American investors flock to Swiss sanctuary amid policy 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. Influential Americans are thus 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 investors in the US regarding apartments in the small alpine resort of Andermatt. This unexpected interest seems to stem from the need to secure assets in politically and economically uncertain times.
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 just the first few months of the year, Americans bought or placed deposits on properties worth 14.2 million Swiss francs (£13 million) — nearly double the total amount for the whole of the previous year. Notably, over one-third of sales took place right before Easter, when the trade decisions of the Trump administration significantly affected markets worldwide.
Russell Collins, chief commercial officer of Andermatt Swiss Alps, the company carrying out the investments, emphasises that while American interest had already been growing — especially after the acquisition of a majority stake by American company Vail Resorts in 2022 — this year's growth is unprecedented. "In recent weeks, interest and sales look like 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 buyers from the USA are also attracted by the strength of the Swiss franc, which has gained 11 per cent 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 (£1.6 billion), 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 away 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 regarding Americans.
