Jan 03, 2021 / BUYING PROCESS

How to prepare for your 2021 ski property purchase

Travelling was difficult in 2020, to say the least, and challenges continue into the new year. But we hope that 2021 will be a year of more opportunities, excitement, and the perfect time to buy your dream ski home.

Luckily, if you’re planning to buy a ski home in 2021, there’s plenty you can do to prepare now from the comfort of your own couch. So, ensure that you tick off these four vital steps to make your dream of owning a ski home a reality.

1. What do you want to use your ski home for?

Are you looking to use your property for long weekend getaways as a couple, extended family holidays, or both? Is skiing your main priority or would you like to also use your home as a base for sightseeing and travelling? Will you be looking to rent it out at certain times of the year?

It may sound obvious but answering these questions before you start your property search will help you determine the type of property you’re looking for and where you want to buy. Giving these questions some consideration will make your search a smoother process from beginning to end.

This 5 room maisonette apartment has all the comfort of a newly built apartment in the middle of a historic centre

2. Where should you buy?

Deciding which ski destination and resort to go for can be a challenging task. Consider whether you’ll want somewhere that’s easy to travel to – does it need to be a short flight away and close to an airport? Alternatively, you may be prepared to travel a little further to get there. Either way, you’ll want to make sure that you can get the most out of your property after you purchase it.

The type of resort is also a consideration. If you have a family with young children, you may wish to choose somewhere with facilities to accommodate them. On the other hand, a more exclusive resort with high-end restaurants and spa facilitates may be suited to your needs. Après ski could be a big part of the ski experience for you, in which case, you’ll want to pick a resort that has lively bars and restaurants. 

Discussing these requirements from the beginning will narrow down your search, making it easier to find your dream ski property.

This lovingly appointed apartment is the perfect place to sit back and unwind after an active day in Andermatt.

3. Sort out your currency

We have often written about the importance of planning your currency transfers when looking for a ski-home abroad. The truth is, no-one can truly predict where the currency markets are going.

The economic disruption from coronavirus is a case in point – none of the banks could possibly have expected this and it’s very difficult to predict how the markets will fare over the next few months.

If you’re looking to buy this year, or over the next coming few years, you need to plan how you’re going to send your money safely.

In many ways, the problem is complex, but the solution is simple: removing your money from the live exchange markets. Learn more about how to buy safely in this volatile time with the Property Buyer’s Guide to Currency.

The penthouse apartment in the Caribou Residence is a truly unique property. Located practically alongside the piste in La Chapelle d'Abondance

4. Start looking

Once you’ve decided on the above, start by searching through our property portal on SnowOnly and drawing up a list of properties that appeal. Then, make contact with estate agents. Most, if not all, are still working remotely and this could be the perfect time to have a detailed conversation with them about what you’re looking for.

With these conversations already started, a good list of properties you’re interested in to hand and the security of knowing you’re not going to be paying thousands more than you’d expected, you will be ready to buy once a viewing trip is possible.