Sustainable second home living in the Alps

Now more than ever, ensuring our lifestyles are sustainable is of utmost importance - and that extends to Alpine second homes too. There’s no reason not to make the same environmentally conscious choices in your holiday home as you would in your main residence, and doing so is also likely to add value to your property.

And there’s another perk too - if you’re thinking of renting out your Alpine property when you’re not using it, eco-credentials will be a huge bonus for many potential guests.

So what are the key things to think about?

Insulation

 It’s not the most exciting upgrade - in fact you’ll probably never see it - but good insulation is a key way to make sure your property is sustainable. Due to the geography of the Alps, it’s a cold region during the winter months, and avoiding heat loss is a great way to conserve energy, stay cosy and keep your property sustainable.

Electric car charging

Even if you don’t currently have an electric car, installing a charger is a savvy move if you’re renting out your property. It will be a huge draw for visitors who do drive an electric vehicle, and as petrol and diesel cars begin to be phased out, it’s sure to be a worthwhile investment.

Energy sources

Just as you might do at home, you can search out green or eco tariffs for your energy supply in the Alps. This will mean that electricity comes from renewable sources such as wind farms, hydroelectricity or solar panels, reducing your carbon emissions and increasing the sustainability of your home.

There’s a common misconception that sustainable choices lead to a reduction in comfort or enjoyment. That might be true if you insist on installing an outdoor compost loo or only showering twice a week, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your footprint without compromising on comfort - like all of those mentioned above.

It doesn’t need to be onerous to increase the sustainability of your Alpine property - and it could be a real selling point if you’re renting it out.

If you’re looking for an investment property in the Alps to stay in yourself or rent out, get in touch. We have years of experience in this market and can help you to find the perfect property for your needs.