immorama_anglais_28

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Higher education: expenditure or investment? Vésenaz (GE) – Sale

Superb contemporary villa of 220 m2 between lake and country. CHF 2,386,000.– Page 72

Nyon (VD) – Sale

Development of 120 condominium apartments (PPE) and 6,000 m2 of administrative offices. Page 103

Corsier (GE) – Sale

Switzerland:

Interviews with Philippe Gudin, Pierre Spierer, Paul Richli, Valentin Bearth, François Garçon, Charles Kleiber, Michel Rochat, Philippe Gillet, pp. 25 to 37

World tour:

5 magnificent houses with contemporary architecture. From CHF 1,890,000.– Page 74

rite

vo r fa

South Africa, Canada, Australia, China, pp. 39 to 46

web+

France, India, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, Sweden.

SALES AND RENTALS : SEE INSIDE FOR A huge RANGE OF OFFERS PP. 69 to 110

Corsier (GE) – Sale

7-room attic duplex of 217 m2. Double aspect apartment. CHF 1 850 000.– Page 76

Paiement Epargne Prévoyance Placement Crédit

Votre architecte financier

Acheter Q un appartement Q une villa Q un terrain Q une résidence secondaire Q en Suisse Q en France voisine Construire Q un logement Q une habitation Minergie Rénover Q un bien immobilier Grâce à notre connaissance unique du marché, nous vous proposons des solutions calquées sur vos besoins. Planifiez et construisez avec nos spécialistes au 058 211 21 00.

www.bcge.ch

Academic excellence: Switzerland is a champion but doesn’t realise it yet

editorial

1. www.timeshighereducation. co.uk/world-university-rankings/ 2. The number of people taking part in continuous training has increased from 175 in 1991 to 10 457 in 2010. Source: University of Geneva, continuous university training, statistics 2010. 3. www.swisslearning.com 4. In 2009, the annual cost of education in the categories Bachelor’s, Master’s and other degrees ranged from CHF 9,000.– to CHF 41,000.– per student. Taking into account the costs of research, the cost ranges from CHF 17,000.– to CHF 130,000.– per student. 5. See also our Immoweb+ on www.immorama.ch.

hat better investment can there be than education? What greater wealth can a country have than the knowledge and training of its people? After having devoted an issue (Immorama no 23, Autumn – 2008) to the question of Switzerland’s schools – which lack many assets and are frankly a cause for concern – we decided to turn the spotlight on our universities. And found that the situation of our colleges Institutions of higher education and universities of applied sciences was more than heartening. By international comparison, the position of our establishments of higher education is excellent, with Switzerland having, for example, more universities in the ranking published by the Times Higher Education1 than France. This sector is showing an astounding vitality: a new university was established in Lucerne in 2000; the Academy of Architecture of Mendrisio, though only 15 years old, enjoys a flattering international reputation and already has over 700 students; in Geneva, the number of people taking continuous training courses has exploded over the past twenty years2. Mention must also be made of Swiss Learning3, an initiative directly developed by our educational establishments which enables the country to engage in the active promotion of the image of the sector abroad. Our universities of applied sciences not only offer quality, but do so at a very affordable price, with fees taht are among the lowest in the world. Quite apart from the quality of the education provided for our own young people, this sector constitutes a real export industry, attracting a significant proportion of foreign students who will often go on to become operational ambassadors for our country when they return home. However, while the overall picture is rosy, there are still some serious questions that need to be answered. For example, bearing in mind the fact that average university fees stand at around CHF 1,500.– per student per annum as against a real cost of CHF 20,000.– to CHF 100,000.– 4, does it make sense to subsidise the cost of higher studies to such a degree and so indiscriminately? This is a problem that the Bocconi University in Milan, for example, has overcome by introducing a progressive fee scale of four levels, depending on parental income. The question is all the more acute as the very (excessively) low level of fees seems to increase the average duration of university studies, which again drives up costs! Moreover, in certain border cantons such as SaintGall, a simple “arbitraging” effect results in an over-representation of German students flocking in to obtain a precious degree at a ridiculously low cost, a result which can hardly be the one intended. Finally, these low fees are accompanied by a virtually total absence of scholarships for the most disadvantaged students. It is clear, therefore, that although there can be no doubt about the existing academic expertise and the quality of the service, a serious debate is needed to establish a fair cost and the means of financing. While the aim will be, on the one hand, to ensure equal opportunities, on the other, that long-term funding is made available and that the public funds allocated are also of benefit to the national economy. One last question that needs to be put: Is it unthinkable to consider that a student who has benefited from a highquality training at low cost should later have to reimburse a loan of a certain amount out of his future earnings? In this Immorama review, we give the floor to representatives from our university establishments and other professionals of the sector. We also provided you with a world tour of practices in this field, from Canada to South Africa and from Sweden to Australia. You will discover, for example, that Sweden – a liberal-social democracy if ever there was one – has joined in with Australia, China and the United Kingdom to apply scales of fees with drastic differences for nationals and for foreigners5.

Thierry Barbier-Mueller Chief Executive Officer of Société Privée de Gérance n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

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N° 28 – spring 2011

masthead A publication of

SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE

DE GÉRANCE

contents Editorial by Thierry Barbier-Mueller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

construction The Saint-Georges Center, the tallest crane in Geneva . . . . . . . 7 mobility For controlled and sustainable mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Route de Chêne 36 – 1208 Geneva Tel. : 022 849 61 61 Fax : 022 849 61 00 www.spg.ch

valuations The valuation: a vital tool for the real estate expert . . . . . . . . . 15

Publications Department

ecology Sun on the rooftops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Route de Chêne 36 – 1208 Geneva Tel. : 022 849 65 60 Fax : 022 849 61 80 E-mail : publications@spg.ch www.immorama.ch

Managing Editor

dossier Higher education: an expense or an investment? • Local dossier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Switzerland praised for quality education by Thierry Oppikofer • International dossier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Thierry Barbier-Mueller

Editor-in-Chief

Christine Esseiva redaction@immorama.ch

Advertising

Edouard Carrascosa edouard.carrascosa@spg.ch Tel.: 022 849 65 61 – Fax: 022 849 61 80

Real Estate and Distribution Béatrice Repole

Typesetting and Production Sandra Cattaud

Universities: a world in ferment by Christine Esseiva

seniors Spending our old age in town? That’s what the future holds in store 49 fair MIPIM: the real estate trade fair on the Croisette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 unusual Take the plunge and live differently! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 partners Cushman & Wakefield – SPG Intercity, a long-standing partnership 61 brief IFA Agency, a French subsidiary of the SPG Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Huge range of properties on offer :

Subscriptions

Simon Jöhr Tel.: 022 849 65 68 subscription@immorama.ch

The following persons contributed to the production : Claude Atallah D. Bakis-Métoudi Philippe Buzzi François Delaite

survey We want to hear your views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Martin Dunning Christophe Gallier Cédric Pidoux Nicole Saint-Jal

Printing, binding,

Swissprinters Lausanne S A, Renens

Cover

Photos: gettyimages

Translation

By ABC Traductions French version Audited circulation (REMP): 221,307 copies Print run: 231,000 copies Published twice a year (spring and autumn) Founded in 1997 The offers contained in the real estate pages are not contract documents. In the event of any difficulty of interpretation, the French version shall prevail.

Electronic version www.immorama.ch

SPG FINEST PROPERTIES Switzerland – French border area Exceptional properties for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 SPG Geneva and region – Vaud Houses, apartments and new range for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buildings for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apartments and villas for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial premises for rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parking places for rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

72 80 82 87 91

SPG Intercity Geneva and region – Vaud (Morges – Vernier) Commercial premises for rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 RytZ Vaud Villas for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Development for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apartments for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial premises for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

100 103 104 105

IFA French border area Villas for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Be extravagant! Mansions and manor-houses for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 .... Another extravagance! Island for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

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construction The Saint-Georges Center, the tallest crane in Geneva

The Saint-Georges Center, the tallest crane in Geneva

he construction of the Saint-Georges Center was launched in autumn 2010. The site takes pride in the tallest crane in the canton and it can be seen for miles around. Let’s take a tour of this exceptional city centre project.

“We’ve got no cause for complaint – here at last is a project that has not been plagued with delays,” exclaims Dominique Bakis-Metoudi, the SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE manager responsible for overseeing a project that is rare from every point of view. Constructing a new office building right in the city centre of Geneva just six years after the launch of the competition and with good chances of it being operational in the summer of 2012 – now there’s something that doesn’t happen every day. This building with the voluptuous yellow, orange and red curves of its facade will bring a breath of fresh air into the Saint-Georges district. Berlin office Geneva support In 2004, a competition was launched inviting several prestigious firms of architects envision to the future of 16-18 boulevard Saint-Georges, where the austere existing building still housed cantonal government offices. Whereas most of the candidates proposed a reworking of the regular frame of the original facade, the Berlin firm of Sauerbruch Hutton Architects put forward a plan for a new curvilinear shell which was awarded the contract. Initially, it was envisaged that only the facade would be renewed, with the slabs of the original building being sawn in order to them to the new elliptical shell and applications were lodged for renovation works. At the same time, however, the idea of demolishing the old structure and replacing it with a more rational new one was making headway. The relevant planning permission application was entered and it gained the approval of the authorities. SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE is responsible for overseeing the construction and management of the building. The property, owned by the SI Saint-Georges Center SA, the company responsible for overseeing construction and management, is in tune with the rapid development of the district, already bustling with the TCOB scheme and the future eco-district due to rise on the former Artamis site. The project got under way in the autumn of 2010 (see IMMORAMA no 26 – spring 2010) in association with the Geneva office of Fabio Fossati – Architects. “Whenever 

The Saint-Georges Center (www.st-gc.com). Situated right in the heart of Geneva, the future building will provide more than 8,500 square metres of office space.

construction By Vincent Juillard

“We’ve got no cause for complaint – here at last is a project that has not been plagued with delays!”

The Saint-Georges Center is already a subject of conversation for miles around. It takes pride in the tallest crane in the canton. n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

di tha Ple sp t as construction os th e ed is en The Saint-Georges Center, the tallest crane in Geneva of lea sur pr fle e op t i er s ly ! a foreign company constructs a building outside its own territory, this type of partnership

The Saint-Georges Center. The laying of the first stone took place on 1 July 2010 in the presence of Mark Muller, state councillor, Matthias Sauerbruch, architect and Thierry Barbier-Mueller, CEO of SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE.

See also :

our article zoom , page 17 Immorama n°27 - Autumn 2010

■

For more information on marketing:

François Delaite Manager of the Department Route de Chêne 36 CH - 1208 Geneva Tel. +41 22 849 62 00 Fax +41 22 849 67 04 E-mail: locom@spg.ch www.spg.ch

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

is indispensable,” stresses Fabio Fossati. This applies both during the preparatory phase (applications for planning permission and invitations for tenders) and for the monitoring of the constructions. Polychrome architecture As in many of the other creations of the Sauerbruch Hutton practice, such as the Brandhorst Museum in Munich (2008) and the Federal Environment Agency in Dessau (2005), the architects have devised a polychrome facade. While this approach to a certain extent reflects the desire to mark their territory and to offer users and passers-by a sensory experience, the building is also a triumph of technology. The outer enveloppe serves as an environmental control device that blends perfectly into its surroundings. The polychrome ogees in various sizes, the delicate blinds over the glazing and a sophisticated dual flow ventilation system ensure that weather changes are managed in keeping with the season or exposure. The ogees are more prominent on the south facade than the north, thus providing greater protection from the sun. This relationship with the outside can also be discerned in the outline of the building. The ground plan reveals a narrow ellipse clinging to the rectangular confines of the original building. The result is a fluidity of line closer of a sailing yacht than a steamer. Twenty five geothermal probes already installed The yacht metaphor also fits when it comes to the energy profile of this structure. With its MINERGIE® label, the building is three times as energy efficient as an ordinary building. This is due to a variety of measures, including 25 geothermal probes installed at a depth of 150 metres. They are connected to a heat pump which will itself be coupled with the active slabs, i.e. slabs capable of storing and diffusing the heat drawn from the ground. The air-conditioning is also driven by geothermal energy, thanks to a temperature inversion system similar to the one regulated by a compressor in household refrigerators. In addition, it will be possible to install photovoltaic panels on the roof. Right now, the foundations are in place and the seven floors of the building will start to rise from the beginning of 2011. Commercial success One of the thorniest problems facing the architects was how to obtain a building that is both perfectly finished and completely modifiable. “The nature of the property required us to square the circle,” explains François Delaite, the commercial rentals manager of the Commercial Rentals department. “We wanted to be able to have the freedom to rent to one or more tenants, no matter what the nature of their business was.” The plan provided for a central column serving the platforms and their service rooms. In the space between this “hard” core and the facade, it is possible to arrange individual or open-plan offices offering a total of 600 to 700 workplaces. Thanks to the quality of the project, not to mention the scarcity of office space in the city centre, a single tenant, namely the State of Geneva, was quickly found for the 8,500 square metres that will be available in 16-18 boulevard Saint-Georges by the summer of 2012. “The State succeeded in renting the building because it was the quickest of the serious candidates to make up its mind,” explains François Delaite. The tallest crane in Geneva “Even though the MINERGIE® label is mandatory nowadays, the ecologically sound character of the building will certainly be a trump card on the commercial level and it is very likely that the new tenant will be raising this question,” emphasises François Delaite. With the foundations laid and ready to take the 58 space underground car park, the Saint-Georges Center will still be a subject of conversation as it makes such a significant contribution to the urban environment and the embellishment of the city of Geneva. No doubt either that all this is equally due to a client who took the trouble to organise an international architectural competition and had the courage and determination to see the project through to its conclusion. ■

location

L’augmentation de plus 195% des surfaces louées au cours du premier semestre 2007, par rapport à la même période en 2006, confirme la bonne tenue du secteur des locations commerciales en ville de Genève. Pour obtenir des renseignements, contactez le service des locations commerciales: spgcom@spg.ch et www.spg.ch �

ARTISANS ASSOCIÉS S.à r.l.

