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Tag: Wohnimmobilien

  • 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.

  • Confidence in Swiss property is growing

    Confidence in Swiss property is growing

    According to a press release from EY Switzerland, 98 per cent of property investors continue to view the Swiss property market as attractive. The Zurich-based audit and advisory firm reports this in its latest “Property Investment Market Trend Barometer”. Last year, only 93 per cent expressed a positive interest.

    For the study, EY surveyed 96 experts and investors who have been actively involved in the Swiss property market in recent years. Of those surveyed, 35 per cent of investors rated the Swiss market as “very attractive” last year; in the new survey, this figure had risen to 46 per cent. Nine out of ten respondents believe that new-build activity can be significantly boosted by simplified, digitalised planning permissions. Three-quarters see digitalisation as a driving force, yet only 16 per cent already use artificial intelligence for their business operations.

    Residential property remains in vogue in the top nine centres (Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano, Lucerne, St Gallen, Zurich and Zug), whilst demand is lower in rural areas. Demand for office and logistics properties has risen in the centres. Office properties in particular are in greater demand, with a ratio of 58 per cent to 48 per cent (2025). In the logistics sector, the trend remained virtually unchanged: 51 per cent to 52 per cent (2025).

    “Geopolitical uncertainties – such as US tariffs, international trade conflicts, the war in Ukraine or global financial market risks – are having an increasing impact on the Swiss property market as exogenous disruptive factors, particularly in centres with a strong international focus,” says Daniel Zaugg, Sector Leader Real Estate, Construction & Building Materials at EY in Switzerland, quoted in the press release. “These effects are reinforcing existing trends towards regional polarisation by widening the gap between highly internationalised markets such as Geneva and Zurich and more domestically oriented regions. Nevertheless, Switzerland remains a politically and economically stable location overall – and in uncertain times even positions itself as a ‘safe haven’ for capital.”

  • Densification changes cities

    Densification changes cities

    The study “Construction activity and displacement”, carried out by ETH Zurich on behalf of the Federal Office for Housing, shows that over the last two decades, settlement development in Switzerland has clearly been inward-looking. New housing is being built in urban areas, primarily through replacement construction and the conversion of industrial and commercial zones, rather than on greenfield sites. In cities such as Basel, a quarter of new flats were built on former industrial sites.

    More flats despite fewer new builds
    Although the number of newly built residential buildings is falling slightly, the net number of flats continues to increase. This is due to the efficiency of densification. In Basel, Geneva and Lausanne, up to twice as many new units are being built per demolished flat than in Bern or Zurich. Densification is thus becoming the central lever for creating living space in densely populated areas.

    Who is being displaced?
    The downside of densification can be seen in the social composition of the neighbourhoods affected. In Zurich in particular, long-term tenants often lose their homes due to demolition or total refurbishment. Those who have to move out often have a significantly lower income, up to 40 per cent less than the average. In contrast, households with above-average incomes move into new builds.

    Migration and income as a risk factor
    The study also reveals structural disadvantages. Asylum seekers, refugees and people of African descent are disproportionately affected by displacement. This means that structural densification particularly affects those who are most dependent on affordable housing and who often can no longer find it in the same municipality. Nevertheless, a considerable proportion of those affected, up to 64 per cent, manage to stay within their municipality.

    Cities in transition – socially balanced?
    From a spatial planning perspective, densification is sensible and necessary. However, it not only changes the cityscape, but also the social structure of neighbourhoods. The challenge in the coming years will be to shape change in such a way that it does not lead to social division, but to mixed, resilient cities with living space for everyone.

  • Property market remains attractive

    Property market remains attractive

    The Swiss property market remains attractive for 93 per cent of property investors, EY Switzerland reports in a press release. The auditing and consulting firm based its findings on the latest edition of its annual “Real Estate Investment Market Trend Barometer”. EY Switzerland surveyed a representative cross-section of 106 property market players.

    Six out of ten respondents anticipate growth in investment volumes this year. 85 per cent expect property to become more attractive than alternative investment opportunities. “This result demonstrates a remarkable consensus regarding the assessment of future developments on the property investment market and reveals the collective confidence that investors have in the real estate asset class,” Daniel Zaugg, Sector Leader Real Estate, Construction & Building Material at EY in Switzerland, is quoted as saying in the press release.

