Published by Mark Smith-HalvorsenA new Eurostar winter service could increase British demand for overseas mortgages on French property, claims a real estate expert.Starting on December 19th, the service will connect London with the Alps in seven hours. Passengers will be able to travel directly to Moutiers, Aime-La-Plagne and Bourg St Maurice from the Eurostar terminals in St Pancras and Ashford International.Charlie Williams, French property expert at Experience International, believes the new service will lead to more Brits opting for a winter holiday home in the popular skiing resorts.He added: "The French Alps have and always will offer the finest skiing in Europe... I fully expect demand and subsequently property values to rise."In particular, Mr Williams stressed demand for foreign mortgages may rise in Sainte-Foy-en-Tarentaise, as it is located close to Bourg St Maurice train station as well as Val d'Isere.According to Eurostar, return fares for the new service will start at £149 in standard class, while standard premium tickets start at £229.For more information on purchasing currency for regular or one-off payments, visit our Personal FX site.