immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: immobilien

  • Horw optimises properties in terms of energy technology

    Horw optimises properties in terms of energy technology

    The municipality of Horw wants to gradually optimise the energy efficiency of its municipal properties. The first step will be taken by 2028 with the Kastanienbaum and Hofmatt school buildings, the fire station building, the works yard, a council-owned apartment block on Roseneggweg and the cloakroom building at the Seefeld sports centre, the municipal administration announced in a press release. Further buildings, including the other municipal school buildings and the community centre, are to follow by 2036. Optimisation measures are already planned for a total of 17 buildings.

    The municipal council wants to fulfil the residents’ council’s mandate to reduce the CO2 emissions of the municipal building stock as much as possible before 2040. The plans for the 17 properties that have now been selected are specified in the supplementary report Climate-friendly building stock in the municipality of Horw. According to the report, the CO2 emissions of the 17 properties can be reduced by around 75 per cent. The costs for the corresponding measures are estimated at a total of CHF 17 million.

    When it comes to energy-efficient refurbishments, properties and measures should be prioritised appropriately. “The potential for reducing greenhouse gases, as well as the structural condition of the properties and the life cycle of the individual parts of the building, are essential for prioritising the properties,” the press release states. Thermal insulation, a switch to climate-friendly energy sources or the installation of solar systems are mentioned as possible measures. The costs should “remain at an acceptable level and be spread over the planned period”.

  • IWB launches nanocomposite for heating systems

    IWB launches nanocomposite for heating systems

    The Basel-based energy supplier IWB is launching the nano-network as a new solution for heating outside the district heating supply in the canton of Basel-Stadt. According to a press release, when heating systems are replaced in houses or terraced houses that are close together, the heating systems are connected to each other and equipped with a central control system. IWB presented the nano-network to interested owners from the Mausacker district in Reinach for the first time on Wednesday, 6 March.

    As a rule, each property owner takes care of their own heating system. According to the press release, the individual heating systems are often oversized for safety reasons. Installation and heating costs are higher than necessary. In a nano-network, the heating systems of two to eight properties are physically connected and supplemented by an intelligent control system. All types of heating systems can be connected together.

    The control system ensures that the systems that provide environmentally friendly heating are used first. All connected owners can obtain an overview of energy production, consumption and costs at any time via an Internet application. In a second step, old, fossil-fuelled heating systems can be decommissioned.

    In a pilot project, the merger of three properties resulted in financial savings of up to 15 per cent. In addition, the three properties, in which a heat pump, solar thermal systems and gas heating systems were installed, were able to heat 90 per cent renewably as a result of the merger.

  • Locatee is taken over by Tango

    Locatee is taken over by Tango

    Locatee will be part of Tango in future. Founded in 2014, the Zurich-based company has developed a holistic analysis for the optimal utilisation of office space. To do this, Locatee combines data from sensors with information from other sources such as Wi-Fi and wired networks. The solution provides companies with a complete picture of the utilisation of their workstations. This allows space to be better utilised and costs to be saved.

    Tango from Dallas wants to combine the Locatee solution with its cloud-based software for property management and building maintenance. On average, space utilisation is only 40 percent, Pranav Tyagi is quoted as saying in a press release. “Organisations are actively seeking to better understand occupancy,” says the CEO of Tango.

    The Locatee site in Zurich will now become Tango’s European headquarters. “We look forward to combining occupancy data at the building, floor and zone level with Tango’s industry-leading space management and reservation solutions to provide our customers with a complete picture of planned, projected and actual occupancy,” Myriam Locher, Co-CEO of Locatee, is quoted as saying.

    Benedikt Köppel takes a similar view. “Tango is a leader in the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the built environment,” the Locatee founder and co-CEO is quoted as saying. “Locatee adds a comprehensive occupancy dataset to the vast amounts of data that Tango already analyses, providing insights that benefit the entire property lifecycle, including portfolio strategy, space optimisation, maintenance and sustainability.”

    Tango serves over 500 clients in 140 countries.

  • Changing investment strategies due to rising interest rates

    Changing investment strategies due to rising interest rates

    Just as sailors avoid the Bermuda Triangle, investors must also consider the risks of their investments. The magic triangle of investment strategy – liquidity, profitability and security – is now being expanded to include ESG factors. This step is also supported by the “Lost in Transition” study by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Institutional investors are placing greater emphasis on ensuring that their investments are sustainable in the long term, even if this leads to lower returns in the short term.

    A look at Swiss pension funds
    Swiss pension funds have diversified their investments, although the proportion of real estate varies from fund to fund. The analysis of the Swisscanto Pension Fund Study 2023 shows that real estate is gaining in importance compared to equities and bonds. This trend can also be observed among other institutional investors, whereby the real estate ratio in the portfolio should be between 10% and 25% in order to ensure optimal diversification.

    The impact of rising interest rates on the asset classes
    Rising interest rates have a negative impact on all three main asset classes – equities, bonds and real estate. For bonds, interest rate rises lead to price losses, while for equities they reduce their attractiveness. Real estate investments become more expensive, which leads to a decline in demand and thus to a fall in prices. Institutional investors are reacting to these developments by realigning their portfolios and reducing their real estate holdings in order to lower their leverage ratios.

    The difficult market environment and its impact on real estate investments
    Sentiment on the real estate market is subdued due to rising interest rates and uncertainty on the financial markets. This is reflected in the Swiss Real Estate Sentiment Index, which measures the expectations of market participants. Investments in real estate are becoming less attractive, but the current market environment also offers opportunities, especially for investors who are prepared to invest for the long term and weather the market fluctuations.

    Rising interest rates pose a challenge for institutional investors, especially those who have invested in real estate. A realignment of the investment strategy and prudent portfolio optimization are crucial to achieving long-term returns and minimizing risks.

