FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
for property purchase in the French, Swiss & Italian Alps

Q. Why do buyers need representation?
A. Buying a property is a huge financial and emotional investment, yet the property market has long favoured sellers. Buyers can redress this imbalance by retaining Aspect International. Our role is equip buyers with all the information they need to make a good purchase decision and to assist them at every stage of the process.

Q. What are the other benefits of retaining Aspect International?
A. In a nutshell, time and money. We aim to save you both, making sure you only consider truly suitable properties and then buy them at the best market price. For foreign buyers property purchase in the Alps isn't just about the dream chalet or apartment. Tax and legal issues are often relevant to whether or not a particular property is suitable. We ensure clients are aware of and receive advice on all salient matters.

Q. Are you estate agents?
A. No. Estate agents work for property sellers and their interests lie with selling properties at the highest possible price. Aspect International acts wholly for buyers ensuring they find and purchase the right property at the best price.

Q. Do you compete with estate agents?
A. No there is a clear divide between Aspect International and estate agents. They represent sellers and we represent purchasers. Estate agents know that we only represent committed purchasers and appreciate the efficiency and commitment we bring to the process. A client with our representation is taken more seriously.

Q. Where do you operate?
A. France, Switzerland and Italy are the three main countries we operate in. While many of our clients are looking for an alpine property in one of the most desirable ski resorts such as Courchevel, Chamonix, Verbier and Villars, we can extend our search to less well known mountain villages and other locations off the beaten track offering greater privacy.

Our coverage of Switzerland is extensive. As well as operating in exclusive ski resorts such as Verbier and Villars, we assist clients with property purchase in the Swiss cities of Geneva and Zurich and tax-efficient cantons such as Zug and Schwyz.

In France, we focus primarily on ski resorts in the Haute Savoie and Savoie regions of the French Alps, such as Courchevel, Chamonix and Val d’Isere.

In Italy we cover the Aosta Valley from Courmayeur to Gressoney as well as prime locations around the Italian Lakes of Como, Maggiore and Garda.

Q. What type of properties do you look for?
A. Clients brief us to find everything from luxury winter homes to investment properties. We do not restrict our services to a certain type of property and aim to find a quality property suitable for a client’s price range and search criteria. A high quality holiday property in one of Europe’s most exclusive ski resorts typically starts at about £750,000 / €1 million / $1.5 million.

Q. How do you source properties?
A. We work with a large network of agents, developers and private sellers. The strength of these relationships is that we hear in advance of properties that are coming onto the market. Private sellers often approach us first with details of the chalet or apartment they are selling.

Q. How much do your services cost?
A. Our approach to fees is flexible, depending upon the requirements of each client. For a property purchase our charges are typically based on a small percentage of the final purchase price of the property or land. This amount is payable on exchange of contracts. Other services, such as project management, are charged on a time basis and agreed with you before commencement of the project.

Q. How do I instruct you?
A. Once you decide to retain our services we ask you to sign a short agreement of engagement and register your intent by paying a retainer fee. This amount is deducted from the final fee payable on the purchase of a property.

Q. I've heard that foreigners can no longer buy in Switzerland?
A. Though the purchase of Swiss property by foreign buyers is heavily controlled, with different regulations at national and regional levels, property purchase is still possible. Contact us to discuss your requirements and we can advise you of the options open to you.

Q. Where are your clients from?
A. Our client base is truly international. We respect the different culture of our clients and adapt our services accordingly.

Q. Can you advise me where to buy?
A. Location advice is one of our key strengths. With over 10 years experience in the alpine market we have intimate knowledge of ski resorts in France, Switzerland and Italy and the idiosyncracies and restrictions of their specific property markets. Many buyers are unsure where to buy and find this a key part of our service. Our extensive knowledge of the Alps give them confidence that they are choosing the best location, out of many choices, for their requirements.

Q. Do you find rental properties in the Alps?
A. Yes, on a limited basis. Although rentals are not our primary business, we will look for properties available for seasonal rent on behalf of both individual and corporate clients.

Q. Can you keep my identity secret?
A. Confidentiality is a key concern for many of our clients. We take their privacy very seriously and can keep their identity secret throughout the search process.

Q. Can you help me plan my trip to the Alps?
A. Yes, we help you organise your trip to the Alps, whether on a location tour or to view properties we have found for you.