About Switzerland | Swiss Property Guide

Swiss Property Guide - Property in Switzerland

General Information about Switzerland

Switzerland's full name is Swiss Confederation (Confédération Hélvetique CH). It's capital is Bern. The total area of the country is 41,290 sq km (15,942 sq miles). The population averages 7,461,100 people. The time zone is GMT/UTC +1 (10am in London is 11am in Switzerland).

There are 4 languages which are spoken in Switzerland:

German (official) Swiss German (most commonly the dialect known as Schwyzertütsch) is spoken by about 63.7% of the population.
French (official) spoken by 20.4% of the population. Italian (official) Spoken by 6.4% of the population.
Raeto-Romance (official) spoken by 0.5% of the population, mainly in the canton of Graubunden.

Religion is composed of approx 41.8% Roman Catholic, 35.3% Protestant, 4.3% Muslim, 1.8% Orthodox Christian, 11.1% no religion, 5.7% other.

The currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF) (1£ is approx 2.35CHF ).

Switzerland has 24 cantons (county) and the Valais is a fascinating region with many contrasts blessed with an exceptionally mild climate, where the number of sunny days per year is well above the national average. This enchanting "holiday kingdom" is situated at the heart of the Alps, stretching from the gleaming waters of the Rhône at its centre to the legendary mountain peaks that never fail to entice mountaineers and charm nature lovers. The beauty of the region is enhanced by the subtle interaction of ice and sun, of North and South.

Winter

An authentic winter for us in Valais would picture as such.

winter view across the swiss alpes

The Valais on the Southern edge of Switzerland but is nevertheless in the heart of the Alps, in a region that has known many memorable winters in the past. Some say that the Valaisan people are like their winters, rigorous and unique! You will have to come here in winter to judge for yourselves.

The resorts, offer the possibility of skiing at over 3'000 metres altitude, are unique. Each one has its own individual character and attractions. The smaller of the 121 resorts work their charm through their authenticity while the larger dazzle visitors with their magnificence. Ski, snowboarding, sledging, cross-country skiing, skating and many more activities can be done in this season in the Swiss alpes.

Summer

Mountaineers, sun-worshippers, mountain bike enthusiasts, lovers of hiking, glacier crossings and expeditions, golfers, Valais awaits you! The sun will lend you its rays for a golden tan, the mountains offer a challenge with the well-earned reward of magnificent views when you reach the top. The pure air will revive you and a thousand and one sights will charm you. A simple life at a leisurely pace with plenty of time from fun and enjoyment.

Golf is a fantastic activity to be practiced in the Swiss alpes. It is an undisputed fact that golf is becoming more and more popular in Switzerland and that Valais has become the Mecca of this fashionable sport. The ultimate reference is that, in September 2005, the Valais became one of the major sponsors of the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS which is held in Crans-Montana.

Here it is possible to play golf in a pleasant climate, surrounded by richly-varied alpine scenery. The 10 Valaisan golf courses listed here below on the map are located in 8 different resorts situated close to each other. This allow golfers to practice their drive surrounded by magnificent vineyards, or on a sun-drenched mountain plateau, or even near the source of the river rhone, the first UNESCO world nature heritage site. Valais offers all these opportunities and many more, it is a natural paradise full of contrasts that has become a favourite destination for golfers from all over the world.

Please see our map with all the different area:

For more information on the courses available in the Valais please click on any selected swiss golf resort.

Gastronomy.

Valais is the country of vines and wines. It also has a thousand flavours. Valais is by far the most extensive wine-growing region in Switzerland. There is no other region in the Confederation that is as well suited to cultivating vines.

Treat yourself to regional culinary delights, not only you will eat the best cheeses but you will also be able to appreciate local products such as dried meats and hams.

You will find more information about Switzerland on the Switzerland tourism website.

Investment Property in Switzerland

Property investors as well as families looking for a second home, all love ski resorts particularly if they offer dual season status like the Swiss Alps. New build and developer renovated ski property, now rank in the top three high yield real estate markets and demand is very much on the up for these properties in Valais.

Recent changes to the property law here have encouraged buyers to take a closer look at this country's opportunities and constructors are the busiest they have ever been. This relaxation on foreign investment along with the Swiss coming out of recession is driving up land prices to meet the demand.

With space limitations and building restrictions in some locations, good plots of land in the Swiss Alps are becoming rare. This in turn is pushing property prices up markedly giving healthy Capital Growth and even better return on your investment!

Rental Potential in Valais

Rentals are very lucrative in all resorts. Constructor build to make new developments a great investment opportunity. The finished construction of all apartments and Chalets are of high quality. With rental agencies offering management to look after these sort of properties, this brings the demand for these investments and so few being available.

A three bedroom apartments in Valais will attract rental income of approximately £800/£1000 per week in high season. In Haute Nendaz( 4 Vallees ski domaine) a property like would expect to rent for a minimum of 10 weeks in the peak season alone.

As Valais is a Dual Season region your not just reliant on the winter visitors. The Swiss are now returning to the mountains to holiday in the Summer and the Swiss Tourist Board is actively marketing outside their borders leading to demand for property through July and August showing steady growth.

If you would like further information about the possibilities of renting your new property in Switzerland please contact us.