For many people, their home is much more than just a property. It is the place where their children grew up, where they have lived for many years and where countless memories were made. It is therefore understandable that many homeowners want to remain in their familiar surroundings when they retire.

And in many cases, this is perfectly possible. Many people are healthy and active when they reach retirement age and want to continue enjoying the space their house or spacious apartment provides.

However, retirement can bring a financial change for homeowners: once employment income ends, the affordability of the mortgage is reassessed. What was easily affordable during working life can suddenly become a challenge when income is lower in retirement.

This is why it is worth reviewing your situation several years before retirement rather than waiting until you reach retirement age.

What changes when you retire?

For many households, regular income decreases upon retirement. The costs associated with the property, however, remain.

Banks therefore assess whether the financing remains affordable based on the future income. The affordability calculation is not based on the mortgage interest rate you are actually paying. Instead, banks typically use a calculated interest rate of 5 %. In addition, calculated costs for maintenance and ancillary expenses are taken into account (depending on the bank, 0.75–1%), as well as any required amortisation.

As a general guideline, the calculated housing costs should not exceed approximately one third of the gross household income – in this case, the pension income.

Learn more about financing your own home →

Loan-to-value ratio: Property appreciation can help

In addition to affordability, the loan-to-value ratio plays an important role.

For an owner-occupied residential property, the portion of the mortgage exceeding two thirds of the lending value generally has to be amortised within 15 years. Depending on the individual situation, banks may impose additional requirements.

For long-term homeowners, the increase in the property’s value can work to their advantage.

For example, someone who bought a house many years ago for CHF 1 million and whose property is now worth significantly more may have a considerably lower loan-to-value ratio than originally. A new valuation can therefore show that the existing mortgage is already significantly below two thirds of the property’s current lending value.

This means that even if some of the originally planned amortisation has not been completed, the current loan-to-value ratio may still fall within the limits required by the bank due to the property’s increase in value.

It is important to note, however, that the current market value is not automatically used as the lending value. Banks assess properties according to their own criteria and may use a lower value when determining the financing.

Affordability can become a stumbling block

The situation can be considerably more challenging when it comes to affordability.

Let us look at a simplified example:

A couple bought their house many years ago for CHF 1 million. At the time, affordability was calculated based on the property’s value and their income at that time.

If the house is now worth CHF 2 million, the affordability calculation takes into account a calculated interest rate of 5 % on the mortgage as well as additional maintenance costs of 1% of the property price. In our example, the amount doubled. At the same time, the household’s income is lower in retirement.

Property appreciation is therefore not an advantage in every respect: while it increases equity and generally improves the loan-to-value ratio, it can also affect affordability because maintenance costs are calculated as a percentage of the property’s value.

And this is where some homeowners face a challenge: The property is worth more than ever – but their income after retirement may no longer be sufficient to meet the bank’s affordability requirements.

What should homeowners do before retirement?

Around five years before retirement

The first step is to speak to your bank.

Have your future financial situation and, in particular, the affordability of your mortgage after retirement assessed. Also clarify whether any further amortisation is required and what options are available to secure your financing over the long term.

The earlier potential gaps are identified, the more options you have to address them.

Plan renovations with taxes in mind

Planned investments in your property should also be considered at an early stage and, where appropriate, carried out in good time.

The upcoming changes to the taxation of owner-occupied property are particularly relevant here: the abolition of the imputed rental value will take effect on 1 January 2029. At the same time, deductions for maintenance costs of owner-occupied properties will generally no longer be available. Cantons may continue to provide certain deductions for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly measures.

If you are planning major renovations, you should therefore discuss with your tax advisor when an investment makes sense from a tax perspective and which rules apply in your canton.

Around one year before retirement

Approximately one year before retirement, it is advisable to have another discussion with your bank.

By this stage, you should have clarity on:

• How much mortgage debt remains?
• What is the current lending value of the property?
• What amortisation is still required?
• How much will your future retirement income be?
• Will the mortgage remain affordable after retirement?
• Are any changes to the financing required?

This leaves sufficient time to make any necessary adjustments.

Why it pays to act early

If you only discover at retirement that your financing is no longer affordable in the long term, you have fewer options available.