  • Neue Bauvorschriften zur Lärmbelastung: Chancen für Immobilienentwicklung

    Neue Bauvorschriften zur Lärmbelastung: Chancen für Immobilienentwicklung

    In der Schweiz stehen wir vor der Herausforderung, den Wohnungsmarkt zu erweitern und gleichzeitig die Lebensqualität der Bewohner zu gewährleisten. Insbesondere in städtischen Gebieten mit hoher Lärmbelastung ist es wichtig, einen Kompromiss zwischen innerer Verdichtung und dem Schutz vor Lärm zu finden. Der Nationalrat hat nun eine Lösung vorgeschlagen, die diese beiden Ziele in Einklang bringt.

    Die neuen Bauvorschriften ermöglichen es, in lärmbelasteten Gebieten neue Wohnungen zu errichten, ohne die Gesundheit und das Wohlbefinden der Bewohner zu gefährden. Ein zentraler Punkt ist die Anforderung, dass in jeder Wohneinheit mindestens ein lärmempfindlicher Raum über ein Fenster verfügen muss, bei dem die Immissionsgrenzwerte eingehalten werden. Dies stellt sicher, dass Bewohner trotz der Nähe zu Verkehrswegen oder anderen Lärmquellen einen ruhigen Rückzugsort haben.

    Darüber hinaus müssen die übrigen Räume entweder über eine kontrollierte Wohnraumlüftung verfügen oder es muss ein ruhiger, privat nutzbarer Aussenraum vorhanden sein. Diese Massnahmen tragen dazu bei, den Lärmschutz zu gewährleisten und gleichzeitig die Möglichkeiten für Immobilienentwickler zu erweitern.

    Der Ständerat hatte im Dezember für noch grosszügigere Erleichterungen plädiert, während die Ratslinke eine vorsichtigere Herangehensweise bevorzugte. Letztendlich wurde ein ausgewogener Ansatz gewählt, der den Bedürfnissen sowohl der Bewohner als auch der Immobilienbranche gerecht wird.

    Für Kadermitarbeiter im Fachbereich Immobilien und Standortförderung eröffnen sich durch diese neuen Regelungen interessante Perspektiven. Die Möglichkeit, in lärmbelasteten Gebieten zu bauen, erweitert den Handlungsspielraum und erfordert gleichzeitig eine sorgfältige Planung und Umsetzung. Es ist wichtig, die Bedürfnisse der Bewohner und die gesetzlichen Anforderungen gleichermassen zu berücksichtigen, um nachhaltige und attraktive Wohnprojekte zu realisieren.

    Die Immobilienbranche sollte sich auf diese Veränderungen vorbereiten und die Chancen nutzen, die sich aus der ausgewogenen Balance zwischen innerer Verdichtung und Lärmschutz ergeben. Die Zukunft des Wohnungsbaus in lärmbelasteten Gebieten liegt in der intelligenten Integration von Architektur, Technologie und Nachhaltigkeit – eine Herausforderung, der sich Kadermitarbeiter mit Weitblick stellen können.

  • Property market shows slight easing

    Property market shows slight easing

    Prices for single-family homes fell by 1.0 per cent in February compared to January, according to the SMG Swiss Marketplace Group(SMG) in a press release on the current Swiss Real Estate Offer Index. This means that the significant rise in prices at the beginning of the year has been reversed, write the SMG experts. The SMG Swiss Marketplace Group combines the digital marketplaces of TX Group, Ringier and Mobiliar.

    Over the last twelve months, prices for single-family homes have remained relatively stable with only a slight increase of 0.1 per cent. SMG’s experts have also registered a stabilisation in the market for condominiums. A zero round was observed here in February. Following significantly stronger increases in previous years, prices have risen by an average of just 2.9 per cent across Switzerland over the last twelve months.

    Asking rents for flats fell by an average of 0.6 per cent across Switzerland in February compared to January. Within the regions, asking rents were lower than in the previous month, particularly in Central Switzerland, the greater Zurich region, Ticino and Eastern Switzerland. In contrast, asking rents in the Central Plateau and the Lake Geneva region rose slightly.

    “After several months of increases, February brought a ray of hope for flat seekers”, Martin Waeber, Managing Director Real Estate at SMG Swiss Marketplace Group, is quoted as saying in the press release. According to him, this is partly due to the planned maintenance of the reference interest rate under rental law at its current level.

  • Winterthur forges ahead with development of the Obertor site

    Winterthur forges ahead with development of the Obertor site

    The city of Winterthur is tackling one of the four individual projects in the development of the Obertor site. The buildings at Obertor 11, 13 and 17, which were previously used by the city police, are to be extensively renovated and converted into new office, commercial and residential space. The properties will remain in municipal ownership and will be subject to the cost rent, the city administration announced in a press release. The costs for the structural remodelling are estimated at CHF 16.2 million in total.

    The two four-storey buildings at Obertor 11 and 13, which were built before 1850, will be returned to their original use. Commercial space will be created on the ground floor and a total of seven flats will be realised on the upper floors. In addition to an energy-efficient refurbishment and the renewal of all building services installations, a new staircase and lift core is planned in the buildings. In addition, “the façades will be adapted to the new use where necessary”, writes the city administration.

    The property at Obertor 17 is a rococo villa dating back to 1764, which has served as a police station since its renovation in 1947. Now the original room layout is to be restored and the building shell repaired. Inside, “new office space will be created, which will allow the historic interior to be emphasised again”. The Haus zum Adler is also to undergo an energy-efficient refurbishment and the renewal of the building services installations. Fire protection and earthquake safety are also to be improved.

  • Beschleunigung der Baubewilligungsprozesse dringend erforderlich

    Beschleunigung der Baubewilligungsprozesse dringend erforderlich

    Angesichts dieser Entwicklungen werden in verschiedenen Kantonen Massnahmen diskutiert, um die Baubewilligungsverfahren zu straffen. So plant der Kanton Luzern, das bestehende Bewilligungsverfahren durch ein einfacheres Meldeverfahren zu ersetzen, während im Kanton Freiburg Baugesuche automatisch als genehmigt gelten sollen, falls die Bearbeitungsfrist überschritten wird.

