Choosing the right ski resort to invest in property can be difficult. With so many factors to consider; how good is the ski? What are the transport connections like? Is the resort family friendly? The list of course goes on. One factor that is sometimes overlooked is your resort purchasing power. What, for example, would two million Swiss francs get you at each of the popular ski resorts. You’ll be surprised at how much it varies! Taking an example amount of two million Swiss francs, in this post we’ll run through some of the popular Swiss resorts and the choices of property for this budget. From smaller, older apartments to newbuild chalets, the size and quality of property you can buy depends primarily on the resort you chose.
Verbier
Verbier is at the top end of the range for the Swiss Alps due to the high level of finish, the newbuild premium and the incredible amount of investment taking place in the village in general. The level of popularity that Verbier has means that your purchasing power is reduced.
Property prices are definitely at the top end. For two million Swiss francs you can acquire an apartment with two to three bedrooms or a terraced one bedroom chalet. This type of property will usually be an older renovated property. This property would also lack a range of features that you would get as standard in other resorts, a pool or fitness centre for example. Due to the second residence federal law, no newbuilds are allowed to be developed so finding a new property is rare within Verbier.
If you want to invest in this resort, you can happily accommodate your family and visiting friends, but the property may not be in the most central location or a newer building. Raising your budget to nearer to five million Swiss francs would allow for a newer larger chalet with ski in/ski out opportunities.
24,000 CHF per sq m*
See our properties in Verbier.
Crans-Montana
Properties in Crans-Montana are also at the top end of the Swiss Alps property spectrum. Due to the glamourous image of the village, and the famous golf course, people looking for an exclusive experience flock to Crans-Montana. Unless this glamour and/or the golf courses are central to your appeal, then you may be paying more for an identical property in another resort. The great benefit of the area, which people will pay a premium for, is the true lived-in feel of the authentic village and the sense of atmosphere all year round.
Slightly cheaper than Verbier, with two million Swiss francs you can acquire apartments with three-five bedrooms or one to two bedroom duplexes. These properties will be in a central location but may be older properties. For a newbuild you would need to add at least one million Swiss francs to the budget.
17,000 CHF per sq m*
See our properties in Crans-Montana.
Nendaz
Nendaz sits uniquely in its own category both in terms of price and location. Price wise, It sits in the middle between the top-end luxury resorts like Verbier and the lesser-known, still premium resorts of Champery and Grimentz. In terms of location, it’s placed just a couple ski runs away from Verbier so you can benefit from the high-end resort moments away without paying high-end prices.
With two million Swiss francs you can find a very spacious newbuild apartment or penthouse (3-4 bedrooms). For a chalet, you could acquire the same size (3-4 bedrooms) chalet but it will most likely be a renovated property. Some properties may offer facilities but these will not be as extensive as properties at a higher price range or at a cheaper resort, there may be a fitness centre or sauna.
14,000 CHF per sq m*
See our properties in Nendaz.
Grimentz
Prices in Grimentz tend to be lower than the ultra-premium resorts and your purchasing power increases in the Grimentz area. But as a world-class resort in it’s own right, it can be very attractive to invest in Grimentz.
A budget of two million Swiss francs can get you an extensive penthouse apartment with five to six bedrooms or three to four bedroom luxury chalet. As always, good access to slopes commands a premium, as does easy access to the centre of the village and, as always, newbuild properties will be much more expensive than an older, resale equivalent. Especially as Grimentz is one of the last resorts where clients can purchase a newbuild chalet without any rental obligation.
Grimentz boasts a true value for money investment whilst providing all the luxury ski elements you’d expect. Not just in size and age of the property but also in the facilities, for this budget you’d expect to have access to a fitness suite, spa and even a pool.
10,000 CHF per sq m*
See our properties in Grimentz.
Champéry
Champéry is one of the most affordable Swiss ski resorts and sits as the gateway to the world-famous Portes du Soleil ski area. With a budget of two million Swiss francs, you have a wide range of properties to choose from. These will be newly built and finished to a high spec with extensive facilities. Choose from penthouse apartments, duplexes or luxury chalets. If you’re looking to make your money work the strongest, investing in Champéry is the right choice.
9,000 CHF per sq m*
See our properties Champéry.
Conclusion
The summary above highlights the extensive range of property prices across the Swiss alps. Looking at the most prestigious and sought after resorts like Verbier, a budget of two million swiss francs doesn’t get you far. However, looking at Grimentz or Champéry where prices are much lower, you almost have free reign on the property you can purchase.
These resorts are arguably just as extensive with their ski areas, facilities and culture but just haven’t yet been picked up as the “place to be”. Signifying investing in these resorts as an investment for the future with little risk of your investment decreasing. Whilst investing in more expensive properties in the current “trendier” resorts is definitely a bigger risk.
If you’re still stuck choosing between the most famous resorts (Such as Verbier) and the most interesting resorts for investment (such as Champéry and Grimentz), Nendaz is a great compromise. You get the close proximity to Verbier and access to the same ski runs with a property price nearer to Champéry and Grimentz.
That being said, an investment in any ski property within the Swiss alps is usually a good investment due to the solid and reliable rental return year after year.
For more information on purchasing a Swiss ski property contact us and speak to an expert adviser.
* Exchange rate calculated at 11 April 2021
