Taking the Pulse of the Alpine Property Market: Key Insights Shaping This Year’s Report

We take the pulse of market conditions in The Alps and explore the key themes shaping this year’s report
Written By:
Kate Everett-Allen, Knight Frank
2 minutes to read

This article is part of a series from the Alpine Property Report, previously known as the Ski Property Report, which evaluates current market trends in Europe’s top alpine destinations and highlights property conditions along with the growing year-round appeal of these locations.

When we first published The Alpine Property Report in 2008, the world was navigating the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis. Over the past 16 years, this report has documented major changes in the Alpine property market, shaped by significant global events – from Brexit to the COVID-19 pandemic and an increased desire for mountain living, all set against the urgent backdrop of climate change.

Through each turn, the Alpine property market has shown resilience. Demand remains high while supply is limited, supported by trends in flexible working, an increase in affluent early retirees, and a growing focus on health and wellness.

The role of governments will become more, not less, influential in regulating the property market with tighter rules likely around holiday lets, energy efficiency and policy and tax shifts in relation to second homes. Plus, the US election and changes to the UK’s non-dom tax regime may spark heightened interest in the region.

Declining mortgage rates in France and Switzerland are starting to impact buyer sentiment, cash buyers also remain active and record prices are being achieved – Chamonix recently surpassed €20,000 per square metre. Meanwhile, demand from US and dollar-based buyers has strengthened in 2023/24, with the Ikon pass and Vail Resort’s Epic pass, which both cover key European resorts, now offering American’s good value and easy access to the Alps.

In this report, now renamed The Alpine Property  Report, reflecting a growing demand for year-round Alpine living, our Alpine property experts and industry voices explore pressing topics such as climate adaptation, the reinvention of ski resorts as year-round adventure destinations, and ongoing investments in Alpine infrastructure. These themes are critical for today’s clients and will shape future opportunities.

We provide in-depth insights on property prices across 24 major resorts in France, Switzerland, and Austria, share the latest findings from our Alpine Property Survey, and crunch the numbers to establish the return an Alpine home can generate. Additionally, our updated fact file offers essential statistics, from altitudes to piste lengths, allowing you to easily compare key resorts.

We invite you to explore these pages and reach out with any questions. Our extensive network across the Alps ensures our team is well-positioned to assist with every step of the buying process. As many listings are sold off- market, connecting with us directly offers the most comprehensive view of current opportunities.

Thank you for reading, and we look forward to helping you make the most of the Alpine property market.