    Der Schweizerische Baumeisterverband (SBV) setzt sich auf allen Regierungsebenen für eine Beschleunigung der Baubewilligungsprozesse ein. Als Lösungsansatz gilt unter anderem die Digitalisierung der gesamten Prozesskette, von der Planung bis zur Realisierung. Ebenso wichtig ist die Bekämpfung grundloser Einsprachen, die lediglich dem Ziel dienen, Bauvorhaben zu verzögern. Der SBV befürwortet eine Begrenzung der Einsprache Möglichkeiten auf relevante Aspekte und eine Einführung von Kostenbeteiligungen bei Einsprachen, um den Missbrauch des Systems einzudämmen.

    Die Initiativen zur Vereinfachung der Baubewilligungsprozesse und zur Verhinderung missbräuchlicher Einsprachen sind entscheidend, um die dringend benötigte Schaffung von Wohnraum zu fördern und die Wohnungsknappheit effektiv zu bekämpfen. Mit diesen Massnahmen soll sichergestellt werden, dass Bauprojekte zügig und effizient realisiert werden können, ohne dass der rechtliche Schutz der Bürgerinnen und Bürger beeinträchtigt wird.

  • Increased efficiency in property management

    Increased efficiency in property management

    Although intergenerational living concepts have the potential to strengthen coexistence in neighbourhoods, many owners of large property portfolios are reluctant to implement them. The reason for this lies in the lack of experience with the administrative burden of these special forms of housing, which differ significantly from conventional offers.

    In order to meet these challenges, an orientation framework and a toolbox have been developed that offer insights into the necessary administrative tasks and questions that need to be clarified. The aim is to provide owners, portfolio managers and property managers with a clear guideline to simplify the realisation of such innovative forms of housing. These useful tools emerged from an intensive exchange of experience organised by Zimraum and Stratcraft, in which various stakeholders took part. In a total of four brown bag meetings, essential topics such as marketing, letting, operational management and advice on project development were discussed and solutions developed.

    With the new orientation framework and the toolbox, SVIT Zurich is providing important impetus for the property sector by not only paving the way for the implementation of community-promoting forms of housing, but also helping to rethink and redesign housing for the elderly.

  • Pistor’s growth requires larger buildings

    Pistor’s growth requires larger buildings

    Pistor has expanded the WUZ West goods handling centre in Rothenburg. According to a press release, the investment for the fully automated replenishment warehouse amounts to CHF 34 million. The building now has space for 22,000 pallets, 7,000 more than before.

    According to Pistor, a solar system on the roof will supply enough electricity to power 66 households each year. “We have also installed a large underground storage system that allows us to heat the site with our own summer waste heat in winter and minimise CO2 emissions,” says business performance member and logistics manager Richard Betschart. Pistor is also reportedly expanding the number of electric lorries.

    With the expansion measures, the catering wholesaler and service provider is reportedly responding to the continuously increasing demand. In addition to its core business of supplying bakeries and patisseries, the company also supplies catering and healthcare businesses such as hospitals and retirement homes.

    However, Pistor says that the big leap is still to come: the company is planning new office, warehouse, goods handling and distribution space at its headquarters in Rothenburg, covering an area the size of four football pitches, by 2030. In addition, the ground-breaking ceremony for a distribution centre in Sennwald SG will take place this year. The aim is to supply eastern Switzerland even better from this centre.

  • DHG launches sale of its first residential project in Dubai

    DHG launches sale of its first residential project in Dubai

    DHG Properties, the real estate development division of DHG Holding based near Zurich, is realising its first project in Dubai, the Helvetia Residences. It is being built in Jumeirah Village Circle in the centre of Dubai. It has now been officially unveiled. According to a press release, the company intends to participate in the boom in the property sector in the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. The investment is expected to amount to the equivalent of over 144 million Swiss francs.

    According to the information, property prices there rose by 19 per cent in 2023. DHG expects Dubai’s real estate market to grow by around 15 per cent in 2024. In addition, the United Arab Emirates expects the population to increase from 3.5 million people in 2023 to 5.5 million in 2030. As a result, more living space will be needed. “In response to the evolving market needs, DHG Properties will be at the forefront of this change and committed to developing premium and affordable housing options that cater to a key demographic in Dubai.”

    As Miloš Antić, Vice Chairman and member of the Board of Directors, says, DHG recognises “the importance of aligning with market dynamics”. He considers Dubai to be “one of the hottest markets, if not the hottest for property at the moment”. Accordingly, this property project will offer its buyers a high return.

    The luxuriously appointed Helvetia Residences will comprise 430 flats of varying sizes. They will also offer urban amenities such as a rooftop pool, a fitness centre, a restaurant and a pharmacy.

  • Asking rents fluctuate at the start of the year

    Asking rents fluctuate at the start of the year

    The monthly rental index compiled by the digital property marketplace Homegate in collaboration with Zürcher Kantonalbank closed at 125.6 points in January. Compared to the previous month, the index rose by 0.3 per cent overall, Homegate reported in a press release. A year-on-year increase of 1.9 per cent was observed across Switzerland.

    In a year-on-year comparison, rents rose in all cantons, Homegate reports. However, the property marketplace’s experts observed major fluctuations on a monthly basis. Rents in Nidwalden, for example, rose the most at 3.7 per cent. High increases of 2.6 and 2.5 per cent were also recorded in the canton of Valais and the combined cantons of Appenzell. At the other end of the scale are the cantons of Schwyz and Glarus, where asking rents fell by 2.6 and 1.7 per cent respectively. In the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Zurich, asking rents fell by 0.4 per cent month-on-month.