Gypserie - Peinture - Papier peint - Carrelage

Cité Vieusseux 9 1203 Genève

- Automne 2007 - no 21

- Printemps 2011 - n° 28

Tél. : 022 340 15 53 Fax : 022 340 15 74 E-mail : artisans@bluewin.ch

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mobility For controlled and sustainable mobility

Electric bike that SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE provides for its staff. Building managers are encouraged to use a bike to get around, particularly for property inspection visits.

For controlled and sustainable mobility

fter half a century during which the car was king, the time has come for alternative forms of mobility. For various interrelated reasons – climate change, pollution, energy shortages, traffic jams – we have to find different ways of getting around: for example, public transport, particularly where it offers a high level of service in densely populated urban areas, or soft mobility, i.e. a good old-fashioned walk or bike ride, long ridiculed but perfect for short to medium journeys. However, though the aim is clear, the means to achieve it are far from simple. How do we make the transition to a world of fewer cars? One thing is for certain: everyone must be involved. The corporate mobility plan adopted by SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE falls within this perspective. Here is what Nicole Saint-Jal, deputy director and head of human resources, has to say. – How did the idea of conceiving a corporate mobility plan come into being? Nicole Saint-Jal – As an active agent of the property business, SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE has always paid close attention to the warnings of threats to the environment. Twenty years ago, there was an outcry against the air and noise pollution threatening the health of city dwellers. Today, it is the survival of humanity which is at risk through global warming and the depletion of natural resources. Aware of our responsibilities, we have been mobilising all the means available to us to reduce the carbon footprint of human activities. To this end, SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE encourages property owners to improve the insulation of their buildings, to modernise energy-consuming installations and to insist on the use of non-polluting building materials. And, of course, to reduce CO2 emissions, the company applies the precepts of sustainable development to itself, its properties 8

mobility By Claire Vaudremont

“Aware of our responsibilities, we have been mobilising all the means available to us to reduce the carbon footprint of human activities.”

■

For further information:

Nicole Saint-Jal, deputy director Tel. +41 22 849 61 61 Fax +41 22 849 67 41 E-mail: rh@spg.ch www.spg.ch

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

di tha Ple sp t as mobility os th e ed is en For controlled and sustainable mobility of lea sur pr fle e op t i er s ly ! and its travel movements. It was against this background that we called on a “Our plan has put

in place two measures. Firstly, to avoid free parking at the workplace. Secondly, we have concluded a contract to rent a shared car that is parked outside our front door.”

Partnership with Mobility. SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE has hired a Mobility car that is available for all our personnel who can use it for their private or business trips.

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

Geneva-based firm, Mobilidée Sàrl, to conceive our mobility plan two years ago. – What does the plan consist of? – First of all, it doesn’t try to change everything abruptly because that would have no chance of being accepted in the company. Instead, the idea is to get people to modify their habits and mentalities gradually through a series of small actions, all focused on the notion of sustainable mobility. Mobilidée began by noting that SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE already possessed different advantages. Thanks to its location at 36 route de Chêne in the city of Geneva, it enjoys a very high level of public transport services. It is just a couple of steps from the Eaux-Vives railway station, where the Annemasse train is already used by a number of staff residents over the border in France. The demand will be even greater in the future when the FranceVaud-Geneva RER comes into service, providing cover for greater Geneva and the region as a whole. For inner city transport, the TPG Amandolier/SNCF stop is right outside our front door, with three tram lines, while the 21 bus stops just beside us, providing people with a direct connection to Carouge and Lancy without them having to pass through the city centre. With traffic congestion increasing all the time, this excellent public transport access is being used more and more by our personnel and clients alike. – What did the plan specify for car users? – We mustn’t fantasize – the car-free city is not going to arrive tomorrow. All we are trying to do is limit their use to trips where a car is really essential. Our plan has put in place two measures. Firstly, to avoid free parking at the workplace, which is determinant for car use. All of the staff of SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE pay for their parking space at the company’s head offices. Secondly, we have concluded a contract with the company Mobility for a shared car that is parked outside our front door. This vehicle is available for all personnel, who can use it for their private or business trips (e.g. to go out to lunch). – And what is the company’s attitude towards bicycles? – We are firm believers in this form of transport, which is healthy, creates no pollution and is very effective in cities. In 2008, some of the staff of SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE took part in the national “bike to work” campaign. Around fifteen of them undertook to make half of their trips by bike during the month of June. I was one of them and can confirm that the promise was kept and that it bore fruit. There’s nothing like trying it out to convince yourself that this a good way to get from A to B, that it is very efficient for making several short to medium distance trips and that it is very comfortable and convenient. In 2009, SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE moved on and we made two electric bikes available to our staff. Obviously people had their doubts at first and wondered about the rain, the effort of pedalling uphill, the bother of getting their clothes dirty... However, it did not take long to win over new adherents to the cause: our bikes are very efficient and easy to use and they come fully equipped, with a basket in front, a box behind, padlocks and a cape for rainy weather. The scheme is so successful that we acquired a third electric bike at the end of last year for our new sales offices at 41 A route de Frontenex. SPG Intercity, our specialist in commercial property has also acquired an electric bike. Meanwhile, our staff is perfectly happy to use Geneva public transport to get to their meetings. As you will have seen, there is general enthusiasm for this cause within the SPG Group and we are doing everything we can to maintain it. ■

Avenue de la Praille 45 1227 Carouge TĂŠl 022 784 16 77 Fax 022 784 16 83 www.caragnano.ch

ETANCHÉITÉ - FERBLANTERIE - COUVERTURE - MASTICAGE - FUITES - RÉSINE INJECTION DE RÉSINE - TOITURE ET ENTRETIEN

7, chemin de la Verseuse - CH-1219 Aïre - Genève Tél. : 022 797 14 82 - Mobile : 079 614 12 12 - Fax : 022 797 14 83

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

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valuations Valuation: a vital tool for the real-estate expert

Selling, advising, valuing and prospecting for rental properties: these are the four main areas of expertise of the building sales and valuations department of SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE.

www.spgimmeubles.ch

Valuation: a vital tool for the real-estate expert

hether you are selling or dividing a property, a valuation carried out by an objective and impartial expert is a vital tool in many situations. Let’s look at some examples.

valuations By Evelyne Dubuis

In any property transaction, it is vital to bring an expert in to conduct the complex task of producing a professional and objective valuation. The quality of the valuation will depend not only on the knowledge and market experience of the surveyor but also on the possibility of comparing the plot in question with other properties. In this situation, a structure that manages a number of property portfolios can provide strength in depth. Let’s go through the process step by step with Cédric Pidoux, a broker in the SPG Building Sales and Valuations department of SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE.

Newsletter L’expérience est généralement un atout précieux lorsqu’il s’agit de structurer ses investissements immobiliers ; encore faut-il se garder de rester prisonnier d’idées toutes faites qui ne sont plus forcément d’actualité. Pendant des décennies, il était tenu pour acquis, dans les milieux professionnels informés, qu’il valait mieux « ne pas toucher aux S.I. », source de complications et de coûts fiscaux quasi prohibitifs (lesquels coûts fiscaux étaient destinés à augmenter encore). Curieusement, c’est plutôt l’inverse qui s’est produit ces dernières années : la fiscalité des sociétés anonymes (faut-il rappeler qu’une S.I. est simplement une S.A. ?...) a été sensiblement allégée, et il n’est aujourd’hui plus tellement évident de conclure qu’il est forcément préférable, par exemple, de détenir et d’exploiter un immeuble locatif en nom plutôt qu’en société immobilière. D’autant que la S.I. a ses avantages propres : discrétion, facilité du transfert, absence de responsabilité personnelle. Alors : propriété immobilière en nom ou en S.I. ? Le fait que la réponse à cette question n’est plus si évidente rend celle-ci d’autant plus intéressante, et c’est ce qui nous a amenés à consacrer cette Newsletter à quelques aspects fiscaux – principalement – de cette problématique.

n° 20 w w w. s p g t r a n s i m . c h

Fiscalité en matière d’investissements immobiliers à l’aune des nouvelles réformes législatives

ÉDITO RIA L

– When do people need to ask for a valuation? Cédric Pidoux – In the first place, it goes without saying that this would be on the occasion of a sale. Knowing the value of a property on the basis of the market enables you to set the price correctly. However, on other occasions, such as in the event of a succession, it may be necessary to divide a property between the heirs. If we are talking of a rental property, the solution may be to split it up in the form of a condominium, unless it is decided to obtain an overall valuation so that one of the heirs can buy out the shares of the others. It may also be necessary to seek a valuation in situations of conflict, such as a divorce. What is our property worth? What should the selling price be? Or again, it may happen that the buyer of a property subsequently discovers a fault and has to institute proceedings for damages. Finally, if a client, whether private or institutional, wishes to acquire a property, he will need to obtain a valuation in order to get the necessary financing. So, it can happen that several valuations have to be carried out at the same time, for the same property and for the same transaction. This is a situation in which we get an expert opinion and a counter-expert opinion. – What are the benefits of valuation? – When it is a question of private clients, the valuation is nearly 8

■ Newsletters published by SPG Building Sales and Valuations

Les impacts ﬁscaux liés à la propriété d’immeuble(s)

consiste exclusivement ou principalement à tirer un

de placement, par opposition à l’immeuble occupé par

proﬁt économique de l’augmentation de la valeur des

l’investisseur, diffèrent selon la forme juridique choisie

immeubles qu’elles possèdent, ou de leur utilisation

pour l’investissement immobilier. La présente étude

en tant que placement sûr ou rentable de capitaux. La

a pour objectif de cerner les différences entre les

manière dont le proﬁt en question est réalisé, que ce

deux modes principaux de détention d’immeubles,

soit par l’utilisation de l’immeuble, son aliénation, sa

savoir la détention en nom, respectivement en société

location, son affermage ou encore l’édiﬁcation de

immobilière, en appréciant les avantages ﬁscaux d’une

constructions, n’a aucune importance à cet égard.

forme plutôt qu’une autre, à la lumière des récentes modiﬁcations législatives.

Par opposition à l’immeuble d’exploitation, l’immeuble de placement s’entend de celui qui ne sert pas à l’exercice

Le type d’investisseur visé par les considérations qui

d’une partie de l’activité commerciale ou industrielle de

suivent correspond à un investisseur non professionnel,

la société, et donc, en particulier, de l’immeuble loué

domicilié à Genève ou dans le canton de Vaud, dont

générant des revenus locatifs.

l’immeuble de placement, de type résidentiel, est situé dans le canton de domicile.