Planning ahead, on the other hand, allows you to consider different scenarios. Depending on your individual situation, additional amortisation, adjustments to your mortgage structure or early retirement planning may make sense. Pension fund contributions or a withdrawal of pension assets may also form part of an overall strategy, depending on your personal circumstances and the tax implications.

It is important not to consider such decisions in isolation. What may appear financially advantageous can have other implications for your taxes or retirement planning.

Paying off the entire mortgage is therefore not always the best solution. What matters is having a financing structure that fits your personal situation, your income and your plans for retirement.

When can selling be the right solution?

Remaining in the current home is not necessarily the right solution for every homeowner.

Retirement often coincides with other major changes in a person’s living situation: children have moved out, an additional home office is no longer needed, or the desire for greater freedom and fewer responsibilities becomes more important.

Selling can then be a conscious decision for a new stage of life.

Common reasons for selling a home around retirement include:

• The financing is no longer affordable after retirement.
• The need for space has changed, for example after children have moved out.
• The house requires increasing amounts of work and maintenance, while the desire for more freedom grows.
• The capital tied up in the property could be used differently, for example for travel, a smaller property or other personal priorities.
• Moving to another location becomes attractive, for example closer to family and friends or to a more central location with good public transport connections.

Selling is not necessarily a last resort. It can instead be an opportunity to release the capital tied up in the property and consciously adapt your living situation to the next stage of life.

When should you start preparing for a sale?

If you already know that you may consider selling around retirement, I recommend starting the planning process around one year before your desired sale date.

Starting early gives you time for a professional property valuation, to determine the right time to sell and to develop an appropriate sales strategy.

However, even if a sale needs to happen more quickly, having the right strategy is crucial. Every property and every personal situation is different. The key is to assess the starting position correctly and position the sale in a way that makes the most of the property’s potential while taking your current needs into account.

Your Contact

Stephanie Komminoth
CEO • Real Estate Agent

✆ +41 77 423 83 88
steffi@boutiquehomes.ch

Retirement is a new stage of life – and your property can be part of it

Retirement does not have to mean giving up your familiar home. If you feel comfortable in your house or apartment and the financing is secure for the long term, there is no reason why you cannot continue to enjoy your home.

At the same time, retirement is a good opportunity to consciously reconsider your current living situation.

Stay, sell or downsize? There is no single right solution.

What matters is to consider early on which option fits both your financial situation and your personal plans for the next stage of life.

I would be happy to help you assess the value of your property, consider different sale scenarios and develop a suitable sales strategy.

Separation or divorce brings many changes. One of the most common questions is: What happens to the shared apartment or family home?

Should the property be sold? Can one of the partners take it over? Who wants to continue living there? And what happens to the joint mortgage?

The answers differ from case to case. Important factors include the ownership structure, the matrimonial property regime, the financing and – for families – the situation of the children.

In this article, I explain the key points to consider in the event of separation or divorce and how a potential sale of the property can be handled during divorce proceedings.

Who Owns the Property?

The land register entry provides an important first indication. It records who owns the property and in which form the ownership is held.

For couples, co-ownership is common. If, for example, both partners are registered as co-owners with an equal share, each owns 50 % of the property.

However, the land register entry alone does not determine who ultimately has rights to the property or who may be awarded the property in the event of separation or divorce. The matrimonial property regime is equally important.

What Does the Matrimonial Property Regime Mean?

Unless spouses have entered into a prenuptial agreement, the participation in acquired property regime (Errungenschaftsbeteiligung) generally applies in Switzerland. (If the marriage took place abroad, different legal provisions may apply.)

This regime distinguishes between separate property (Eigengut) and acquired property (Errungenschaft). Separate property includes assets that were already owned before the marriage as well as inheritances and gifts received during the marriage. Assets acquired through the spouses’ work during the marriage generally form part of the acquired property and are therefore divided equally between the spouses.

This means that even if a property is registered solely in the name of one spouse, it must be examined how the property is classified under matrimonial property law and whether this gives rise to claims by the other spouse.

It is therefore particularly important to establish when and how the property was acquired and financed. A property that was already owned by one partner before the marriage is generally assessed differently from a property acquired during the marriage.