    The eight Swiss cities included in the index also showed different trends month-on-month. For example, rents in Lausanne and Lugano fell by 2.1 and 0.8 per cent respectively compared to December 2023. At the same time, asking rents in Zurich and Bern increased by 0.5 per cent each. Rents rose in all eight cities compared to the previous year. At 11.5 per cent, this increase was strongest in the city of Zurich.

    Homegate is a division of SMG Swiss Marketplace Group AG. This combines the digital marketplaces of TX Group, Ringier and Mobiliar.

  • Increasing efficiency in property management through digital transformation

    Increasing efficiency in property management through digital transformation

    The property industry faces the challenge of adapting to rapid technological developments in order to remain competitive. Digital tools and platforms offer innovative solutions to optimise management processes and improve interaction with tenants. By implementing property management software, for example, incoming rent can be monitored, maintenance requests can be processed efficiently and communication with tenants can be digitalised. These systems make it possible to record relevant data centrally and make it available at any time, which speeds up decision-making processes.

    Another aspect of digital transformation is the use of data analysis and artificial intelligence to identify market trends and optimise portfolio management. Predictive analytics can help to forecast future market developments and make investment decisions based on sound data. In addition, digital technologies enable the creation of new services, such as virtual tours of properties, which are invaluable, especially in times of social distancing.

    The integration of smart home technologies into property management also offers significant benefits. Automated systems for heating, lighting and security can reduce operating costs and increase living comfort for tenants. At the same time, this increases the attractiveness of the property on the market.

    For a successful digital transformation, however, it is crucial that companies in the property sector not only invest in the right technology, but also train their employees accordingly. A willingness to adapt to new ways of working and continuous training are essential in order to fully exploit the benefits of digitalisation.

    In summary, the digital transformation of the property industry offers numerous opportunities to simplify processes, reduce costs and improve service for tenants. By making strategic use of digital technologies, property companies can increase their efficiency and secure a decisive advantage in a highly competitive market. It is time to seize the opportunities of digitalisation and lead property management into the digital age.

  • Ground-breaking ceremony heralds Theilerhaus transformation

    Ground-breaking ceremony heralds Theilerhaus transformation

    The Theilerhaus, originally built in 1896 by Richard Theiler, an accomplished watchmaker, and the entrepreneur Adelrich Gyr as the site of their “Electrotechnisches Institut Theiler und Cie”, played a central role in Zug’s industrial development. Over the years, the building underwent several changes of ownership and served as the nucleus for Landis & Gyr’s rise to become a globally recognised technology group. The takeover of the site by the Canton of Zug in 1989 paved the way for today’s reorganisation.

    A modern justice and catering facility
    The ground floor of the Theilerhaus will house a restaurant, which will not only serve as a neighbourhood meeting place, but also provide catering facilities for cantonal employees. The upper floors will be given a new purpose as the seat of the administrative court, with a courtroom on the third floor and the former panelled director’s room on the second floor, which will regain its significance through the use of the presiding judge.

    Integration and appreciation of the historical heritage
    The redesign of the Theilerhaus is the result of an intensive dialogue with the conservation authorities and aims to preserve the historical substance and architectural identity of the building. The project was carefully planned by the consortium CST Architekten AG and Eggenspieler Architekten AG, both based in Zug, to ensure that the Theilerhaus remains a living testimony to local industrial history and a valuable cultural asset for the people of Zug.

  • Residents of Eastern Switzerland would reduce living space

    Residents of Eastern Switzerland would reduce living space

    Nikola Vukovic and Raphael Dietrich have developed options for easing the housing market in Eastern Switzerland in their final thesis for the Master’s degree programme in Real Estate Management at OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule. “The Swiss population lives too generously,” Vukovic and Dietrich are quoted as saying in a corresponding OST press release. However, according to the findings of the two researchers, many residents of Eastern Switzerland would be prepared to reduce their living space.

    Specifically, 43 per cent of 379 participants in a survey as part of the master’s thesis stated that they could do without living space. A guest room or a hobby room were particularly frequently rated as unnecessary. However, alternatives are needed, “such as a central guest room that would be easy to rent in the flat block,” explains Vukovic.

    The Master’s students have also identified a high level of willingness among the population to move into a smaller flat. However, the problem here is that there are not enough small flats available, according to the press release. The price can also be an obstacle: “Nobody would give up a four-room flat for 1,000 francs for a smaller flat that costs the same or more,” says Vukovic.

    Urban centres could be eased by moving to more rural regions. In the survey, around 95 per cent of respondents indicated a willingness to do so. “However, the respondents would not move without conditions,” explains Dietrich. “Incentives would have to be created to encourage people to move away from urban centres.”

  • Revitalisation of an icon – living in the former PTT tower block

    Revitalisation of an icon – living in the former PTT tower block

    The high-rise building, once an important research and development centre for the former PTT, will be renovated by Pensimo and HRS over the next two years. In future, the ground floor is expected to house a day care centre and the 17 upper floors will offer 87 modern flats with far-reaching views. The tower block, which is only surpassed by Bern Minster, was the tallest non-sacred building in Switzerland when it was completed in 1972. After years of use for telecommunications research and start-ups, it is now being converted into a residential building.

    The 75-metre-high high-rise at Ostermundigenstrasse 93, built by Frey, Egger + Peterhans Architekten between 1967 and 1972, was inspired by Le Corbusier and is designed as a filigree disc. Future residents will be able to reach the centre of Bern quickly thanks to the nearby public transport links. The rental flats offer loft-like spaces with 1.5-5.5 rooms, high ceilings and a solid fit-out standard. Residents benefit from a breathtaking view of the Bernese Alps from their flats and the communal roof terrace at a height of 75 metres.

    The conversion of the derelict commercial and office space helps to promote urban development and the supply of housing. Utilising the existing structures significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to a new building. Completion and occupation are planned for spring 2026.

