With the pound the strongest against the Swiss Franc in a year, could now be the perfect time to buy in the Swiss Alps?
08.03.2021
Alpine Homes has noted that British buyers purchasing an alpine home currently have the best British pound to Swiss Franc exchange rate (1.2744 as of closing 1st March 2021) since the global pandemic began a year ago.
Analysing exchange rates on Pound Sterling Live over the last twelve months, Alpine Homes found that when purchasing a CHF1.5million chalet or apartment as a GBP de-nominated buyer, the property would now cost £1,177,024 as opposed to £1,215,165 in March 2020 – a saving of 3.1% (£38,141).
The saving is the greatest when compared to July 2020, where a British buyer would have paid £1,272,588 - 7.5% more (+£95,564). October and November were the next most expensive months at +£89,760 and +£88,264 respectively, with February data confirming a further £46,766 when compared to 1st March.
Month (1st) | GBP – CHF Closing Figure | CHF1,500,000 In GBP | £ Difference to March 2021 | % Decrease |
Mar-20 | 1.2344 | £1,215,165 | +£38,141 | -3.1% |
Apr-20 | 1.1962 | £1,253,971 | +£76,946 | -6.1% |
May-20 | 1.2018 | £1,248,128 | +£71,103 | -5.7% |
Jun-20 | 1.2000 | £1,250,000 | +£72,976 | -5.8% |
Jul-20 | 1.1787 | £1,272,588 | +£95,564 | -7.5% |
Aug-20 | 1.1949 | £1,255,335 | +£78,311 | -6.2% |
Sep-20 | 1.2184 | £1,231,123 | +£54,098 | -4.4% |
Oct-20 | 1.1841 | £1,266,785 | +£89,760 | -7.1% |
Nov-20 | 1.1855 | £1,265,289 | +£88,264 | -7.0% |
Dec-20 | 1.2069 | £1,242,854 | +£65,829 | -5.3% |
Jan-21 | 1.1996 | £1,250,417 | +£73,392 | -5.9% |
Feb-21 | 1.2257 | £1,223,790 | +£46,766 | -3.8% |
Mar-21 | 1.2744 | £1,177,024 |
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Source: Alpine Homes/Pound Sterling Live
Larry Levene, Chairman of Alpine Homes commented; “The timing couldn’t be more perfect for British buyers thinking about purchasing an alpine home in the Swiss Alps right now. With the GBP to CHF rate the highest it’s been for a year, now could actually be the best time to be purchasing a chalet or apartment in order to maximise the conversion saving. It may be tempting to wait a bit longer to see if the saving improves further, but it is worth bearing in mind prices could increase if we see a release of pent-up British demand from mid-May, as UK international travel re-starts. We are expecting a surge of enquiries once physical viewings can happen again. The number of Brits looking at our website currently has soared since the first few months of the global pandemic. During March – June 2020, the UK were our fourth highest nationality behind Switzerland, Belgium and Netherlands. From July 2020, which was when the UK really started to come out of ‘lockdown one,’ and October, our UK web hits rose 106% - moving the nation up the ladder to second place. Since November 2020, which includes the UK’s ‘four-tiered lockdown’ followed by a second national lockdown in January 2021, the UK have been ranked as our top nationality – up 170% in a year.
“Such analysis proves British demand is not deterred by lockdowns, it merely boosts it, and once people can travel out to the Swiss Alps again, they will. This could put upwards pressure on prices this summer as purchasers rush out to view properties they’ve shortlisted from their virtual/video tours online, before competing against each other for the good quality homes which are in short supply. We are advising that buyers shortlist their favourite properties through our video tours now, before selecting the very best one’s they’d like to visit in person the moment they can. This will not only secure them their dream holiday home quicker, but also ensure they are ahead of the competition once they’re out here.”
Here are some of our properties for sale around the CHF1.5million mark... but don't worry, you can make a saving on any price bracket!
CHF 1,490,000
This charming three bedroom apartment is located within the second phase of the building, Les Rahas. It offers a contemporary yet authentic feel and is located just a few steps to the ski pistes and the centre of the village. The apartment offers a large balcony as well as a terrace with splendid mountain views - ideal for the upcoming summer season. There is the possibility to add a jacuzzi on the terrace too for warming up after a . The building itself is extremely well equipped with a large sauna room, massage room, showers, gym, ski room, private caves and reception area. Each apartment can also be rented out and serviced with the rental company Mrs Miggins, offering a stress-free holiday for the whole family. Read more
CHF1.5million
Chalet Mont Fort is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a very well designed chalet in the popular resort of Nendaz, in the world-famous Four Valleys ski area. The chalet provides a total of 174m² of internal space thoughtfully arranged over 3 levels and benefits from uninterrupted panoramic views, high quality appliances, in addition to a traditional alpine fireplace. There's also a large wrap around balcony and garden area providing a large amount of outdoor space for the upcoming summer season. Read more
If you would like to organise a virtual or physical viewing for any of these ski homes, contact Alpine Homes on +41 (0)27 323 7777 or INFO@ALPINEHOMESINTL.COM.