More about the legal aspects of divorce and home ownership →

What Happens to the Family Home?

Swiss law provides special protection for the family home.

It can make a difference whether the property is simply a jointly occupied home or the actual family home. Particularly when children are involved, the question of who may continue to live in the apartment or house can become relevant regardless of the ownership structure.

As part of matrimonial protection proceedings, for example, the court may determine which spouse is entitled to sole use of the home. The needs of the children can play an important role in this decision.

Under certain circumstances, a temporary right of residence may also be possible. The legal details are complex and depend heavily on the individual circumstances.

Learn more about the legal situation regarding the family home →

When Does Selling Make Sense or Become Necessary?

It is not always practical or financially possible to retain the jointly owned property or family home after a separation. In the following situations, a sale may make sense or even become necessary.

The Financing Becomes a Burden

Separation means that two separate households need to be financed. What was financially manageable during the relationship can suddenly become a significant burden. If, for example, only one income remains available to finance the property, it must be assessed whether the financing still meets the bank’s requirements.

If one of the partners wishes to take over the property alone, the bank will assess whether that person can afford the mortgage independently. Income, assets and existing financial obligations all play a role in determining the affordability of the financing.

An existing joint mortgage also does not automatically end when a couple separates. Releasing one partner from their joint responsibility for the financing must be agreed with the bank. It is therefore advisable in most cases to contact the bank at an early stage.

A New Chapter in Life Begins

Separation often also marks a personal new beginning. A new place to live, a new job or a new relationship may be reasons why the existing property no longer fits the individual’s circumstances. In some cases, the separation may also coincide with the time when the children leave the family home.

And sometimes it is not just about practical considerations. A shared home carries memories. For some people, it can be helpful to bring this chapter of their life to a close in a physical sense and take a clear step into a new phase of life by selling the property.

What Is the Best Way to Handle a Property During Separation?

1. Clarify Your Wishes First

At the beginning, both sides should openly discuss what they would like to happen.

Does one partner wish to remain in the house or apartment? Would it be financially possible for one partner to take over the property? Or would both prefer to sell?

The earlier these questions are clarified, the easier it becomes to plan the next steps.

2. Establish a Clear Legal Situation

If you and your former partner agree on what should happen to the jointly owned property, it is important to have the arrangement formally documented. In the case of an amicable separation, consulting a lawyer together can often be the quickest and most effective solution.

If the two parties cannot reach an agreement, a court decision may be required to determine what happens to the property. It is not always necessary to wait until the divorce is final. A quicker arrangement may be possible through matrimonial protection proceedings. Among other things, these proceedings can address questions concerning the shared household or the use of the family home.

Particularly when a separation is emotionally or financially challenging, it can be advisable to seek legal advice from a lawyer at an early stage.

3. Have the Property Professionally Valued

If the property is to be sold or one partner wishes to buy out the other, a realistic assessment of the current market value is essential.

An independent hedonic property valuation provides an important basis for this decision. It gives a well-founded assessment of the property’s current market value and the potential sales proceeds that could be achieved through a sale.

A neutral valuation can help create an objective basis for further discussions – particularly when both partners have different views of the property’s value.

4. Develop the Right Sales Strategy

If both partners decide to sell, the property should be professionally prepared for the sale.

This is not just about finding a buyer. Equally important are the right pricing strategy, the positioning of the property, the selection of suitable marketing channels and a structured sales process.

Important: If several people are registered as owners in the land register, the relevant legal requirements for the sale must be observed. Both owners must agree to the marketing of the property and sign the purchase agreement.

The distribution of the sales proceeds can also be defined in the purchase agreement or as part of the transaction in accordance with any previously agreed or court-ordered arrangements. If desired, both former partners can receive their respective share directly from the sale proceeds.

Selling a Property After Separation – Neutral Guidance Can Help

Selling a property is already a decision with far-reaching consequences under normal circumstances. During a separation, there is an additional emotional dimension for the sellers.

While some former partners continue to have an amicable relationship, others may find it difficult to communicate with each other during the separation. Both are understandable reactions to a difficult life situation.

I have already accompanied several property sales involving divorced couples and couples going through separation. In these situations, it is particularly important to me to manage the sales process professionally, transparently and, wherever possible, independently of personal conflicts.