    Within the property market, residential property continued to gain in attractiveness. A total of 74 per cent of respondents now want to focus more on residential property, compared to 67 per cent in the previous year. Investments in apartment buildings are seen as a safe investment strategy by 96 per cent. The willingness to invest in logistics and office properties increased by 9 to 10 percentage points year-on-year to 52 and 48 per cent respectively. The overwhelming view is that demographic change and interest rate trends will have the greatest impact on the property market in the coming years.

  • Strong price increase for condominiums

    Strong price increase for condominiums

    Raiffeisen anticipates a further rise in residential property prices in the fourth quarter of 2024. According to a press release, the transaction price index for single-family homes fell slightly by 0.1 per cent compared to the previous quarter, but rose by 4.2 per cent compared to the previous year. The balance for condominiums was more pronounced. The increase here was 1.4 per cent compared to the previous quarter and 2.4 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.

    “Thanks to significantly lower financing costs and very good prospects for a further fall in interest rates, demand is likely to increase further at the start of the new year and thus accelerate the price trend once again,” Fredy Hasenmaile, Chief Economist at Raiffeisen Switzerland, was quoted as saying in the press release.

    The strongest price increases for single-family homes compared to the previous year were again reported in southern Switzerland (7.7 per cent) and central Switzerland (6.3 per cent). An increase of 0.7 per cent was also recorded in western Switzerland, which had declined in the previous year, and 1.0 per cent around Lake Geneva. Central Switzerland ( 4.4 per cent) and Eastern Switzerland ( 3.5 per cent) are leading the way in condominium ownership. Tourist centres are again the most popular, with residential property prices rising by 3.8 percent.

    The index is compiled quarterly and is published at the beginning of each quarter. It is based on real estate transaction data from Raiffeisen and the Swiss Real Estate Datapool (SRED).

  • Bank gives cautious all-clear for real estate bubbles

    Bank gives cautious all-clear for real estate bubbles

    UBS has presented this year’s edition of its Global Real Estate Bubble Index. According to a press release, the bubble risk in the residential real estate market has fallen slightly for the second year in a row. For its study, the Zurich-based bank examined the real estate situation in 25 major cities around the world. Of all the cities, Miami on the east coast of the USA shows the greatest risk. The Japanese capital Tokyo ranks second. Zurich also has a high bubble risk, although there has been a significant decline here compared to the previous year, according to the press release. Geneva, Los Angeles and Toronto also fall into the “increased risk” category. Locations affected by moderate risk include Amsterdam, Frankfurt/Main, Munich, Tel Aviv and Hong Kong. A low risk is expected in London, Milan, Paris and Stockholm as well as outside Europe in New York, San Francisco and São Paolo.

    “Real home prices in many cities have bottomed out. The economic outlook will determine the dynamics of future price development more than in recent years,” Matthias Holzhey, lead author of the study at UBS Global Wealth Management, is quoted as saying in the press release.

  • Zurich Investment Foundation plans capital increase

    Zurich Investment Foundation plans capital increase

    The Zurich Investment Foundation is planning to expand its ZAST Real Estate Residential Switzerland investment group. To this end, around CHF 300 million is to be raised from pension funds domiciled in Switzerland between 1 and 30 October. Existing investors have preferential rights, Zurich Invest Ltd. announced in a press release. The Zurich Insurance Group subsidiary will manage the investment foundation.

    Zurich Investment Foundation intends to use the new funds for the acquisition of 19 properties with a total residential share of 90 per cent. Around two thirds of the properties are located in Geneva and Lausanne, as well as properties in Zurich and Berne. In addition to its good location, the portfolio offers attractive rental potential, according to the press release. The issue price for units in the new portfolio will be the net asset value as at 31 October 2024 plus a 2.5 percent issue premium.

  • Strategic cooperation improves property management processes

    Strategic cooperation improves property management processes

    Planon has announced a strategic partnership with PROMOS consult, a Berlin-based SAP partner specialising in residential and commercial real estate and facility management. The collaboration covers the DACH region. The globally active Dutch proptech company, which is represented in Switzerland with a branch in Technopark Zurich, also offers software solutions for property and facility management.

