Now that the ski lifts have stopped and the mountain towns are quiet, May gives you a valuable window to plan your ski property purchase. It’s a quieter time in the market, but that won’t last. Summer often brings a wave of new listings and renewed competition. If you’re thinking about buying a ski home this year, now is the time to get your finances in shape.
Let’s through the key decisions to make when financing your property, whether you’re buying in the Alps, the Pyrenees or another winter destination. We’ll cover cash vs mortgage strategies, legal and tax costs, the role of private banking, and how to manage currency risk.
Choosing between cash and mortgage
If you have the funds available, paying in cash might seem like the most straightforward option. It removes the need for lender approvals, speeds up the process and can make your offer more attractive. But there are good reasons to consider using a mortgage too.
Financing allows you to keep capital available for other investments or costs, such as renovation, furnishing or even a second property. In some countries, having a mortgage can reduce your exposure to local property or wealth taxes. It may also help if you're planning to spend significant time abroad, as some countries factor investment or income levels into residency rights.
Private banks offer flexible solutions for buyers with complex finances. You might be able to borrow against an investment portfolio, secure an interest-only loan, or arrange a multi-currency mortgage that aligns better with your income and assets.
Book a consultation with us today to talk through your situation and we can put you in touch with the experts than can help.
What to budget for beyond the property price
Whether you choose to finance the purchase or pay outright, you’ll need to plan for additional costs. These include legal fees, notary charges, property transfer taxes and mortgage arrangement fees if applicable. In Alpine countries, these expenses can add 7-10% to the property price. You can learn more about these fees from our interview with bilingual notaire Simon Attey.
It’s important to work with a local solicitor who understands the legal system and the needs of international buyers. They’ll help with contract checks, due diligence, and ensure that the purchase is legally secure. If you’re buying through a company, sharing ownership, or thinking about passing the property to family in future, they can also advise on the right structure for your situation.
Why currency matters when buying abroad
If you’re earning in pounds but buying in euros or Swiss francs, exchange rate movements will affect the real cost of your property. That includes your deposit, the balance payment and, if you’re taking a mortgage, your monthly repayments.
A small shift in the rate between making an offer and transferring the money could add thousands to the total cost. To protect yourself, you can use a forward contract. This allows you to lock in an exchange rate now for a payment in the future, giving you certainty and avoiding unpleasant surprises. If your purchase involves several payments across a few months, a currency specialist can help you plan a strategy to manage your exposure.
Some lenders also offer multi-currency mortgages, which let you borrow in one currency and repay in another. This can help reduce risk, particularly if your income and your mortgage repayments are in different currencies.
Find out how to protect your property-buying budget with Smart Currency Exchange.
Planning now puts you ahead of the market
Buyers who start preparing in May are often better positioned when the summer market picks up. By getting your finances in place early, you’ll be ready to act quickly if the right property comes up. That means less stress, faster progress and a smoother buying experience.
To make that happen, you’ll need a good team. That usually includes a local mortgage adviser or private banker, a solicitor who knows the legal system where you’re buying, and a currency exchange specialist who can help you move money securely and protect your budget from rate swings. We can put you in touch with all the people you need, making the process even more efficient.
Buying a ski property is a major financial step, and how you structure the purchase matters. With the right advice and preparation, you can protect your assets, reduce your risks and make confident decisions. By using May to plan, you give yourself the best chance of success when the summer market begins.
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.
