immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Real Estate Funds / REITs / Pension Funds

  • Double award recognises quality in property management

    Double award recognises quality in property management

    IAZI, Informations- und Ausbildungszentrum für Immobilien AG, presented this year’s IAZI Awards at the 21st IAZI Real Estate Investment Event in Zurich. According to a press release, the Rivora Collective Foundation, based in Winterthur, received the awards for Best Residential Properties 2026 and, for the first time, Best Pension Fund.

    “We are delighted to receive this double award, which is the result of a clear strategy and strong collaboration,” said Amet Bekiri, Managing Director of Rivora Collective Foundation, in the press release. “It confirms our ongoing commitment to responsible action and sustainable quality – for the benefit of our policyholders.”

    Rivora is a long-standing partner of Auwiesen Immobilien AG. The property company based in Winterthur supports Rivora in the portfolio management of direct investments in real estate. “Being honoured twice with the prestigious IAZI award is an extraordinary confirmation of our many years of joint work,” said Christof Schmid, Managing Director of Auwiesen Immobilien AG. “Together with the Rivora Collective Foundation, we develop an investment strategy tailored to their needs and are responsible for its implementation.”

    As a pension fund without vested interests, Rivora offers companies and their employees customised pension solutions. Auwiesen Immobilien AG manages property portfolios worth over CHF 4.5 billion, primarily in German-speaking Switzerland.

  • The Federal Council plans to tighten the rules on property purchases by foreign buyers

    The Federal Council plans to tighten the rules on property purchases by foreign buyers

    On 15 April, the Federal Council launched a consultation on the revision of the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad (BewG). According to a press release, the consultation will run until 15 July. The aim is to further restrict access to the Swiss property market.

    The Federal Council justifies the tightening of the so-called Lex Koller, among other things, with the strained situation on the housing market. Consequently, third-country nationals – that is, nationals of countries outside the EU and EFTA – will in future require authorisation to purchase primary residences in Switzerland. If they move away, they will be required to sell their property within two years.

    Stricter rules are also planned for the purchase of commercial property. Whilst purchases for personal use will still be possible without a permit, purely financial investments – such as for letting or leasing – will no longer be permitted.

    In addition, the Federal Council intends to further restrict the purchase of holiday homes and residential units in aparthotels by persons abroad. To this end, the cantonal authorisation quotas are to be reduced and, in future, all such transactions will count towards these quotas.

    It is also proposed that persons abroad should no longer be permitted to acquire listed shares in residential property companies or regularly traded shares in property funds and property SICAVs.

  • Investment foundation raises fresh capital for residential property

    Investment foundation raises fresh capital for residential property

    According to a press release dated 4 May, the Vertina Real Estate Investment Foundation is raising fresh capital until 6 July 2026. The target volume is set at between 60 and 80 million Swiss francs. This may be increased if there is sufficient demand. The funds are earmarked for additional property investments as well as for ongoing and planned developments.

    The capital raising is taking place after the foundation has fully and sustainably invested the funds entrusted to it as part of its seventh capital issue. Following the completion of four transactions in the first quarter of 2026, the portfolio currently comprises 13 properties, including four near-new existing properties, a new-build that is almost complete, and eight project developments. Upon completion of all ongoing projects, a market value of around CHF 350 million is expected. As at 31 March 2026, the residential share stands at 99 per cent.

    Launched in May 2022, the Vertina Investment Foundation invests directly in near-new residential properties in Switzerland that meet high sustainability standards. To this end, the foundation cooperates with the Markstein Group, a property services provider covering portfolio management, construction management, transaction management and marketing. The foundation focuses on providing marketable housing with the lowest possible environmental impact. With a consistent value creation approach, the investment strategy aims to generate stable and reliable long-term returns for investors.

  • Insurance group strategically expands its property business

    Insurance group strategically expands its property business

    According to a press release, the Vaudoise Insurance Group, based in Lausanne, has acquired a majority stake in Procimmo Group AG of Renens and now holds 92.27 per cent of the voting rights. Vaudoise Insurance has held a 20 per cent stake in the Procimmo Group since 2021 through its subsidiary Vaudoise Asset Management AG.

    With the acquisition of Procimmo and that of Berninvest AG in 2017, Vaudoise has been able to further expand its real estate activities and, in the words of Jean-Daniel Laffely, CEO of the Vaudoise Group, become one of the key players in investment solutions. “This allows us to further expand an already strong growth area: real estate asset management for third parties,” Jean-Daniel Laffely is quoted as saying.