    According to Planon’s press release, the aim of this partnership is to optimise processes, simplify workflows and increase tenant satisfaction. Planon’s innovative solutions for facility management will be combined with PROMOS’ in-depth industry knowledge and broad portfolio of services for the core processes of property management.

    “We are convinced of the extensive opportunities that this partnership offers,” Planon COO Stephan Mau is quoted as saying. “Together, we will offer Promos SAP customers a forward-looking solution for property management.” PROMOS CIO Volker Schulz is “convinced that our customers will benefit from the combined expertise of both companies and that we will transform the German-speaking market in the long term”.

  • Helvetica strengthens management team to realise strategic goals

    Helvetica strengthens management team to realise strategic goals

    As part of its long-term corporate strategy, important personnel decisions have been made to strengthen its management team and optimise the company’s competitive position. The latest additions to the team include Dirk Adriaenssen as Head of Asset Management, Mauro Golinelli as Investor Relations Specialist and Ruedi Voegeli, who takes over the Finance, Controlling and Accounting department.

    Dirk Adriaenssen has more than 25 years of industry experience in the retail, office and residential property sectors. He has been active in various European markets, including ten years in Switzerland. Most recently, he supported the integration of Credit Suisse’s property portfolios into the UBS portfolio and previously led the management of commercial property portfolios in Switzerland and Central Europe as Country Managing Director at Redevco. Adriaenssen, who holds a Master’s degree in law from the University of Brussels and is MRICS certified, will be responsible for asset management and strategic property management at Helvetica.

    Mauro Golinelli, who will start on 1 June 2024, will act as Client Relationship Manager, fostering relationships with investors and strengthening the company’s presence in French-speaking Switzerland in particular. With over ten years of experience at the Swiss Finance & Property Group, he has in-depth knowledge of property investment sales and is a federally certified finance and investment expert.

    Ruedi Voegeli, who has been part of the team since January 2024, will take over as Head of the Finance, Controlling and Accounting departments. Voegeli was CFO of PFS Pension Fund Services and previously worked at Edelweiss Air. He has extensive experience in financial management and is a business economist FH as well as a federally certified expert in accounting and controlling.

    These strategic appointments are part of the endeavour to manage its funds effectively and offer innovative solutions that meet changing market conditions. The expansion of the team should contribute to the efficient implementation of the funds’ objectives and consolidate the company’s position as a leader in the property investment sector.

  • Realiste adds five Swiss cities to its real estate platform

    Realiste adds five Swiss cities to its real estate platform

    Dubai-based proptech company Realiste has integrated five Swiss cities into its global online platform. According to its media release, Realiste aims to digitise the real estate market of the most important cities on a global level. This is to facilitate analysis and transactions for investors.

    “We have just added Tel Aviv and five new cities in Switzerland to our platform,” CEO and founder Alex Galtin is quoted as saying. His company has thus reached “the big milestone of 100 cities”. Realiste’s “Global real estate price index” lists Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne and Zurich.

    The artificial intelligence company, which specialises in real estate solutions, says it has grown exponentially in the past ten months, from just ten cities at the beginning of the year to over 100 by the end of the year. Now, users can view data on residential properties around the world on the Realiste platform. Realiste is expanding especially in real estate strongholds and established markets.

    So far, only flats in Dubai and Bali can be booked directly via the platform. However, the company is optimistic about further development. After all, it has set itself the goal of creating the first complete online real estate experience.

  • Future-oriented neighbourhood management: cultivating an active living space

    Future-oriented neighbourhood management: cultivating an active living space

    It is essential to involve all relevant actors in the neighbourhood design process to promote social sustainability. This includes both residential and commercial tenants. The creation of activity and meeting zones not only strengthens social cohesion but also provides a platform for business synergies.

    Added value through neighbourhood activation
    The active management of a community increases the attractiveness and value of the neighbourhood, which has a positive effect on the marketing of vacant spaces. At the same time, sustainable social hubs are created that strengthen the sense of community.