Your Contact

Stephanie Komminoth
CEO • Real Estate Agent

✆ +41 77 423 83 88
steffi@boutiquehomes.ch

What I Offer

Transparent Communication

Both owners are my clients. I therefore make sure that both parties are kept informed about the key steps and developments – by email or, if preferred, through a shared WhatsApp group chat.

If one of the owners contacts me by phone, I briefly document the key points of the conversation in writing and share them with both parties through the agreed communication channel.

This ensures that both parties always have the same information.

Joint or Separate Appointments

Not every former couple wants to attend viewings, discussions or appointments together.

Whether you prefer to attend appointments together or separately, we will find a solution that works for both sides.

The Right Sales Strategy

Every property is different. I will show you which pricing and sales strategies are possible and make sense for your property and your individual situation.What Happens to the Shared Property in a Divorce?

In doing so, I consider not only the expected market value but also your personal objectives and the timeframe you have in mind.

Personal Guidance Throughout the Entire Sales Process

From the initial consultation and valuation through to marketing, contract signing and the handover of the keys, I will personally accompany you throughout the process.

My goal is to make the sale of your property clear, transparent and professional – especially when your personal circumstances are already challenging enough.

A Sale Can Also Be a New Beginning

Separation marks the end of a shared chapter in life – but at the same time, the beginning of a new one.

If the shared property is to be sold, the process does not have to add further stress to an already difficult situation. With a clear strategy, transparent communication and neutral guidance, even an emotionally challenging situation can be handled professionally.

If you are considering selling your property following a separation or divorce, you can rely on my personal guidance and experience.

For most people, selling a house is a major life decision. That is why it is so important to plan the sale carefully. However, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding the property selling process that can lead to unrealistic expectations, unnecessary time pressure, or financial disadvantages.

Homeowners who have lived in their property for many years—or even decades—often face a unique situation. The real estate market has changed, property prices have evolved significantly, and buyers’ expectations and requirements are very different today than they were just a few years ago.

Understanding the most common mistakes and misconceptions creates the best foundation for a successful home sale and a smooth transition into the next stage of life.

Table of Contents

• Myth 1: “My house is worth about the same as my neighbour’s.”
• Myth 2: “There’s no harm in asking for a higher price.”
• Myth 3: “I’ll save money if I sell my house without a real estate agent.”
• Myth 4: “I need to renovate extensively before selling my house.”
• Myth 5: “I’ll buy a new apartment first and sell my house afterwards.”
• Myth 6: “An online property valuation is all I need.”
• Myth 7: “The more potential buyers, the better.”
• Myth 8: “My house will sell immediately anyway.”
• Myth 9: “Selling our house is simply too much work.”

Myth 1: “My house is worth about the same as my neighbour’s.”

Many homeowners base their expectations on recent sales in the neighbourhood or on the experiences of friends and acquaintances. However, the real estate market is constantly evolving. What a comparable property sold for five years ago is often no longer a reliable benchmark today.

In addition, every property is unique. Location, plot size, condition, sun exposure, floor plan, and quality of finishes all have a significant impact on demand and market value.

Long-term homeowners, in particular, often underestimate the current value of their property because they do not follow market developments on a daily basis. A professional property valuation provides clarity and forms the foundation for a successful sale.

Learn more about property valuations →

Myth 2: “There’s no harm in asking for a higher price.”

Many sellers believe they can always reduce the asking price later.

In reality, the first few weeks often determine the success of a property sale. If the asking price is set too high, the property loses visibility and stays on the market longer. This can ultimately result in a lower final selling price.

A realistic pricing strategy, on the other hand, generates greater interest and significantly improves the chances of a successful sale.

Myth 3: “I’ll save money if I sell my house without a real estate agent.”

At first glance, the agent’s commission may seem like an additional expense.

However, a successful home sale involves far more than simply listing a property. Accurate pricing, professional presentation, marketing, viewings, negotiations, and support through to the completion of the sale all require experience and in-depth market knowledge.

An incorrect asking price, incomplete documentation, or disagreements with a potential buyer can cause a sale to fall through at the last minute.

Ultimately, what matters is not the cost of selling, but the final sale price achieved and how smoothly the entire selling process is managed.

