Buying in the Alps: Investment Opportunities

People buy property in the Alps for many different reasons. For some, it is a second home to enjoy with family and friends; for others, it may be a primary residence or a purely financial investment. Across the Alpine regions, countries and resorts offer a wide range of opportunities for buyers, each shaped by local regulations and development rules.

Rental obligations are particularly popular, as they allow owners to generate income when they are not using their property. With so many options available, and with rules that vary significantly from one resort to another, it is important to understand the reason behind your purchase to make sure you choose the right location. We have listed some of the strongest Alpine resorts for investors seeking stable and long-term property investments.

Zwitserland

Switzerland is globally recognised for its political and economic stability, with a strong Swiss franc and a long-standing reputation as a reliable place in which to invest. The property market is solid, the climate is safe and prices are rising year on year. When deciding where to invest it can be confusing as regulations vary by canton, with specific rules determining who can purchase property and how it may be used, particularly for second homes. Resorts such as Andermatt, Samnaun, Grimentz, Les Collons and Saas Fee are best suited to buyers seeking long-term capital security.

Andermatt is a particularly special resort in the Alps as the rules are highly favourable for most clients. Foreigners are permitted to buy here and people can even buy in the name of a company. The very rare option to buy multiple properties is also available which is extremely attractive for those buying for rental purposes. Buying in the name of a company gives international buyers a lot more flexibility. Andermatt also has a 5-year reselling rule, meaning that properties can only be sold after five years of purchase, keeping stability high. To view our properties in Andermatt, klik hier.



Samnaun is another resort with distinctive rules and investment advantages. Similarly to Andermatt, foreign buyers are permitted to purchase property and company ownership is common. One of Samnaun’s most notable features is its duty-free status, making it the only duty-free resort in Switzerland and a strong draw for international visitors. Less well known than many Alpine resorts, Samnaun benefits from a secluded and picturesque location on the border with Austria. For buyers interested in Austria but restricted by its strict regulations, Samnaun offers an attractive alternative. Owners benefit from the stability of the Swiss franc while enjoying direct access to the Ischgl ski area. We have a brand-new ski in, ski out development located right on the slopes called ‘The Edge’.



Grimentz is an excellent choice for clients who want to combine renting out their property with their own dedicated weeks of usage. Professional rental management schemes take all the hassle away from the owner, leaving them with a consistent and healthy income flow. Properties like La Couronne en La Cordee offer exceptional hotel services, rental management and provide spa facilities including a swimming pool.  Furthermore, Grimentz’s majestic scenery and dual summer nature ensure maximum rental potential as the resort attracts visitors all year round.



Les Collons is another resort with some fantastic properties offering professional rental management. Situated at 1800m high the resort has some of the best snow in the Alps and is always popular with owners and visitors. Les Collons shares the Verbier ski area but offers much friendlier prices, making it a great investment for those who want to buy in Verbier but are deterred by the prices. The resort has a very convenient location being highly accessible from Geneva with Sion just a 20-minute drive away. Dent Blanche is a newly built development which offers serviced apartments and expert rental management; spa facilities are available and restaurants, bars and a children’s club can be found on-site too. 



One of our favourite resorts with year-round appeal and high rental potential is Saas Fee. With glacier skiing, striking altitudes as high as 3500m, lively atmospheres and extraordinary properties, the village is always thriving, as is the market. Prices have been increasing between 3 – 5% annually and this trend is only set to continue. We sell all types of properties here for foreigners from rental apartments to second homes and fully serviced apartments. Newly on the market is the incredible Dom 4545 development. The Dom is a renovated hotel offering high-end hotel services, professional rental management and a highly sought-after location. Rental estimates are high and owners are permitted to use their property for six weeks per year.

De piek is another popular development with a highly flexible rental arrangement giving owners more freedom than other projects across the Alps. Scandinavisch, Baskien Glacier View are excellent choices for owners wanting high-end services such as airport transfers, concierge, childcare as well as spa facilities and a central location in the village. 

Oostenrijk

Austria is known to be more restrictive than other parts of the Alps when it comes to property ownership and usage rights, particularly for non-residents and non-EU citizens. However, these regulations have helped create a well-established rental market, making Austria especially attractive for income-focused investors.

Austria values high occupancy rates and has a long-standing culture of tourism. As a result, it is best suited to investors seeking consistent income rather than unrestricted personal use. We do, of course, have properties which do not require rental obligations; however, these are rare. If you would like to discuss these options, klik hier.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a particularly strong rental market, offering a wide selection of ski-in, ski-out properties with direct access to approximately 270 kilometres of slopes. Most properties in the area are subject to rental obligations, which support high occupancy levels and attractive rental returns. Popular developments include Adea Appartementen, Annie en Suite Bergherz, both of which offer luxury services and facilities including spa areas.



For buyers wanting a resort that allows a combination of personal use and rental income, Turracher Höhe is an excellent option. This dual-season resort attracts visitors year-round, thanks to its scenic alpine lake and extensive hiking routes. Properties are often ski in, ski out, and pricing remains more accessible than in many other Austrian resorts. Turracher Höhe Chalets is a rare new-build development offering a flexible rental scheme, which is uncommon in Austria. When owners are not using their property, it is fully managed on their behalf. Prices range from €833,000 to €867,000. We will also be bringing two second-home chalets to the market in Turracher Höhe, which is particularly rare given local regulations.



Lech and the wider Arlberg region are among the most prestigious and sought-after areas in Austria, but also the most strictly regulated when it comes to property ownership and second homes. Supply is limited, enhancing the exclusivity of the market. Rental demand remains consistently strong, and while prices are high, they have proven resilient over time. We currently offer two exceptional apartments in the centre of Lech within the Brunnenhof development, featuring hotel services, rental management and swimming pools. The Warth Residence is another outstanding property, and for buyers investing for family or second-home purposes, we have two exceptional three-bedroom chalets available in Wald am Arlberg.

Each country and resort offers its own advantages, shaped by local regulations and rental structures. Switzerland continues to appeal to investors seeking long-term security and lifestyle use, while Austria offers some of the strongest rental performance in the Alps for those prioritising income. If you would like to find out more, have any questions or would like help in your search for a property in the Alps, contact us here and we would be more than happy to talk it through.