AS LOCKDOWNS EASE, WHAT CAN PROPERTY BUYERS EXPECT IN THE SWISS ALPS?

After the last few months of lockdown, Europe is now starting to slowly ease its restrictions, allowing property buyers from around the globe to physically view our alpine homes once more – under a ‘new norm’ of course.

THE SITUATION SO FAR

After improvement to the coronavirus situation, on June 15, the government allowed travel between Switzerland and all European Schengen states as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and the United Kingdom. Unrestricted travel has been allowed between Switzerland and all the other Schengen members, apart from Sweden which is expected to change any day now.

On June 22, the Swiss government lifted most of the remaining restrictions introduced to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Social distancing was reduced to 1.5 metres, events can be held with up to 1,000 people and employees returned to work. This means that in the Swiss Alps, most things are now open… hotels, bars, restaurants, mountain transport services, shops, swimming pools, museums, cinemas, markets and so on. We are also allowed to conduct physical viewings of our properties – and have obviously put in place the necessary measures of protection and precautions to keep you, our sellers and our colleagues safe.

Meanwhile, on July 20, citizens from the following countries, deemed as "safe", will also be able to enter Switzerland with no corona quarantine or entry restrictions. These are Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, Montenegro, New Zealand, South Korea, Rwanda, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay, as well as the EU states not belonging to the Schengen area (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania). China will also be added to the safe list in accordance with EU recommendations, provided that reciprocity is guaranteed to Swiss residents, the government has said.

WHO IS BUYING AGAIN AND WHERE?

As a result of the easing of restrictions, our enquiries in June were up 100% compared to the same period last year, with July looking to be just as busy if not busier from buyers such as the Swiss Germans, Dutch, Belgian, French and British. There has been a notable increase in the latter recently, especially as the UK Government has now announced that anybody travelling from Switzerland from 10th July will not have to self-isolate. Just last weekend, three British buyers e-mailed us to say they wanted to book their flights out here, now they didn’t need to worry about quarantine.

We have also had a super reaction to our 'summer in the alps' campaign, as buyers realise the joys of being out here in the warmer months, as well as for skiing. Nendaz and Veysonnaz are continuing to prove very popular with the British and Dutch, whilst Crans Montana attracts a lot of golfers, cyclists and hikers from Belgium. The Swiss Germans continue to show interest in Les Collons, Les masses and La Tzoumaz, whilst the French and Swedish love Verbier if they can afford it.

Also noticeable is how the mindset towards remote properties / resorts has changed since lockdown. People used to be wary of being isolated away from everything, but now they love the fact they can walk around and not bump into anybody as a result of Covid-19. This is particularly important for clients who live in busy cities such as Paris, London and Berlin who are used to busy lives. They are choosing to go for quieter places such as Les Masses and Les Collons, or the outskirts of Verbier and Crans Montana. Chalet Pink Cloud is a prime example of what this type of buyer seeks – set high above Veysonnaz offering the perfect hidden retreat. For example, one of our Belgian clients has told us that all he wants is somewhere that is remote and peaceful, that boasts a nice view with no annoying neighbours. Whereas those who live in the countryside prefer the likes of Verbier, Crans Montana, Gstaad or the centre of Nendaz where it’s a bit busier.

VIEWINGS

As much as we would love to see you all as soon as possible, we are still advising buyers to view properties first via a virtual tour before booking physical viewings. Please do contact one of our agents who can organise a virtual tour quickly for you - email info@alpinehomesintl.com or give us a call +41 27 323 77 77.

Meanwhile keep safe and well, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Swiss Alps soon.