    Pioneers in nationwide implementation
    Initial projects in various neighbourhoods in Switzerland show the success of this approach. For example, a pop-up event was launched in Winterthur that combined gastronomy and culture for six weeks. Due to the great popularity, this concept will be further expanded and also implemented in Zurich for the coming winter.

    A young but promising discipline
    Although community management is still quite new as a field, it is seen by experts as a promising and as yet untapped area. “We see great potential in this approach and want to develop and promote it,” say industry experts. I hope this paraphrase meets your needs and offers a new perspective on the subject.

  • Swisscharge.ch and Protoscar join forces

    Swisscharge.ch and Protoscar join forces

    Swisscharge.ch from Gossau and Protoscar merge under the name swisscharge.ch. Both companies are holdings of the Zurich-based energy provider Energie 360°. According to a press release from Energie 360°, this merger will enable the charging network to be expanded even faster and the electrification of residential properties and company fleets to be driven forward. This will create a “comprehensive competence centre for Swiss e-mobility”: Swisscharge.ch has over 95,000 users and over 2600 public charging points and Protoscar has “implementation-related consulting know-how”.

    “We are thus creating the ideal conditions for the accelerated expansion of the reliable, user-friendly and efficient national charging infrastructure,” Rami Syväri, head of mobility at Energie 360°, is quoted as saying. “This forms the basis for the progressive electrification of Swiss mobility.”

    The Protoscar brand name will be preserved. The previous shareholder Touring Club Schweiz will retain a stake in the merged company and reportedly supports the growth plans. Jobs are not to be cut, but on the contrary newly created.

  • Privately used residential property is becoming more expensive

    Privately used residential property is becoming more expensive

    According to a media release from Raiffeisen Switzerland on the quarterly transaction price index, owner-occupied homes have to dig deeper into their pockets than in the first quarter and also compared to the previous year. Accordingly, the purchase of a condominium increased in price by 3.5 percent in the second quarter. Compared to the same period last year, there was a price increase of 7.7 percent. A single-family house costs 1.3 percent more than in the previous quarter. Year-on-year, prices for this type of property have risen by 8.7 percent.

    According to the Raiffeisen chief economist Martin Neff, who was quoted in the media release, the price dynamic is due to the shortage of supply in the home ownership market. Neither the interest rate hike nor the heightened uncertainties in the reporting period would have changed that.

    In the case of condominiums, the highest increase in prices compared to the previous year was in the Zurich region, where prices rose by 11 percent. In contrast, the Bern region has the lowest rate compared to 2021 at 3.5 percent. 10.6 percent more has to be paid for a condominium in tourist areas.

    The price spiral is also driving up the costs for single-family homes. In the Western Switzerland region, the segment has increased in price by 12.8 percent, in the Northwestern Switzerland region the value is 10.4 percent.

    Broken down by place of residence, there is a pronounced desire for private home ownership in the countryside, where the prices for a single-family house have soared by 12 percent. In city centers, house prices are 8.7 percent higher than last year.

  • 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.

  • Super core residential real estate for return and sustainability

    Super core residential real estate for return and sustainability

    In order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, the world must become climate-neutral by 2050 according to the Paris climate agreement. Real estate investors play an important role in reducing CO 2 emissions. According to the World Green Building Council, buildings cause around 40 percent of global CO 2 emissions during operation and construction.

    The 2050 climate goal represents a major challenge because it requires far-reaching measures in the building sector. At the same time, however, it also offers opportunities, especially when it comes to sustainable living space in popular cities. Based on particularly low-risk real estate in a prime location (core assets), in combination with the sustainability factor, one can speak of an up-and-coming “super core” asset class.

    Investment decisions are increasingly being made not only on the basis of expected returns, but also on the basis of environmental, social and corporate governance aspects (ESG criteria). Therefore, fund managers go to great lengths to meet sustainability criteria and to communicate transparently. A lot of money goes into optimizing the ESG profiles of potential investments, for example in the form of green building certifications or the climate neutralization of entire funds.

