Official data has shown a noticeable shift: more British nationals are choosing to live overseas, whether driven by dreams of a better lifestyle, for tax reasons or for business. But while locations such as Dubai and Singapore have been grabbing the headlines, a growing number of buyers are seeing the advantages of Europe’s mountains. They’re discovering that a ski property in France, Italy or Switzerland offers a balanced and appealing alternative.
The relocation trend – Britons on the move
Recent data shows that the number of British nationals emigrating has been rising steadily. In 2024 more than 250,000 emigrated. Among affluent individuals in particular, surveys show growing concern about the UK’s tax direction, with many high-net-worth individuals considering overseas residency or second homes.
It’s not only Britons either. According to reports from Henley & Partners Spain is projected to lose 500 millionaires if a new “solidarity tax” goes ahead.
This isn’t solely about tax. Lifestyle, climate, security, investment diversification and family preferences all play a role. Applications from the US made up 23% of all golden visa applications last year, despite having no new tax rises to escape.
Why a ski property can beat traditional sun-belt relocations
While Dubai, Malta or Singapore offer headline-grabbing tax incentives and enviable lifestyles, Europe’s ski destinations deliver a different, often more sustainable blend of lifestyle, practicality and investment appeal.
- A year-round lifestyle
Ski properties aren’t just for winter. Alpine regions are thriving summer destinations, offering hiking, cycling, lakes, spas, music festivals and clean mountain air. They avoid the extreme summer heat that makes some hot-weather destinations uncomfortable.
- European proximity and travel freedom
A home in France, Italy or Switzerland keeps you close to the UK while offering easy movement across Europe. Short flights, excellent infrastructure and high-quality healthcare make these destinations practical for both holiday-home owners and part-time residents.
- Investment diversification
Alpine property brings long-term desirability and limited supply — especially in premium resorts. Whether for personal use, investment, or rental income, the mountain markets have historically shown resilience, particularly in well-known resorts.
- Attractive residency and tax regimes
Many European countries recognise the value of attracting globally mobile professionals and retirees. Italy, for example, offers favourable flat-tax regimes for new residents, while Switzerland provides lump-sum taxation options in certain cantons. While the most popular ski property options such as France and Switzerland do not offer the kind of inexpensive residency-by-investment or “golden visa” you find in Portugal or Greece, there are options.
- A more grounded alternative to Dubai or Singapore
Hot-weather hubs come with strong benefits, but also significant trade-offs: long-haul travel, cultural adjustment, intense climate and often higher running costs. A ski-property, by contrast, offers culture, nature, a calm pace of life and quick access back to the UK. That all makes it a gentler and often more family-friendly option.
Top ski property locations to consider
France
The French Alps not only offer superb skiing, but all the benefits of the French lifestyle too: its culture, cuisine and a language that most of us learnt at school. Those looking to relocate should bear in mind that a more settled existence requires something very different than a week’s holiday. Aim for accessibility to nearby cities and airports, such as Samoëns, a community to join and a lifestyle that extends to all four seasons.
Italy
Milan in particular has been attracting British relocators, due to a favourable tax regime. But Italy’s ski resorts extend from the western Alps to the eastern Dolomites and combine mountain beauty with everything that makes Italy such a popular destination. Prices can be more accessible, with prices in some areas still below the levels pre-financial crisis. The signs are all that they are rising now.
Austria
Few countries do luxury lifestyles quite like Austria, with Vienna leading the Global Liveability Index in most years. It is also simply one of the most breathtakingly beautiful countries on the planet and one with excellent snowfall levels. For the business-minded its access to increasingly important commercial centres such as Munich in Germany, Milan in Italy or Krakow in Poland can also be a draw.
Switzerland
Britons like Richard Burton and David Bowie moved to Switzerland to escape high taxes in the 1970s and have been followed by Lewis Hamilton, James Blunt and others today. It’s a prestige market with world-class stability and liveability, but it’s also businesslike, safe and well connected too. Ownership rules can be more restrictive, but for those eligible, Switzerland offers unmatched quality and enduring global demand.
To get the process of buying your ski property underway, why not take a look at our handy ski property buying guides? They lay out the buying journey step by step to make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
