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Austria’s largest ski resort developer arrives in the UK

AlpenParks, Austria’s largest ski resort developer is launching in the UK - offering British lifestyle investors a rare opportunity to own an authentic Austrian chalet right on the mountain slopes.

Hagan Lodge is the first ski resort from AlpenParks open to British property investors. It is an ideal lifestyle investment for passionate skiers seeking family-friendly holidays and a secure return on investment of between 5.9 and 6.2%.

This ‘exclusive’ resort is situated on slopes of the Loser Mountain in the stunning region of Ausseerland, only 98 km east of Salzburg. The region was recently voted the 3rd best ski area in Austria, and at Hagan Lodge, you can ski right to your front door.

The Austrian authorities have recently decided that development on the mountain slopes will now be restricted and eventually stopped, and the few resorts that have permission will be built and managed by AlpenParks. Hagan Lodge is a rare opportunity to own a beautifully crafted mountain chalet in the beautiful landscape of Austria.

For skiers there couldn’t be a more perfect location. The Loser area has around 29 km of pristine, well managed pistes - many of which offer wide, non-congested and stress free skiing. It is great for families and there is a dedicated children’s ski school with English speaking instructors within Hagan Lodge so you can relax knowing the kids are learning and having fun in a safe environment.

There are also a host of challenges in store for the more experienced skier. In addition to the many downhill descents – there is a network of cross country trails and also a new fun park for freestyle boarders. And when it comes to the all important snowfall – that’s guaranteed from November through to Easter.

In the summer there is an abundance of activities within 15 minutes of Hagan Lodge, all set among lush meadows and crystal clear lakes. There’s paragliding, hang gliding, swimming, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, tennis, boat hire, the salt mines, literature and folk museums, ice skating, spa treatments, moonlight hikes, off piste tours, ice climbing, horse drawn sleigh rides, cosy mountain cafes, tobogganing, curling, and a number of cultural festivals.

In addition to providing the perfect holiday retreat, owning a chalet at Hagan Lodge is a secure investment offering a great return. On average, and based on the owner using their chalet for 2 weeks in peak season each year, after all maintenance costs, rental commission and taxes have been deducted, owners can expect to make approximately 18,000 euros (between 5.9 and 6.2% return) each year in rental income alone.

Austria is also one of the world’s most stable economies and the 3rd wealthiest nation in the EU. There is no ‘sub-prime’ mortgage market in Austria and property values have steadily increased between 5% and 10% each year. To encourage long-term investment in Austria the capital gains tax of 50% is waived after ten years. There is also no inheritance tax.

Hagan Lodge is already proving popular with holiday skiers and is fully booked throughout for December, January and February – although arrangements can be made for owners to use their chalet during this period.

Austria boasts one of the best ski seasons in Europe and has some of Europe’s heaviest snow. The Austrian people love their country and take bold steps to protect the natural environment. Austrian culture is very much alive.

The arrival of AlpenParks in the UK is big news for lifestyle property investors with a passion for skiing in winter or alpine walking in summer. Phase one of Hagan Lodge offers exceptional lifestyle benefits with a great return, and is one of the last opportunities to purchase a mountain chalet where you can ski to your door.

For more information visit www.hagan-lodge.co.uk or www.alpenparks.co.uk

Editor’s notes:

AlpenParks was established in 2001 and is Austria’s largest ski resort developer. The company is the only developer in Austria that not only builds ski resorts but also continues to own and manage them on behalf of the properties’ owners.
Hagan Lodge is built on the slopes of the Loser Mountain and is only 2½ km from the nearby village of Altaussee, 2 hours drive from Innsbruck and one and a half hours east of Salzburg.
AlpenParks will hold annual management meetings in London where owners can give feedback and have input into decision-making.
AlpenParks also operates its own holiday rental agency which works on behalf of owners to let and manage their properties, ensuring that they maximise revenue income. The agency retains 20% of rental income as commission and works with all of the largest tour operators to achieve excellent lettings over peak ski and summer periods. If owners wish to rent their property privately they pay a reduced commission of 10% for maintenance purposes.
According to Austrian law, no more planning permission will be given for new chalets to be built on the mountain slopes, in order to preserve the ski slopes. There is only permission for a few more mountain developments and they will be managed and built by AlpenParks.
All chalets in phase one of Hagan Lodge sleep a maximum of 9 people, and come in three configurations.
Prices range from 365,000 to 374,000 euros, and the sale price includes all the costs of lawyers, notaries and taxes so there are no unexpected expenses.
Mortgages are available through AlpenParks with a loan to value rate of 60%. Mortgages are arranged through Austria’s premier bank, Sparkasse, and normally take four to six weeks to arrange. Cash buyers can be on the slopes within 2 weeks. Buyers only deal with the AlpenParks team directly – there’s no sales team and no estate agents.

Press contact

For high quality images and detailed information about working with AlpenParks, the Hagan Lodge ski resort, or Austria, please contact Adams Creative on 01622 687 729.

Amanda Goodchild

David Hanson