Making sense of the Swiss Alpine market: uncovering prime real estate opportunities
Our Swiss ski property expert outlines the trends set to shape the Swiss Alpine property market.
2 minutes to read
This article forms part of the Ski Property Report 2024 series giving insight into the latest market trends, property data and investment volumes across key ski locations.
Alex Koch de Gooreynd, Partner, International residential sales, shares his key insights into the Swiss Alpine property market.
1. What key trends will shape the property market in the Swiss Alps in the next five years?
I envisage we will see continued strong demand for primary residences in the French-speaking resorts. In Graubünden, home to St. Moritz, Davos and Klosters, demand will be stronger for second homes.
Investment in infrastructure has become a priority, from improved accessibility and local amenities to international schooling.
2. How much is Switzerland’s second home premium and do you envisage this two-tier market continuing?
With the number of second homes available to those without a Swiss permit shrinking, holiday homes in resorts such as Verbier and St. Moritz, can generate a premium of 20-25%. To satisfy demand, authorities are allowing more hotel-style residences. Delivered with on-site facilities and concierge services, buyers must ensure they are rented out.
3. Which resorts do you see outperforming and why?
Resorts that boast genuine year-round village life will outperform.
Resorts such as Crans-Montana, Verbier, St. Moritz and Villars-sur-Ollon which all boast strong resident numbers will fare better than those that quieten down out of season.
4. Are Switzerland's safe haven credentials still a factor for buyers?
Governments across advanced economies are raising taxes to plug big deficits and reduce the impact of rising debt. Switzerland's low interest rate, its stable currency and attractive lump sum form of taxation, means it is firmly on the radar of UHNWIs. Enquiries from the Nordics, Germany, France and Belgium have increased in 2023.
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