Ticino Welcome - May 2013, PRESTIGIOUS RESIDENCES AT THE RIGHT PRICE

PRESTIGIOUS RESIDENCES AT THE RIGHT PRICE

UELI SCHNORF, CO-OWNER OF WETAG CONSULTING IMMOBI LIARE SA, A COMPANY SPECIALIZED IN THE BROKERAGE OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE IN TICINO, TAKES STOCK OF THE MARKET SITUATION AND THE MAIN REQUESTS COMING ESPECIALLY FROM AN INTERNATIONAL CLIENTELE.


Your type of real estate proposals concern in particular villas and apartments of the highest quality. In this regard, how do you assess the market trend and what are your forecasts for 2013?


"Undoubtedly there is a crisis in progress and the consequences are felt even in the segment of prestigious residences that are those we deal with. But the situation is not the same in all countries and we are in contact with clients from the various areas of the world, where the economic conditions, and therefore also the possibility of having large sums of money to conclude a purchase, are profoundly different. In any case, we do not deal, if not marginally, with secondary residences, but rather with clients who decide to acquire a primary residence in Ticino, taking advantage of all the advantages and quality of life that Switzerland has to offer.


Is this market now saturated, or is the demand still growing?


"I would rather speak of a market that remains stable over time, also because the number of properties with valuable and exclusive characteristics that change hands in the course of a year is necessarily limited. In any case, in the last 12 years we have come into contact with clients from 72 different countries, led by Italians, Dutch, Scandinavians and Germans. The presence of customers from Russia and other ex-Soviet republics is also important".

As far as foreign buyers are concerned, what are the needs of Russian customers?


"I would absolutely not make a distinction with regard to Russian buyers.
This could perhaps have happened 1015 years ago, when the inhabitants of those countries found themselves in a very short period of time with huge amounts of money, previously impossible to accumulate, and they poured into the market without too much concern for the cost of the real estate purchased. Now Russian clients are attentive and competent and behave exactly like other clients from all over the world".

What types of housing are most in demand in Ticino?


"The requests are always those that traditionally characterize luxury residences. First and foremost, single-family villas, spacious and equipped with a park and swimming pool, with a view of the lake, conveniently accessible from the road, even by car, near Lugano and, in any case, not too far from a residential area of a certain size. Also the proximity to the airport is considered an element not to be neglected".

What are their main needs, and what additional services are required?


"Taking into account the fact that many clients intend to transfer their primary residence from their country of origin to Switzerland, all those services necessary for the smooth running of family life must be taken into account, also because they are often relatively young clients, with still small children. And, therefore, the proximity of international schools is very important, even if these are still too few in Ticino. And then, all that pertains to security and confidentiality constitutes a preferential element".


How must this international clientele be approached in order to best meet their needs?

"This depends at least in part on the country of origin and the level of knowledge the client has of the Swiss system and organization, at all levels. It's clear that with a client from Germany or domestic Switzerland, it's easier to understand the rules and regulations governing a real estate transaction. With Russian clients, on the other hand, it is necessary to accompany them in their knowledge of our regulatory framework and always be absolutely clear and transparent. In this sense, some language difficulties should not be underestimated, which, for example, our company is able to overcome thanks to the presence in the team of people who speak several languages fluently".

WETAG CONSULTING IMMOBILIARE SA

Luxury Real Estate for sale in Ticino, Switzerland

Riva Antonio Caccia 3
CH-6900 Lugano

Via Antonio Ciseri 13A
CH-6600 Locarno

Via Monte Verità 1
CH-6612 Ascona

www.wetag.ch
www.journal.wetag.ch
[email protected]

+41(0)91 601 04 40