Commercial real estate in northwestern Switzerland
The cantons of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft and Aargau, as well as the districts of Rheinfelden, Laufenburg, Dorneck and Canton Solothurn, form the economic centres of northwestern Switzerland. A total of over 1,075,000 people live in the region, around 10% of which opt for a house or apartment in the popular Rhine metropolis of Basel. In a ranking by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), northwestern Switzerland ranked second, directly behind central Switzerland. Many large companies also appreciate what the region has to offer and have their headquarters here. In northwestern Switzerland there is an investment potential not only for the exclusive residential market, but also for commercial real estate. Investors are particularly interested in apartment buildings as investment properties. As an experienced partner, Engel & Völkers Commercial Basel supports you in renting and selling your office, commercial property and apartment buildings in northwestern Switzerland. And if you are interested in buying a property, you are also in the best company with the leading real estate agents in Switzerland.
Finding the right commercial real estate and apartment buildings
Anyone looking to buy real estate is making a safe bet through investment in northwest Switzerland. There are no restrictions for EU citizens to buy commercial or any other type of real estate in Switzerland. As a whole, the real estate law is homogeneously regulated within the entire country, but there may be special clauses in individual cantons.
A real estate agent should be familiar with every intricacy that may be involved with a real estate transaction, and is your point of reference for questions and information requests. Companies may decide to rent a commercial property for their business and require help. To get an initial overview of current prices in CHF, scrolling through the ads published by landlords and sellers online is a great starting place. In 2016, the costs per square metre for shop rental places within prime locations will be around CHF 1,600.00 per year.
Location plays a pivotal role in property valuation. For commercial real estate properties, the most important factors are a convenient location and easy access. In Basel-Stadt, the St. Johann, Kleinhüningen, Old Town or St. Alban districts are coveted locations. Many companies expect a high degree of flexibility in terms of space and are able to develop and reform the properties on offer. This is especially true for properties that are still under construction or even in the beginning stages of development; many companies seize this opportunity to create a site that meets their demand. For the property owner, this usually results in a long-term lease.
If you want to buy commercial real estate property in northwestern Switzerland, it will always lucrative. Its location in the “Dreiländereck” bordering Germany, France and Switzerland makes commercial real estate in this location particularly attractive. The Oberbasel region is popular, with Liestal being a particularly sought-after location, while in the Unterbasel region, Reinach, Arlesheim, Birsfelden, Mutend and Pratteln are particularly coveted. Chemical-pharmaceutical companies, financial companies and those within the life sciences sector have settled in northwestern Switzerland. One of the largest European marshalling yards is located in Basel, which means that companies from the logistics sector are also interested in the region for commercial real estate. Basel is also known as a trade show and congress location. The international art fair Art Basel and the watch and jewellery fair Basel World are particularly popular with visitors.
The cantonal capital Aarau, with its Torfeld and Telli industrial areas, is also an interesting investment opportunity, with Kaiseraugst, Rheinfelden and Frick nearby. Over 1,700 companies are boosting the service sector there. The entire area is known for its excellent economic and employment structure, with unemployment rates below the Swiss average. Every day, around 54,000 people from northwestern Switzerland commute to Basel to work. In addition, there are another 50,000 cross-border commuters who cross the border every day into northwestern Switzerland. They rent or buy real estate in the border triangle as the short commute makes it pleasant to work in Switzerland. This way, they get to enjoy living in a house or apartment in a rather rural environment and still benefit from all the advantages of the big city. The connection to Zurich and Bern is excellent; the two Swiss metropolises are only about an hour away.
Northwestern Switzerland as a popular university location
In addition to offering a large number of luxury properties, properties are also available for smaller budgets - the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland with its nine schools attracts many young people. Students can rent a room in the periphery or enjoy the colourful hustle and bustle in the big city of Basel, with its trendy, attractive districts. Landlords who rent a room usually do so quite quickly without having to pay for advertising. Advertising on social media such as Facebook, YouTube, Google+ or Twitter is usually enough to rent out the apartment or room.
Real estate agents to buy and rent real estate
Regardless of the type of real estate business you are involved in, you are in good hands with an experienced real estate agent. A competent agent knows that the real estate market in northwestern Switzerland and understands exactly what a house, apartment or retail space costs. Your agent will not only help you compile the necessary documents and educate you regarding the costs typically incurred with buying or renting a property, but will also coordinate viewing appointments with potential buyers. If necessary, the real estate expert will also assist you in processing the purchase contract. Your agent can even take care of handing the property over to the buyer, so that you as the owner have practically nothing to worry about - it couldn't be easier. If you are planning a real estate transaction in northwestern Switzerland, you will find the experts at Engel & Völkers who specialise in this region to be your best ally.
