Low-cost flights open Canadian property market
Tuesday, 10 Oct 2006 10:29
Banff National Park is one of Canada's largest areas for skiing
World-renowned ski resorts such as Whistler and low-cost flights are making the prospect of investing in a Canadian holiday home more attractive to Brits, according to Assetz.
In response to burgeoning demand, the international property investment specialist has launched a new Assetz Ski division, advising on properties in ski locations including France, Switzerland and Bulgaria as well as Canada.
Chartered airlines such as Canadian Affair, Zoom and Air Transat offering low-cost flights from £70 each way to major transport hubs such as Vancouver and Calgary are opening up to the Canadian ski resorts to British buyers, says Assetz.
In addition, Canada's ski season, normally lasting from November to June, is longer than Europe's, with Whistler attracting skiers all year round. Meanwhile, in eastern Canada all resorts have snowmaking facilities, guaranteeing use from the property during the season.
Assetz also advise buyers that Canadian properties are often much larger than European equivalents, offering better value for money for investors.
Martin Sadler, manager of the new Assetz Ski division commented: "Ski property in Canada is ideal for those wanting to buy a holiday home with great investment potential.
"House price growth in Canada is expected to hit 11.2 per cent annually by the end of 2006, creating strong prospective capital gains as well as a burgeoning rental market, as the Canadian ski resorts become more accessible to European tourists."
He added: "High quality destinations such as Canada and France are maintaining their popularity in the face of competition from young ski resorts in emerging markets, where property prices remain lower.
"Hard-core investors are tempted by high yields, but quality destinations that offer an established infrastructure, culture and lifestyle, where buyers can see themselves living on retirement, continue to hold firm against their new competitors."
Assetz expects most buyers to use the properties as a holiday home, only renting the homes out for a few weeks per year.
Canada's award-winning resorts such as Whistler and Mont Tremblant feature a full range of properties from cheaper ski apartments to pricier chalets.
Most resorts have large urban centres located within two-hours' drive.
For more information see
www.ski.assetz.co.uk