  • Global real estate as a strategic opportunity – new cycle imminent

    Global real estate as a strategic opportunity – new cycle imminent

    Despite the challenges posed by interest rate hikes over the past two years, the global property market remains an attractive field for investors. Although there has been a marked correction in property prices internationally, the core market segment is robust and promises attractive returns. The expectation of interest rate cuts, particularly internationally, emphasises this opportunity, especially for investors with a focus on the Swiss market, by offering a chance for improved diversification and higher returns.

    The adjustment in property prices combined with a decline in transaction activity has caused valuations to fall in many markets – by up to 30%. Despite these developments, letting profiles remain stable and demand positive, with a few exceptions such as the US office sector. With interest rates expected to fall, we forecast that financing rates will return to below equity yields later this year, with property yields offering attractive spreads over government bonds.

    A diversified global property portfolio offers protection against local market downturns and minimises regional risks. Property markets around the world do not move completely in sync, which presents a unique opportunity for investors to optimise their portfolio. In addition, the different duration and phase of property cycles in different markets enables strategic investment and divestment decisions.

    Increasing digitalisation and the need for data centres illustrate the importance of a global approach to real estate investment in order to benefit from such emerging trends. The Swiss market alone offers little opportunity to invest in such specialised segments at an institutional level. In addition, the higher liquidity of international markets compared to the Swiss market offers advantages in terms of returns and market adaptability.

    Long-term comparisons between the KGAST index for Swiss funds and the international NFI-ODCE index for US funds show a significant outperformance of US property, underlining the benefits of global diversification. In view of the impending interest rate cuts and the potential market turnaround in various international property cycles, investors have a strategically favourable time to benefit from the current market corrections and position themselves for future growth. Investing in global property therefore appears to be a wise decision to expand portfolio diversification, gain access to growth markets and benefit from attractive entry prices.

  • Differentiated development of asking rents in Switzerland at the beginning of the year

    Differentiated development of asking rents in Switzerland at the beginning of the year

    At the beginning of the year, the Swiss property market recorded a mixed trend in asking rents. While the Homegate rent index reports a slight increase of 0.3 per cent at national level, the cantonal and urban data reveals a mixed picture. For example, the canton of Schwyz saw a decline of 2.6 per cent, while Nidwalden recorded an increase of 3.7 per cent. Zurich also recorded a slight decline in asking rents for the first time in months.

    This index, which is calculated in cooperation between Zürcher Kantonalbank and the property marketplace Homegate, is based on the hedonic method, which measures changes in rents taking into account the quality, location and size of the flats. In January, the index rose by 0.4 points to 125.6, which corresponds to a monthly increase of 0.3 per cent. Compared to the previous year, asking rents rose by 1.9 per cent nationwide.

    Cantonal fluctuations were particularly pronounced in January, with changes of over 6 percentage points. While some cantons such as Valais and Appenzell recorded an increase, others such as Glarus and Basel-Stadt experienced a decline. Despite the slight decline in the canton of Zurich since August 2023, the canton still shows considerable year-on-year growth of 7.1 per cent.

    In the cities, Lausanne and Lugano saw a decrease in asking rents, while Zurich and Bern experienced an increase. With annual growth of 11.5 per cent, Zurich remains at the forefront of rental price development among the cities surveyed. Geneva, Lucerne and Berne also recorded significant increases.

    The rental index serves as an important reference source for property professionals in order to realistically reflect the price development of rental properties. The latest data emphasises the importance of taking a differentiated view of the market in order to fully capture and understand the dynamics of asking rents in Switzerland.

  • Zurich residential project by Steiner receives building permit

    Zurich residential project by Steiner receives building permit

    The Seraina Investment Foundation is having a multi-storey building with a total of 15 condominiums realised at Limmattalstrasse 281 in Zurich Höngg. The investment foundation has commissioned Zurich property developer Steiner to develop and market the project. The project has now received the legally binding building permit, Steiner AG announced in a press release.

    The building, which is certified to the Minergie standard, will be constructed on a slightly south-facing slope with a distant view over the Limmat Valley. The 15 modern condominiums are spread over three full storeys and an attic storey. A car park will be built in the basement.

    Occupancy of the flats is planned for the end of 2026. The flats will be sold in a two-stage bidding process. The first round of bidding will begin on 12 March with the dispatch of the sales documents. Interested parties can already register online.

  • Real Estate Award CEO Mara Schlumpf: “It takes courageous decision-makers”

    Real Estate Award CEO Mara Schlumpf: “It takes courageous decision-makers”

    Frau Schlumpf, in den vergangenen Wochen war immer wieder vom «neuen» Real Estate Award zu lesen. Was ist denn so neu an diesem Event, den es bereits über 10 Jahre gibt?

    Mara Schlumpf: Wir haben sehr vieles verändert. Zum Beispiel den ganzen optischen Auftritt. Wir haben ein neues, zeitgemässes Logo, ein stimmiges Design, neue Eventkategorien, eine neue Homepage und ein neues Eventkonzept.

    Weshalb war ein Rebranding notwendig?
    Der Real Estate Award wurde im Jahr 2022 an die aktuellen Inhaber verkauft und im Jahr 2023 ein letztes Mal von meinem Vorgänger durchgeführt. Im April 2023 habe ich die Geschäftsführung der Real Estate Award AG übernommen und mich mit dem Soll und Haben des Awards auseinandergesetzt.

