Multiple benefits of Swiss properties alert investors

Published on October 20, 2011 by John Roe · No Comments

Switzerland has emerged as an unlikely contender for the affections of global property investors due to its diverse range of accommodation.

Have you looked into the possibility of investing in a Swiss chalet?

The main attraction with Switzerland, of course, is the skiing. Chalets in the Swiss Alps can often be spectacular properties, and also make for good investments if you are planning to rent them out to those who can afford to stay in them.

Chalets generally tend to range from between £200,000 to £1,000,000, so be aware of the costs involved before you start looking around.

In contrast, areas such as Berne and Geneva offer stunning apartments in attractive areas. Although it is worth pointing out that once you start moving up the scale in terms of properties in Geneva, you will be looking at paying millions rather than hundreds of thousands.

Rebecca Gill, author of a recent report into potential countries for property investment, suggested that high-end property is seen as a safe investment in tough times such as these.

“In difficult times, the super-wealthy look to property in prime destinations to safeguard their money. It’s often an ideal hedge against inflation.”

There is certainly a good case to be made that skiing, as a pursuit, is unlikely to suffer a dip while the snow continues to fall and the Alps continue to glisten.

So, what do you think? Does Switzerland fit your requirements for an attractive property investment?

Transferring money to Switzerland

If you are looking to invest in Switzerland, think carefully about how you will be transferring money to Switzerland. Foreign currency exchange rates quoted by banks are almost always worse than the exchange rates available through specialist currency dealers.

So if you are sending money to Switzerland – which you will inevitably have to do if you are looking to make a property investment, be sure to compare the market before you buy your overseas currency.