    But it is also clear that the industry as a whole needs clear rules if it is to fully exploit its potential to deal with the climate crisis. A corresponding legal framework offers a solid basis to support professional investors on their way to more sustainable decision-making processes.

    Financial and social returns

    This development also creates new investment opportunities, not least with the new asset class Super-Core. Residential properties in established urban regions with a strong ESG profile are sustainable per se – ecologically, socially and economically. They are also inherently low-risk, as sought-after residential areas in attractive cities have historically proven to be extremely crisis-proof.

    Super-Core also offers the opportunity to generate a social return. Large investors are able to manage large housing stocks efficiently and professionally with digital support. This increases the residents' quality of life. They like to live in the neighborhood and move less often. This is all the more true when social infrastructure such as day-care centers, green spaces and local amenities are already firmly integrated during the construction phase. Investors, in turn, benefit from lower tenant fluctuation, a higher occupancy rate and a more sustainable environment overall.

    Super-Core also means constructing buildings according to modern sustainability criteria. New near-natural materials and increasingly popular methods such as modular construction can massively reduce both CO 2 emissions and construction time and costs. The components are manufactured in factories and then assembled on site.

    It's not just about ESG

    It would, however, be wrong to restrict the view to new buildings. Most of the houses that we will live in in the next 50 years have already been built. The sustainable renovation of existing buildings is therefore becoming increasingly important. While every building is different, there are many ways to achieve significant results at relatively low cost. The simple measures include changing the lighting, ventilation and insulation, modern heat and water supply and photovoltaic systems. Greenwashing and redevelopment just for the sake of rent increases must be avoided at all costs. Investors and tenants would rightly rebel.

    As important as sustainability is, the appeal of super-core residential real estate lies just as much in its financial security. Aside from logistics, no other real estate market segment has proven as resilient in terms of cash flow and valuations as residential real estate over the past several years. The new Super-Core asset class is a real asset for real estate investors.

  • TSC Real Estate closes 2021 as the best year in the company's history

    TSC Real Estate closes 2021 as the best year in the company's history

    Assets under management increased from approximately EUR 1.5 billion at the end of 2020 to approximately EUR 1.6 billion as of December 31, 2021, with the number of employees increasing to 27 in the same period. In addition, TSC Real Estate has accompanied sales worth around EUR 530 million.

    Berthold Becker, Managing Director of TSC Real Estate, comments: “The asset class 'health care properties' is becoming more and more differentiated and complex. We actively accompany this ongoing process for our customers and support them with our expertise and industry know-how in strategic investment decisions and management. In addition, we formulated ESG as a value-added service early on, including the development and implementation of a rating structure, our own ESG reporting and property-specific catalogs of measures. Even if we are constantly developing in this regard, we are already positioned for the future. This puts us in a position to create and transparently implement an individual manage-to-ESG strategy for our properties and those of our customers.”

    In 2022, TSC Real Estate has both the initiation and launch of its own investment vehicles for institutional investors in the area of residential and healthcare real estate and the participation in or the establishment of operating companies in the respective real estate segments on the agenda.

    In addition to organic growth options, acquisitions will also be examined and, if necessary, implemented in the coming months. In addition, not only the purchase of real estate with a volume of approx. EUR 300 million is planned, but also the further development of the vertical service structure. This includes the expansion of the areas of property management and, last but not least, project development.

  • Swiss Prime Site: Acquisition of the Akara Group in Zug

    Swiss Prime Site: Acquisition of the Akara Group in Zug

    Acquisition of the founder-managed and successful Akara Group, Swiss Prime Site, strengthens the business model in the services segment with the intended takeover of the founder-managed Akara Group from Zug. Akara Funds AG was founded in 2016 by Karl Theiler and Jonathan van Gelder and developed into a fund provider regulated by FINMA with a focus on residential and commercial real estate.

