American investors flock to Swiss resort amid political shifts
The exclusive resort of Andermatt in Switzerland has gained unexpected popularity among American investors in recent months. According to the "Financial Times," this trend is influenced by the policies of President Donald Trump. As a result, influential Americans are seeking options to protect their wealth.
As reported by the "Financial Times," from January to early April this year, developers recorded over 1,260 inquiries from U.S. investors regarding apartments in the small Alpine resort of Andermatt. This unexpected interest stems from a need to secure assets during times of uncertainty in politics and the economy.
Switzerland: Where wealthy Americans want to protect their assets
The choice of location is no accident. Although Switzerland has strict regulations limiting the purchase of property by foreigners, Andermatt has obtained a special exemption, which wealthy foreign buyers are eagerly taking advantage of.
In the first few months of the year, Americans bought or placed deposits on properties worth 14.2 million Swiss francs ($17.4 million)—nearly double the total amount for the entire previous year. Notably, over one-third of sales occurred just before Easter, when the trade decisions of the Trump administration significantly impacted global markets.
Russell Collins, chief commercial officer of Andermatt Swiss Alps, the company overseeing the investments, emphasizes that while American interest had been growing—even more so after Vail Resorts, an American company, acquired a majority stake in 2022—this year's growth is unprecedented. "In recent weeks, interest and sales resemble a hockey stick chart," Collins tells the "FT".
According to the company, most Andermatt clients are from the East Coast of the USA. One New York magnate, who purchased property in Switzerland, admitted anonymously to the newspaper that Trump's policies were "one of the main factors" influencing his decision to buy.
Collins believes many U.S. buyers are also attracted by the strength of the Swiss franc, which has gained 11 percent against the dollar since January. Switzerland is viewed as a politically and economically stable haven. The investment project in Andermatt, valued at 1.8 billion Swiss francs, is led by businessman Samih Sawiris and his company Orascom. The project includes the development of hotels, restaurants, and a golf course, all just two hours from Zurich.
According to Philipp Zünd from KPMG in Zurich, a firm serving wealthy clients, the number of Americans inquiring about moving to Switzerland has more than doubled compared to previous years. "In recent months, we've seen growing interest in moving to Switzerland and Europe in general," Zünd says about Americans.