1. MODIFICATIONS APPORTÉES PAR LA RÉFORME DE L’IMPOSITION DES ENTREPRISES II

Il sied de relever que les développements qui suivent appréhendent la situation sous un angle généraliste et

Pour mémoire, avant le 1er janvier 2009, la détention d’im-

que, dans un cas concret, d’autres éléments pourraient

meubles de placement par l’intermédiaire d’une société

avoir une inﬂuence sur le traitement ﬁscal du type de

immobilière était souvent pénalisante. En effet, la société

détention immobilière, soit en particulier la taille des

immobilière étant un sujet ﬁscal distinct de son action-

investissements, la situation professionnelle et ﬁnancière

naire, le bénéﬁce de la société était soumis à l’impôt

de l’investisseur, etc.

sur le bénéﬁce (maximum d’environ 25 % dans les cantons de Genève et Vaud), puis les distributions de béné-

Parmi le train de mesures portant sur différents

ﬁce ou autres prestations appréciables en argent étaient

allègements ﬁscaux apportés avec la deuxième réforme

taxées auprès de l’actionnaire par le biais de l’impôt sur

sur l’imposition des entreprises, de nouvelles dispositions

le revenu (maximum d’environ 45 % à Genève, 40 %

entrées en vigueur le 1er janvier 2009 touchent

dans le canton de Vaud), garanti par le prélèvement de

les actionnaires qui détiennent des immeubles par

l’impôt anticipé de 35 %, remboursable lorsque l’ac-

l’intermédiaire de sociétés immobilières1.

tionnaire est domicilié en Suisse.

Pour rappel, est considérée comme société immobilière

L’exemple ci-après illustre cette double imposition

la personne morale qui a pour activité principale la cons-

économique sur les distributions de bénéﬁce, avant la

truction, l’exploitation, l’achat ou la vente d’immeubles.

réforme de l’imposition des entreprises II : Une société immobilière avait réalisé un bénéﬁce

En pratique, il s’agit le plus souvent de sociétés anonymes qui se caractérisent par leur activité, laquelle

Thierry Barbier-Mueller Administrateur délégué du Groupe SPG

Letter_20_F_v19_sanc.indd 2

Articles 20 alinéa 1bis de la Loi sur l’impôt fédéral direct (LIFD), 22 alinéa 2 de la Loi sur l’imposition des personnes physiques (LIPP/GE) et 23 alinéa 1bis de la Loi sur les impôts directs cantonaux (LI/VD).

avant impôt de CHF 100’000. Après déduction de l’impôt sur le bénéﬁce (CHF 25’000), il restait un bénéﬁce de CHF 75’000, qui était par hypothèse entièrement distribué.

22/02/2011 17:16:18

Newsletter n°19 Subject: Real estate in pension fund portfolios Newsletter n°20 Subject: Taxation of real-estate investments in the light of the new legislative reforms Subscribe to SPG Building Sales and Valuations department newsletters at: immeubles@spg.ch

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

di tha Ple sp t as valuations os th e ed is en Valuation: a vital tool for the real estate expert of lea sur pr fle e op t i er s ly ! always needed at same key moment, such as a death, a divorce or a sale. This

“For example, a pension fund needs to have its portfolio valued regularly to make sure that the potential yield is being achieved.”

■ For more information, visit our website

www.spgimmeubles.ch SPG Building Sales and Valuations Route de Chêne 36 CH - 1208 Geneva Tel. +41 22 849 65 54/51 Fax +41 22 849 61 04 E-mail: immeubles@spg.ch www.spgimmeubles.ch

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

requires us to have not only a good understanding of the interests at stake but also certain diplomatic skills and the ability to remain impartial and objective. We need to advise the client to the best of our ability, bearing in mind his own interests and balancing them in relation to the market With institutional clients, the situation is different. For example, a pension fund needs to have its portfolio valued regularly to make sure that the potential yield is being achieved. One has to be sure that the value shown on its balance sheet corresponds to the real value. However, it is often the case that the valuation is conducted internally by the owner institution. If there is no sale in prospect, the result is more of an accounting exercise than a true valuation of the asset. In these circumstances, there is a risk that the valuation will become disconnected from the reality of the market over the course of time. And then there is a price to pay at every level if the owner is obliged to sell for one reason or another. – What happens during a valuation? – First of all, it has to be understood that there is no single recipe that will apply to every property. While it is true that the methods of calculation and the basic information drawn from the Land Register and the administrative history of the property are similar from one case to another, each valuation is tailor-made, depending on the requirements of the property in question. An industrial site is not valued in the same way as a rental property. The method will vary depending on the purpose and, above all, on the particular moment. The time factor is always of critical importance as the market can change very quickly. That is why a valuation is good for no longer than a year. For the same reason, it is essential to be able to draw comparisons between one property and others and this kind of added value can only be provided by large structures such as SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE. – Could you explain the various stages in the valuation procedure? – Basically, there are four stages. We begin by determining the intrinsic or construction value after deduction of the obsolescence of the construction. The second value estimated is the simple yield, i.e. the amount that can duly be expected from a property operated under current conditions. Next we get the discounted cash-flows, taking into account the foreseeable yields and expenses of the property. In this case, the potential value of a property in for example ten years is related to the current value of the future capital gain. Finally, there is the market value resulting from a weighting of the three preceding calculations. A property in poor condition but with a good location in the city will have a higher market value than its intrinsic value. In certain very specific cases, the former could more than double the amount of the latter. – How much does it cost to have a valuation done? – It all depends on the particular property. In the case of a whole portfolio, certain forms of information, such as Land Register extracts, are all gathered at the same time. If all of the properties to be valued are situated in the same district, date from the same period and are in comparable condition, the cost per property would be less than that for a single property. In the cost of the valuation, the search for all this information is less important than their selection and examination and the advice that the surveyor can give the client. The valuation should be the point of departure for a better management of the property and, without expert interpretation and advice, it represents no more than an empty shell. Nevertheless, to give you some idea of the price spread, a valuation is likely to cost between CHF 1,000.– and CHF 10,000.– ■

Votre expert énergétique

Nos compétences et notre organisation à votre service. Installation, Maintenance, Exploitation Chauffage Ventilation Climatisation Balestra Galiotto Chemin de Sapey 8 1212 Grand-Lancy Tél. +41 22 906 18 80 www.balestra-galiotto.ch Balestra Galiotto fait partie de la société française ETDE SA, une filiale du groupe Bouygues.

Thiébaud + Perritaz SA

MARCEL GARIN Ventilation - Climatisation - Projets

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e ur et is rly ! s en afl pe e s le ro ea this of p l P t d a e th os sp di

survey We want to hear your views

Please answer our questions and/or propose one of your friends for a subscription

Dear Reader, In order to know more about you and to better meet your needs, we would like to hear your views on IMMORAMA.To answer the questions, please tick the box corresponding to your choice.

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8 n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

di tha Ple sp t as os th e ed is en of lea sur pr fle e op t i er s ly !

survey We want to hear your views

Survey also available at www.immorama.ch Which columns do you read first in the magazine? .........................................................................................................

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Do you want: More diversity in the subjects covered You think that the balance is right Which subjects interest you the most: Town planning Construction Legal Architecture Art Travel Heritage Other, specify............................ ......................................................................................................... Do you read other magazines in the property field? If yes, which?............................................................................... ........................................................................................................ What else do you read? Magazines women’s free people current events TV national dailies scientific regional dailies travel other, specify.............................. .........................................................................................................

Your details : ■ Mr ■ Mrs ■ Miss Last name : ................................................................................ First name : ................................................................................ Address : .................................................................................... ...................................................................................................... Zip code : ......................Town : ............................................... Tel. : ............................................................................................. E-mail : ........................................................................................ We welcome any comments you have to make to the following email address : publications@spg.ch This questionnaire should be returned by post to : IMMORAMA Rédaction Route de Chêne 36 CH -1208 Geneva 20

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

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n째 28 - Spring 2011 -

PORTALES & BONNET Mazout

197, route du Mandement | 1242 Satigny | tĂŠl. 022 753 24 00

Photovoltaic panels

ecology Sun on the rooftops

Sustainable property assets. After drawing up an energy balance sheet, SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE awards an energy label to a building. Then, wherever possible, the company offers solar or photovoltaic panels.

en fran

cli

ma.ch

Lisez

Sun on the rooftops

apturing solar energy is a long-term task which has begun recently on the rooftops of buildings managed by SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE.The goal is to convince landlords of the benefits of this approach and to make their properties more energy-efficient.

“The difficult part of the job is to persuade our landlords that this approach represents a moral obligation. For the time-being, solar energy can hardly be said to offer mouth-watering returns, taking from fifteen to twenty years to recoup the installation costs,” remarks Philippe Buzzi. As the head of the property management department of SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE, he and his team have have the responsibility of of convincing landlords that the pursuit of sustainability is both technically and ethically important and ensuring that solar panels are installed wherever possible in the properties under management. After five years of campaigning, the idea is beginning to catch on. And indeed, that’s what it is all about, an idea and an ambition. In other words, something that cannot simply be summed up in terms of profitability. Though photovoltaic modules are constantly being improved, from an economic point of view, the technology still has a long way to go. Nevertheless, thanks to federal subsidies and the current possibility of selling to SIG (Services industriels de Genève), the interest is no longer purely marginal. A number of owners have been persuaded to take the plunge, including landlords who have had their properties assessed from the point of view of energy consumption.The assessment carried out by SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE, using the masses of data in its possession, assigns a label (A, B, C, D, etc.) to each building in just the same way as with any electrical appliance (see immorama no 26 – spring 2010 – Immolabel article on page 49). The assessment, which 6. is used as an instrument for awarness-raising, is all the more believable since it is based on data gathered from the building over the preceding 12 or 24 months. The task that remains is to persuade landlords to improve energy performance in a sustainable manner. Is this a job for the property manager, one might ask? “Yes, indeed it is and almost a moral duty.We have to get people to understand that, even though solar energy (like energy savings in general) may not be immediately profitable, it represents a vital investment for our environment, for the planet and for future generations. I agree that this is not a line that would traditionally be 8

ça

e ur et is rly ! s en afl pe e s le ro ea this of p l P t d a th ose sp di

sur imm

ecology By Claude Juillard

“We have to get people to understand that, even though solar energy (like energy savings in general) may not be immediately profitable, it represents a vital investment for our environment, for the planet and for future generations.” ■

For further information:

Philippe Buzzi, Manager Tel. +41 22 849 62 06 Fax +41 22 849 67 45 E-mail: gerance@spg.ch www.spg.ch

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

ecology Sun on the rooftops

■

Did you know?

SPG’s ProRenova department makes its skills available to clients to help them determine whether the time is right for a renovation, to prepare a cost-efficient project and to see that it is brought to maturation by ensuring complete monitoring of the constructions. The developments range from simple painting and decoration works through to major projects to develop the potential of attic spaces or to build additional floors. SPG ProRenova also has a unit that specializes in analyse methods destined to study renovation requirements and to offer clients advice on the constructions that will soon be needed to ensure the long-term future of their properties.

