Luxury real estate continues its expansion in Switzerland, despite a dwindling supply of properties in some prime regions
Ideally situated between Geneva and Lausanne, the Côte Lémanique boasts a large number of exceptional properties in many of its towns. These properties have led to VIP clients targeting the area, to such an extent that since the pandemic, demand seems to have outstripped supply.
Peter Oscarsson, head of sales at Bernard Nicod Nyon, gives his analysis.
As a professional working for one of the largest real estate groups in French-speaking Switzerland, what is your analysis of the situation?
I can confirm that, despite the turbulence seen across the globe since 2019, and in contrast to some sectors, luxury real estate continues to deliver excellent returns, even if it hasn’t surpassed the records set in 2021. It's no secret that Switzerland has always been the perfect refuge for the world's great fortunes, not least because of the significant advantages it offers all its citizens in terms of things like security, quality of life, infrastructure, taxation, a central geographical location and of course the beauty of its surroundings and the kindness and discretion of the Swiss people.
It holds an appeal that only grows stronger as Switzerland manages to preserve its neutrality in the face of the current geopolitical instability around the world. We can sense this strong appeal within the Bernard Nicod Group, and we are experiencing strong demand at our Nyon subsidiary, which benefits from its proximity to Geneva and the Vaud enclaves which are brimming with incredible villas and architectural gems. I can also confirm that exceptional properties are in short supply on the Côte Lémanique and in Geneva. In fact, at our level, we're currently seeing a strong demand for custom-built detached houses that guarantee privacy and a feeling of well-being.
More and more Swiss estate agencies are specializing exclusively in luxury. Where does the Nicod Group fit into this trend?
Bernard Nicod, the group's founder, was one of the initiators of the luxury real estate concept in Switzerland, and one of the builders who has left an indelible mark on the real estate market in French-speaking Switzerland. I would humbly stress that our Group is not affected by fads. We enjoy a very important position in the local real estate market, in all sectors of the industry, and we are at the head of a vast network with an exceptional contacts book, which, by the way, our Nyon branch makes good use of. I'm often approached by international clients looking for sumptuous urban properties such as architect-designed villas or mansions with a private harbor, just a few minutes from the city center and not far from the airport, or even chalets. I am also constantly approached about luxury investment properties, which represent a very important volume of sales for our Nyon subsidiary and of course for the Group.
In your work around Nyon/La Côte, is there demand only for single-family homes, or also for other types of accommodation, and how do you explain this?
At our Nyon branch, we're seeing demand for both villas and luxury apartments with lake views and other amenities, especially since we unveiled our new La Baie d'Opale residence in Rolle, just a few meters from the lake.
Real estate is a safe investment. It allows you to protect your assets in times of stock market uncertainty, and to grow them. Over a long period, real estate has always delivered appreciable returns. Despite its ups and downs, this market continues to grow in value.
All the buyers and sellers I've met over the last few years have been perfectly aware that bricks and mortar are a safe bet, especially if the house or apartment purchased has been selected using the criteria of quality, ie. in a good location and well served by public transport, near shops, schools, etc. If this is the case, its value should withstand any market shocks better than a poorly located property with defects.
The best locations are often the first to see a rise in value. In this sense, algorithms will never be able to give a valuation as effectively as the experienced, discerning eye and professional advice of a broker.
To see the exceptional properties offered by Bernard Nicod Nyon, or to get information about the La Baie d'Opale residence in Rolle, call Peter Oscarsson at 078 891 2031, or contact him at: peter.oscarsson@bernard-nicod.ch.