Country houses for sale

Austrian chalets are top for value

Ski lovers wanting to invest in mountain property should look to Austria for the biggest returns, says Savills. Research has shown that chalets in Austria are 30% better value than those in a comparable ski resort in Switzerland. ‘There have been reported increases of 211% in the resort of Rauris, Austria within the last two years,’ said Larry Levene, founder of Alpine Homes.

The positive research results have prompted Savills to enter the Austrian alpine market for the first time. Sch?ick Mountain Resort and Spa in the Rauris Valley is a development of 31 luxury chalet apartments, 100m away from the main gondolas for the expanding Rauris ski area.

Rauris, founded in 1902, is the original Austrian ski resort. It is situated amid national park in the heart of Salzburgerland. The valley boasts two of the biggest glaciers in Austria, offering ski-touring throughout the year. Superb skiing, rafting, mountain biking, mountain biking and mountaineering can all be done from the town and there are 46km of groomed cross-country piste. The resort is easily accessible with over 150 flights a week to Salzburg from 14 UK & Ireland airports.

Prices for two-bedroom apartments start at just £133,000 with four-bedroom penthouses marketing at £268,000. Built in typical Austrian style – which is often prettier than that of Swiss and French mountain villages – the apartments have large balconies with views to the Schonblick glacier. All residents will have access to a spa and leisure centre with indoor and outdoor swimming pool, gym, health, beauty, massage suites, sauna and steam rooms. The shops and restaurants of the former medieval gold mining town of Rauris are less than a two minute walk away.

‘By entering the Austrian market , we are offering alpine property that is truly within everybody’s reach, with prices starting at just £133,000 for a two bedroom apartment,’ explained Jeremy Rollason, head of development at Savills International. ‘Add this to a 5% net guaranteed rental for the first five years and you have a fantastic offering with excellent capital appreciation prospects and superb build quality from Austrian Chalets Ltd.’

For further information please contact Anna Stanbridge at Savills International : +44 (0)20 7016 3740 or astanbridge@savills.com www.alpinehomesintl.com