Tag: Immobilienfachleute

  • Skilled labour shortage – an industry analysis by SVIT Zurich

    Skilled labour shortage – an industry analysis by SVIT Zurich

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    Examining the distribution of roles in property management and developing specialised profiles could reduce the frustration of managing large portfolios. Overall, the shortage of skilled labour in the property sector calls for far-reaching structural adjustments to improve working conditions and the satisfaction of professionals. It remains to be seen whether the sector will successfully implement these strategies.

    Structural problems and proposed solutions
    Experts agree that there are structural challenges that are difficult to change. Nevertheless, there are numerous opportunities for improvement, such as the simplification and standardisation of processes, efficient systems and intelligent digitalisation. In addition, the promotion of leadership skills could better overcome organisational challenges. Improved conflict management and the proactive promotion of talent and career changers are further possible steps to overcome the shortage of skilled labour.

    Shining a light on the distribution of roles in management
    The areas of responsibility of “Bewis” (managers) include activities that require specific skills and competences. The allocation of these tasks within a company is largely determined by the management business model. In order to reduce frustration when dealing with large portfolios, four different “Bewi” profiles were identified and corresponding solutions developed. All-rounders are supported by juniors and administrators. A more efficient support system could help to reduce the frustration of managing large portfolios.

    Digital management promotes clear processes, integrated systems and the use of artificial intelligence (AI). An advanced IT infrastructure is essential here. Specialists and integrated “Bewis” work in teams with other specialised experts. Attractive career paths and complementary skills are key success factors here. A narrowly defined area of responsibility could also help to minimise job frustration.

    Key to solving the skills shortage
    The skills shortage in the real estate sector is a multifaceted and complex problem that requires far-reaching structural and organisational adjustments. Some of the existing challenges can be tackled through clever conflict management, targeted promotion of talent and the adaptation of roles within property management.

    It remains to be seen how the sector will implement these strategic proposals to improve the working conditions and satisfaction of its professionals.

  • UBS sees holiday flats at a turning point

    UBS sees holiday flats at a turning point

    The prices for holiday flats in Switzerland have risen by an average of 7 per cent year-on-year in 2022, UBS informs in a press release on its current “UBS Alpine Property Focus“. The real estate experts of the big bank have identified the biggest jumps with increases of 15 to 20 percent in the destinations of Arosa, Hoch-Ybrig, Flims/Laax and Engelberg. With prices of around 20,500 Swiss francs per square metre, the Engadin/St.Moritz destination currently leads the ranking of the most expensive second homes in the upscale segment.

    Since autumn 2022, however, experts have observed a slowdown in the price increase. According to Maciej Skoczek, real estate economist at UBS CIO GWM and lead author of the study, it will continue in the coming quarters. “A period of stagnating prices is on the horizon,” Skoczek predicts.

    According to UBS’s findings, the demand drivers from the pandemic years have now lost their power. “Hybrid working, coupled with a relocation of the primary residence to the Alpine region” was only used during the pandemic, and the holidays shifted to the home country will be replaced by trips abroad again when the restrictions are lifted.

    The pandemic left behind around 20 per cent higher prices for two-flats, UBS writes. According to their surveys, the total cost of buying an average flat has also risen to twice the cost of 2019 due to higher interest rates. “Some holiday home owners will consider selling to realise capital gains while escaping the increased costs,” Skoczek says.

  • UBS sees holiday flats at a turning point

    UBS sees holiday flats at a turning point

    The prices for holiday flats in Switzerland have risen by an average of 7 per cent year-on-year in 2022, UBS informs in a press release on its current “UBS Alpine Property Focus“. The real estate experts of the big bank have identified the biggest jumps with increases of 15 to 20 percent in the destinations of Arosa, Hoch-Ybrig, Flims/Laax and Engelberg. With prices of around 20,500 Swiss francs per square metre, the Engadin/St.Moritz destination currently leads the ranking of the most expensive second homes in the upscale segment.

    Since autumn 2022, however, experts have observed a slowdown in the price increase. According to Maciej Skoczek, real estate economist at UBS CIO GWM and lead author of the study, it will continue in the coming quarters. “A period of stagnating prices is on the horizon,” Skoczek predicts.

    According to UBS’s findings, the demand drivers from the pandemic years have now lost their power. “Hybrid working, coupled with a relocation of the primary residence to the Alpine region” was only used during the pandemic, and the holidays shifted to the home country will be replaced by trips abroad again when the restrictions are lifted.

    The pandemic left behind around 20 per cent higher prices for two-flats, UBS writes. According to their surveys, the total cost of buying an average flat has also risen to twice the cost of 2019 due to higher interest rates. “Some holiday home owners will consider selling to realise capital gains while escaping the increased costs,” Skoczek says.

  • Negative effects of the Ukraine war on the real estate industry in Switzerland

    Negative effects of the Ukraine war on the real estate industry in Switzerland

    The Ukraine war has global economic ramifications. How do you feel it in the local real estate market? PriceHubble investigated this question with a survey of real estate professionals from all areas of the real estate industry.