    The group also includes Akara Real Estate Management AG, which provides real estate services in the areas of development, realization, management and marketing, and Akara Property Development AG, which manages a limited partnership for collective capital investments (KmGK). The group employs a total of around 50 specialized real estate specialists, all of whom will be taken over. The real estate assets under management total around CHF 2.3 billion and consist of the “Akara Diversity PK”, a real estate fund for tax-exempt pension schemes, the private equity product “Akara Property Development 1 KmGK” for qualified investors and a development pipeline (including Akara Tower, Baden) of over CHF 240 million. René Zahnd, CEO of Swiss Prime Site: “We are very pleased to be able to acquire an innovative, dynamic and at the same time established company in the Akara Group. The business model
    of the fund provider and the corporate culture are a perfect match for Swiss Prime Site Solutions. “

    Karl Theiler, CEO Akara adds: “The future membership of the Swiss Prime Site Group enables us to bundle our strengths in the area of funds and to significantly expand our market position.” The two contracting parties have agreed not to disclose the sales price. The acquisition will be financed 35% from Swiss Prime Site shares and the authorized capital provided for this purpose. The remainder of the transaction amount is paid from freely available funds.

    Significant expansion and strengthening of the group-wide investment platform
    The closing of the transaction is expected to take place in mid-January 2022 retrospectively to January 1, 2022. It is planned to integrate the Akara Group or the respective companies into Swiss Prime Site Solutions in the course of the 2022 financial year and to merge the two fund management companies. The intended merger will make Swiss Prime Site Solutions one of the leading Swiss real estate asset managers with real estate assets and under management (including development pipeline) of over CHF 6.5 billion and an expected EBIT contribution of CHF 27 to 28 million in 2022. With the acquisition, Swiss Prime Site Solutions can significantly expand its customer base and expand the existing investment platform with additional product and fund categories such as real estate private equity investments. To ensure an orderly transition, the two company founders will continue to work for the company until July 2022. There is also the option of further collaboration on a mandate basis. Anastasius Tschopp, CEO of Swiss Prime Site Solutions, sums up: “I am delighted to welcome the Akara team to our place and, together with Swiss Prime Site Solutions, to shape them into an even more quick-witted real estate asset manager. The two companies complement each other perfectly in terms of customers, employees and know-how. “

  • Two Geneva fintechs are joining forces to make it easier to buy home ownership in Switzerland

    Two Geneva fintechs are joining forces to make it easier to buy home ownership in Switzerland

    Reduce the equity required for the mortgage loan
    While interest rates are at an all-time low, prices are rising. When it comes to granting a mortgage loan, the requirement for at least 20% equity capital is the main obstacle to home ownership. Today, only 40% of households in Switzerland are homeowners. Of the 60% of tenants, 21% would like to own a property, whereas only 3% are able to do so.

    For this reason Evahomes.ch offers financially strong people an alternative income solution that meets the regulatory requirements. The latter only require 10% equity to become a home owner. As with a classic acquisition, the bank can finance the property up to 80%, while the purchaser covers at least 10% of the purchase price with his assets. The remaining equity is provided by qualified Swiss investors with an annual return of 3 to 7%, depending on the risk profile of the overall situation of the buyer.

    The solution enables home ownership with less equity and thus opens up this perspective to more people in Switzerland. The company e-Potek saw Evahomes.ch's innovative proposal as an opportunity to expand its mandate to facilitate access to mortgage credit.

    "Some of our customers borrow money from their families to supplement their equity. Evahomes.ch represents a solution with an interesting tax advantage for those people who do not want or cannot rely on their relatives", explains Yannis Eggert, Director at e -Potek.

    Accompany and facilitate the buying process for future buyers
    The chosen financing solution can be optimized through the partnership with e-Potek. e-Potek enables future buyers to determine the best financing conditions from all lenders on the market and to benefit from tailor-made professional support in the areas of mortgage financing, retirement provision and real estate taxation from the beginning to the end of the project. "Thanks to the partnership with e-Potek, we can expand our service to more households. This is in line with our mandate to lower the entry barriers for new homeowners in Switzerland as much as possible," added Tafsir Bâ, CEO of Evahomes.ch.

    The buyer then pays a monthly amount, which depends on the theoretical rental yield of the property, the duration of the contract, the personal circumstances of the buyer and the investment profile. At the end of the contract, the equity is built up and the rent is reduced to the usual mortgage interest. Potential buyers with sufficient equity can also opt for this alternative if they want to have cash at their disposal.