    Mit den Finanzen?
    Ich meine damit das immense Potenzial der Auszeichnung – und wie viel davon bisher ausgeschöpft wurde. In einem ersten Schritt versuchte ich deshalb mir ein möglichst breites und fundiertes Feedback der Sponsoren, teilnehmenden Firmen und Gäste einzuholen. Schnell zeichnete sich ab, dass es nachhaltiger und sinnvoller ist, im Grossen und Ganzen neu zu denken, anstatt an einzelnen Stellen zu schrauben. So entschied ich mich, den bestehenden Grundgedanken, das solide Fundament, die bedeutendste Auszeichnung der Bau- und Immobilienbranche beizubehalten – und daraus ein Asset zu bauen, welches unseren Bewerbern, Unterstützern und Besuchern gerecht wird. Die optische Veränderung ist ein wichtiger Teil davon – weit mehr als nur oberflächliche Kosmetik. Sie steht für einen neuen Zeitabschnitt des Real Estate Awards. Das Rebranding stellt sicher, dass die Bau- und Immobilienbranche, allen voran unsere Partner und Gäste, diese neue Ära klar erkennen. Schon vor der nächsten Verleihung am 24. Oktober 2024 im Trafo in Baden.

    Weshalb haben Sie sich für eine komplett neue Location, das Trafo in Baden, entschieden?
    Der bisherige Veranstaltungsort wird unseren Erwartungen an einen exklusiven, eleganten Real Estate Award nicht mehr gerecht. Wir erwarten von den Firmen, welche sich für einen Real Estate Award bewerben, herausragende Leistungen. Wir können nicht den Anspruch an uns selbst stellen, ein Gütesiegel für Qualität zu sein, und diese Qualität dann nicht leben. Mit dem Trafo in Baden haben wir eine exklusive Location gefunden, die unseren Erwartungen gerecht wird – und die unseren Gästen einen unvergesslichen Abend bieten kann. Gleichzeitig ist das Trafo in Baden mit den öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln sehr gut erreichbar, und auch mit dem Auto ist die Hinreise unbeschwerlich. Das Team des Trafos kann mit viel Erfahrung in Sachen Event-Hosting glänzen und bietet eine hervorragende Infrastruktur – zum Beispiel durch die Beschaffenheit des Saals, in welchem die Verleihung stattfinden wird. Und auch kulinarisch kann das Trafo in Baden mehr als bisherige Austragungsorte des Real Estate Awards.

    Wie geht es nach dem Rebranding weiter?
    Die Bewerbungsfrist für die aktuelle Ausgabe des Real Estate Awards hat begonnen. Ich hoffe auf viele interessante Firmen und Projekte. Bewerben können sich die Kandidaten auf www.realestateaward.ch. Wie gehabt bitten wir um ein 4-seitiges PDF und ein ausgefülltes Kontaktformular. Die Bewerbungen leite ich anschliessend an unsere Fachjury weiter. Bereits jetzt zeichnet sich ab, dass wir mit unseren neuen Kategorien Firmen zu einer Bewerbung motivieren können, die bisher noch nicht teilgenommen haben. Das freut mich besonders.

    Die Kategorie «Nachhaltigkeit» sticht hervor. Bisher wurde dazu kein Preis vergeben. Wie kommt es nun dazu?
    Der Begriff Nachhaltigkeit ist sehr weitreichend. Für alle bisherigen und auch für die aktuellen Kategorien ist Nachhaltigkeit ein Bewertungskriterium. Hinsichtlich Klimawandel aber auch hinsichtlich Fachkräftemangel wird das Thema immer wichtiger. Wir müssen nicht nur Immobilien bauen und Produkte herstellen, welche dauerhaft Bestand haben und unserer Umwelt nicht schaden – auch innerhalb der Firmen braucht es soziale Nachhaltigkeit. Spätestens 2024 sollte es Geschäftsführern und Recruitern bewusst sein, dass es sinnvoller ist eine Unternehmenskultur zu leben, welche die Angestellten zum Bleiben motiviert, als ständig neues Personal zu suchen. Es geht also nicht nur um erneuerbare Energie, pionierhafte, nachhaltige Bauweise und Umweltzertifikate. Es geht auch um Unternehmen, welche den Früchtekorb im Pausenraum aus den Benefits in den Stellenangeboten streichen und echte Bedürfnisse der Angestellten aufgreifen. Es geht in dieser Kategorie um Wertschätzung: gegenüber unserer Umwelt und unseren Mitmenschen.

    Konkret?
    Die Bedürfnisse von Angestellten haben sich verändert – spätestens seit der Pandemie. Wie nachhaltig ist ein Arbeitsverhältnis, in welchem ein Chef seinen Angestellten Home-Office verbietet, weil er an der Produktivität seines Personals zweifelt? Vertrauen und Respekt sind eine nachhaltige Investition. Beim Umweltschutz und nachhaltigem Bauen ist es ähnlich: Es braucht mutige Entscheider, die langfristig kalkulieren und so Probleme lösen, bevor sie akut werden. Ich denke dabei zum Beispiel an die tiefe jährliche Sanierungsquote von 1 Prozent im Schweizer Gebäudepark. Je länger wir daran nichts ändern, desto massiver werden die Folgewirkungen für die nachrückenden Generationen. Langfristiges, ganzheitliches Denken hat Zukunft.

    Mit Blick auf die Award Verleihung: Worauf freuen Sie sich besonders?
    Klarer Fall: Den neuen Real Estate Award unseren Gästen präsentieren zu können! Bereits jetzt erreichen mich Zusagen aus Politik und Wirtschaft. Das grosse Interesse an dem gewandelten Award zeigt mir, dass wir mit dem neuen Konzept auf dem richtigen Weg sind. Ich bin ausserordentlich gespannt auf das Feedback – zu den neuen Unterhaltungsblöcken, der neuen Location und dem kulinarischen Erlebnis.

  • 3D thermography Increasing the efficiency of urban construction planning

    3D thermography Increasing the efficiency of urban construction planning

    Night-time thermographic flights are used to analyse the entire urban area from the air in order to create a 3D thermal imaging model of the urban infrastructure. This model is intended to provide valuable insights into the energy efficiency of the buildings and provide property owners with exclusive data about their buildings. The aim is to precisely determine the need for refurbishment by recognising insulation weaknesses.