Comparison: Selling your home with or without a real estate agent →

Myth 4: “I need to renovate extensively before selling my house.”

Many homeowners invest in a new kitchen or bathroom shortly before putting their property on the market.

However, not every renovation increases the selling price. In many cases, smaller improvements—such as a well-maintained garden, freshly painted walls, or minor repairs—are enough to create a strong first impression.

Whether an investment is worthwhile should always be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about renovating before selling your home →

Myth 5: “I’ll buy a new apartment first and sell my house afterwards.”

Many homeowners hope for a seamless transition from their house to a new owner-occupied apartment. In reality, however, this sequence can rarely be planned with precision.

Suitable apartments are in high demand, while at the same time it is difficult to predict exactly when a house will sell.

The biggest challenge, however, is bridge financing, which is not always available.

Planning your home sale early gives you far greater flexibility. It allows you to explore different options and develop a realistic roadmap. This helps you avoid unpleasant surprises and gives you confidence for the next steps.

Myth 6: “An online property valuation is all I need.”

Online valuations provide a useful initial estimate.

However, they cannot fully account for the unique characteristics of a property. Condition, quality of finishes, views, and land features can only be assessed to a limited extent through digital tools.

For a successful property sale, an online estimate cannot replace a professional valuation. It does, however, provide a helpful starting point.

Get an instant valuation of your property →

Myth 7: “The more potential buyers, the better.”

A large number of viewings does not automatically lead to a successful sale.

What matters more is attracting the right buyers. Prospective purchasers should not only have genuine interest but also the financial means to complete the purchase.

Targeted marketing and careful qualification of prospective buyers save time and significantly increase the likelihood of a successful sale without countless viewings.

Myth 8: “My house will sell immediately anyway.”

Demand for residential property remains high in many areas, and some homes do indeed find a buyer within a short period of time.

However, it is becoming increasingly common for even attractive properties to take longer to sell, as financing residential real estate has become more challenging due to stricter banking regulations. Despite strong buyer interest, this can significantly extend the sales process.

Preparing a home for sale also takes time. Sales documents need to be gathered, the property decluttered, minor repairs completed, and the move organised. In addition, holiday periods and public holidays can influence buyer demand.

Planning your home sale well in advance creates the best conditions for a successful sale without unnecessary time pressure.

Myth 9: “Selling our house is simply too much work.”

Selling a property involves much more than marketing it. Documents need to be obtained, viewings arranged, appointments coordinated, and the final handover prepared. In many cases, this also includes clearing the property, organising the move, and arranging the final cleaning.

Especially after living in the same home for many years, this organisational effort can feel overwhelming.

That is why I support my clients with far more than just selling their property. I also help them find reliable partners for property clearance, moving services, and final cleaning, while coordinating the entire process. This gives you a single point of contact and comprehensive support throughout every stage of your home sale.

Your Contact

Stephanie Komminoth
CEO • Real Estate Agent

✆ +41 77 423 83 88
steffi@boutiquehomes.ch

A Successful Home Sale Begins Long Before the Listing Goes Live

Anyone planning to sell a home benefits from starting the process early. Careful planning provides peace of mind, reduces stress, and gives you enough time to find the right new home while preparing every step thoroughly.

Every property sale is unique. That is why a personal consultation is invaluable, allowing you to discuss all available options in detail. Together, we create a tailored roadmap that fits your individual circumstances and makes the entire selling process clear, structured, and manageable.

Anyone planning to sell a property will eventually face the question: Should I renovate before selling, or should I put the property on the market in its current condition?

Many property owners assume that extensive renovations automatically lead to a higher selling price. As a result, new kitchens are installed, bathrooms are completely refurbished, or significant sums are invested in upgrades shortly before the sale.

The reality of the real estate market is often quite different. Not every renovation increases a property’s value by the amount invested. Some improvements create a much stronger first impression and increase the chances of a successful sale, while other investments are barely rewarded by the market.

Any renovation should therefore be carefully considered. In this article, you’ll learn which improvements are worth making before a sale and where you can save yourself unnecessary effort and expense.

The First Impression Sells – Not the Construction Budget

Buying decisions are rarely based purely on logic. Buyers enter a property and often decide within minutes whether they can imagine living there.

