally located, ski in ski out apartment – it’s not surprising that the town is one of our most enquired about resorts.’

Nice in the south of France

Covid has changed where people wish to live, with rural and coastal destinations the most searched for during the pandemic.

Located in the South of France, Nice is an admired coastal town destination. It is a central hub for air travel, car journeys, or train travel. With picturesque surroundings, rich history, and gastronomy, Nice is popular among couples and young families.

Recent studies show vendors had difficulty selling properties in Massif Central, Le Perche, and Creuse. Although all three are in scenic parts of France, they were deemed difficult to get to. Nice and Les Carroz d'Arâches are quite the opposite. Both locations have quick and easy transport links.

Recent statistics show French property is one of the most regulated markets in the world. During such a turbulent time the country, only 1 hour 20 minutes from London, has been able to withstand this period.

Though renowned for its beauty and opulence, Nice is also affordable. Erna Low Property’s sales manager Andrew Scatchard adds: ‘We specifically love this new build development Le Domaine de Spagnol in the residential foothills of Nice.’

For those wishing to take advantage of the nearby links, Monaco is only a 30-minute drive from Nice. It is deemed one of the most luxurious tourist resorts in the world.

With travel uncertainty looming, if summer is too soon to travel, the winter is also a well-suited travel time. Nice is a nearby location which offers all-year sunshine. Blue seas exist in the south and hills to carry out walks and treks can be found in the north.

Uncertainty still plagues foreign travel this summer. If you are keen to travel, be equipped for plans to change.