SPG ProRenova Tel. +41 22 849 62 80 Fax +41 22 849 67 54 E-mail: prorenova@spg.ch www.spg.ch

■ Worth knowing The purchase of electricity by SIG is compulsory for landlords who do not live in their property. On the other hand, the energy produced by the solar panels on a villa occupied by the owner cannot be sold on to SIG.

di tha Plea sp t s os th e e ed is n of lea sur pr fle e op t is er ly ! expected from a property manager, but it is the policy that we follow. It’s what we advise all our landlords and many of them concede that we are right.” Subsidies and deductions Concretly, the task is to ensure that solar collectors are installed wherever possible. Sometimes these installations will be solar panels which serve solely to heat the water consumed in the property. However, though this is of benefit to the tenant whose hot water bill is reduced, there is no benefits for the landlord who has to pay the installation costs. Though it may be a good thing in itself, a landlord is perfectly entitled to expect an investment to improve the return on his portfolio. For this reason, the SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE campaign favours photovoltaic panels which go a step further, producing electricity that can then be sold on to the SIG network at a cost of 61.5 centimes per kWh, against a production cost of 45 centimes per kWH. Apart from the fact that works of this kind are encouraged by cantonal and federal subsidies of between 10% and 15% of the installation price, they are of course also tax deductible. Once the owner has decided to equip his property or properties, one is still not sure whether this is feasible in the light of the physical conditions. “For the moment, the first prerequisite is a flat roof,” stresses Mr Buzzi. “However, progress in this field is very fast. After less than five years working in this sector, we are already into the third generation of photovoltaic panels and the fourth is expected in 2011. The current conversation topic is of vertical panels that can be installed on facades.” In the meantime, the problem is to find sufficient space amongst all the other things competing for a roof area – ducts, shafts, chimneys, aerials, service rooms and the like. Is there any opposition? “Very little because the equipment is out of sight. Obviously, certain buildings are protected by law. For example, I don’t think we are going to see any solar panels on the roofs of the Old Town.” Target: 20% of the properties under management Given the criteria, most of the recent developments have been on new or relatively recent buildings. “We have just installed solar and photovoltaic panels for a housing cooperative on a block of flats,” explains Mr Buzzi. “150 square metres of panels for a total cost of CHF 275,000.–” About 15 of our landlords have joined in so far and twenty or so others are presently at an advanced stage of studies. Our target is 20% of the properties under management. “That would be a good result. Attitudes are changing and people are increasingly open to the use of renewable energies. The limit will probably depend on the locations available.” And what about the climate too, the Lake Geneva region having something of a reputation for grey skies? “For photovoltaic modules, the important thing is not so much a matter of a hot sun but rather uninterrupted sunshine. The slightest shadow is enough to interrupt the whole system. Solar panels are less sensitive. And, anyway, our weather is not that cloudy. For example, the new building complex installed on September 1st. 2010 had already produced 6,781 kWh by the end of December, the equivalent of CHF 4,170.31.– of electricity bought by SIG. And that was during what’s supposed to be the cloudiest time of the year!” ■ Advertisement

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- Spring 2011 - n° 28

04/02/2011 14:18:23

e ur et is rly ! s en afl pe e s le ro ea this of p l P t d a th ose sp di

dossier Higher education: expenditure or investment?

Readers, your opinion is important for us ! Would you like to comment on one of our articles or ask a question? If so, please go to our website www.immorama.ch under the heading “Comment on an article”. Alternatively, send us an e-mail at redaction@immorama.ch

By Thierry Oppikofer

en fran

ma.ch

cli

uring these past few years, with the controversy over dormant accounts, the collapse of Swissair, the woes of UBS and the beating taken by banking secrecy, Switzerland has had to cope with a series of shocks that have had a profound impact on public opinion. Nevertheless, the traditional self-confidence of the Swiss citizenry has been regaining the upper hand and, it would appear, rightly so. As Talleyrand – a statesman who was not short of ideas for Switzerland – famously remarked: “Whenever I compare myself with others, I always feel a lot better”. His dictum seems 3. the traditional swiss self-assurance has legitimately become reinforced. The survey conducted by IMMORAMA on the image of our country in the eyes of foreigners, published in our last issue, proves it. In the collective subconscious, education in general and university studies in particular are felt to be among the hallmarks of Swiss quality. The results of our survey, both at home and abroad, would have delighted Talleyrand. For Switzerland, the comparison was a flattering one, with the country receiving high praise, coming not only on paper but also from the heart. In addition to the intrinsic qualities of stability, security and quality of life built up by preceding generations, Swiss education benefits from a number of factors which are not always fully appreciated, such as the absence of any nationalist or self-centred approach and the combination of Latin, Germanic, Anglo-Saxon and other virtues – in short, an openness to the world that was established well before anyone ever started talking of “globalisation”. Moreover, the truly international character of the Swiss approach to education has proved itself to be different from and superior to the mechanistic constructs of the “global village”. It is an approach based on the recognition and mutual respect of cultures while at the same time upholding autochthonous particularities. ■ 8

dossier ça

Switzerland praised for quality education

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sur imm

Our questions were answered by: p.26 Philippe Gudin, director of the Institut Le Rosey at Rolle p.28 Pierre Spierer, vice-Rector of the University of Geneva p.30 Paul Richli, rector of the University of Lucerne p.31 Valentin Bearth, director of the Academy of Architecture of Mendrisio, University of Italian-speaking Switzerland p.32 François Garçon, professor at the University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne p.33 Charles Kleiber, former secretary of state for education and research p.34 Michel Rochat, director General of the Lausanne Hotel School p.37 Philippe Gillet, professor, Vice-president responsible for academic affairs, research and teaching, Lausanne University of Applied Sciences (EFPL)

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

dossier Higher education: expenditure or investment?

Philippe Gudin

Director of the Institut Le Rosey in Rolle

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The only truly international training is Swiss!â&#x20AC;?

Questions 1

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Do you think that the quality of education in Switzerland is still excellent, particularly at university level?

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; How much weight does the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Swiss labelâ&#x20AC;? carry when it comes to education? Is it still recognised at its true value?

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Are the fees charged by Swiss universities and training institutions high enough by international comparison?

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Are the public authorities at federal and cantonal level doing enough to promote the excellence of Swiss training abroad?

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Swiss training for foreign students?

1 There is no doubt about it and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all the more remarkable when you think of the size of our country. The Swiss university establishments are exceptional, starting with the universities of applied sciences, and Switzerland is up among the leaders, both with regard to teaching and in relation to research. In my opinion, this is due particularly to the fact that the students who go to university are those who really belong there. Unlike other countries, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stipulate that 95% of an age group has to follow an academic training. Other avenues, such as apprenticeships and technical schools, are equally appreciated and respected. After all, the quality of education also depends on the students themselves and this is where the traditional view becomes obvious: access to education is open to all but it is only those who are motivated and qualified who succeed. 2 It continues to be recognised despite the cuts inflicted here and there. In Switzerland, people are worried about the deterioration in public education at the primary and even at secondary level. These fears are not wholly justified when it comes to math, sciences and modern languages. On the other hand, French is becoming a real problem. It seems to me that the spirit of synthesis, focus and clarity of mind are declining. Particularly with regard to the secondary and university levels, people abroad recognise the image of quality, security, a taste for work well done and an openness to other countries as being very much Swiss values. Neither in France nor in the English-speaking countries nor indeed anywhere else do you find this independence of cultural approach. This is a particularity that must be maintained. In other words, we have to avoid confining ourselves just to the Latin, Germanic or Anglo-Saxon approach. 3 This is something that we need to think about. Perhaps access to certain highly prestigious courses could be a bit more expensive. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;financialâ&#x20AC;? distinction between Swiss and foreign students is difficult to defend, particularly at the level of the universities of applied sciences. However, if fees do have to rise, it will be absolutely essential to develop a study grants system for students of modest means. 4 No, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not, but the situation is by no means serious. A few years ago, we created Swiss Learning, an association consisting of twelve major boarding schools, the two hotel colleges and all of the public universities and universities of applied sciences, to promote the image of Swiss education through events abroad. And the system has been working very well. 5 The only truly international training is Swiss. We do not go in for the kind of production-line or nationalist â&#x20AC;&#x153;formattingâ&#x20AC;? that is so often to be found in the bigger countries. The training that a student gets in Switzerland is a synthesis of the academic ideas of the Latin and the English-speaking countries. Today, in the age of the global village, many emerging countries are looking for something other than a rigid cultural model, along for example American lines. What we 8 have to do is to seize this opportunity and to avoid losing our soul. â&#x2013; Advertisement

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n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

dossier Higher education: expenditure or investment?

Pierre Spierer

Vice-Rector of the University of Geneva

“A quality of education that is recognised abroad but not in Switzerland.”

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di tha Plea sp t s os th e e ed is n of lea sur pr fle e op t is er ly !

1 Yes, the quality is excellent. However, although this is widely recognised abroad, it remains a well guarded secret in Switzerland. The quality of higher education is inseparable from the research activity of the teaching staff. The rankings published in the United States, Great Britain, China and elsewhere place the Swiss universities in the top 1% to 2% of the best academic establishments in the world. More particularly, the universities of Zurich, Geneva and Basle and the universities of applied sciences rank in the top 1% 2 The Swiss label is very well known worldwide though again, paradoxically, a little less so in country itself. The world stage is full of eminent personalities who have studied in Switzerland. 3 In Switzerland, the universities are cantonal or federal institutions. The cost of training is borne essentially by the cantons and the Confederation. The fees they charge represent only a minimal part of the real cost of the education received. Thus, as education is virtually free, access to higher education is available to all. However, though admission in may be easy, the level required is very high and the failure rate at the end of the first year is significant, often exceeding 50%. Accordingly, it would be a big mistake to think that the fees paid by the students reflect the quality of the education provided. The universities are also committed to continuous training for adults, a crucial need in a rapidly changing society. This type of grandwork does not come free of charge even though certain costs, notably for infrastructures, are not covered by the fees, which explains why the charges are often lower than those of private institutions. Over the past ten years, the number of people receiving continuous training at Geneva University has risen tenfold, up from 1,000 to 10,000. The quality of the training is ensured by the participation of the university teaching staff. Somewhat less satisfactory is the condition of the facilities provided by the state, which are not always properly maintained and renovated. On the other hand, the grey matter is certainly there. 4 The answer is no but is that their mission anyway? The Swiss universities are well recognised abroad and they have large numbers of foreign students and teaching staff. This is an asset for our universities, as the proportion of foreign students and teaching staff is one of the criteria used to determine the international rankings. 5 I see two advantages, the first being the Swiss label and the second the large proportion of students and teaching staff of all nationalities. This cultural diversity does not exist in any of the neighbouring countries and this is perhaps what explains the international sucess of former students such as Kofi Anan or José Manuel Barroso. The risk would be a certain isolation of Switzerland and its absence from major international networks of training and research. Fortunately, that is not the case today. Switzerland is taking part in the European programes 8 with great success. ■ Advertisement

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- Spring 2011 - n° 28

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di tha Plea sp t s os th e e ed is n of lea sur pr fle e op t is er ly !

dossier Higher education: expenditure or investment?

1 If you look at the international rankings for higher education, you will see that the Swiss universities regularly appear in the top ten or twenty per cent. Though these rankings focus primarily on research, it is also a fact that the study environment in Switzerland is also very good by international comparison. There is not a single university with more than 26,000 students and the average lies between 10,000 and 15,000. It’s obviously easier, therefore, for education to be organised and personalised here than in institutions that contain 50,000 or more students. 2 The large proportion of foreign students can vouch for the high reputation of Swiss academic institutions. The percentage of foreign students is higher in Paul Richli Switzerland than in Germany, France or Italy. Rector of the University of Lucerne 3 The question of the level of university fees can be understood only in the general economic, political and social context and its development. “The large proportion Switzerland continues to stick firmly to the principle that the matura (matriculation certificate) opens the doors to a university education. Except of foreign students can for the faculties of medicine, there is no quota system to restrict the annual vouch for the high intake. If the intention is to ensure that university access remains open to all reputation of Swiss in accordance with equality of opportunity, it would be a big mistake to academic institutions.” promote a financial selection procedure based on high fees. A massive increase in fees would also involve a corresponding rise in grants for students of limited means. From this point of view, the American model and more recently the Questions British one cannot serve as an example for 1 Switzerland. – Do you think that the quality of education in Switzerland is still 4 The answer to this question must be excellent, particularly at university level? “yes” to judge from the numbers of foreign 2 candidates flocking to our universities to – How much weight does the “Swiss label” carry when it comes study or teach. At every level of the academic to education? Is it still recognised at its true value? world – students, faculty and staff – it is clear 3 that the proportion of foreign nationals is – Are the fees charged by Swiss universities and training instihigher than the average. tutions high enough by international comparison? 5 It is unquestionable that the conditions 4 for study in Switzerland are excellent by – Are the public authorities at federal and cantonal level doing international comparison and that the fees are enough to promote the excellence of Swiss training abroad? reasonable. The only down-side is the fact 5 that the cost of living (rent, food, etc) is – What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Swiss training relatively high, due particularly to the strength for foreign students? 8 of the Swiss franc. ■ Advertisement

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e ur et is rly ! s en afl pe e s le ro ea this of p l P t d a th ose sp di

dossier Higher education: expenditure or investment?

