With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading across Europe and national lockdowns being implemented in many countries, you may be putting off your plans to buy a ski home. However, this could actually be a great time to buy, for a number of reasons.
A buoyant property market
There’s no doubt that COVID-19 has had an impact on the ski property market this year. However, the market has remained buoyant overall, despite uncertainties. In a way, it’s no surprise, as the mountains provide the perfect escape for those who wish to escape the crowds and enjoy some wide-open space.
Mark Lightfoot, Founder of SnowOnly, explains:
“We know ski property is selling at the moment and that is backed up by what we are hearing from agents around the world. Maybe it is because of space, fresh air or a better place to work from home - there is currently a lot of interest.”
Ski property prices dropped slightly earlier this year, which perhaps contributed towards the demand for ski homes. It’s thought that buyers are looking for plenty of space, dual season potential and privacy, opting for both smaller resorts and resorts that offer year-round activities.
Escape the crowds
Taking a holiday in the mountains is the perfect escape if you want to avoid the crowds. With the unpredictability of the pandemic, city and beach holidays come with the worry that you will be amongst large numbers of people. However, you can enjoy the best of the mountains without having to encounter large crowds. There’s an appeal for families who wish to take a holiday to a safe destination without this worry. With the large shift to working from home, many professionals have also relocated to enjoy the peace and serenity of the mountains.
Visit in the summer
Unlike many holiday home destinations, the mountains have dual-season appeal. It’s worth remembering that a ski home can be enjoyed at any time of year. Summer in the French Alps would be quieter than say, the coast of Spain, and still as beautiful. Resorts also offer summer activities such as mountain biking, hiking and climbing. So, if the ski season doesn’t go to plan this year, there’s still plenty of potential to use your home in the summer, or even rent it out.
Focus on your wellbeing
There has been more emphasis this year on mental and physical wellbeing, mainly due to the pandemic changing our everyday lives. This has brought a change of perspective, with many learning to appreciate nature and their surroundings whilst taking life at a slower pace. With clean air and peaceful surroundings, those who wish to relax and rejuvenate can find solace in the mountains.
In a way, the mountains provide everything that lockdown takes from us – space, fresh air, nature, exercise and the chance to spend quality time with loved ones. It’s no wonder that buyers continue to look to ski destinations for the perfect escape.
If you had put your plans on hold for buying a ski property, now could be a great time to restart them. The ski season looks uncertain this year, but you will have your home ready and waiting for the spring, summer, through to next winter and beyond.
To get the process of buying your ski property underway, why not take a look at our handy buying guides? They lay out the buying journey step by step to make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.