    55 percent of the real estate professionals who took part in the current study "Effects of the Ukraine War on the Real Estate Industry in Switzerland" believe that the Ukraine crisis could have a negative impact on their company over the next twelve months. 31 percent think there will be no impact. In contrast, 14 percent of respondents see a positive development for their business.

    According to those surveyed, the reasons for a change are the increase in construction costs, rising mortgage interest rates and a stagnating or declining buyer's market. As one real estate manager comments: «The increase in material costs and delivery times affects both the construction sites and the purchase prices. As a result, buyers will resort to existing goods and abandon construction projects.”

    In general, more real estate professionals (28 percent) see a decrease in the number of mandates over the next twelve months than an increase (17 percent). More than 55 percent of those surveyed do not expect any change in the number of mandates.

    50 percent of the respondents are of the opinion that projects will not be postponed because of the Ukraine war. 9 percent expect a postponement of up to 6 months, 12 percent a delay of 6 to 12 months, 26 percent of 12 to 18 months, 2 percent a postponement of the projects by 18 to 24 months and another 2 percent even by up to to 24 to 30 months.

    Development of luxury properties difficult to predict
    In the case of luxury real estate, 34 percent of those surveyed stated that they expected prices to rise. In contrast, 31 percent believe that a decline is to be expected. 35 percent are of the opinion that the prices in this segment will not change.

    In the comments column to this question, many of the respondents indicated that they expected a decrease in general interest in objects in this segment. Others are of the opinion that luxury real estate is crisis-resistant and that the strong demand will remain. Many are also convinced that the supply will remain stable.

    "Luxury real estate in Switzerland, especially in exclusive locations, will always tend to find buyers (both domestically and abroad) and it is therefore possible that the prices for them remain the same or may even rise," comments one broker.

    Price development of energy-efficient objects remains exciting
    When it comes to the question of whether a greater price change is to be expected when buying properties with a high energy efficiency class (A or A+), there is a tie: 50 percent say "yes" and 50 percent say "no".

    With regard to the demand for real estate with a high energy efficiency class since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, 68 percent of the real estate experts surveyed stated that they had not noticed any change. "But it will come, people are slowly becoming sensitive to it," a real estate manager commented on this question. 32 percent of those surveyed believe that demand has already increased.

    Regarding rental prices for properties with a high energy efficiency class (A or A+): 69 percent of the participants stated that there will be no changes. In contrast, 31 percent expect a change.

    Further results, for example on the impact of rising mortgage interest rates, the development of rents or sales prices of residential properties can be found in the complete study.

  • Urban Land Institute has a new chairman

    Urban Land Institute has a new chairman

    Jürgen Marc Volm has started his two-year term of office as the new chairman of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Switzerland. He succeeds Birgit Werner. As it is said in a media release , it has increased the number of members and increased activities significantly.

    She acknowledges that Volm's “passion for real estate” is reflected in his career, “in which he has combined academic know-how with the successful development of a company. He is an enrichment for us as we want to continue growing and strengthen contacts with current and future industry leaders. "

    In addition to his work as a partner and board member of pom + Consulting AG , based in Technopark Zurich , Volm is also the program manager of the master's degree in International Project Management at the Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences (HFT). As a Master of Engineering in International Project Management from HFT Stuttgart and Master of Business Administration from Liverpool John Moores University , the graduate civil engineer has extensive business management knowledge.

    According to his own information, as chairman the focus is on promoting the sustainability debate according to the so-called ESG (environmental, social, governance) criteria, "especially with regard to the areas of circular economy and social responsibility". In addition, he wants to introduce the ULI UrbanPlan at Swiss schools and universities. The participants receive basic knowledge of urban renewal. He is also planning a ULI NEXT program. It is intended to connect the next generation of managers between the ages of 35 and 45 in the DACH region.

    "ULI Switzerland has developed rapidly in the DACH region," says Marnix Galle, chairman of ULI Europe . “And we look forward to the next phase of growth under Jürgen's leadership. He will use the ULI platform to help shape the future of the built environment in Swiss communities and to inspire a new generation of real estate experts. "

  • Nomoko launches the «Praedia» platform for an exclusive group of real estate experts

    Nomoko launches the «Praedia» platform for an exclusive group of real estate experts

    Digitization has arrived in the real estate industry. With the advent of various real estate platforms, the industry took the first steps by making individual real estate portfolios digitally available. Nomoko is now taking a big step into the future: The goal of creating a central platform and community for various players in the real estate industry that searches the market, identifies and analyzes investment opportunities and accesses detailed real estate information. The participants in the “Real Estate Shapers Switzerland” program receive early access to the beta version of the platform and to an exclusive community of innovative, digitally-savvy real estate developers and investors. During the course of the year, the platform will be opened to all properties and investors.

    Digital image of the physical world
    Future users can expect a digital and detailed image of the physical world, a so-called “digital twin”. All real estate data available today are linked and harmonized. By bringing together relevant spatial data such as location information, real estate prices, building or zoning law data and Nomokos 3D visualizations, real estate projects can be decisively optimized by investors and developers. “A holistic and overarching approach is required for the sustainable creation of value in a digitized real estate industry. With the digital twin and the creation of an open ecosystem, Nomoko has the potential to finally bring the real estate industry into the digital age, ” says Daniel Kündig, former President and Honorary President of the SIA.