Busanelli’s second project, which is still in the development phase, concerns the renovation of two old abandoned residential buildings in Palleusieux, a hamlet of Pré-Saint-Didier, which will be converted into 12 wood and stone apartments measuring 70 - 90 metres each (boasting two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living area), to be rented out to local residents. In short, Courmayeur seems to have experienced a building frenzy over the last year, in part thanks to the regional housing plan that permits a 35 percent increase in living space for demolitions and rebuilds, compared to just a 20 percent increase for a simple refurbishment. “And that explains why there are so many building projects in Verrand, Villair and Dolonne,” explains Massimiliano Alfieri from Gabetti (tel. 3386584167). As a broker, he is currently negotiating one such project on behalf of two investors. “It is a property in Verrand, a hamlet of Pré-Saint-Didier, which will be converted into 7 luxury apartments and boast a 20 percent increase in square footage. It is expected to be completed by late 2023.” In Verrand, prices range from €7,000 to €9,000 per square metre. Even the family of Aldo and Daniela Luboz, owners of the historic newsagent’s on via Roma 57, is renovating the historic early 19th century building in which it is located. The building boasts three storeys, all above ground, divided into six luxury apartments measuring from 50 to 100 square metres each, which will be available to rent from February. According to Gianluca Filippi, license partner of Engel & Völkers (tel. 0165843668), the latest trend is for larger apartments. “While the norm used to be around 100 square metres, more and more people are now looking for apartments with at least 3-4 bedrooms measuring from 150 square metres to 220-230 square metres. A project involving several historic villas already converted into apartments with outside space, terraces and gardens, centrally located in places like Pussey, Villair, Verrand, Dolonne and also around via Roma.” A building frenzy which, far from ruining the region, has actually further enhanced it with radical redevelopments. According to Patrizia Diemoz, owner of the Patrizia Diemoz local estate agents (www.patriziadiemozimmobiliare. it), an investor’s first holiday home, perhaps to be used for rental income, could also be a 60-70-square metre two-room apartment, which are currently easier to find. Diemoz tells us that: “We are currently selling a 65-square metre furnished two-room apartment with wainscoting throughout in La Palud, a hamlet of Courmayeur just 5 minutes from the town, with spectacular views of Mont Blanc, for €500,000.”

Published on Ville&Casali January 2023
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