PETALING JAYA: Malaysian high-net-worth families are showing growing appetite for Alpine properties, attracted by both capital preservation and lifestyle diversification, according to Knight Frank’s Alpine Property Report 2026.
“Malaysian buyers are increasingly drawn to the Alps not only for capital resilience but for lifestyle diversification,” said Adrian Yeoh, executive director for international projects at Knight Frank Property Hub.
“The shift toward year-round alpine living, supported by strong infrastructure and limited new supply in core Swiss and Italian resorts, is reshaping buying motivations.
“For many Malaysian families, these are no longer purely investment assets but multi-generational legacy homes that offer wellness, education access and long-term security in a globally stable destination,” he said.
The report highlights that Malaysian interest in Alpine real estate has remained robust, especially among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) looking beyond traditional markets such as London, Melbourne, and Singapore.
These investors are now diversifying into Switzerland and Northern Italy, drawn by strong governance, scarcity of supply and the region’s appeal as a safe-haven destination.
Across the Alps, prime property prices have risen 23% over the past five years, outpacing global luxury markets.
The Knight Frank Alpine Property Index climbed 3.3% year-on-year, led by Andermatt (14.6%), Davos (10%), and Cortina d’Ampezzo (10%).
Swiss resorts outperformed French counterparts, with prices up 5% in Switzerland versus 1.2% in France.
Kate Everett-Allen, head of European residential research at Knight Frank, said: “The Alpine property market has shifted from seasonal playgrounds to year-round sanctuaries. The surge in full-time residents, alongside rising summer tourism, is rewriting what it means to own in the mountains.
“While other luxury residential markets have plateaued, the Alps continue to deliver both lifestyle and long-term capital resilience. Regulatory shifts and the 2026 Olympics are creating new dynamics that investors cannot ignore.”
For Malaysians, the Alps’ evolution into a year-round living destination, paired with limited supply and long-term stability, positions it as an attractive frontier for legacy wealth preservation and global lifestyle investment.
