Ticino Welcome - December 2016, TICINO INCREASINGLY ATTRACTIVE
Ticino increasingly attractive
UELI SCHNORF, OWNER OF WETAG CONSULTING, EMPHASISES THE EXPECTED BENEFITS FOR THE REAL ESTATE SECTOR FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF ALPTRANSIT AND ANALYSES THE PROSPECTS FOR A MARKET THAT IS STILL DYNAMIC BUT WITH SOME SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN.
What effect do you expect the opening of the Gotthard base tunnel to have on the real estate market?
"Historically, it has been proven that the construction of a major road has an impact on the development of the economy and the distribution of the population, for example when the motorway between Zurich and Zug was built. It is therefore realistic to assume that this new tunnel will also have an influence on the development of Ticino, especially with regard to relations with inland Switzerland.
What are the reasons that make Ticino particularly attractive to citizens from inland Switzerland and Germany?
"If we take into account the considerable shortening of travel times to reach Ticino by train from inland Switzerland, avoiding the long queues caused by car traffic under the Gotthard, it is easy to foresee a substantial flow of people who may choose to reside in Ticino, taking advantage of the traditional advantages offered by this region, which represents an ideal combination of Swiss political and economic-financial stability, without forgetting the Italian style of the "dolce vita". The pleasant Mediterranean climate, the lush green nature, the lakes of Lugano and Maggiore together with the surrounding mountains, have made this area, for decades, the main destination for tourists and buyers from Northern Europe. Moreover, in addition to the political, legal and financial stability, which has just been mentioned, one must consider the low level of crime, the excellent health system, and the high level of educational and public facilities and services, which make Ticino the ideal place to live".
And as far as Italians are concerned, what response do you expect from this market segment?
"I believe that Italians will also benefit from the completion of the links currently under construction, especially with regard to the completion of the Ceneri Base Tunnel, which will make the whole of Ticino accessible within a few minutes. Hints of a shift in interest towards previously under-estimated areas are already beginning to appear, as in the case of Bel-linzona, for example". The market for second homes has been cooling down recently.
Do you think this trend could have a significant impact on price levels?
"Yes. In the luxury property segment, which is where we are most present, we are seeing a slowdown in sales and a significant drop in prices, we are talking about 10%. This applies to all Swiss luxury markets, and is strongest on Lake Geneva, Lake Zurich and in Ticino (Lugano and Ascona). A specific trend among buyers in the luxury market is the strong focus on the real value of the property. Today's buyers, especially those from abroad, have survived the crisis of recent years. Buyers inform themselves about real values so that they are not forced to pay more than necessary and run the risk of not being able to resell a property in the future. If a property is overpriced, it will have no chance of being sold to such clients.
What are the luxury items for which the market is still strong?
"Local buyers, i.e. clients who live and work in Ticino, are active in the luxury property market and usually buy properties worth between CHF 1 and 3 million. As for the sector comprising properties valued at over CHF 3 million, buyers are very often international clients or come from the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Finally, the ultra-luxury market in Ticino includes penthouses and estates worth over 10 million francs. These penthouses and estates are normally situated in excellent locations with views of the lake. These estates, often located on large plots offering complete privacy, have spacious living areas, luxury finishes, high-tech features, historic or special architecture and extra services such as a swimming pool, wellness area, home cinema, wine cellar, large garage, staff residence and guest annexes.
What are the basic conditions for making a good sale in a reasonable time?
"The intervention of specialised and highly qualified intermediaries, as buyers come from all over the world. We have been negotiating with clients from 73 different countries over the last 15 years.
Wetag Consulting
Wetag Consulting has been selling the most exclusive homes in Ticino, in the south of Switzerland, since 1973. It is an honour for the company to represent the owners of the most enchanting houses in Ticino, not least because for many years it has been selling these unique objects to an international clientele. Wetag Consulting devotes itself entirely to its clients, assisting them during the initial stages of settling in, helping them to adapt to their new lifestyle here in Ticino. Its team is chosen on the basis of qualifications obtained and dedication to the job. With offices in Lugano, Locarno and Ascona, a team capable of speaking 6 different languages and its membership of the main international organisations in the luxury property sector, Wetag Consulting is fully committed to successfully presenting its clients' properties on the market and helping those wishing to purchase their dream home. She puts all her passion into her work. Can he help you? Philipp Peter & Ueli Schnorf (Owners)
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
