Winning planning permission for the 37 new homes in such an environmentally protected location is put down to a sensitive approach, according to developers MGM French Properties.
‘MGM’s enviable reputation as a leading developer of residential schemes throughout the French Alps played a key role in achieving local approval,’ said Richard Deans who heads the firm’s London based UK sales office.
Although development opportunities in the Annecy area are rare, MGM has identified and secured many of the best locations in recent years, thanks to the strength of its business and a reputation for high caliber schemes spanning 50 years.
The firm has been welcomed by the area’s local authorities which, during the past 16 years, have applied stringent new requirements to planning applications, paying close attention to the style, finishes and overall quality of the architecture.
All of MGM’s planned new developments will combine contemporary designs with traditional architectural styles. Two will be in the historic lakeside town of Annecy and the others are in villages on the shore of the lake, said to be the cleanest in Europe.
‘These are small schemes of a type which I believe will have a special appeal for British buyers, particularly those who enjoy sailing and skiing, both of which are on the doorstep,’ explained Deans.
The smallest of the developments, La Villa Méïa, will comprise just four apartments within Annecy’s so-called golden triangle, the peaceful pedestrianised heart of the town with its cobbled streets and little Venice canal network. La Villa Méïa will be close to the Annecy store of Galeries Lafayette and just a few minutes’ walk from the waterfront.
Nearby Villa Lisa will contain 18 apartments in an established residential area currently being redeveloped. Close to the town centre, the new apartments will be 10 minutes’ walk from the lakeside promenade and parks.
The two villages in which MGM plans to build, both on the west side of the lake, are linked to Annecy by water taxis, a lakeside cycle path and local bus services. One is Sevrier, a village 10 minutes from Annecy by car with a sun bathing lawn on its waterfront and a boating pontoon with moorings available. Some 500 metres from the lake, Villa Opale will contain seven apartments, each with a garage, parking space and bike lock-up.
Further down the lake at Villa Emeraude in the centre of family friendly St Jorioz, 10 kilometres from Annecy, will be eight new apartments in a peaceful village setting. This part of the lake is popular for swimming.
In surveys, Annecy consistently features as one of the most desirable places to live in France. Flower filled in summer, the town is a cultural centre hosting festivals, conferences, exhibitions and theatrical performances throughout the year.
‘For investors, there is good scope for long term or short term lets and holiday rentals, as well as capital growth,’ said Deans.
The prices of new build properties in Annecy close to the lake have doubled in the past 15 years, despite the recession. They rose by 8% in the past year alone. In addition, rents have seen an annual increase of 1.8% since 2007.
The off-plan prices of MGM’s new apartments in Annecy and around the lake depend on size and location. They range from €165,000 for a studio apartment to €760,000 for a three bedroom property.
