To buy or not to buy, that is the question! - by Martina Tassini

16 Dec 2013 08:47 | Anonymous

The question of whether investing in real estate is a waste of time and money in Switzerland, was the theme of an event OWIT organized in early December.

Assimina Walther, architect in Morges, with published research in the real estate field at EPFL, conveyed her expert knowledge in an informative and detailed presentation about the Swiss property market. In particular, she dealt with the question that many long-term ex-pat residents ask themselves: Is it worth buying in Switzerland or not, and if so, how do I go about it?

 

Why is investing in real estate in Switzerland complicated?

The 15 attendees left the event with a better understanding of what's involved in investing in Swiss real estate.

Finding a place to buy is quite complicated, because there are more interested buyers than properties. Added to this, the growing population over the last 10 years has led to a dramatic increase in the cost of property.

 

Useful tips for interested buyers

The audience learned what to pay attention to, where and how to search for property and to remember that it is often possible to negotiate the price.

While the answer to the theme of the event remained open, the key to answering it was given: it depends on you. If you are thinking of investing in real estate in Switzerland, ask yourself what do you really want or need? Talk to an expert, take time to do the calculations, research the market and once you have all the information, you will be able to make a decision.

Final thoughts from expert Assimina Walther: never buy on impulse, do your homework first and above all, consider all possibilities.