    Opportunity for returns for investors
    In an economic climate in which savings returns are close to 0% and real estate returns are around 3%, indirect real estate investment via Evahomes.ch is a real opportunity. E-Potek has raised an initial fundraising of CHF 7 on behalf of Evahomes.ch .5 million and the two companies are already considering one
    further fundraising. For investors lending their equity to future buyers, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to
    Investing in the Swiss real estate market at competitive returns.

    "We have been approached by many private investors who want to invest and participate in fundraising and have not been able to meet that demand. So far, fundraising has been aimed primarily at a select few qualified investors who have been looking to invest in this type of opportunity for several years However, in view of the great demand from future buyers who would like to apply for a loan at Evahomes.ch, we believe that we can make the investment opportunity available to the general public very quickly, "says Yannis Eggert, Director at e-Potek.

    Via Evahomes.ch
    Evahomes.ch was founded in 2020 to make it easier for people with sufficient income and reduced equity to buy their own home without having to pay more than the monthly amount of a traditional rent. This unique offer in Switzerland is 100% digital and enables cheap online financing via the Evahomes.ch platform.
    www.evahomes.ch

    About e-Potek
    The company e-Potek, founded in 2018, has set itself the goal of making applying for a mortgage loan easier, more transparent and faster. Through its online platform combined with the specialist knowledge of its team of experts in the field of mortgage financing, pension provision and real estate taxation, the company supports future buyers in the implementation of their real estate projects. e-Potek currently employs around 15 people and has two branches in western Switzerland (Geneva and Lausanne). The growing company is preparing to open new branches and expand in German-speaking Switzerland.
    www.e-potek.ch

    Media contacts: Voxia communication
    Hertha Baumann: +41 43 344 98 49 – hertha.baumann@voxia.ch

  • Helvetia real estate fund shows good results

    Helvetia real estate fund shows good results

    The Helvetia (CH) Swiss Property Fund posted an overall profit of CHF 24.2 million in the first regular financial year, which ended on September 30, informs Helvetia Asset Management AG in a message . The overall success consisted of net income of CHF 12.8 million and an appreciation of the portfolio. The return on investment was 5.5 percent.

    The fund, which is mainly made up of residential properties, was "largely spared the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic", explains the Helvetia Group's investment manager. The rent default rate was reduced to 2.5 percent in the course of the year. The report puts the rental income at CHF 22.2 million.

    In the course of the financial year, the fund gained 18.9 percent in over-the-counter trading, the press release explains. This means that the SXI Real Estate Funds Broad TR, which is relevant for listed Swiss real estate funds, was exceeded with its performance of 15.3 percent. The market value of the properties rose by 2.3 percent or around 12.2 million francs year-on-year.

    Helvetia Asset Management intends to further expand its real estate portfolio in the current financial year. To this end, a capital increase of around CHF 200 million is planned for the end of March. The fund should also be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange in three years at the latest.

  • Investors expect record prices for residential property

    Investors expect record prices for residential property

    The players in the real estate market are confident about the future. The mood has brightened significantly compared to the pandemic year 2020, writes KPMG in a message on the consulting company’s current Swiss Real Estate Sentiment Index. In the case of residential property in particular, the respondents assume that prices will rise sharply. The corresponding sub-index has reached a new high of 119.2 points, according to the announcement.

    KPMG analysts explain that the supply of residential real estate is becoming more and more scarce. Here the sub-index fell from 108.0 points in the previous year to 137.1 points. Price increases and shortages show that “market participants regard the residential segment as the clearly preferred real estate investment even more than before”.

    When it comes to prices for office space, the market players are expecting only a slight drop in prices. Compared to the previous year, the expected decline in prices has weakened, the announcement explains. “The users have already adjusted to the new conditions, which is why the focus is currently not on reducing space,” Beat Seger, partner and real estate expert at KPMG, is quoted there. Only in the case of retail space do the respondents continue to assume that prices will fall significantly.

    From a regional perspective, the market players for the Zurich and Lake Geneva regions are expecting significantly higher prices on the property market. Slight price drops are expected in Eastern Switzerland. As in previous years, expectations for Ticino remain clearly negative.