Courchevel, Crans Montana and Kitzbuhel in Forbes top 10 European destinations for a second home
Three of Europe’s most exclusive ski resorts made the cut in a recent survey by Forbes of the 10 most popular European destinations for a second home.
Forbes ranks Courchevel 1850 in the French Alps, Crans Montana in Valais, Switzerland and Kitzbuhel in Austria’s Tyrol alongside the cosmopolitan cities of London and Paris. The exclusive resorts of Courchevel 1850 and Crans Montana are well-established choices for property purchase among international buyers. Luxury chalets in chic Courchevel 1850 attract some of the highest prices in the Alps due to ongoing demand. One brand new 6-bedroom chalet in the centre of the resort, due for completion in early 2009, is currently on the market for €16,000,000.
The 2007 law affecting property purchase in Valais by foreign buyers does not appear to be have reduced the appeal of or demand for chalets or apartments close to the sunny slopes of Crans Montana. Kitzbuhel is a recent addition to the list, buoyed by the stability of the Austrian real estate market and new European Union regulations which have made it easier for foreigners to obtain mortgage finance for their purchase.
Lake Como in Northern Italy also made the Top 10. The choice of international celebrities such as George Clooney, property buyers are attracted by the lake-side location, Mediterranean climate and panoramic alpine backdrop, all within a short 30 minute drive of Milan’s airport.
The ski resort of Verbier is a surprise omission from the list. Demand in the Swiss village, 1.5 hours from Geneva, has rocketed in the last 5 years.