Taylor Scott International News
The prime ski property market in the Alps is continuing on its upward path with sales volumes up 52% year on year, according to the latest index from Savills. More alpine sales are taking place at lower price points as the resilience of the ultra-prime markets starts to ripple down the market ladder, according to the report. ‘A year ago we predicted prolonged periods of sunshine and blue skies for the Alpine property market. This may have been a somewhat easy prediction, given a recovering world economy, increased confidence and job security and in the case of UK buyers, a steady strengthening of sterling,’ said Jeremy Rollason, managing director, Alpine Homes. ‘The Alpine property market however continues its upwards trajectory in terms of increasing sales volumes, up 52% year on year, although this does not necessarily mean rising prices,’ he explained. ‘While buyers are more prolific for the above reasons, prices in the Alps have not generally kept pace with house price increases back in the UK, particularly in London,’ he added. The index report points out that Switzerland’s position outside the European Union cements is appeal as a safe haven for wealth and as such resorts carry a price premium. In the case of Verbier, values can reach €22,400 per square meter or 80% more than the average. It’s therefore no surprise that five Swiss resorts, Gstaad, St Moritz, Zermatt, Verbier and Crans Montana, appear in the Savills Top 10 Ultra-Prime Resorts Index. The family friendly resort of Saas Fee stands out as offering a long season with good quality snow but with comparatively lower priced property at averages of between €4,000 and €8,000 per square meter. ‘Verbier and The Four Valleys remains ever popular and is the destination of choice for many international buyers. Supply restrictions with the new Lex Weber law limiting the number of second homes to no more than 20% of the total will begin to bite in the next one to two years, once existing supply is absorbed. Upwards price pressure in the leading Swiss resorts is inevitable, although there are still deals in the resale market for those that shop around,’ he added. Austria’s comparative affordability, dual seasonality, diverse culture and attractive rental returns make it the country of choice for those chasing bang for their buck. Indeed, rental returns of ski property in Austria are roughly double those of either France or Switzerland, at circa 5% to 7% gross. Kitzbuhel is the only Austrian resort included in the Savills Top 10 Ultra Prime Resorts Index where prices range from €8,000 per square meter to €15,000 per square meter. For buyers seeking value, Bad Gastein and Zell am See offer lower priced property and average ski conditions, although the latter boasts a particularly strong summer season. The resort of Ischgl, the Ibiza of the Alps, is highlighted as one to watch. Prices here are under €4,000 per square meter. Stability is… Taylor Scott International
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