We explore the many virtues of a country that’s renowned for its winter sports but which offers something for everyone throughout the year.
All season weather, international schooling, quality of life and capital growth potential makes Switzerland an attractive place to invest in property. Charlie McKee of Hindle & Baldock, comments,
“In the winter you can be skiing but in the summer you can enjoy activities such as cycling, golf, walking, mountain biking and fishing whilst admiring the beautiful wildlife that surrounds you. These attributes have also made some Swiss resorts very popular with active retirees. Most resorts are easy to get to from the UK and property values have steadily appreciated for many years, coupled with the strong Swiss franc.”
House prices are notoriously high here.
“Verbier for example, is expensive – there is no getting away from it,”
says Mr McKee.
“The place has a very strong brand and social scene, and of course world class skiing. Like anywhere, proximity to the slopes commands a huge premium, especially since availability for foreigners to buy has restrictions. These are of course reasons why values should be well underpinned.”
International schools have a big impact on house prices and nine or 10 of the most expensive schools in the world are located in Switzerland.
“Drawing on its success in attracting multinational corporations, in the cities up to 50% or more of the top international school students’ parents are expats in the corporate sector, with fees often subsidised,”
explains Mr McKee.
“It is no surprise, however, some of these schools are in the mountains. Students come from all over the world, some of whom have never experienced skiing before. They graduate from novice to expert on the slopes pretty quickly. The draw for parents, those with deep pockets, is considerable. A genuinely international environment, and education, for tomorrow’s citizens, and CEOs, of the world.
“The daddy of them all is eye-wateringly expensive, 136 year old Le Rosey, where the winter term is spent at the Gstaad campus, spring and summer spent at Chateau du Rosey on the shores of Lake Geneva. Classes are in French and English, but the student mix is truly international, albeit with a 10% cap on individual nationalities. From January to March, lessons end at lunchtime so students can ski, or participate in other mountain sports, in the afternoon. There is an ever expanding waiting list for Le Rosey, ‘who you are’ no longer guarantees a place, it has become considerably more academically selective.”
Development can be limited and there are restrictions on who can buy what in Switzerland, meaning availability is often limited for foreign buyers. However, Simon Malster, managing director of Investors in Property, reports that over the last six months his company has had more enquiries than ever before for high-end Swiss property.
“In particular buyers are after large chalets in the top resorts like Zermatt, Verbier and Grindelwald,”
he explains.
“Over half of our buyers are outside the UK and come from all over the world – Switzerland is particularly popular with buyers living in Dubai, Hong Kong and the main capital cities of Europe. Post Brexit we have been surprised to see that the high level of enquiries has continued even from UK based clients.”
7 Heavens, Zermatt
While it’s only possible to buy in Zermatt if you are Swiss or have a Swiss residence permit, the only exception is the 7 Heavens development of seven stunning chalets. This is because they are regarded as ‘investment properties’ rather than as ‘second homes’ and will be professionally managed, staffed and rented when owners are not using them. Currently under construction, these chalets are just 100 metres from the foot of the slopes and the lift. Ranging from 500 to 1,250m2 they are built between four and seven floors in a style blending tradition and modernity. They provide very comfortable living space with lots of light and huge windows giving panoramic views to the Matterhorn. Sold off plan, the chalets will be finished to the specification and style of the owner, modern or traditional.
From CHF17m / £13.5m / €15.6m / $17.4m
Investors in Property
www.investorsinproperty.com
St Sulpice, Vaudv
This waterfront property is on a plot of almost 2,900m2 with its own mooring pontoon. On the banks of Lake Geneva, very near Lausanne, it has panoramic views of the lake and Alps combined with absolute peace and seclusion. Totally renovated in 2014, the contemporary house provides more than 600m2 of living space and a separate two-room apartment. It comprises an entrance hall, huge living room with fireplace and library area, dining room with adjoining kitchenette, fully fitted kitchen and a staff bedroom with en suite bathroom. An adjoining gym has a sauna and shower. The upper floor contains the master bedroom with en suite dressing room, bathroom and private balcony overlooking the lake, plus three bedrooms with dressing room and en suite bathroom. A garage, pontoon, two mooring buoys, a heated swimming pool and a terrace with summer kitchen completes the extensive amenities.
Offers in the region of CHF18m / £14.3m / €16.5m / $18.46m
Knight Frank
www.knightfrank.com
Relax-
The award-winning Alpina Gstaad is a five-star hotel blending authentic chic with Swiss refinement to create an unforgettable Alpine experience.
Personalisation is at the heart of a host of new initiatives at The Alpina Gstaad which first opened its doors in December 2012. In addition to a new bespoke wellness programme in its Six Senses Spa, the luxurious Swiss hotel is now offering guests the option of healthy-bars in their room and a private, in-suite shopping service. Guests can now shop the latest trends from the finest boutiques in Gstaad without lifting a finger. The Alpina Gstaad is renowned for its discreet, personalised service, and this new ‘Integrated Wellness’ programme brings together the latest technology and in-house expertise to promote well being through nutrition, sleep, yoga, meditation and mindfulness. Guests can address common concerns around their digestion, weight loss, elimination of toxins and weakened immune system. Following an in-depth wellness screening and personalised consultation, a tailor-made programme is devised. This includes a spa treatment and wellness activity per day as well as nutritional advice and support. Defining elements of a stay at The Alpina Gstaad include gastronomy (from the on-site bees to Michelin starred cuisine) and exquisite suites. These include the Love Suite by Kiki de Montparnasse and the Living Art Room, where guests can use the provided materials to create their own masterpiece for the suite walls. www.thealpinagstaad.ch
