A guide on investing in real estate in Verbier…

Verbier is a charming ski area in Switzerland with a view of Mont Blanc and is located on a south-facing plateau that offers plenty of sunshine all year round while also offering great views of the mountains.

Located at the entrance to the Four Valleys ski area, this resort is one of the most popular destinations for skiers from all over the world, and its high-end reputation is certainly world-famous too.

While some people are content with just renting a property in Verbier, others see the potential of investing in property in Verbier. If you are one of those people, this article will help you make a good investment.

Why Verbier?

If you want to know why Verbier should be your first choice for investing in a ski chalet, there are several reasons why.

This luxury ski area has an undeniable charm and most of the properties were built in an Alpine style that combines tradition, luxury and modernity.

In addition to being a luxury resort, it is also a high-performance resort. At an altitude of 5,000 feet with over 400 miles of ski slopes in the area, it’s easy to see why this place is a skier’s paradise. The infrastructure here is updated every year so you can be sure that the resort will keep its dynamic character.

If you like the culture of the good life then Verbier is sure to be the place for you. Not only does it offer opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, but also a variety of winter and summer sports to choose from and lead a healthy and active life.

And finally, the main reason to choose Verbier is definitely the amazing wild nature. The snow-capped peaks, mountain lakes and general pollution are every nature lover’s dream.

The Verbier real estate market

Due to local laws in Switzerland, anyone who has tried to buy property there will tell you that it is not an easy task. However, this is not impossible as international buyers from all over the world purchase property here every year. They just see it as a great investment opportunity.

With Verbier being one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, owning your own property can be worthwhile in the long run if you rent it out during the winter season.

Average property prices in Verbier are around £ 16,000 per square meter and property prices have only increased 2.9% in 2020. But don’t let the high market prices put you off, because the tax system in Switzerland is very cheap.

The market itself is very stable, mortgage rates are low and there is no inheritance tax. A local bank offers you, even as a foreigner, good mortgage interest rates, so that buying a property in Switzerland does not have to be a heavy burden on your finances.

However, the expansion of the real estate market is limited by the relatively new law on second homes, which regulates the construction and ownership of second homes.

Where is the best place to invest?

Since Verbier is the largest resort in Four Valleys, there are several areas where you can find great property to invest in:

• Sonalon: Sonalon, Verbier’s largest residential area, is northwest of the city center and has excellent snow conditions. However, the area is difficult to reach on foot, so all residents usually drive by car. Here you will find the best views in the entire resort.

• Les Esserts: Located in Verbier’s “golden triangle”, this area is more accessible and also offers breathtaking views. It’s between two ski lifts and a short walk from town. Les Esserts is one of the older residential areas and has more traditional chalets than apartment complexes.

• Moulins: This area is popular with young families as it hosts the Ecole Suisse de Ski children’s club and is generally very quiet. It has a flatter slope, which means that the outside space can be better used than in other areas.

• Place Centrale: This is the main hub of the city and connects all the main streets of Verbier. The area is filled with many high-end retail stores and is generally preferred by wealthy visitors and homeowners.

Things You Need To Know Before Investing In Verbier Real Estate

Finally, let’s go over a few more things you need to consider before investing in your ideal property.

Who can buy real estate?

A foreigner can purchase a property from a Swiss citizen or another foreigner if the property to be sold has been in the possession of the current owner for at least 5 years. You have to sign a declaration of intent, which will be forwarded to the land registry for approval.

What are the fees?

Fees related to the purchase of real estate include purchase fees of approximately 2.3% of the price, including notary fees and registration fees. There are also some general expenses to be aware of, such as insurance premiums, snow sweeping, electricity and heating bills, and sewage charges, to name a few.

What are the taxes

Taxes range from £ 5.5 to £ 7 per square meter for new homes and between £ 4 and £ 5 per square meter for old properties. Other taxes that you need to be aware of include insurance which is £. can be 150 to 300 annually, administration, electricity and insurance, all of which are charged according to your consumption.

Can you take out a mortgage?

Banks offer mortgage loans to foreigners, which usually cover up to 66% of the purchase price.

Whether you want to buy a property to live in one of the best ski resorts in the world or rent it out to tourists, real estate in Verbier is a great investment. While it may seem complicated at first, read this guide, do more research on the topic, and you will be a homeowner in no time.

* Agence ABC is a real estate agency based in Verbier, Switzerland