1 If you don’t mind, I think 1. I will confine my answer to architecture, the field

that I am the most familiar with. In this branch, education in Switzerland is excellent. The quality is high in the three main architectural institutions, namely the universities of applied sciences of Zurich and Lausanne and our own Academy of Mendrisio. We have to maintain the quality of Swiss education and improve it even more. For that reason, we must not give in to the pressure of demand, coming particularly from abroad. There is a direct link between student numbers and quality. 2 In general, it is a label that enjoys the same recognition as Switzerland itself, i.e. a reputation for precision, seriousness, quality and confidence. Again, I am referring to the size of our universities. People abroad know that, unlike Milan for example, we don’t have faculties of architecture crammed with 7,000 or 8,000 students 3 This depends on the cantons. We just don’t have fees as high as those of the American or British universities, or even in certain cases those of Germany or Italy. However, at Mendrisio, for example, the fees are higher than those of the Lausanne university of applied sciences. Of course, by international comparison, there is a leeway. But, if we do make use of it, we will need to strengthen the system of student grants to maintain a university system that is open to all and to avoid segmentation comparable to the American standards. 4 I don’t know whether that’s necessary. The international classifications speak for themselves and our Master’s course in architecture attracts five times as many applications as it has places available. Then too, there is the fact that the people who teach architecture in Switzerland also need to be active in the real world as partners or owners of architectural practices. Many of them are internationally famous and needless to say that the buildings they construct abroad enhance the reputation of architectural studies in Switzerland. 5 Apart from its magnificent landscapes and excellent architecture, Switzerland offers a long tradition of openness and dialogue with the outside world. At Mendrisio, we have 700 students from about forty different countries. Since Switzerland is so compact, they are able to visit towns that are geographically close but all very different in character and to work together with fellow students from the four language communities of Switzerland, as well as other foreign cultures. As far as disadvantages are concerned, we still need to improve our infrastructures and maintain working conditions that are attractive to professors, lecturers, assistants and researchers. ■ 8

Valentin Bearth

Director of the Academy of Architecture of Mendrisio, University of Italian-speaking Switzerland

“To maintain the quality of Swiss education and improve it even more.”

For the questions, see p. 30.

University fees per annum – 2010 / 2011 (in CHF)

For Swiss students

Univ. Basle

Univ. Bern

Univ. Fribourg

Univ. Geneva

Univ. Lausanne

Univ. Lucerne

Univ. Neuchâtel

Univ. Zürich

Univ. Saint-Gall

Univ. of Italian-speaking Switzerland

EPF Lausanne

ETH Zurich

1 400

1 310

1 000

1 160

1 570

1 030

1 378

2 040

4 000

1 266

1 288

550

200

300

4 000

1 580

1 578

2 340

8 000

1 266

1 288

Extra fees for foreign students

For foreign students

300

1 400

1 310

1 610

1 000

1 160

1 570

Source: www.crus.ch tableau.indd 1

14/03/2011 13:57:15

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

dossier Higher education: expenditure or investment?

François Garçon

Professor at the University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne

“People who don’t know the Swiss label yet can safely be ignored.”

For the questions, see p. 33.

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  

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

di tha Plea sp t s os th e e ed is n of lea sur pr fle e op t is er ly !

1 To say that the quality of Swiss higher education is excellent is an understatement. In the international rankings that really count – i.e. those of Shanghai and of the Times Higher Education – the EFPZ is up at the front of all the establishments of the planet, right behind the American research universities and the large group of British universities which dominate the race. The universities of Basle, Zurich, Geneva and Lausanne and the EFPL are in competition with the best at world level. Higher education in Italy, in Spain and in France is brain-dead and in Germany it is in a persistent unproductive state. 2 The Swiss label is recognised by the establishments that matter and that understand that, nowadays, competition is on an international level. Brought indisputably to the attention of the public in 2003 and having held its place ever since, the Swiss label in higher education is so well-established that people who do not yet know it can are rare. They are either chancellors running unranked establishments in second division countries and carping because, in the absence of results, that’s all they can do or they are students who have ended up in college only to get a card that gives them discount cinema tickets. No attention needs to be paid to one or to the other. 3 Tuition fees are low compared to those charged by establishments in North America or, with effect from the new academic year in 2011, in Great Britain. Indeed, when you look at the training that is offered, they are astonishingly low. It is clear that higher education represents a cost that has to be paid by the whole community, though at the same time, it is a wonderful investment for the country. Switzerland should think about introducing an education voucher offered to all students. This system would give them the opportunity to pay for their studies at a markedly higher level and to reimbourse their loan interest for free during over fifteen years, in accordance to their means. The problem with Swiss higher education is not so much the fact that it is free than the fact that study grants are completely lacking. If a community is going to offer a product of excellence, it has to be able to charge a substantial price, while devising ways to make it available to those who deserve it. In this regard, Switzerland still has a lot to do. When it comes to financing higher education, penny-pinching is a false economy. After all, the laboratories and amphitheatres constitute the present wealth of the country and the basis for its future prosperity. 4 Whereas, higher education is excellent, it can be pro-moted without having to call on public funds. The international rankings now widely publicised in the national media – whether a cause for rejoicing or a cause for lamentation – are the best possible advertisement for Swiss universities education. 5 Any student who chooses to study outside of his home canton becomes a de facto foreigner. Apart from the obligation to obtain a residence permit, Swiss students from outside the canton are on the same footing as fellow students from abroad. Unlike students who come from the canton and generally live at home with their parents, they all face a minimum expenditure of CHF 1,500.– per month to cover lodgings (electricity, heating, insurance), travel, food and miscellaneous expenses (laundry, household products, etc). This is the main hurdle that students have to overcome. The value of the degree is one of the advantages, officially recognised by the international rankings and undoubtedly the best available. ■ 8

e ur et is rly ! s en afl pe e s le ro ea this of p l P t d a th ose sp di

dossier Higher education: expenditure or investment?

1 By international comparison, it most certainly is and this is evidenced by two things: firstly, Switzerland’s rise in the PISA classification, which shows that we have learned from the mistakes of the past and, secondly, our enviable position in the international rankings, whether for training or for research. We have the best index in the world for the impact of research publications per inhabitant. Moreover, the percentage of foreign students (20%), foreign teaching staff (30%) and foreign post-doctoral students (55%) eminent. All of this bears witness to the strong demand from abroad, which is one of the best indicators of the vitality of our universities. In Zurich, for example, there are so many German teachers and students that pragmatic solutions will have to be found Charles Kleiber to preserve a certain balance. Former secretary of state 2 The weight that the label carries is directly proportional to the image of for education and research Switzerland. In other words, it benefits from a very high degree of recognition. “We must avoid 3 It’s my belief that the young people of today are looking more and more like increasing the burden of a sacrificed generation. Their predecessors enjoyed the benefits of full debt that young people employment and are now getting ready to make the most of their pensions and have to bear” savings. They, on the other hand, have to struggle to obtain an education, to get a place to live and to find a job. We must avoid increasing the burden of debt that these young people have to bear. It seems to me that the British model, which leaves students heavily indebted, is Questions unacceptable. If an increase in tuition fees is going to be 1 negotiable, I think that it will have to fall within the framework – Do you think that the quality of education of a federal system of grants needed to strengthen the equality in Switzerland is still excellent, particularly at of opportunities, which has been eroded for some time and is university level? now insufficient. Anyone who has the ability should be able to 2 study, whatever the social status of his family. That’s how it is in – How much weight does the “Swiss label” carry a knowledge-based society. when it comes to education? Is it still recognised 4 Obviously not. If the aim is to preserve our ranking in the at its true value? knowledge society, we have to invest in scholarships and 3 generous financing that promotes genuine equal opportunity. – Are the fees charged by Swiss universities 5 The facts show that there are many advantages in choosing and training institutions high enough by interSwitzerland as a place to do your studies or at least some of national comparison? 4 them. To name only a few, there is the quality of life and of the – Are the public authorities at federal and education offered, the geographical position and the international cantonal level doing enough to promote the openness of the country. The Swiss academic world is very excellence of Swiss training abroad? strong and it is the heir to a long history and a tradition of 5 excellence. On the negative side, it has to be said that Switzerland – What are the advantages and disadvantages does notmurner offero n25.pdf every29.07.2009 branch and every type of training but that 09:03:25 of a Swiss training for foreign students? 8 is the case with every small country or city. ■ Advertisement

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

dossier Higher education: expenditure or investment?

di tha Plea sp t s os th e e ed is n of lea sur pr fle e op t is er ly !

1 The quality of Swiss higher education is excellent: the level of the academic staff is very high and the infrastructures are perfectly adapted to the needs. Nevertheless, we cannot rest on our laurels. Countries like China and India are developing extremely effective models and they have the advantage of a vast pool to recruit from. In Switzerland, our task is to maintain conditions that are attractive to university staff. Today, they are drawn at least as much by political stability, the standard of living and the quality of life as by the academic prospects. It is up to us to ensure that the balance remains tipped in our favour because, in the Michel Rochat end, it will be for the benefit of the students and our economy. 2 I would say a considerable weight. All along the line, I am impressed by Director General of the Lausanne Hotel School the positive image our country benefits from abroad. Quality, reliability and seriousness are extremely important strengths of our universities of applied “Image is an invaluable sciences. Image is an invaluable asset and one that needs to be nurtured and asset and one that needs developed. This means that we have to ensure that the education offered in to be nurtured and Switzerland is innovative and of high quality. developed.” 3 The choice is political rather than financial. Opening up access to higher education for Swiss and foreign students is a strong sign of openness. It is also, to a certain extent, a contribution that Switzerland can make to Europe and 1. www.swissnex.org to the world. 4 It is always possible to do more. It still has to be seen what added value results from one’s actions. In this regard, much more use could be made of the Swissnex1. This Questions network of Swiss contact points for scientific 1 exchanges is an important instrument for the – Do you think that the quality of education in Switzerland is implementation of federal policy in relation still excellent, particularly at university level? to cooperation in the field of training, 2 research and innovation between Switzerland – How much weight does the “Swiss label” carry when it comes and a whole range of partner countries. to education? Is it still recognised at its true value? Before turning to new resources, we need to 3 make the most of those that are already – Are the fees charged by Swiss universities and training insavailable to us. I would like to see the means titutions high enough by international comparison? being provided to enable Swissnex to be 4 expanded and reinforced. – Are the public authorities at federal and cantonal level doing 5 I can see nothing but advantages. Our enough to promote the excellence of Swiss training abroad? students are brought into contact with a 5 multicultural worldwww.travelec.ch and the foreign students – What are the advantages disadvantages of a Swiss training Téléphone : 022 798 and 99 88 who receive training in Switzerland help to for foreign students? Fax : 022 791 06 36 travasa@travelec.ch Chancy / Genèveextend the influence of our country. ■ 8

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dossier Higher education: expenditure or investment?

1 The image that people abroad have of Switzerland’s universities and the system of higher education and research is excellent. Though this is perfectly justified, we must not rest on our laurels. Further progress is always possible and indeed necessary in terms of the personal work of the students, tighter project groups and ever more effective dissemination of knowledge. The Swiss academic world must not be afraid of experimenting with methods that will enable it to make further advances. 2 The label is highly respected. For example, the degrees awarded by the Lausanne University of Applied Sciences have long been automatically recognised by France’s Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur. The system of education and research, even in fields such as mathematics and sciences often considered to be the prerogative of other countries, benefits from a high reputation and the same applies to the whole educational chain, including work placement courses, technical branches and the like. On the other hand, what is often underestimated is Switzerland’s incredible power of innovation. Here, there seems to be a communication deficit outside the country. Only insiders appear to be aware that Switzerland leads the way in Europe when it comes to innovation in high technology and the Lausanne University of Applied Sciences struggling to ensure that this fact becomes more widely known. 3 Something that I am reminded of every day is the fact that Switzerland is not in any way traditional in the restrictive sense of the term. The universities here are different from those of the United States which operate on the private model. Over there, while college fees are very high, the system of support and grants is so well developed that only a minority of students themselves pay the whole amount. Over here, fees are low, but if they were to be increased, it would be necessary to create a much more extensive system of financial assistance for students in order to avoid social injustice. 4 In Switzerland, unlike in many other countries, we have had the courage and political insight not to cut the funding for higher education and research. There is a real will to ensure that the universities improve their performance. And the countless visits we receive at the EFPL from colleagues that live all over the world seeking the recipe for success shows that the choice we have made is the right one and that it is indeed vital for Switzerland. 5 Students who come to study in Switzerland find everything they need for success – the environment, the teaching staff, the programes. The disadvantages are minimal – being away from home, arranging residence permits, finding accommodation and so on. It is in the students’ interest to come here to study and it is in the Switzerlands’ interest to welcome them. When they go back home, they will become our most enthusiastic ambassadors. And if the best of them choose to stay, they will contribute to the level of excellence and competitiveness of which the country is rightly proud. ■

Philippe Gillet

Professor, Vice-president responsible for academic affairs, research and teaching in EFPL

“People underestimate Switzerland’s incredible power of innovation”

For the questions, see p. 34.

