Tourist residence or a traditional co-ownership: Which is the better choice for your mountain retreat?

IN BRIEF

When buying an apartment in the mountains, there are two main ownership models: a tourist residence and a traditional co-ownership. The former offers professionally managed accommodation with integrated services and comprehensive support. The latter gives you greater freedom in how you use and manage your property. The right choice ultimately depends on how you intend to enjoy your mountain retreat, how much time you wish to devote to managing it, and the level of convenience and comfort you are looking for.

Buying an apartment in the mountains is no longer driven solely by the desire for a winter holiday home. Today, many buyers are looking for a genuine mountain retreat that can accommodate their needs throughout the year. Whether for family weekends, restorative breaks or occasional remote working, expectations are changing and property developments are evolving with them.

This shift can be attributed in particular to the rise of four-season mountain tourism. According to Atout France, 41% of French people visited the mountains in summer over the past three years, compared with 30% in winter¹. This trend confirms the growing appeal of Alpine destinations beyond the ski season.

Before getting started, one question often arises: should you opt for a serviced tourist residence or a traditional co-ownership? Behind these two models lie different approaches, particularly when it comes to management, services and the overall guest experience.

 

Serviced tourist residence vs traditional co-ownership: what are the differences for your mountain property project?

A traditional French co-ownership is the most familiar type of property ownership. The buyer owns their apartment outright and has full control over how it is occupied. They can use it as they wish, lend it to friends or family, or arrange their own seasonal rental if they choose.

A serviced tourist residence operates differently. It combines property ownership with a structured management framework designed to simplify the ownership experience. This model generally includes a range of services and support provided by a specialist operator. At MGM Constructeur, this approach draws on our expertise as a property developer and constructor, together with our experience as an operator of serviced tourist residences, enabling owners to benefit from comprehensive support throughout their project.
In mountain resorts, this model is particularly appealing to buyers who want to enjoy their apartment without having to deal with the day-to-day practicalities of ownership.
 

In summary:

Beyond how they operate, the overall experience also differs. A serviced tourist residence often offers facilities designed for comfort and relaxation, such as a swimming pool, sauna, steam room or fitness room. These features contribute to a more relaxing and carefree experience when staying in the mountains. This type of accommodation now plays an important role in French tourism. In 2023, France had nearly 2,300 serviced tourist residences, representing approximately 710,000 tourist beds².

What criteria should you consider when choosing a property in the mountains?

The choice between these two models depends above all on your lifestyle and how you plan to use your apartment:

• Frequency of use is one of the first key criteria to consider. Some owners spend several weeks there each year and are primarily looking for a comfortable place to enjoy with family and friends. Others use their apartment more occasionally and prefer a solution that is easy to manage remotely..
   
• The level of support you require also plays a central role. Maintaining a property in a mountain resort requires a certain level of organisation, particularly in winter. Managing arrivals, property maintenance and overseeing the apartment can quickly become time-consuming when you live far from the mountains. This is precisely where a serviced tourist residence provides reassurance for many buyers. The model is designed to make using the property easier and allow owners to make the most of their stays.
   
• The location of the residence also deserves particular attention. Today, buyers are looking for resorts that can offer an enjoyable experience in both summer and winter. The ability to attract visitors throughout the year is becoming an increasingly important consideration. In Haute-Savoie, almost 35% of annual tourist overnight stays now take place during the summer season, highlighting the growing popularity of activities beyond skiing³. 
  
  Access to shops, restaurants, outdoor activities and wellness facilities has a significant impact on the quality of life during your stay.
   
• Finally, the comfort of the property remains a key consideration. In mountain property, the choice of materials, the layout of the spaces and the quality of the finishes all play an essential role in the everyday experience.

Why serviced tourist residences appeal to so many mountain property buyers.

For several years, serviced tourist residences have appealed to a wide range of buyers, including families, professionals and young retirees. They often share the same desire: to enjoy the mountains in a comfortable setting without having to deal with the practicalities of managing a property. This diversity is also reflected among the buyers supported by MGM Constructeur, ranging from families looking for a holiday base to couples seeking a second home that is easy to use and maintain.

Which option best suits the way you enjoy the mountains?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between a serviced tourist residence and a traditional co-ownership. The right choice depends above all on your lifestyle, habits and expectations.
 

• A traditional co-ownership may be the right choice for buyers who want to manage their apartment themselves and retain a high degree of autonomy in how it is used.
   
• The tourist residence is particularly appealing to owners looking for a more seamless experience, with structured support and services designed to make using the property easier. 
  This approach lies at the heart of the model developed by MGM Constructeur across several Alpine destinations, including Flaine, Valmorel, Les Contamines-Montjoie and Le Grand-Bornand.

Before making your choice, the key consideration is therefore to define how you want to experience the mountains in the future: as simply a property investment or as a genuine home-from-home, designed to make the most of every stay.

SourceS: 
 

1. https://www.atout-france.fr/fr/actualites/barometre-montagne-multi-saisons-focus-ete 
    

2. https://www.entreprises.gouv.fr/espace-entreprises/s-informer-sur-la-reglementation/les-residences-de-tourisme
    

3. https://hautesavoiemontblanc-tourisme.com/a-la-une/observatoire-destination-alpine-hiver-et-ete/