They pay attention to light, spatial feel, cleanliness, and the overall condition of the home. A well-maintained atmosphere inspires confidence. On the other hand, clutter, overcrowded rooms, or visible signs of wear can significantly diminish a property’s appeal.

If you want to positively influence the selling price of your property, it is usually wiser to optimize its presentation before planning major renovations.

The Most Important Preparation Costs Almost Nothing: Decluttering

Few measures have a greater impact on how a property is perceived than thorough decluttering.

Over the years, furniture, decorative items, and personal belongings naturally accumulate. What has become normal to the owner can make rooms appear smaller and more crowded to potential buyers.

Fewer pieces of furniture create a stronger sense of space. Rooms appear brighter, larger, and more attractive. At the same time, potential buyers find it easier to imagine themselves living in the property.

Experience consistently shows that a professionally prepared and tidy home can have a greater impact during viewings than an expensive renovation project.

Read how to prepare your home for a photography appointment →

Which Renovations Actually Make Sense Before Selling

Refresh the Kitchen Instead of Replacing It

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any home. However, replacing it entirely before selling is often not the most cost-effective way to increase a property’s value.

Many buyers prefer to design the kitchen according to their own tastes and needs. As a result, an investment of several tens of thousands of francs is often not fully reflected in the final selling price.

Smaller improvements are usually much more effective:

• Clean or repaint kitchen cabinets
• Install modern handles
• Replace damaged silicone seals
• Refresh countertops and work surfaces
• Replace defective appliances

In many cases, these simple improvements are enough to transform an “old kitchen” into a “well-maintained kitchen.”

Enhance the Bathroom with Small Details

In bathrooms, too, it is often the combination of many small details that shapes the overall impression.

A cloudy mirror, yellowed silicone joints, limescale-covered fixtures, or poor lighting can make an otherwise well-maintained bathroom feel significantly older.

Often, the following improvements are sufficient:

• New mirror
• New faucets and fixtures
• Fresh silicone seals
• Modern lighting
• Professional deep cleaning

The investment remains modest, while the impact on prospective buyers is often surprisingly significant.

Restore Flooring Instead of Replacing It

Worn flooring is one of the first things buyers notice.

Before installing new floors, it is worth exploring more cost-effective alternatives. Hardwood floors can often be sanded and refinished, while carpets can usually be replaced at a relatively modest cost.

The goal is not perfection, but a clean and well-maintained overall impression.

Don’t Underestimate Outdoor Areas

Long before buyers step through the front door, they have already formed a first impression.

A tidy garden, a clean entrance, and neatly trimmed hedges communicate care and proper maintenance.

Particularly effective improvements include:

• Mowing the lawn
• Trimming hedges
• Removing weeds
• Pressure-washing patios and terraces
• Disposing of old items
• Tidying plant containers and pots

Especially for detached houses, these measures can make a noticeable difference during viewings. The garden appears larger, tidier, and easier to maintain.

Which Renovations Often Aren’t Worth It Before Selling

Complete Kitchen Renovations

A brand-new kitchen can easily cost between CHF 30,000 and CHF 60,000. However, buyers often do not perceive the same added value as the seller, particularly if the design does not match their personal taste.

Luxury Custom Upgrades

Highly customized solutions often reflect the personal preferences of the current owner. The more individual the design, the smaller the pool of potential buyers is likely to be.

Elaborate Garden Landscaping

Most buyers appreciate a well-maintained garden, but they do not necessarily expect a perfectly designed landscape park.

Technical Investments Without Visible Benefits

New windows, heating systems, or technical installations can be worthwhile if there is an actual defect or if the system has reached the end of its lifespan. However, as a pure sales-enhancement measure, these investments often generate less return than expected because many buyers do not immediately recognize their value.

Why a Professional Assessment Is Worthwhile Before Any Renovation

Whether a renovation makes sense before selling depends greatly on the property itself, its location, and the current market situation.

What can significantly increase a property’s value in one region may have little impact in another. Buyer expectations also evolve continuously.