Manu_n°27.indd 1

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

13/10/2010 16:04:31

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herever you look, the universities are in ferment. The various causes include particularly the increases in university fees, budget cuts and a reduction in the number of visas granted to foreign students. As will be seen from the international study we have conducted on higher education around the world, different countries are affected and in different ways. In Britain, Sweden, Italy, France or Singapore, universities are closing themselves to the outside with the justifications of lost competitiveness and a quality reduction in terms of the value of their degrees on the international level. As a result, academic posts are being slashed and indebtedness is rising among students who, on the one hand, now have to take out loans to pay for their training and who, on the other, are by no means certain of being able to pay them back as it is so difficult to find a job. There is no escaping the fact that a degree is no longer necessarily a passport to employment and that social mobility is in danger of grinding to a halt. Yet elsewhere, innovative models of higher eductation are beginning to emerge. In India, for example, private institutions are stepping in alongside the public sector in higher education. Indeed, since 2010, India has had a law authorising foreign investment in this sector and Oxford University could soon be opening establishments on the sub-continent. Foreign students too may prefer to study closer to home or to opt for other destinations outside of Europe such as Australia or South Africa, where the rainbow nation is fast becoming the “educational locomotive” of the continent. Throughout the world, remote learning is equally making rapid strides. Investment in education is also increasing. China, which dreams of becoming the “laboratory” of the world, is investing massively in its universities. Every year, the country generates ten million new graduates for the job market and, it hardly needs to be said that a degree represents an escape from poverty for many of them. Let’s take a tour of the world’s universities with Immorama. ■ 8

dossier

Universities: a world in ferment

Lisez

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world tour Contents p. 40 South Africa p. 41 Canada p. 42 Australia p. 45 China p. 46 World tour of

universities

web+ See also United States, France, India, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom, Singapore, Sweden on our website www.immorama.ch. n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

di tha Plea sp t s dossier os th e e ed is n Higher education: expenditure or investment? of lea sur pr fle e op t is er ly ! “The universities of South Africa are the best on the continent. There is simply no

South Africa:

The universities are slowly improving

By Sophie Bouillon South africa

“The state has a duty to make higher education gradually accessible to all through responsible measures.”

web+ Singapore In recent years, the Singaporean government has sought to “sharpen” the differentiation between Singaporean citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents and foreigners living in Singapore. This is to reflect the “responsibilities and privileges” of citizenship and education which has been one sector targeted with implementing such changes. As a result, international students in local universities have seen tuition fees increase at a faster rate than those of Singaporean students. By Sonia Kolesnikov-Jessop Read the full article on www.immorama.ch

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

comparison.” So says Achille Mbembé, a well-known professor of political studies who comes originally from Cameroon but has been teaching for more than ten years at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. He believes that “Wits” has no reason to be envious of the best universities in Europe. The amphitheatres are enormous, the sports facilities impressive and the main building looks like a classical temple of the Roman period. “Whereas universities throughout Africa are facing budget cuts and a brain-drain, South Africa is moving in the opposite direction. Budgets are increasing and, since the end of apartheid, the intellectuals have returned.” Education accounts for 20% of total state expenditure and 2.8% of the budget is allocated to higher education. In the constitution of the new democracy, education occupies a privileged position. It is established that “the state has a duty to make higher education gradually accessible to all through responsible measures”. The terms of the constitution are rightly cautious because the challenges are immense, with 85% of the population facing the almost insurmountable task of catching up. During the apartheid years, blacks and mixed race people had no right to an education of quality. Even today, 65% of whites go to university against only 14% for blacks. These figures are the consequence of long-term educational problems. Pupils from well-off families go to private schools while the remainder of the population has to make do with classrooms crowded to bursting point and teachers with few qualifications. Simphiwe, 17 years old, lives in a shanty town on the outskirts of Johannesburg. He has been refused entrance to university though he is one of the best pupils in his school. “Our teachers don’t know anything,” he whispers. “All they can do is write on the blackboard what is written in our textbooks and we are not allowed to ask questions if we don’t understand.” Simphiwe’s mother earns 1,300 rands a month, about CHF 184.–. On average, a year’s education at university would cost about thirty times her monthly salary. However, thanks to an efficient system of scholarships set up by the state, his education could be paid for in full. In reality, literally the whole of the state budget for higher education (18,5 billion rands or CHF 2,6 billion) goes into scholarships. All of the universities are private and self-sufficient but they charge prices that are unreasonable in a developing country. So, it’s up to the state to help the families. Or up to foreign students to pay top rates. South Africa is attracting more and more African students. In the past, they would have opted for Europe or the United States but, today, the first choice is Johannesburg or Cape Town. The “powerhouse of Africa” offers an excellent education, the cost of living is less expensive and the cultural differences are smaller. Moreover, visas to go and study in Europe are increasingly difficult to obtain. Out of the million students at South African universities, some 200,000 are foreigners. This high proportion is a constant topic of complaint by the student unions, who regularly fret that foreigners are “stealing places from South Africans”. Yet it is these very foreigners who are the financial lifeblood of the universities. They spend more than twice as much for their studies (an average of 60,000 rands p.a. or CHF 8,400.–) and they are often better trained than the majority of black South Africans. This “new map of intellectual emigration from the South to the South”, as Achille Mbembé calls it, is an opportunity to raise the standards of the country’s universities. “Thanks to the financial crisis and to the European universities turning their back on foreigners, African intellectuals now have the chance to pursue an education of quality that is less expensive without having to leave for Europe.” The hope is that, one day, the majority of South Africans will have reached the standard required to have access to it. ■ 8

e ur et is rly ! s mmodossier dossier en afl pe Les écoles du monde e e o l s Higher education: expenditure or investment? r ea this of p l P t d a th ose sp di In North America, where university tuition fees can be astronomical, Canada

Canada :

is an honourable exception. Unlike the English-speaking countries, Canada is mmodossier a godsend for the continent because the bill for higher education remains L’écolepour tous, chacun pour soi! modest for the student. Quebec, more than any other of the provinces, stands out as an island of Gallic tradition in an ocean of anglophone institutions, since the beginnings of the reform of higher education in 1969, this is the only place where universities remain. Since that date, it has cost € 1,500 (CHF 1 975) to enter the universities of Quebec, whatever the field of study. Though this could appear a long way from free to the eyes of a French student, it is trifling in relation to the tuition fees of € 30,000 demanded by the University of Harvard in Boston or indeed to the fees of € 3,700 to 15,000 billed by most American By Isabelle Paré universities. The choice of minimal and uniform fees constitutes the keystone of policy for Canada the financing of Quebec’s universities, which receive subsidies of € 2.1 billion per annum. In this context, the government of Quebec finds itself needing to finance 54% of the costs of university education. The universities get the rest “Most Quebec students of their income from subsidies paid by the federal government (14%), from finish their studies with an costs paid by the 200,000 full-time students (12%) and from legacies and average debt of € 11,200.” miscellaneous sources of financing (3.1%). The 25,000 foreign students who attend Quebec’s seven universities, institutes and other tertiary establishments, 7.5% at undergraduate and 18% at postgraduate (doctoral) level, pay a higher level of fees ranging from € 7,460 to € 9,000 per annum. However, the province’s policy of virtually free higher education has been shaken in recent days, following the government’s announcement of its intention to raise tuition fees in 2012, while at the same time improving access to loans and scholarships. At the present time, 39% of university students can rely on getting loans and scholarships, the average amount of which currently stands at around € 3,400. Nevertheless, the majority of Quebec’s students finish their studies with an average debt of € 11,200. In the rest of Canada, debt facing graduates comes to € 19,400. A contested policy It is not due to the US model that university financing is currently making the headlines in Quebec. The pressure is coming from the rest of Canada, where the fees received from students pay for up to a third of the budget for the universities. In other provinces, a student has to lay out an average of € 4,132 per annum to set foot in a university and as much as € 4,400 in Quebec’s neighbour Ontario. For these reasons, the universities of Quebec fear that they are losing ground in comparison to their counterparts elsewhere in Canada. Furthermore, the latter have a much better performance in terms of the number of patents and licences filed if the figures are to be believed. The creation of spin-offs counts for a great deal in the assessment of the contribution made by the institutions of higher education to the general wealth of the country. And, in this regard, Quebec’s universities are bringing up the rear when compared with the rest of Canada. They have succeeded in increasing their filings of licences and patents by only 17% in 10 years whereas Ontario has managed to double them and the other provinces to achieve an increase of 70%. To the great displeasure of the students, the universities maintain – with figures to back them up – that there is no direct link between the level of archives tuition fees required and access to university studies. For example, despite Find all of our files lower tuition fees, the percentage of students obtaining a bachelor’s degree on our website: in Quebec is only 21.7%, compared to with 26% in Ontario which is where www.immorama.ch fees are highest. ■ 8

The University quasi-free in Quebec

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

di tha Plea sp t s dossier os th e e ed is n Higher education: expenditure or investment? of lea sur pr fle e op t is er ly ! Most Australian universities are public institutions and their level is very

Australia:

Students and foreigners, a financial windfall

By Florence Decamp Australia

“The higher the number of foreign students, the greater the resources of the universities and the greater their capacity to take more home-grown students.”

web+ Italy In Rome, demonstrations are being held against the budget cuts and the planned reform to strengthen meritocracy and privatisation. According to the OECD figures, the average for Italian university fees is one of the lowest in Europe. However, there are significant differences within the peninsula, as can be seen through a survey conducted just before the beginning of the new academic year in 2010 by Federconsumatori, the powerful Italian consumer association. By Danielle Rouard Read the full article on www.immorama.ch

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

uneven. At the apex of the pyramid are the “group of eight”, the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country, which are to be found in the major cities, like the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne. The dance of the group of eight is led by the Australian National University at Canberra (the ANU), which is listed in most international rankings as the best of the Australian universities. However, access to these establishments is much more difficult than to others. Only the school leavers with the highest secondary examination grades are accepted and for anyone wanting to do medicine that means being in the top hundred. And, in any event, university education is not free in Australia. An evolving system At the beginning of the 1970s, the labour government abolished tuition fees in order to open up access to the universities. In 1989, the government in power – also labour – reintroduced them on the basis of established rate for all establishments. A loan system permitted students to defer repayment until they were employed. Meanwhile, the state share of financing has been constantly falling while registration fees have been rising. Thus, over the course of the last ten years, the student debt has risen from AUD 4,5 billion to more than AUD 15 billion. There is a scale system by which each student pays on the basis of the particular type of study and the duration of his course. Thus, a law student pays more than an arts student, around AUD 7,000 against just under AUD 5,000. However, there are many who simply cannot pay their registration fee. Since 2003, according to Kevin Rudd, the present minister of foreign affairs and former prime minister, more than 100,000 Australians have not been able to gain access to higher education for financial reasons. Openness to the world In the field of university education, the great success of Australia has been its capacity to attract international students, with 7% of the total number opting for this destination. It is an industry worth AUD 18,5 billion p.a., ranking just below mining and tourism. Three quarters of the students who come to Australia are of Asian origin, mainly Chinese and Indians but also Koreans, Thais and Malays. They tend to register for short courses of a few months (e.g. to learn English) or longer university courses. However, education for foreigners has had a bad press in Australia. Many fear, for example that this industry takes resources away from the universities for local students. This is an argument refuted by the university deans. “Given the substantial differences which exist between registration fees for a foreign student and an Australian student, there is a substantial degree of inter-financing. The higher the number of foreign students, the greater the resources of the universities and the greater their capacity to take more home-grown students,” explains Professor Alec Cameron, the dean of the Australian School of Business of the University of New South Wales, Sydney. No foreign students means fewer jobs Previously, the inflow of visitors has not been deterred by the high costs of registration fees for foreigners, ranging from AUD 9,000 to AUD 18,000 depending on the university, i.e. often more than double what an Australian would pay. However, registrations have plunged with the rise in the exchange rate of the Australian dollar and a number of racist incidents involving Indian students. In 2009, the number of student visas granted by the immigration authorities fell by 30%, which led to budget cuts and job losses in many Australian universities. ■ 8

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- Spring 2011 - n° 28

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e ur et is rly ! s mmodossier dossier en afl pe Les écoles du monde e e o l s Higher education: expenditure or investment? r ea this of p l P t d a th ose sp di The Chinese press refers to them as “the ants”, these graduates who live

