New Swiss ski village offers properties for sale
Monday, 13 June 2011 11:16 AM
Buying a holiday home in a winter sports resort is a dream for many – and Andermatt Swiss Alps presents the perfect investment opportunity for trailblazers, as it offers high-spec properties in a brand-new, purpose-built development.
Located in the centre of Switzerland and connected by three separate Alpine passes, Andermatt has been a key crossroads for centuries. Until the turn of the century, it was being used as a secret training base for the Swiss Army, and it was only when the size of the organisation was dramatically scaled back that Andermatt became more widely known to tourists.
Now, it's the focus of international attention due to the scale of the Andermatt Swiss Alps scheme – the only major development that will ever be undertaken in the village, and one that's garnered praise for its focus on sustainable building techniques.
Indeed, with a project this large – accommodation-wise, the development will comprise six luxury hotels, 490 apartments in 42 buildings, and 25 villas – it can be difficult to know where to start.
However, we reckon the smart money's on the Murmeltier and Steinbock buildings, both on the west side of the development, close to the shops and gorgeous River Reuss.
The Apartment House Murmeltier has a traditional Swiss shingle facade, and its 12 properties have been designed with state-of-the-art kitchens and enormous windows from which to appreciate the valley views. The apartments range in size from 102sqm for two bedrooms to 246sqm for four bedrooms.
Apartments in the Steinbock building, meanwhile, feature open fireplaces, spacious kitchens and en-suite bedrooms. The facade has been finished in larch wood, reflecting the typical architecture of the region.
Prices at both buildings start from £11,900 per square metre – and if you're wondering about the Lex Koller legislation, which usually restricts Swiss property investment by non-nationals, the development is exempt.
Leisure opportunities at Andermatt Swiss Alps
Andermatt has been used by skiers for decades, and as such, it is currently undergoing extensive modernisation. Its runs, which take in Gemsstock and Natschen, will soon be linked to the neighbouring ski resort of Sedrun, resulting in over 130km of piste.
But as well as snow sports, Andermatt Swiss Alps will offer 35,000sqm of shops, an indoor sports centre, and a 700-seat concert hall which will play host to the famous Lucerne Festival. And when the snow melts, new activities will surface – hiking, mountain-biking, hang-gliding and fishing to name but a few.
There will also be an 18-hole golf course – and its location at 1,400m above sea level will add an interesting twist to your game, as the altitude makes golf balls travel approximately ten per cent further when you hit them.
If you're interested in the property investment opportunities at Andermatt Swiss Alps and would like to find out more, visit Andermatt-SwissAlps.ch or call +41 41 874 1717.
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