    The flights are part of the CATCH4D research project, which focusses on climate adaptation through thermography and heat mapping. This research initiative, led by the Institute for Regional and Urban Development Research in cooperation with the City of Dortmund, uses aerial thermography to assess the condition of urban building insulation and identify acute renovation needs.

    The images not only provide a basis for effective climate protection measures, but also open up the possibility of extensive applications. The spectrum of possible uses ranges from monitoring forest fires to estimating the yield of solar installations. Data protection is a top priority: Personal data cannot be captured due to the image resolution.

    The project, financially supported by Google.org, demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for urban development and climate protection. The combined 3D thermographic aerial images, which were developed in collaboration with Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, enable a new dimension of data collection and analysis for the property sector and urban planning.

  • Halter starts construction of ZenO in Oberdorf

    Halter starts construction of ZenO in Oberdorf

    The Schlieren-based construction and property company Halter AG is building 49 flats and a branch of the anchor tenant Aldi Suisse for the pension fund of the canton of Nidwalden. The investment volume for the ZenO project is estimated at CHF 30 million. According to a press release, a design by Mirlo Urbano Architekten GmbH from Zurich is being realised for ZenoO. The plan is to build a new centre on the former Landsgemeindeplatz in Oberdorf.

    According to the project description, an area of 1,100 square metres is intended for commercial use, with a further 130 square metres for offices and small businesses. Apart from a small commercial space, the ground floor has already been let.

    With retail and additional service areas on the ground floor, the project offers “optimal supply options for the small flats on the upper floors”. The target group is mainly employees from the surrounding Bürgenstock and Engelberg tourist regions, professionals from nearby companies such as Pilatus and SWISSINT, as well as singles and couples of all ages.

    ZenO will make an important contribution to strengthening the community and will positively promote local development. “It will not only improve the townscape, but also create new living space and jobs,” says Judith Odermatt-Fallegger, Mayor of Oberdorf.

    Planning permission was granted in December 2023, construction is due to start in July 2024 and completion is planned for spring 2026. In order to be able to start construction, the building lease agreement was signed in January 2024 between the municipality of Oberdorf, the Pension Fund of the Canton of Nidwalden as the investor and Halter AG as the overall provider. Halter was also awarded the contract for the initial letting of the project.

  • Rents in Zurich fall at the start of the year

    Rents in Zurich fall at the start of the year

    Rental prices across Switzerland rose by an average of 0.3 per cent over the course of January, SMG Swiss Marketplace Group(SMG) reports in a press release on the current Swiss Real Estate Offer Index. SMG’s experts observed mostly moderate price increases in almost all regions in a month-on-month comparison. The SMG Swiss Marketplace Group combines the digital marketplaces of TX Group, Ringier and Mobiliar.

    The highest increases in asking rents were recorded in Central Switzerland and Northwestern Switzerland, at 1.4 and 1.2 per cent respectively. Only the greater Zurich region bucked the trend. Here, those looking for a home “benefited from a reduction of -1.1 per cent”, Martin Waeber, Managing Director Real Estate at SMG Swiss Marketplace Group, is quoted as saying in the press release. According to SMG’s experts, however, asking rents will continue to rise in the coming months, both in general and in the greater Zurich region. SMG cites the fact that rental housing construction is lagging behind immigration as the reason for this.

    SMG’s experts have also observed different developments in the residential property market. For example, prices for single-family homes rose by 0.9 per cent in January compared to the end of 2023. At the same time, the price increase for condominiums was significantly lower at 0.1 per cent.

  • Leica Geosystems becomes tech partner in the RICS network

    Leica Geosystems becomes tech partner in the RICS network

    The Heerbrugg-based company Leica Geosystems is a new partner of the London-based and globally active Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors(RICS). The professional organisation promotes innovation in surveying and facilitates collaboration between professionals in the industry. The RICS Tech Partner programme brings together more than 130,000 members from over 140 countries. They are active in the development and management of land, property, infrastructure and construction. Leica Geosystems makes its geospatial technology available to them as a technology partner.

    According to a Leica Geosystems statement, the technology partners contribute their expertise, technologies and insights to ensure that RICS members keep pace with the latest developments. The programme includes the development and promotion of standards and best practice in surveying. It extends to events, seminars and networking opportunities. According to RICS, the resulting data and insights are used to guide policy makers and governments.

    “As a newly appointed partner, we are proud to support initiatives like this that advance the industry with knowledge, tools and solutions that meet the needs of RICS professionals,” the press release states. “This will enable them to improve their skills and increase overall efficiency.”

  • MAG brings luxury property brand from Dubai to Ticino

    MAG brings luxury property brand from Dubai to Ticino

    MAG is set to realise its first international project in Switzerland. The Dubai-based luxury property developer is planning the Stabio Garden Living by Keturah project in the municipality of Stabio in the Ticino district of Mendrisio. MAG will be working with the globally active A++ Group, based in Massagno TI, which MAG describes in a press release as a “recognised market leader in real estate design and development”.

    The project, estimated at 185 million Swiss francs, will comprise 180 units in 14 buildings to Minergie standard, including a fitness area, children’s playground and co-working space. Completion is planned for 2026.

    “We are combining our extensive engineering and property experience with the Group’s excellence in design and development,” MAG CEO Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah is quoted as saying. This collaboration will produce “remarkable results and innovative solutions” that will “elevate the lifestyle of residents and redefine the property sector worldwide”.

    The new Keturah project follows the launch of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Creekside, which is part of the Keturah Resort, the luxury residential building Keturah Reserve and the soon-to-be-built urban residential complex Keturah Downtown. All are located in the urban area of Dubai.

  • The Circle is 95 per cent let

    The Circle is 95 per cent let

    The Circle service centre at Zurich Airport is attracting further tenants, as detailed in a press release. With nationally and internationally established companies now opting for office space in The Circle, the office space is almost fully let. The occupancy rate is around 95 per cent.