China:

under wretched conditions and struggle to find a job constitute a scandal in a mmodossier country with the Confucian tradition: the deserving should live a better life L’écolepour tous, chacun pour soi! than those who have not passed the precious examinations. Especially when you bear in mind that only 10% in an age group will go on to higher education in China. So, it’s the elite of the country who finds itself in difficulty. “Nothing to worry about,” observes Chen Xue Fei, a specialist in education at the University of Peking. “Every year, the universities deluge the labour market with around ten million new graduates. The competition is fierce for these young people who all want to make a start for themselves in the same major cities. Even if there is a surplus of white-collar workers, it’s excellent news, a sign that the universities are developing very fast.” Peking, which dreams of transforming its “workshop of the world” market into By Emilie Torgemen a “laboratory” economy based on innovation and R&D, is speculating on China education. And, according to the Chinese minister of education, higher institutions plays a key role in national development “by contributing a great number of talents and experts in the construction of socialist modernisation”. “these graduates who Specifically, the state budget for higher education is in constant progression, live under wretched rising from 87 billion to 164 billion yuan* between 2003 and 2007. A note of conditions and struggle caution, however, while the volume of the level of public financing (ministries to find a job constitute a of education, provincial and local administrations) has grown, its share of scandal in a country with higher education has fallen back from 70% to 43%. the Confucian tradition” Since the beginning of the 1980s, the Chinese university system has undergone profound transformations. In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1998, all educational establishments had to obtain corporate status. Immediately, there was a radical change in the mission of the universities and in their methods of financing and governance. The establishments are further encouraged to multiply their contract research activities and projects conducted with * 1 CHF = 7,12 CNY companies, social organisations and other private sector institutions. Another characteristic is the fact that the Chinese university system is nowadays very decentralised. Only 10% of establishments report directly to the central ministries like the Ministry of Education. Private education is also experiencing strong growth. As a result, there are now very significant mexico differences in teaching capacity and in the quality of the equipment, depending “In terms of the cultural programme that on the regions and on the status of the university. they offer, the political role that they play, In parallel with the relative fall in public funding, the share borne by the the number of students that they train and students themselves has soared. Between 1995 and 2006, registration and the quantity of research that they conduct, tuition fees increased tenfold, reaching an average of 4,500 yuan p.a. Moreover, Mexico’s public universities are key they can go as high as 50,000 yuan p.a. in certain specializations. elements in the establishment of a new To gain access to higher education, each student has to state three choices (field model of development for the country.” It is of study and university) and whether they are fulfilled or not will depend on the in these words that Dr Humberto Muñoz, score he gets in the gaokao, the dreaded national examination, equivalent to “A” professor at the UNAM (Autonomous levels or the baccalaureate, which marks the end of the secondary phase. The National University of Mexico), sums up the greater the demand for the course, the higher the score required to gain access. importance of the public establishments of The experts have noted that many students prefer to lower their sights rather higher education in his country. The fact than to run the risk of being shut out of higher education. that they play a vital role in the training of Foreign students for their part do not have to take the gaokao but they have young Mexicans is evident, as they take in to dig deeper into their purse. In Peking, a Swiss student in the field of natural two thirds of the country’s three million sciences would have to pay 30,000 yuan, while a year of medicine at Fudan students, against one third for the private University would cost 42,000 yuan. universities. With fascination growing for China as the world’s second great power, the By Patrick John Buffe number of foreign students is rising all the time. In 2007, the country hosted Read the full article on 195,000 foreign students, a number in one year equal to three times the total www.immorama.ch for the whole of the period 1949-1980. ■ 8

Higher education as a lever for national development

web+

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

di tha Plea sp t s dossier os th e e ed is n Higher education: expenditure or investment? of lea sur pr fle e op t is er ly ! ■ In the pantheon of Hindu divinities, Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, is one of the most respected.

India

Recognisable by her four arms and the white swan that she rides, she is often to be found in classrooms in the company of Mahatma Ghandi or in the altars that many families tend in their homes. The veneration shown to her is due mostly to the fact that, in India, knowledge and educational qualifications are the key to social mobility and, in many cases, the only way out of poverty. Since the economic take-off of India and the emergence of a middle class, the dream of being able to go to university has come a lot closer to reality for many young people... By Julien Buissou. Read the full article on www.immorama.ch ■

tour d l r of o W u

France

sities ver ni

With just four institutions – three grandes écoles and one university (Pierre et Marie Curie University – UPMC) – making the international rankings list published by the Times Higher Education, against six establishments in Switzerland, French higher education has no cause for celebration. Still, it is hoping to improve its performances with the establishment of 12 university centres of excellence to be endowed with € 5,7 billion in creditsfunding... By Gilles Dusouchet. Read the full article on www.immorama.ch

United States

■ Here is one example: a student enrolling in the Cinema/Animation program at the California Institute of the Arts (Cal Arts), a prestigious school created by Walt Disney not very far from Los Angeles, will have to pay 34,000 dollars; whereas the Animation program at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television will cost “only” 20,000 dollars if the student is a resident of California (but 33,000 dollars if she/he is from outof-state or a foreign student).... By Claudine Mulard. Read the full article on www.immorama.ch

Sweden

■ So, it’s official – with effect from 2011, Sweden will be making it more difficult for students from outside of Europe to get through the doors of its universities. They will have to pay higher fees to come and study and the extra money will be used to reform a system for the evaluation of education. In effect, a student from outside of Europe will have to pay around CHF 10,000.– for a year’s study in one of the kingdom’s 14 universities or 22 högskolor (universities which do not issue research level degrees). “This subject was given a sufficiently broad airing,” affirms Amalthea Frantz, editor in chief of Gaudeamus, the student magazine of the University of Stockholm. “Some people see this measure as reflecting negative values, with foreign students painted as simply taking advantage of our system. Opponents of the reform say that Sweden is depriving itself of foreign brain power and thus of a vital component for international economic competition based on capability,” she explains. “On the other hand, there are those who think that students who come from poor countries are often the progeny of the elite of their society. In other words, they are often students who come from fairly well-off families and have the means to pay,” she continues... By Magnus Falkehed. Read the full article on www.immorama.ch

United Kingdom

■ Going to an English university has never been cheap but things are going to get a lot worse. Up till now, it has cost £ 3,290 per annum, a flat rate fixed by the government for higher education as a whole. It is the same for students from the European Union and Switzerland, just as it is for grants that rise to a maximum of £ 2,906 a year. For people coming from outside the EU, the universities are free to charge what they like and blithely do so. Chinese, Korean and Indian students have become a real milk cow for them, a situation recently denounced by the British Council, the United Kingdom’s cultural and educational showcase... By Loïc Vennin. Read the full article on www.immorama.ch ■

web+8 Read the full article on www.immorama.ch: www.immorama.ch 46

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

n째 28 - Spring 2011 -

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seniors Spending our old age in town? That’s what the future holds in store!

The aging of the population means that towns have to be re-designed, particularly to make them more accessible for older people.

en fran

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Spending our old age in town? That’s what the future holds in store!

ça

e ur et is rly ! s en afl pe e s le ro ea this of p l P t d a th ose sp di

sur imm

seniors

n Geneva, only 14% of the over-80s go into nursing homes. And till then? They live at home. While the services and apartments are adapted to their needs, the same cannot be said of the streets, where a high curb or a bench without arm-rests can prove an obstacle that keeps them from going out, resulting in a loss of autonomy that leads straight to the nursing home. With the aging of the population, these “details” are becoming issues that concern us all. Let’s review some of the little things that could make life easier for the elderly of today and tomorrow.

By Valérie Hoffmeyer

The buffet in Lausanne station, 5.30 p.m., on a Thursday in October. A lady – an alert 90 year old who used to work for a major bank – is waiting for the person supposed to take her back home to Montreux. No one turns up so she decides to take a taxi. Why not go by train? “The trains on this line don’t have platformlevel doors so I just can’t get on,” she explains. Meanwhile, to get to a taxi on crutches and in her orthopaedic shoes, she faces an obstacle course, starting with the swing doors of the buffet, then the rush-hour crowds, a pavement replaced by markings on the ground, a hedge of anti-parking bollards... This is her lot. “I’m much less mobile since I had a health problem two years ago. I came to see a friend in Lausanne who was kind enough to bring me some books without thinking how dif-ficult it would be for me to return them. Let’s say it was an experience I wouldn’t like to repeat. Next time, he will have to come to me.” Going to see a friend in Lausanne when you live in Montreux? Not a big deal for you and me but a serious struggle for this lady who, like you and me, used to be fit and active. A lady who, like you and me, has friends, energy to burn and a taste for reading. A lady whose conversation I would have liked to enjoy well beyond the few words we exchanged. An uncomplaining lady who brings down the difficulty of getting about in the city to her health problems. The devil is in the detail “The problem is that people just can’t be bothered with improving our 8

“The problem is that people just can’t be bothered with improving our public spaces for everyone because they are unable to visualise themselves in the place of the old or the handicapped. So how can they realise what needs to be remedied?”

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

di tha Plea sp t s seniors os th e e ed is n Spending our old age in town? That’s what the future holds in store! of lea sur pr fle e op t is er ly ! public spaces for everyone because they are unable to put themselves in the Sustainable neighourhoods: place of the old or the handicapped. So how can they realise what needs to be remedied?”, sums up Hans-Peter Graf, secretary of Geneva’s Platform of associations for the elderly and organiser of the project group “Habitats Seniors”. It’s not until you lose your own mobility that you realise the obstacles that have to be faced, above all in your own district, a place you thought you knew inside-out. And there are obstacles in plenty. Nothing too spectacular because the standards for handicapped access are strict and are properly applied. In principle, pavements have dropped curbs and accesses to public places are designed for everyone. So, no problem with hordes of old people making excessive demands. Not at all, but here again, the devil is in the detail. “The obstacles are often minimal, indeed to such an extent that, taken individually, they are not really apparent to us at all. But when lots of little things are added together, they end up becoming a mountain that is synonymous with a loss of security: the traffic lights between home and the grocer’s shop turn red too quickly; there are three steps to get up on the trolley bus to go to the doctor; the toilets in public parks are unusable and even in the Rolls-Royce toilets of Geneva there is never any paper; public benches don’t have arm rests to help you get up; the list is endless.” One only needs two or three of these “details” close to home to set off a fateful process. “Feeling insecure, the elderly are less ready to go out, their sense of isolation increases and they become dependent quicker,” recalls Pierre-Marie Chapon, head of the retirement homes division of ICADE, a real estate company responsible for building one out of every five retirement homes in France and one out in out off every two hospitals*. The downward spiral of lost autonomy is closely correlated with the type of district in which people live. ICADE sought to measure this effect in the field. They took two groups of women aged over 80, one living in the centre of town and the other out the outskirts, and provided them with a GPS to track their movements. “For women living in the town-center, 75% of their trips outside took place within a radius of 500 m, 91% of them on foot and at different times throughout the day. For the group living on the outskirts, of town, only 40% of the women made their trips outside on foot and 15% of them went out less than twice a day.” Quite a blow for the commonsense principle. Another vision imposed by “fit” people unable to visualise themselves in their old age to come ? “Very much so, as one retirement home in three in France is situated out of the range of public transport while one in four is more than 500 metres from the nearest shop.” It seems to be as if old age must necessarily be a return to nature and quiet after a full and active life. The villa dream It might be thought that Switzerland with its tight web of villages and small 8

are they ageist? First of all, the structure: a major centrum well served with public transport and with shops far away from the extremities of the axis, which renders pedestrian access difficult. Bearing in mind that, for old people or people with reduced mobility, shopping close at hand is the main motivation for getting out, we can gauge the importance of their location. Then, there is the fact that open spaces are often left “wild” to promote bio-diversity, which means that the facilities provided are often primitive and “natural”, with tree trunks or blocks of stone instead of benches. As a result, old people cannot or do not want to sit down because they have no arm rests or support. Yet benches are vital resting places and ideally there should be one every 100 metres. Finally, from the point of view of architecture, the low-rise model with apartment blocks of three floors and no lift creates obvious problems of accessibility for old people, as well as creating an impediment to mixing between generations and to the mechanisms of solidarity that this engenders. The same goes for omnipresent projections and recesses, split-levels and an increasing use of off-putting metal staircases.

