Residential Real Estate News
European Ski Chalet Prices Continue to Rise Despite Global Economic Uncertainty
According to Knight Frank's newly released 2024 Ski Property Report, the price of a European ski chalet increased by 4.4% on average in the 12 months to June 2023. Except for the pandemic years, it represents the strongest rate of growth since 2014.
Knight Frank's Ski Property Index reveals that Swiss resorts lead the rankings for the second year running, with three German-speaking resorts - Klosters (16%), Davos (13%), and Andermatt (9%), occupying the top spots. A severe lack of stock and infrastructure improvements in each resort are pushing prices higher.
Chamonix (7%) retains its title as the top-performing resort in the French Alps, a true year-round resort whose population surges from 10,000 to 130,000 during peak season. The resort attracts a broad demographic, from skiers to mountain bikers, and plays host to a busy calendar of sporting events which also drives investor demand.
In 2023, two trends emerged in the Alps, high-altitude resorts (e.g. St. Moritz, Val d'Isère, Courchevel 1850) and year-round resorts (e.g. Chamonix and Verbier) outperformed. Buyers either prioritised snow-sure resorts with longer ski seasons or targeted locations offering a broader mix of ski and non-ski activities and a livelier resort during the summer months.
Kate Everett-Allen, head of global residential research at Knight Frank said, "The pandemic-induced Alpine mini boom is ending with a fizzle rather than a bang, as limited supply keeps a floor under prices in most markets. Across three key French resorts, listings are down 56% on average compared to before the pandemic and this is set against a backdrop of robust demand.
"There are clear challenges ahead for ski resorts, not least climate change, the need to upgrade infrastructure and strict planning rules. But the market is evolving, attracting buyers from further afield (Asia and the Middle East) and from southern Europe, as recent heat waves prompt some second homeowners to pivot northwards."
Alpine Homes Sentiment Survey
As part of the Ski Property Report, Knight Frank has run its second annual Alpine Homes Sentiment Survey, which represents the views of over 320 Knight Frank clients, located across 34 countries and territories. Respondents include existing homeowners, prospective purchasers, and those with a passion for the mountains.
Key findings include:
- Buyer motivations are diverging. Both the proportion of buyers wanting a base purely for skiing and those just wanting a base to enjoy the mountains has increased year-on-year.
- 72% of survey respondents say the resilience of a ski resort influences their decision on where to buy.
- 52% of respondents are seeking a second home that they plan to rent out, up from 48% last year.
- 78% of respondents say the energy efficiency of a home is important or very important to them, yet only 28% would be willing to pay a premium for such a home.
- 60% of survey respondents expect the price of an Alpine property to rise in the next 12 months.
- 39% of prospective buyers say the cost-of-living crisis has impacted the budget they will allocate to an Alpine home.
