Size matters

Ski season is nearly upon us, and soon the world’s slopes will be filled with snow sports lovers of all abilities. Luke Thomas spoke to Simon Atterbury of Kristall Spaces AG about their role in creating Austria’s largest ski location.

Ground has now been broken for the Zell am See Express lift, a new gondola that plays a major role in creating Austria’s largest ski terrain. Scheduled to open in December 2019, the lift is the first step to link Zell am See to the extensive ski circuit that links the resorts of Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Leogang and Fieberbrunn, creating 347km of pistes by 2022.

Once work has been completed, Fieberbrunn will surpass Austria’s current ski hotspot St Anton (306km), France’s Val d’Isère (300km) and Tignes Espace Killy (300km). To reflect Fieberbrunn’s growing infrastructure and demand for accommodation, Kristall Spaces is introducing All-Suite Resort Fieberbrunn.

Located in the centre of Fieberbrunn and within close proximity of the new ski lift system, the development offers 36 modern freehold apartments. Although Fieberbrunn is only a 30-minute drive from the upmarket ski resort of Kitzbühel, prices per sqm are on average 70% lower, making the area an attractive investment choice for savvy buyers.

Simon Atterbury, Principal at Kristall Spaces AG comments: “The expansion is a major step forward for Austria’s booming tourism sector, which already benefits property investors in the area. Buyers can expect to see up to an 8 percent return on their capital invested when taking out a 55 percent mortgage, whilst property values are expected to increase by 4 percent each year.”

Located in the heart of the Kitzbüheler Alps, Fieberbrunn is known as a ‘Schneeloch’ (snowhole) as it captures 50 percent more snowfall than Kitzbühel and recorded the highest snowfall in Tirol over the past 40 years. This has made the Tyrolean town a long-time favourite for skiers and boarders in search of powder snow and is the reason why it is host to the annual Freeride World Tour.

Atterbury adds: “Austria is experiencing a growing demand for commercially rented apartments from holiday makers, which is great news for property investors. Fieberbrunn has proven to be particularly popular, delivering 180 days occupancy a year; compared to the average occupancy rate in Tirol of 156 days. To ensure that their property is managed proactively and secures the highest rental returns, it’s recommended to involve a professional management company.”

Once completed, in autumn 2019, All-Suite Resort Fieberbrunn will be managed by Kristall Spaces’ sister company All Suite Resorts. The team’s expertise gives owners the opportunity to achieve an average rental return of 4.5 percent per annum or opt for a guaranteed return of four percent in the first five years. An 8 percent return can be expected when taking out a 55 percent mortgage.

The apartments range between 43 and 130 sqm in size and, as with all Kristall Spaces developments, are fully equipped with furnishings and fittings, as well as parquet floors featuring underfloor heating. The interior themes have an alpine feel with a choice of a modern or traditional finish, combining warm, natural materials with minimalist designs.

Standard features include wireless LAN, intercom access, triple-glazed floor to ceiling windows, Italian ceramics and Hans Grohe bathroom fittings.  Miele kitchens with integrated appliances, cutlery and crockery as well as flat screen Smart TVs are also included.

Following a day on the slopes, guests and residents will be able to unwind in the onsite bar and restaurant or recharge their batteries in the high-spec spa, which will feature a sauna and steam room. Fieberbrunn itself also has an abundance of après-ski establishments with over 30 restaurants and bars on the doorstep of the new apartments. Inexperienced skiers can choose from one of three ski-schools, whilst those wanting to try something else can indulge in sleigh rides, ice skating, snowshoeing or one of the illuminated toboggan runs or, for all family members, the Timok’s winter rollercoaster is popular.

For more information on All-Suite Resort Fieberbrunn, see www.propertysaleaustria.co.uk or contact Kristall Spaces on Tel: 020 3735 8790