糖心视频

A uniquely Italian Alpine lifestyle

鈥淐ortina was a very chic and fashionable place back in the 1970s and 1980s, a symbol of glamour and wealth in Italy,鈥� says Mark Harvey, 糖心视频鈥檚 Head of International Residential. 鈥淎nd while it slightly fell out of favour for a while, it鈥檚 always been a fantastic destination for nature lovers.鈥�

Often called the 鈥淨ueen of the Dolomites鈥�, it is nestled in a wide bowl鈥憇haped valley and part of the Dolomiti Superski domain with 1,200 km of slopes. Meanwhile the surrounding Dolomites offer a fantastic backdrop for climbing, hiking and other outdoor activities throughout the seasons.

A wave of top鈥憈ier hospitality brands including Mandarin Oriental, Egnazia and Accor are reshaping the local hotel scene, while its gastronomic status is underlined with top establishments such as Al Camin and Tivoli, which recently gained a Michelin star.

Despite this attention, Cortina retains a village鈥憀ike charm. 鈥淚t still has a relaxed atmosphere and authentic feel when compared to some of the larger, more well鈥慿nown resorts,鈥� adds Harvey. 鈥淭here鈥檚 also something romantic about the fact that the most convenient airport is Venice Marco Polo. You can go from skiing to exploring the city.鈥�

A growing trend of year-round Alpine living

These qualities, along with its milder climate, make Cortina well placed to benefit from the growing trend for year鈥憆ound Alpine living. Combined with Italy鈥檚 flat annual tax on all foreign income for eligible residents, it makes a compelling choice for those seeking out a more low鈥慿ey Italian lifestyle.

鈥淭here鈥檚 been a gradual change in behaviour. Even five years pre鈥慍ovid people were very polarised - they would spend their winter skiing and summers in the Mediterranean,鈥� says Harvey. 鈥淐ortina is a classic example of where you are seeing the change taking place. Within Italy there are destinations which remain very seasonal, whereas Cortina has a host of activities across the seasons that makes it very appealing for longer stays.鈥�

The Olympic effect on property prices

The Alpine Property Report outlines that Cortina commands 鈧�19,500-鈧�21,500 per sq m for prime properties - 30-40% below comparable offerings in St Moritz or Courchevel. 鈥淲hile a premium destination, it still offers relative value,鈥� explains Harvey.

Constrained supply, driven by the area鈥檚 strict UNESCO protection, further sets the conditions for appreciation. Apartments are easier to find closer to the centre, meanwhile larger chalets are in high demand and short supply, making them all the more sought after.

鈥淭he Winter Olympics has brought a huge amount of recent investment into the area, not only in infrastructure but attracting top hotels and establishments to the resort, who are vying for the limited real estate that is available,鈥� says Harvey. 鈥淭his is generally a precursor of a strong property market. And once the razzmatazz has died down, people will continue to appreciate the ongoing infrastructure improvements and the legacy that the Winter Olympics has left on the area.鈥