Affluent overseas residents are increasingly settling in this specific Zurich district due to its attractive features.
Living on Zurich's Exclusive "Pfnüselküste": An Expensive Dream
Embrace the opulence of Zurich's affluent district, the Pfnüselküste, rivaling the Gold Coast's charm, but with a fresh, contemporary twist.
Once a popular haven for the wealthy and expats, the Gold Coast has taken a backseat to a newer, more sought-after district: the Pfnüselküste, stretching across Lake Zurich on the left bank.
Niki Thomet, a realtor with Engel & Völkers, shared his insights on the region, which boasts a booming luxury property market.
How much does living on the Pfnüselküste set you back?
If you earn an average wage, brace yourself.
In Thalwil, averaging property sales prices surpass the 5 million franc mark. If that doesn't take your breath away, consider Thomet's marketing of a 5.5-room, 186-sq-m flat priced at 6.28 million francs – that's a staggering 33,000 francs per sq-m. For comparison, Zurich's typical per-sq-m price hovers around 15,900 francs (according to Neho real estate company).
But Thomet remains unphased by the high prices, attributing the continuous demand to high immigration and the region's strategic location.
Communities like Kilchberg and Horgen welcome a growing number of foreign residents each year, confirms Horgen's mayor, Beat Nüesch, who conducts up to 120 naturalization interviews annually.
Why do international residents flock to the Pfnüselküste?
The area's prime location is the main draw, attracting the well-heeled, who demand seamless transport connections. The Pfnüselküste provides easy accessibility to Zurich's heart, along with strategic links to neighboring cantons like Zug and Schwyz – hotspots for high-earning expats.
The area's draw extends beyond its connectivity, with prestigious schools like Zurich International School scattered throughout.
Lan Anh Nguyen, another Engel & Völkers realtor, highlights these factors as crucial in foreigners' decision-making processes.
Adjusting to the Pfnüselküste lifestyle
Acclimation to the Pfnüselküste isn't solely about embracing high living costs. The district's international presence is palpable, with English becoming the lingua franca in many local administrative offices.
Thalwil's mayor, Hansruedi Kölliker, confirms the shift, reporting that daily encounters with English have become commonplace in municipal administration.
While the "Pfnüselküste" isn't explicitly defined, it suggests a pricy, upscale lakeside area that attracts wealthy foreigners – a trend unlikely to subside anytime soon. For those in the highest income brackets, the allure of Zurich's Pfnüselküste continues to draw them to its shores.
- For those interested in investing in luxury properties, the Pfnüselküste region, situated along Lake Zurich, presents an attractive market, as revealed by Niki Thomet, a realtor with Engel & Völkers.
- The average property sales price in Thalwil, a part of the Pfnüselküste, surpasses the 5-million-franc mark, making it a desirable yet expensive area for home-and-garden enthusiasts with personal finance to spare.
- Aside from the high living costs, the area's prime location, strategic connections, and prestigious schools like Zurich International School make it an appealing choice for foreign residents looking for a contemporary twist on an exclusive lifestyle.
- In fact, Horgen's mayor, Beat Nüesch, reveals that the region welcomes a growing number of foreign residents each year, with up to 120 naturalization interviews conducted annually.
- Embracing life in the Pfnüselküste also means adapting to an international community, as English has become the lingua franca in many administrative offices, as confirmed by Thalwil's mayor, Hansruedi Kölliker.
