The advantages of buying a new build chalet or apartment in the Swiss Alps

New build chalets and apartments have fast become ‘gold-dust’ in the Swiss Alps due to their rarity, as The Lex Weber Law restricts the construction of such properties to non-primary residents in areas where more than 20% are already second homes. This means that the final few developers with the pre Lex Weber passes to build, are approaching the final stages of their developments - thus making such properties a hot ticket in the Swiss Alps.

Our Director, Elyse Constantin, outlines some of the reasons why a new-build alpine home should be at the top of your property investment list this summer…

Le Montagnier is a new development of 25 spacious apartments, many with private hot-tubs. Situated just minutes from the centre of Champéry, onsite amenities include a spa and wellbeing zone, a private wine and dining club and a games and children's play zone. Read more

Make it your own

When buying a chalet or an apartment off-plan, you have the opportunity to tailor your Swiss alpine retreat to suit your taste and needs. Purchasers tend to be given the opportunity to have an input on the final fix, selecting tiles, paint colours and other detail-focussed finishes. Our on the ground teams can can assist you with this if required, putting you in touch with local designers or offering advice on current trends.

Built with all the mod-cons

New build alpine homes tend to include cloakrooms, heated boot rooms, jacuzzi baths, saunas, heated driveways, parking, social space for large groups and somewhere quiet to enjoy a glass of wine at the end of a hard day on the slopes, before the festivities of dinner or Après begin.

Broadband is often a last thought in the modern world, but it isn’t always accessible halfway up a mountain! The world has felt lonely and in many ways empty for the last twelve months, but it has given us time to reflect on those things that are important to us, and while many of us are keen to get back to the office, it has shown that remote working is possible and viable. Many alpine trips are time-limited or hindered by poor broadband connection, but developers take this infrastructure into consideration, opening up the possibility of a morning ski before your first coffee and meeting with the office - giving you time back with your family or indulging in your favourite sport, be it skiing, hiking, trail running or bird watching.

Luxury new build residences are also built to maximise space and light, utilising clever architectural tricks to truly make the most of the space while satisfying the luxe lifestyle aesthetic.

Les Râhas in Grimentz, Val d’Anniviers, offers residents exceptional facilities such as a wellbeing zone, private dining and wine cave. Read more

Purpose built with use in mind

Developers are keen to ensure that their developments have the edge, and are really taking time to consider what their buyers are wanting from their alpine property. The Swiss-Alps are infamous for both the holiday-chalet market, and the private-chalet market. Properties are developed with short-term stays and comfort in mind – all bedrooms often come with en-suites, rental management companies tend to be a part of the scheme and accessibility to parking and amenities is brilliant. Many offer access to next door’s hotel facilities too such as their private dining clubs, spas and children’s play zones.

Quite often lift extensions or indeed new lifts are in the pipeline, and with time on your side while your ski-chalet or apartment is built out, these developments are happening too. Thus meaning in the future, your new ski-retreat is exceptionally well connected and will have added value too.

Good for the environment, good for your pocket

Winters in the Swiss Alps are not warm, after all exceptional snow is what we are looking for! Leaky windows and poor insulation is not a concern for a new build development. Properties are well-insulated, with underfloor heating (both aesthetically pleasing and efficient) proving for a lower environmental impact and reduced running costs. Always talk to your developer about what they are doing for the environment. This is a hot topic, and good developers are keeping it at the forefront of their minds.

Guarantees

Security against building defects is often a significant concern for buyers. The Swiss operate a system of Federal Construction Guarantees, which secure against construction defects for five years. Some contractors are willing to extend this if you enter into a maintenance contract with them on specific aspects.

The Campanules chalets are located in the middle of the charming alpine village of La Tzoumaz, in the 4 Valleys region. The resort offers access to 420 kilometers of ski slopes, 100 ski lifts and provides access to the famous Verbier ski area. Read more

Staged payments

Many off plan chalet or apartment purchases are broken down into key stage payments, thus making it more appealing. Funds are required incrementally over the entire length of the build process, not upfront through deposits and mortgages. Bear in mind, these do naturally vary from build to build so always find out the staged payment process from initial search.

If you are purchasing a property which the build has already commenced on, you will be expected to pay 100% of the works done to date, then agree a structure similar to the above for the remaining work.

Shop safely

For those still exercising caution with travel during COVID-19, one of the true joys of buying off-plan is that you are buying a vision, which you can tailor (to an extent) with the developer. Viewings can be done from home via video calls with your agent, and meetings with architects and designers are easily done remotely over online video-call systems. Knowledgeable local agents can act on your behalf, assisting you in understanding the area. You can trust in our honest review of location, accessibility and amenities by our informed team.

This exceptional residence will include 10 apartments perfectly located on the edge of the forest and a stone's throw from the shops and restaurants, the golf course and the ski slopes of Crans-Montana. Read more

Now is the best time to buy a new build home

With the Lex Weber Law rapidly coming to a head, new build chalets and apartments are a desirable rarity right now in the Swiss Alps. Buying one can give you the best of everything – up and coming locations, investment returns, all the mod-cons, environmental benefits and a ski-chalet or ski-apartment perfectly tailored to you. What more could you ask for from your Swiss-Alps retreat?

For more information about how Alpine Homes can help you find your dream new-build chalet or apartment in the Swiss Alps, please contact Elyse on +41 (0)27 323 7777 or INFO@ALPINEHOMESINTL.COM. We are offering both virtual and physical viewings.