This is precisely where an experienced real estate agent adds value. They can assess:

• which improvements are genuinely value-enhancing
• which investments are unlikely to pay off
• which buyer groups are currently active in the market
• how the property can be presented optimally even without renovation

In many cases, this can save several thousand francs in unnecessary renovation costs as well as a considerable amount of time and effort.

“Would you like to know which improvements are truly worthwhile for your property? I would be happy to analyze your home personally and show you where you can achieve the greatest impact with a manageable investment of time and money.”

Stephanie Komminoth, Real Estate Agent

Selling Successfully – Targeted Improvements Outperform Expensive Renovations

Selling a property does not automatically require major investments or extensive renovation projects.

In many cases, homeowners achieve the best results through decluttering, professional cleaning, and targeted cosmetic improvements. These measures increase the property’s appeal without placing unnecessary strain on the budget.

Before planning any renovations, it is therefore worth obtaining professional advice. Often, just a few carefully selected improvements can have a much greater impact than an expensive remodeling project.

Ihre Ansprechperson

Stephanie Komminoth
Inhaberin • Immobilienmaklerin

✆ +41 77 423 83 88
steffi@boutiquehomes.ch

It is all the more understandable that many owners feel uncertain when initial thoughts of change arise. How has the market evolved? What is the property worth today? And how well can it realistically be sold under current conditions? Does the apartment still meet the expectations and needs of today’s buyers?

A decision with far-reaching implications

A sale rarely concerns just the property itself. It is often linked to significant life stages: retirement, a move to a more suitable form of living, a separation, emigration, or estate planning. In such situations, quick decisions are not the goal — foresight and careful planning are.

At the same time, it is difficult for owners to assess the market realistically. Over the years or decades since the last purchase, much has changed: prices, demand, financing conditions, and legal frameworks. What was once taken for granted no longer necessarily applies today.

Why early clarity matters

A property valuation provides orientation at this stage. Not as a call to sell, but as a factual basis for your considerations. It helps place the current market value of the property into context and understand how it is positioned in today’s market environment.

Importantly, it is not just about the price. Equally relevant is marketability: How strong is demand? Which target groups are likely buyers? Which features have a positive impact, and where are the challenges? This assessment allows for realistic planning and informed weighing of options. If there is no pressure to sell, timing can also be planned strategically — the market is not equally active at all times of the year.

Value is more than a number

The value of a property cannot be reduced to a single factor. It is shaped by a combination of elements: location, condition, floor plan, potential uses, market conditions and, not least, timing. A valuation highlights how these aspects interact and influence one another.

For owners who have lived in the same home for many years, this perspective is particularly valuable. It replaces assumptions with facts and provides confidence in an area that is often marked by speculation, uncertainty, and guesswork.

Early planning opens up options

Knowing the value of your property early gives you time — time to prepare the next stage of life carefully, time to explore alternatives, and time to factor tax considerations such as capital gains tax on property into your planning.

An early valuation does not mean that a sale is imminent. It simply means being prepared and planning ahead. Some owners consciously decide to wait; others realize that a planned step makes sense. Both are sound decisions when they are based on clarity.

A valuation without pressure to sell

A professional property valuation does not have to be linked to a sales mandate. Reputable guidance respects the fact that decisions take time. In some cases, a valuation even confirms that the current situation is well suited and that no action is required.

Especially in a market that is constantly evolving, having an objective assessment at hand is invaluable. It creates calm, structure, and a reliable foundation for further considerations.

Conclusion

A property valuation is not an obligation to sell. It is a tool for orientation. For owners who are facing change or planning for the long term, it provides clarity about value and options. And clarity is often the most important first step in preparing the next phase of life with confidence.

Schedule an appointment for an individual valuation of your property.

Your Contact

Stephanie Komminoth
CEO • Real Estate Agent

✆ +41 77 423 83 88
steffi@boutiquehomes.ch

Further information

For a reliable property valuation, I take the time to get to know your property in detail. As part of a personal on-site inspection, I assess location, condition, fittings, and individual features, and on this basis prepare a data-driven valuation using a professional calculation model.

Learn more about property valuations →

Not quite there yet or would you prefer an initial orientation first? In that case, the free online instant valuation is ideal. In just a few clicks, you will receive a realistic price range based on current market data.

Go to the free instant valuation →