    Procimmo sees potential for the group’s further development in the “support of an institutional investor that shares its values”; in particular, the subsidiary Procimmo SA stands to benefit from Vaudoise’s “solidity and long-term vision”. According to Arno Kneubühler, CEO of Procimmo SA, Vaudoise is regarded as “the best owner after almost five years of partnership”. Vaudoise’s community roots and values guarantee stability and a sustainable vision. At the same time, Procimmo has the freedom to develop further “as an external platform with its own philosophy and leadership”.

    The closing of the sale is scheduled for early July 2026, subject to prior approval from the relevant authorities.

  • Data-driven decisions for green real estate strategies

    Data-driven decisions for green real estate strategies

    Empiraintends to utilise Zurich-basedOptimI’s Real Estate Decision Intelligence (REDI) to strengthen data-driven decision-making in the areas of investment, funds, asset management and sustainability management. According to a statement, the aim is to develop an integrated approach that holistically combines financial performance, climate impact and regulatory requirements. OptimI’s REDI platform supports Empira in making informed investment decisions, developing scientifically sound decarbonisation pathways at fund and asset level, and planning capital-efficient investment and refurbishment strategies.

    Empira uses the platform in particular in the context of its Transition to Green Fund, which targets energy-inefficient properties with repositioning potential and utilises government incentives for green refurbishments and comprehensive asset management to create high-quality, sustainable residential and office properties.

    “Digital decision intelligence is essential today to achieve both stable returns and credible decarbonisation, starting from the moment we receive an initial investment memorandum,” said Torsten Bergmann, Vice President of Investment Advisory at Empira. “Optiml provides us with the analytical depth we need to achieve consistent, scalable impact across all our funds and supports our transition-to-green strategy with reliable decision-making processes.”

    According to the announcement, the introduction of the OptimI solution underscores the industry trend toward data-driven asset optimisation, in which sustainability and financial performance are assessed holistically. The real estate sector is responsible for around 40 per cent of total energy-related CO2 emissions worldwide. Industry players are therefore increasingly obliged to present credible and financially robust decarbonisation strategies.

  • Pension funds focus on sustainable living

    Pension funds focus on sustainable living

    Vertina Investment Foundation, based in Baden, has received subscriptions totalling CHF 74.3 million for its Vertina Wohnen investment group. The target volume was CHF 50 million. This investment group focuses on the development and realisation of sustainable residential properties in Switzerland. Its residential share currently stands at 99 per cent.

    According to a press release, the proceeds from the issue will be an important component in financing and realising two residential projects in Zurich and Kloten (ZH) and in acquiring further properties. “This combination strengthens the portfolio base, expands investment opportunities and supports the long-term growth of the investment foundation,” the press release states.

    In the wake of this successful capital raising, the investor base has grown to 47 pension funds. “The high demand confirms our long-term value creation strategy and our active, holistic management approach,” said Marco Uehlinger, Chairman of the Foundation Board. “We are convinced that this will create sustainable added value for our investors.”

  • Sustainable commercial real estate in the focus of institutional investors

    Sustainable commercial real estate in the focus of institutional investors

    Swiss Life Asset Managers plans to launch the Swiss Life REF (CH) ESG Diversified Commercial Switzerland real estate fund, according to a press release. The listed fund will start with core and core-plus properties in above-average micro-locations in major Swiss cities and metropolitan areas.

    The properties will be held directly by the fund, which promises investors with Swiss tax domicile tax exemption on annual distributions and the assets invested in the fund. The fund is expected to offer high income stability, according to the press release. The portfolio of the planned fund is also based on an integrated ESG (environment, social, governance) strategy that promotes sustainable practices in the properties it holds throughout the entire holding period.

    “Our goal is to launch a new, high-yield real estate fund with stably leased properties in good locations in the current market environment – with disciplined selection, conservative assumptions and comprehensive assessment of the key risks,” said Paolo Di Stefano, Head of Real Estate Switzerland at Swiss Life Asset Managers. “The planned initial issue at net asset value (plus issue commission) offers investors an attractive entry point to participate in a significant, established portfolio that already meets our high sustainability requirements.”

    The project is currently undergoing the approval process of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). The launch of the fund at net asset value is planned for 1 April 2026.