Franz-Xaver Simmen, CEO of Andermatt Swiss Alps

Who are you?

Franz-Xaver Simmen

What does it say on your business card?

CEO of Andermatt Swiss Alps AG, responsible for the development, planning and operation of the new holiday destination in the Swiss village of Andermatt.

How long has Andermatt Swiss Alps been trading?

Samih Sawiris publicly announced the Andermatt project in December 2005, but it was 2012 when we started to build the project with apartment houses, hotels, the Golf resort as well as upgrading the SkiArena.

Tell us a little more about Andermatt Swiss Alps. What property investment options are available to British purchasers?

Andermatt Swiss Alps offers restriction free purchase and sale of property for UK residents. The entire project has exemption from the Lex Koller – the regulations that limits the purchase of Swiss real estate by foreign investors – so international investors in Andermatt, and only in Andermatt, can purchase and resell real estate without restriction.

What is the one thing prospective property investors need to know about the Andermatt development?

With the innovative and sustainable project Andermatt Swiss Alps, the traditional Swiss mountain village of Andermatt is becoming an increasingly attractive year-round destination. On completion, the project will comprise about 500 apartments in 42 buildings, 25 chalets, convention facilities, a swimming pool and an 18-hole golf course. It will also comprise six 4- and 5-star hotels, including the 5-star deluxe hotel The Chedi Andermatt, which is already open. Furthermore, the ski regions of Andermatt and Sedrun are being merged into the attractive SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun.  

How does your rental scheme work and what are benefits for purchasers? 

Buyers of residential properties may choose to have their apartment rented out during their absence. The rental program is managed by Andermatt Swiss Alps AG. When buying an apartment in the Gotthard Residences the hotel manager of Radisson Blu will professionally handle the renting out of the apartment. We guarantee owners of a Gotthard Residences an extremely attractive annual return of 3 % during the first 3 years after purchase.

How can purchasers benefit from a mortgage guarantee scheme?

Mortgage rates in Switzerland, which have historically been between 4 and 5 percent, dropped to historic lows – approximately 1 percent for Libor mortgages – following the lowering of the base Euribor rate. Foreigners can get a Swiss mortgage provided they have the appropriate Swiss residence permit.

What is unique about the Andermatt resort?

Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps at 1,400 metres, the apartment houses of Andermatt Swiss Alps combine modern architecture with the character of a traditional Swiss resort village. This balance of tradition and modernity, in combination with the breath-taking mountain surroundings, forms the perfect setting for peace and relaxation. Andermatt offers visitors a great many activities to enjoy throughout the year. Winter sports include downhill skiing, cross-country skiing or freeriding, and summer activities include golfing, hiking, climbing, bicycling or mountain biking. Other popular activities include fishing, tennis, paragliding and day trips to any of the 40-some mountain lakes around Andermatt. 

Are prospective investors able to visit the resort?

Yes, we’d welcome potential investors to come and visit the resort for themselves. For more information please visit our website. 

*Read our in-depth report on the Andermatt project here.