_Lakeside in Switzerland: The joy of a Swiss summer

Ski season may be over, but that doesn't mean interest in Switzerland wanes. Our local expert and Partner, Alex Koch de Gooreynd, shares his insights on the growing popularity of Switzerland year-round. Plus, he reveals his investment hotspots and must-visit areas.

What do you enjoy most about Switzerland at this time of year?

As the snow is melting in the ski resorts, you often get a lot of mist before the summer season kicks in, so as you can imagine, the lakes are certainly the place to be. Areas around Lugano and Montreux are protected by the mountain ranges behind, so benefit from their own microclimate. You can sit outside and enjoy watching spring blend into summer.

When the ski season ends, do the resorts empty?

Yes, the resorts tend to become a little quieter this time of year for a couple of months. However, more and more people now live in resorts, so there's still life there. It's just nowhere near as busy as the winter and summer months.

Where are the latest Swiss hotspots?

The Lake Geneva region remains the busiest markets and in particular the district of Cologny, voted Geneva’s most attractive suburb 2022, the district boasts wonderful lake views and is only 10 minutes from the centre of town. In the mountain region, it's been all about Crans-Montana for that all-year-round resort feel for summer and winter. There's so much to do there. Lakeside, Geneva, remains ever popular. People like to be close to the city and have the advantage of being near all its amenities.

How has your relationship with Switzerland evolved over the years?

I've been working in the market for 13/14 years and love that I know it so well and understand the local intricacies. I'm still learning more! I value my knowledge of Switzerland's unique buying process; educating others (sometimes the locals) is my biggest joy. 

How does Switzerland compare from an investment point of view?

It’s quite hard to buy pure investments in Switzerland as investors can’t rent them out the whole time. Having said that, the resorts with an extended summer season will give you the best opportunity for a return. Whilst investors may not get a high yield in Switzerland as you can’t buy in city centres, the focus remains on those who purchase holiday homes in the mountains and rent them out when they’re not there.

A new selection of hotel-style residences is coming to the market, which offers on-site hotel facilities. There isn't a restriction for overseas investors as it's seen as a commercial investment. This provides a guaranteed yield, but not at the same level as other global city locations.

The best option for investors is to have a personal desire to be in the region and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Get in touch to discover more about the latest properties for sale in Switzerland.