Premium real estate in ski regions I MYHOME BLOG

FINDMYHOME.AT/Premium Living interview with Marlies Muhr

Marlies Muhr is the owner of Muhr Immobilien with offices in Vienna, Salzburg and Kitzbühel. Muhr Immobilien is one of the top 5 brokerage offices in the premium and high-class real estate segment.

We were allowed to ask Ms. Muhr a few questions on the topic of “premium real estate in ski regions”.

Which ski regions in Austria are the most sought-after for the purchase of premium and high-class real estate?

Kitzbühel remains the most popular, closely followed by Skiwelt Amadé.

We are also experiencing high demand for Pinzgau and Krispl as well as Leogang, Gastein and Zell am See. The demand about real estate in Ramsau and Schladming has also increased sharply in the last two years. For the Viennese, the nearby ski resorts such as Semmering and Mariazell became more and more interesting, which is why a premium market developed there as well.

Which nations are the primary buyers of premium real estate in ski regions?

In first place are still the Austrians themselves, who invest in exclusive properties in ski regions. Since the Covid 19 pandemic, the number of Austrian buyers has again increased.

In second place are our northern neighbors, the buyers from Germany.

Another strong group of interested parties and buyers comes from the Benelux countries.

Many buyers from the Benelux countries are drawn to Austria regardless of secondary residency issues. The reason for this is the high quality of life that our country has to offer.

There has also been a sharp rise in purchases by Austrians living abroad, who are returning from Asia and the USA as a result of political developments and are looking for a new, old home, especially in Salzburg and the Salzkammergut.

In addition to family and friends, the main reasons given for choosing these two regions are safety, a wide range of leisure activities, peace and quiet, and proximity to the countryside. In addition, the quick accessibility of Munich and Vienna as well as the qualitative educational offers with international schools, make these regions particularly attractive for buyers.

The group of buyers from the EU countries has become broader and broader in recent years.

Strong focus is also on the purchase of the property, regions with attractive dual use for winter and summer.

Which properties are in particular demand in terms of style? Are there preferences architecturally or between historic and new?

There is a strong growth in demand in luxury for secluded properties with self-sufficient use. For example, alpine huts with their own electricity production, independent heating, own water supply, etc.. Preferences in architecture and year of construction are very individual.

Do you also notice a trend toward minimalization – specifically downsizing – in premium properties, which are often purchased as second or third homes?

Yes, definitely. In recent years, even in luxury, especially in hot spot locations, more and more apartments than houses are in demand according to the motto “just lock up”.

Do you expect any adaptations/changes in the secondary residence topic in a timely manner?

I have been hoping for a vacation levy for many years to get the issue out of the way with all the pros and cons.

Personally, I see the external buyers, popularly known as “Zuagroaste,” as nothing but an asset. In fact, these buyers massively stimulate trade and services, create jobs and also make the places more attractive.

We would like to thank Mrs. Muhr very much for taking the time to answer our questions!