Andermatt tops price rankings for European Alpine destinations, bolstered by international buyers: Knight Frank
Switzerland’s Andermatt has become the top-performing alpine venue in Europe, according to the 2026 Knight Frank Alpine Property Record. The town in the Swiss Alps saw the highest annual growth in prime property costs since June this year, at 14.6%.
This is significantly more than the industry average of 3.3%, and exceeds other popular alpine locations such as Switzerland’s Davos (10.5%) and Italy’s Cortina (10%). Knight Frank includes that on standard, Swiss Alpine markets listed 5% annual growth, outmatching the 1.2% average progress for French markets.
More generally, Knight Frank’s report shows Alpine real estate markets are progressing beyond their typical role as seasonal trips. Instead, even more purchasers are seeing it as a year-round destination, sustained by remote work fads, a boost in summer tourism, and more lifestyle offerings and facilities available throughout the year. A study amongst high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) by Knight Frank discovered that 73% would consider dwelling full time in the Alps.
According to the report, Andermatt’s solid efficiency is underpinned by its exemption from Switzerland’s Lex Koller and Lex Weber legislations. The Lex Koller restricts foreign ownership by allowing non-residents to just acquire holiday homes within assigned visitor zones, with a maximum space of 2,152.78 sq ft.
As Andermatt is excluded from these regulations, it is one of the few prime Alpine destinations where immigrants can acquire and re-sell real property easily. Knight Frank’s report notes certain attention amongst US buyers for Andermatt real properties.
Ultimately, alpine houses have become “durable, year-round retreats incorporating way of living, stability and strong investment performance”, the report adds. As interest continues to expand, the Alpine market is expected to see further activity in the coming years, sustained by the 2026 Winter Olympics that will be held in Italy’s Milano Cortina, in addition to developing guidelines and rising summer need.
The Lex Weber, passed in 2012, reduces the allotment of secondary or holiday homes in Swiss areas to 20% of the existing housing stock. Many resorts have actually already struck the limitation, efficiently outlawing new-build second homes, the report includes.
Nevertheless, attention is likewise increasing from Asian buyers. Maureen Yeo, regional supervisor of Asia for real estate property developer Andermatt Swiss Alps, says inquiries from Hong Kong and Singapore buyers have actually climbed about 20% in the last year. She includes that customers seeking security, asset maintenance and a currency hedge are drawn to Andermatt, in which they have the chance to get a freehold, Swiss-Franc-denominated possession.