    According to the Zurich Airport press release, there are new developments in the catering and wellness areas. Leon’s Loft has been part of the catering operations in the Circle since 2020. Thanks to its successful development, the restaurant will be expanding its premises in early summer to include the area directly next door, the press release explains. A bodega concept with integrated wine sales will be created there in collaboration with Zurich winery Smith & Smith. In addition to the existing terrace on the main square, further outdoor seating areas will also be created in the alleyway.

    The health and wellness offering in the Circle will also be expanded, according to the press release. The Flooat floating centre opens in February and offers a special relaxation method: floating in a brine of water and salt, the body experiences weightlessness through natural buoyancy, which relieves the joints and organs.

    Regarding the new lettings, it is reported that another internationally established company, Be-Terna, which belongs to Telefónica Tech, has decided in favour of the Circle as a location. BE-Terna offers Microsoft cloud solutions. The move is planned for the fourth quarter of 2024. The CSS Group and Grenkeleasing AG will also be expanding their office space. Novo Nordisk and Inventx, two companies that already rent space in the Circle, will expand their premises in the first half of 2024.

  • Andermatt Swiss Alps can tackle Resort Dieni

    Andermatt Swiss Alps can tackle Resort Dieni

    The municipality of Tujetsch has granted Resort Dieni Development AG permission to build the Resort Dieni, Andermatt Swiss Alps, the parent company of Resort Dieni Development AG, announced in a press release. “With the building permit now granted for our pioneering project, we can realise a major construction project on the Grisons side of the Andermatt-Sedrun destination for the first time,” said Raphael Krucker, CEO of Andermatt Swiss Alps AG. A total of 13 buildings with 410 hotel rooms and 119 residential units for tourist use are to be built on the site of the current car park opposite the Dieni valley station by 2029.

    Andermatt Swiss Alps plans to start construction work in 2026. The company responsible for the planning, construction and operation of the year-round destination of Andermatt is focussing on sustainability in the construction and operation of the new resort. The plan is to heat the buildings with CO2-neutral wood pellets. In addition, 1500 square metres of solar panels are to be installed on around half of the roof area.

  • Dietikon holds open day at the Bären and the old building office

    Dietikon holds open day at the Bären and the old building office

    Dietikon invitesyou to visit the two buildings Bären and altes Bauamt in the historic village centre on Kronenplatz. According to a press release, both buildings are almostcompletely renovated. The public can visit them on Saturday, 3 February, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. as part of an open day. More detailed information on the buildings and renovations will be provided at 10.30 a.m. at the Bären and at 12 noon at the old building office.

    According to the press release, the two buildings, the Bären and the old building office, are important contemporary witnesses of Dietikon’s urban development and are included in the municipal inventory of listed buildings. Nevertheless, they are two very different buildings, each embodying a different era of the town’s development.

    The old building office was erected in its current structure in 1836 as a replacement for the first community centre on what was then the village square, known as the Spielhof. It is one of the few buildings on Kronenplatz that was built by the municipality itself and not by Wettingen Abbey. The imposing stone building first served as a school and community centre and now as a residential building.

    The Bären was built in 1912 as a classicist building in the Heimatstil style at Dietikon railway station during the first major expansion phase of the town. The ground floor of the building comprises the restaurant from the period of construction with a single-storey hall extension and three full storeys and three attic storeys above. According to the press release, the refurbishment and seismic retrofitting were carried out with due consideration for the preservation of historical monuments. The renovation of the roof and the painting of the façade are still in progress. The four newly built four-and-a-half-room flats and the three-and-a-half-room flat on the top floor will be rented out once the work has been completed.

  • Timber Finance informs about CO2 methodology in timber construction

    Timber Finance informs about CO2 methodology in timber construction

    Timber Finance has been working since 2022 to establish timber construction on the market for CO2 storage certificates. The company recently received an ICROA CO2 certificate standard for its methodology developed for this purpose, Timber Finance announced in a press release. The competence centre for modern timber investments expects its CO2 storage technology to be finally recognised in the course of the year.

    For the pilot phase of the methodology, Timber Finance is inviting interested parties from the property development, architecture, engineering, project development and real estate sectors as well as general and total contractors to register their planned or ongoing timber buildings as pilot projects for CO2 certification. On 8 February, the Competence Centre will also be hosting an online seminar on the topic. According to the event announcement, the approach of generating financing contributions for timber construction projects via CO2 storage certificates will be explained in detail.

  • Romande Energie invests in the start-up Popety.io

    Romande Energie invests in the start-up Popety.io

    Romande Energie Group is investing in the start-up Popety.io from Plan-les-Ouates, which is active in property acquisition. The Group sees itself as an important player in the decarbonisation of French-speaking Switzerland. According to a press release, this commitment is intended to strengthen the BRM (Building Relationship Management) data processing tool that Romande Energie launched in March 2023 to support the renovation of its property portfolio.

    In a spirit of partnership and support for start-ups, energy supplier Romande Energie is acquiring a 6.45 per cent stake in the start-up Popety.io, which already counts Vaudoise Insurance among its investors. Through its Romande Energie Ventures unit, the Group analyses the market and invests in start-ups that also pursue the goal of contributing to the decarbonisation of French-speaking Switzerland. “We are convinced that data will simplify the decarbonisation of buildings. We are delighted to be driving these developments forward together with Popety.io,” said Géraud de Laval, Head of Strategy & Innovation – Real Estate at Romande Energie Ventures.

    Popety.io can now “count on the expertise of a committed energy provider like Romande Energie to accelerate the renovation of the building stock and accompany us in the development of our start-up”, founder and CEO Thibault Clément is quoted as saying.

    According to the press release, there are hundreds of thousands of buildings in Switzerland that are in need of renovation. Between 30 and 40 per cent of greenhouse gases come from buildings. The renovation rate of the Swiss building stock must therefore be drastically increased in order to fulfil the Energy Strategy 2050 and the Climate Act recently adopted by the Swiss people.