Legendary skiing, $28m chalets: What it takes to buy property in the elite Swiss town of Verbier

The Swiss ski resort of Verbier offers abundant snow, more sunshine than many of its alpine rivals and a huge range of activities off the slopes – including a legendary apres-ski scene.

Close to the village centre, an imposing chalet has hit the market with a guide of more than 20 million Swiss francs (about $28 million). Chalet Bel Horizon is a vision in timber, where traditional alpine architecture meets contemporary luxury.

The seven-bedroom residence includes a lavish main suite with two bathrooms, a dressing room and sitting area with fireplace.

Relax after a day on the piste in the sumptuous living area, complete with a cocktail bar and vintage timber accents. Other highlights include a vast balcony, glamorous indoor pool and jacuzzi, children’s play area and ski room.

Hugo Gamboa of Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty, the agency marketing the property, says prestige homes in Verbier are typically free-standing chalets or apartments built in Swiss chalet-style.

“The individual chalets provide privacy and can vary greatly in size, layout and special amenities, such as pools, spas and cinema rooms,” Gamboa says. “The apartments are practical and, in some cases, just as exclusive … as the individual chalets.”

Verbier, gateway to Les 4 Vallees ski area, is less than two hours’ drive from Geneva Airport.

Current market

The property market in Verbier has recorded strong gains over the past two years, including a 3.4 per cent rise in the 12 months to June 2018, according to last year’s Knight Frank Ski Property Index.

Gamboa says a new law restricting construction of new secondary homes in Verbier may drive up prices for existing homes. Other factors in Verbier’s favour include its strong summer rental market and booming demand from Asian skiers.

Can Australians buy in?

For foreigners who are Swiss residents, there are no restrictions on property purchases.

There are strict rules for non-residents, including limits on the size of homes that can be bought.

Holiday homes must be held for five years before they can be resold, and foreigners can’t own more than one property in Switzerland. Taxes between 2.5 and 3 per cent of the purchase price apply, plus lawyer’s fees.

What you can buy for…

$11.26 million

Soak up spectacular alpine views from a rustic-luxe four-bedroom apartment in Verbier. The 266-square-metre residence includes two car spaces and access to a shared fitness room.

$9.78 million

In a quiet neighbourhood a few minutes’ walk from the main village, a four-bedroom chalet combines traditional timber and stone finishes with 21st-century mod cons.

$3.36 million

Built in 2009, this top-floor, three-bedroom apartment in a boutique block of six sits in the heart of Verbier village. A sunny, south-facing balcony overlooks the Val de Bagnes.