Austria’s Ski Property Market is Soaring

The mountains of Austria have long been one of Europe’s most popular destinations. The proximity to some of Austria’s most beautiful cities mean ski resorts are easily accessed in both summer and winter, making the Austrian Alps one of the most visited mountain areas in the world. In March this year, the Global Property Guide reported that just outside of Vienna and Salzburg house prices were soaring, whilst property values in the cities themselves were cooling off. Although the cities remain the most expensive property markets in the country, we are seeing a huge rise in property in the Alps.

Where Should You Buy?

The Tirol is where the action is at! Last year, visitor numbers to St Anton increased by 3% in the winter and a massive 10% in the summer. According to UBS, prices in St Anton have risen by 8.2% meaning rental yields based on winter income alone sit at an average of 3.6% return – and that’s before summer is taken into account. And it isn’t just St Anton that is seeing this boom. All over the Tirol region, property prices are on the up.

Developers in Kütai, Austria’s highest resort, are so confident about the property market that they offer a guaranteed 4% return within the first three years of ownership. At an altitude of 2020m and located just 35 minutes away from Innsbruck Airport Kütai is one of the fastest growing ski resorts for domestic and international investors.

The lesser-known resort of Fieberbrunn is just an hour away from 3 major airports, has over 270km of pistes and has 8% returns on capital invested (based on a purchase with 55% mortgage).

Why Buy in Austria?

France and Switzerland have always been the go-to resorts for winter lovers but that is changing. Austria is offering potential ski home owners lower prices, high rental yields as well as epic snow and as a result more buyers are starting their ski property searches here than elsewhere in the Alps.  Recognising the move towards the mountains as a summer destination as well as a winter one, nearly all resorts in the Tirol have worked hard to establish busy summer seasons, attracting visitors all year round meaning more rental opportunities for home owners.

While resorts in France and Switzerland will always be hugely attractive to potential ski home buyers, more people are looking to Austria where prices are 28% lower than equivalent prices in the Alps. In Austria you are getting more for your money along with excellent gains and rental returns. 

WHILE YOU ARE HERE...

Looking for a ski property? Start your search here!

Need help with a mortgage to buy a property in the French, Swiss, Austrian or Italian Alps? See our mortgage tips and advice from experts.

Want to know which ski resort is best for your ski property purchase? Check out our ski resort guides.

Need to swap some Pounds for Euros? All you need to know about currency exchange.

Want to know about buying a ski property in the Alps? Get the lowdown with our buying guides.