Austria

Zell am See

Welcome to Zell am See

Zell am See is one of Austria's most sought-after property markets, located on the shores of Lake Zell. It offers direct access to skiing and convenient train connections to Salzburg and Innsbruck. The charming medieval old town, along with a range of year-round tourism options such as lake activities, skiing, and cultural events, ensures excellent rental occupancy for both apartment and chalet owners. Few Austrian resorts can match Zell am See in terms of lifestyle appeal and strong investment potential.

Stunning lake-side setting
15th century old town
Glacier skiing in Kaprun
36 hole golf course
Year-round rental income

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Austria

Property for Sale in Zell am See

Apartment

Golf Course Duplex

Zell am See, Austria

103m²
3
0.9km to piste

Chalet

Piesendorf Chalet

Zell am See, Austria

120m²
3
4km to piste

Chalet

Chalet Schmitten

Zell am See, Austria

300m²
5
0km to piste

Chalet

The View Chalets

Zell am See, Austria

88 - 101m²
2
0.2km to piste

Property For Sale In Zell am See

A year-round destination where the 'off-season' simply doesn't exist. With lakes, mountains, golf courses, glacier skiing, beaches - Zell am See really does have it all.

Zell am See Property Guide

Property in Zell am See is currently some of the most sought after in Austria and it is not hard to understand why. There are very few alpine designations that have the magic mix of lake-side summer activities and high-altitude winter skiing. When looking to purchase a property in Zell am See it is very important to understand the different locations and below we discuss the positives and negatives for each location.

a) Property in Zell am See Centre

This is the most sought after location due to its proximity to the ski lifts and the lake. With a property in the centre of Zell am See there is no need to have a car as you can arrive by train and everything is then within easy walking distance. Property in the centre of Zell am See should also be some of the best investment property in Austria due to an imbalance of supply and demand caused by the shortage of land. It is impossible to expand the centre of Zell am See as it is sandwiched in between the lake on one side and the Schmittenhohe mountain on the other. Consequently most new property developments involved the renovation or re-development of existing buildings. For example the new Alpin See Resort is a re-development of an old Mercedes garage.

b) Property in Thumersbach

Thumersbach is a popular location for locals due to the south-facing aspect of much of the property. The area attracts many European property buyers who arrive in Zell am See for their holidays by car. As a result they don't mind the short drive to either the Saalbach, Kitzsteinhorn glacier or Zell am See ski lifts each morning. There is also a free ski bus that runs around the lake. Property available in this part of Zell am See includes the new Bellevue Resort which has some incredible lake-view apartments with large picture windows that maximise the views of Zell am See and the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier.

c) Property in Schuttdorf

Perhaps the most affordable area of Zell am See in which to purchase a property, Schuttdorf is predominantly a residential area popular with local Austrian buyers. Location is key here as much of the area is blighted by the main road that runs back to Salzburg. There are some quieter areas although these tend to be at least 10-15 minutes walk from the Arietbahn gondola.

If you are interested in purchasing a apartment or chalet in this popular Austrian resort then please do get in touch with the team at Alpine Property Finders.

Buyers need to be aware of the new second home legislation that will impact what you can and can't do with a property. These rules are strictly enforced in Zell am See and it is important that you understand the latest laws. Properties can be designated for either main residence (hauptwohnsitz), second homes (zweitwohnsitz) or for touristic renting.

If you are looking to purchase a property in Zell am See please request a brochure today or view below our selection of ski apartments and chalets in this beautiful year-round lake side resort.

Winter in Zell am See

Skiing in the winter centres around the two mountains – the Schmittenhohe and the mighty Kitzsteinhorn glacier – giving a total of 138kms of pistes. The Schmittenhohe mountain rises up to 2,000 meters right behind the town. It is ideal for families who enjoy tree-lined runs and long wide pistes. For the more adventurous, the huge Kitzsteinhorn glacier towers above the lake and provides skiing year round to altitudes over 3,000 meters. Zell am see is where the Austrian ski team come to train and you will find challenging descents, excellent off-piste trails and stunning vistas. For a small extra charge, it is possible to purchase a ski pass that also covers you for the huge Saalbach Ski Circus which is just 15 minutes away by car or ski bus and provides a further 220 kilometers of well groomed pistes.

Summer in Zell am See

Zell am See was a summer destination long before there was skiing. The area was a Mecca for wealthy Germans and Austrians who flocked here to enjoy the warm waters, mountain air and long summer days. The lake is the centre of activity in the summer with several sailing and windsurfing clubs catering for beginners and experienced sailors alike. There are also numerous open air swimming pools, diving boards and designated swimming areas. If you prefer to take in the views, many of the ski lifts operate taking hikers and mountain bikers along some spectacular alpine paths.

Zell am See FAQs

1 to 2 bedroom apartments with permission for touristic use can be found in central Zell am See from around €450,000. Prices can rise rapidly for views of Lake Zell or close proximity to the City Express Gondola.

Chalets in Zell am See tend to be found mostly around the Schmittenhöhe gondola or up on the Sonnberg mountainside. Prices for chalets here start from around €2m and can go up to €4m for the best properties.

Second home laws are strictly enforce,d meaning chalets with Zweitwohnsitz (second home) status or permission for touristic rental command a big premium.

Unlike some high-altitude resorts that shut down in summer, Zell am See thrives in the warmer months due to Lake Zell, which draws swimmers, sailors, and triathletes. This allows owners to generate substantial rental income in July and August, often matching or exceeding winter returns.

The ski region has seen massive investment over recent years with the completion of the K-connection in Kaprun and the new Zell am See Express linking down to Viehofen and Saalbach-Hinterglemm. All this is good news for apartment and chalet owners in Zell am See who now find themselves in the centre of this huge new - Ski Alpin - region.

Zell am See is unique as the only major Austrian resort that offers the "holy trinity" of alpine tourism: Glacier, Mountain, and Lake. You can ski on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in the morning and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Zell in the afternoon.