Upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics Driving Sales Interest
Europe’s Alpine property market is defying the global luxury slowdown, with prime mountain homes delivering double-digit growth and attracting high-net-worth buyers seeking year-round retreats, according to Knight Frank’s Alpine Property Report 2026.
The report shows that prices for top-tier alpine properties have risen 23% over the past five years, fueled by flexible work arrangements, growing interest in permanent mountain living, and a renewed focus on wellness and nature. The Knight Frank Alpine Property Index rose 3.3% year-on-year, led by Andermatt (+14.6%), Davos (+10%), and Cortina d’Ampezzo (+10%), underscoring the region’s resilience and international appeal.
“Alpine property has evolved from seasonal playgrounds into year-round sanctuaries,” said Kate Everett-Allen, Head of European Residential Research at Knight Frank. “Full-time residents are rising, summer tourism is expanding, and regulatory changes along with the 2026 Winter Olympics are shaping a new landscape for investors.”
The Rise of Permanent Alpine Living
The report highlights a cultural shift among wealthy buyers. About 73% of high-net-worth individuals surveyed would consider living full-time in the Alps, driven by flexible work lifestyles and a desire for wellness, nature, and community. Millennials are leading the charge, with 80% saying they would contemplate full-time Alpine living.
Alpine resorts are seeing increased year-round engagement. Lift pass sales jumped 46% over two years, signaling the region’s growing summer appeal alongside traditional winter tourism.
Spotlight on Top Alpine Markets
Andermatt, Switzerland tops the Knight Frank Alpine Property Index with 14.6% annual growth, benefiting from exemptions to ownership restrictions.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is experiencing a pre-Olympics boost, with prices up 10% year-on-year ahead of the 2026 Winter Games, though values remain 30-40% below St. Moritz.
Chamonix, France is tightening supply through a new “one out, one in” rule, which is driving premiums on properties with development rights.
Gstaad remains the most expensive Alpine destination, followed by St. Moritz and Courchevel 1850.
Sustainability and Investment Trends
Nearly half of buyers now consider climate resilience when purchasing Alpine homes, with Val Thorens, Val d’Isère, and Zermatt leading Knight Frank’s Alpine Sustainability Index.
Investment confidence remains high, with 92% of respondents expressing strong or moderate confidence in long-term value, while entry-level opportunities are emerging: 44% of HNWIs are targeting homes under €2 million, showing that the Alps are no longer exclusive to ultra-high-net-worth buyers.
Everett-Allen noted, “While other luxury residential markets plateau, the Alps continue to deliver lifestyle appeal alongside long-term capital resilience. Investors cannot ignore the combined effects of regulatory changes, sustainability concerns, and global events like the Olympics, which are shaping new dynamics across the region.”
The report underscores a market increasingly defined not just by winter ski seasons, but by year-round living, lifestyle investment, and cross-generational appeal, cementing the Alps as a standout among global luxury real estate markets.
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