Renowned as an excellent all-season destination, Switzerland offers a host of different style properties from lakeside villas to mountain chalets. But what of current pricing structures? Alex Koch de Gooreynd, head of Knight Frank Swiss sales, reports,
“After a difficult 18 months the Swiss market does seem to be experiencing a slight recovery with activity especially noticeable in the CHF5m – CHF10m and the CHF25m + price ranges. The de-pegging against the euro at the start of the year has interestingly given buyers a greater sense of security. Couple this with the secure environment and ever increasing number of international schools and the reasons for a family relocation to Switzerland from the wider international communities are clear.”
“The banks and newspapers are continuing their rhetoric of caution which in turn is making buyers very wary of overpaying but with a large number of transactions currently being finalised the message is bound to soften in the months ahead. The interesting things to watch will be the annual arrival of the Middle Eastern based buyers in the summer. If the activity continues at a similar pace in the holiday home markets then we will know that the recovery is almost complete and the ski resorts can look forward to improved conditions in the following season.”
Montreux
Originally built in 1895 as a private home, this stunning residence has been totally restored to its former glory. Ideally positioned on the waterfront, it combines both residential and commercial spaces providing for a variety of future uses.
The property retains a great deal of original characteristics yet also embraces modern conveniences such as a lift servicing all floors. Its stately reception rooms offer high ceilings and panoramic views while the bedrooms are all en suite. The original servants’ quarters have now been converted into a Pompeiian pool area which opens directly on to the garden’s sun terrace. Another unusual feature of the villa is the ground floor shop unit as well as a modern office on the newly built fourth floor. This state-of-the-art complex comprises a reception, four offices, a conference room and kitchen.
£18.1m / €25.5m / $28.1m Knight Frank +44 20 7629 8171
Buonas Peninsula, Lake Zug
This estate has been inhabited by generations of farmers for centuries, hence its attractive wooden farmhouse design. A history spanning 475 years has given the property an incomparable charm while a guesthouse and rustic carport which were built later add further facilities. These three buildings comprise the farmhouse-ensemble, enclosed by private and extremely well kept gardens designed by the country’s leading landscape architect Enzo Enea.
£10.4m / €14.3m / $15.9m Engel & Voelkers +41 41 728 7711
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