* Lecture given on 2 July 2009 at the Maison des Associations in Geneva. Organisation : EcoAttitudes

le journal the newspaper LT EH EP A OM B IAL I E R R EN AO LR AE M S TAA TDEE P LA’INMO M R A

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Interviews de:

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Pierre Maudet, Camille Bierens de Haan, Serge Dal Busco, Isabelle Chevalley, Emmanuel Rey, Dominique Bakis-Métoudi, Michèle Künzler, Carmelo Stendardo, Anita Frei, Pierre-Alain Rumley, Laurent Thévoz.

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Interviews de :

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Chambésy (GE) – Vente

Vernier (GE) – Vente

Belle villa de 240 m2. Idéale pour grande famille. CHF 1 700 000.– Page 64

Bel appartement de 4 pièces d’environ 81 m2. Jardin: 193 m2 CHF 790 000.– Page 65

Chancy (GE) – Vente

Arzier (VD) – Vente

P. 19 à 34

Les écoquartiers dans le monde Suède, Finlande, Royaume-Uni, Emirat d’Abu Dhabi, Italie, Suisse.

Veyrier (GE) – Vente

web+ : Allemagne (Hanovre –

Bel appartement lumineux de 4 pièces, vue exceptionnelle. CHF 920 000.– Page 71

Fribourg-en-Brisgau), Chine. P. 35 à 49

PROGRAMME NEUF Magniﬁques villas de 5,5 pièces CHF 995 000.– Page 84

Dans immeuble calme, appartement bien agencé avec cheminée. CHF 850 000.– Page 66

Cuba, Afrique du Sud, Russie.

Pages 29 à 44

Interviews de :

Gingins (VD) – Vente

Beaucoup de charme et de cachet pour ce beau duplex en attique. CHF 1 270 000.– Page 86

Peter Gerber, Sophie Meisser, Anne Bussy, Pierre Maudet, Jean-Paul Humair, Jean-François Bouvier, Georges Chevieux, Loredana Panaro

Magniﬁque villa jumelle de 5-pièces + cuisine. Jardin avec étang et piscine. CHF 1 295 000.– Page 87

Union européenne, Etats-Unis, Brésil, Afrique du Sud, Inde, Singapour, Chine

Coup de Thônex (GE) – Vente

VENTE ET LOCATION : VASTE CHOIX D’OFFRES À L’INTÉRIEUR Pages 64 à 94 C1.indd 1

02.09.2008 15:15:18

Education for all and every man for himself !

! Coup de Petit-Lancy (GE) – Vente

Très joli town-house de 200 m2 sur magniﬁque parcelle avec jardin d’hiver et piscine. CHF 1 750 000.– Page 68

VENTE ET LOCATION : VASTE CHOIX D’OFFRES À L’INTÉRIEUR P. 61 à 94 C1.indd 1

Appartement de 4 - pièces doté de deux belles terrasses. CHF 790 000.– Page 67

05/02/2010 11:13:06

Make space for eco-districts !

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

Chêne-Bourg (GE) – Vente Belle villa bourgeoise, 160 m2 avec combles et terrasse. CHF 1 860 000.– Page 62

P. 23 à 35

Tour du monde des déchets

Dossier

web+ : Allemagne, Danemark, Espagne, Finlande, Italie, Mexique P. 37 à 44

VENTE ET LOCATION : VASTE CHOIX D’OFFRES À L’INTÉRIEUR P. 57 à 94 25_déchets_7_sanc.indd 1

! up

Champel (GE) – Vente

Bel appartement d’angle d’une surface de 208 m2 CHF 2 900 00.– Page 65 05/02/2010 11:12:05

The world of waste

Nature is coming to town

The Swiss abroad and foreign expatriates living in Switzerland

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En tôlerie industrielle, l’expérience et le savoir-faire sont irremplaçables. 52

Page 59

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

R. GRANDVAUX S.A. se à la n o p é r ectes t notre … c’es ité des archit rs u tiv ngénie i � créa s e d ision at � préc artisan ’ l e d é t � varié

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Route de Cartigny 9 1236 Cartigny Tél. 022 756 90 70 www.grandvaux-sa.ch - info@grandvaux-sa.ch

e ur et is rly ! s seniors en afl pe e e o l s Spending our old age in town? That’s what the future holds in store! r ea this of p l P t d a th ose sp di towns does not have the same concerns. After all, 75% of the population lives “automatically considering in urban areas, with five million people living less than 300 metres from a grocery store. However, here too, there is a problem of aging in suburbia. Whereas 80% of the 50-59 age group cherish the dream of an individual villa for their retirement, 41% of the over-70s would like an apartment and, of them, 37% would prefer it to be in the middle of town. This contrasts with the active population, only 24% of whom can visualise themselves spending their old age in town. Perhaps because they are closing their eyes to a well-established fact: “The people who live in suburban villas are heavily dependent on their cars and, once they are unable to drive, they stop going out and the downward spiral into dependence begins”, notes Pierre-Marie Chapon. With the help of is colleague Henri Chapouthier, head of sustainable development issues at ICADE, the so-called “sustainable neighbourhoods” have been scrutinized, often cited as a form of town planning that respects both the inhabitants and their environment and thus offers a model for the future. Are they any more senior-friendly than others? The research findings show that this in not the case. The people who have developed these innovative projects are pioneers, full of energy and conviction, i.e. those least likely to empathise with old age, a state that remains synonymous with decline and dependence. According to the researchers, there is every likelihood that adaptations will be needed in the future, listing for example the future concerns of the Vauban district of the German town of Fribourg-en-Brisgau. For the time being, the designers of new neighbourhoods in the Geneva region have not been in dialogue with associations like Pro Senectute because automatically considering old people’s needs is not yet part of the population’s mentalities. Hans-Peter Graf sums up the position: “I know a severely handicapped woman who is in a wheel-chair but who lives an independent life. So, it is not the handicap itself that restricts independence but rather the unsuitability of the environment. And I think the same applies to the position of old people.” Taking greater account of the needs of the elderly in the development process will not make nursing homes obsolete but it will be enough avoid creating the downward spiral into dependence. Bearing in mind the fact that the total cost of a room in a nursing home now stands at CHF 10,000.– per month, it is clear that substantial savings could be achieved for society as a whole. ■

Check-list for moving into a nursing home by Jean-Louis Emmenegger

It is always very difficult for people to give up their apartment and move into a nursing home. The following check-list will help to make the transition as smooth as possible. When it is decided, whether by the hospital, the GP or the social services, that old people have to leave their apartment because of their need for full-time care and regular meals, they are going to wonder about the new life that lies ahead of them and it is perfectly understandable that they should be anxious, fearful and worried. Indeed, to such an extent, that they may well fail to think about essential steps that have to be taken. Then it will be up to their family and friends to deal with all the administrative aspects.

old people’s needs is not yet part of the population’s mentalities.”

Checklist Though this list in not exhaustive, it will serve as a reminder of what needs to be done once the decision has been made to move into a nursing home : • Speak to the old persons concerned, reassure them of the advantages they will enjoy in the nursing home. Visit the home with them a number of times. • Where possible, see whether they would like to take some small items of furniture for their room, as well as souvenirs (photo albums, knick-knacks, etc). • If they wish, go through the contents of the apartment and divide them into four groups: a) things to throw out b) things to give to family and friends (clothes, bed linen, etc) c) things to be sold second hand and d) things like family souvenirs to be taken by the children (because there will be no room for them in the nursing home). • for things to be thrown out, follow the local regulations (e.g. take them to the dump). 8 n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

seniors

Spending our old age in town? That’s what the future holds in store!

Speak to the old persons concerned, reassure them of the advantages they will enjoy in the nursing home. Visit the premises with them a number of times.

• for furniture, ask family and friends whether anyone would be interested in a particular item (it is often a comfort for the elderly to know that their things will be finding a new home). • for furniture that has to be thrown out of because it is too old or damaged, arrange for it to be taken away by a company or a local authority service (NB: there is a charge for these services, so be sure to get an estimate first). • for some small items of furniture that could be useful to others, such as chests of drawers, side tables, chairs, new beds, crockery, clothing, household appliances, a free clearance butikofer n24.pdf 02.02.2009 13:51:32

service is offered by certain charitable organisations (Protestant social centre, Salvation Army, etc). • for books, check anything that might be of value with a specialist dealer; for the rest, there are organisations such as the Protestant social centre in Vaud that will pass them on to people who can’t afford to buy them new. • don’t forget to send the property management company a registered letter with regard to the deposit (the notice period is usually three months). • once the apartment has been cleared it will need to be cleaned before the inventory is made. Get a few estimates from companies or individuals and book the date as early as possible; • get in touch with the intended nursing home as soon as possible to settle the administrative details. Nothing is straightforward in this field so be prepared to spend time finding out who does what among nursing home, old age and pension funds, medical insurance funds, social services (e.g. applications for financial assistance). Responsibility for accounts and payments has to be assumed by a member of the family. If these different steps are properly planned and managed, the old people concerned will have the comfort of seeing that the move to a nursing home is not going to be a burden for their children. This reassurance will give them added strength to embrace the challenge of their new life. ■

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

di tha Plea sp t s os th e e ed is n of lea sur pr fle e op t is er ly !

fair MIPIM: the real estate trade fair on the Croisette

Stand of the Lake Geneva Region at the MIPIM in Cannes. A focal point for promoting the economy of the whole region.

e ur et is rly ! s en afl pe e s le ro ea this of p l P t d a th ose sp di

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MIPIM: the real estate trade fair on the Croisette

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or real estate professionals, the MIPIM is the event of the year, the one not to be missed. This year, the Cannes fair was held from the 8th to 11th of March and just about everyone was present, doing the rounds of the bars and the stands of the promoters and countries represented, taking in the beaches along the Croisette and soaking up the atmosphere of a scene highly favorable for business and networking.

By Claude Juillard

Every year at the beginning of spring, the Palais des Festivals in Cannes opens its doors for the MIPIM (Marché International des Professionels de l’Immobilier), a four-day occasion that draws more than 17,000 real estate professionals from all over the world. So, what is it exactly? A trade fair, of course, but one extending out from the conference centre to the seafront, marquees and luxury hotels, with hundreds of stands, amazing architectural models and a host of events. Yet, don’t misjudge, for all this air of a good day out, the MIPIM really reflects the state of health of the world property markets. During the years of strong growth, some of the stands used to compete with each other in wild extravagance. More recently, in the shadow of the financial crisis, there has been more restraint and a return to reasonable proportions. Geneva, for its part, a small but faithful exhibitor, has not missed the show once in the last nine years. Geneva? In fact, the stand was dedicated to the economic promotion of the whole Lake Geneva Region (LGR) and it was here that were to be found not only the public authorities from Vaud to Haute-Savoie but also companies, professional training institutions, architects, property developers and property managers. The latter including particularly SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE, represented by Dominique Bakis-Métoudi, manager of SPG Asset Development, responsible for handling construction and renovation projects, as well as François Delaite, head of commercial letting since 2006. “Passing from one stand to another, from a lecture here to a gala dinner there, were relaxing ways to keep tabs on all the market trends. And, of course, a place to meet potential clients, investors, banks or companies looking for offices. In 2010, for example, we used the LGR stand to showcase our project for the SaintGeorges Center office building in Geneva (see article on Saint-Georges Center on page 7). Above all, it is also a time to get together with our “natural” partners, people 8

“Don’t misjudge, for all this air of a good day out, the MIPIM really reflects the state of health of the world property markets.”

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

di tha Plea sp t s fair os th e e ed is n MIPIM: the real estate trade fair on the Croisette of lea sur pr fle e op t is er ly ! from our own region. And it’s also an occasion to discuss things with our politicians outside

“The occasion was very enjoyable and very intense and we got back to Geneva with address books full of new contacts and heads full of innovative ideas, not to mention a more realistic assessment of the world economy.”

blatti n28.pdf 18.02.2011 11:32:23

the usual setting. For all of these reasons, the MIPIM has become an indispensable and – why not? – a thoroughly enjoyable venue for networking, the benefits of which are apparent throughout the year.” The central mission of the MIPIM is to boost business, to stimulate networking and to increase contacts. In the end, whether this is between continents or between neighbours makes no difference. What counts are the links that are created. This year, to put a bit more pressure on the accelerator, the MIPIM decided to launch “Investment Labs”, presentation sessions which target the most promising markets and are concentrated within a very short period. This year too, in accordance with tradition, there was a guest of honour, namely the United Kingdom, defending its position at the head of the real estate hierarchy. The second most represented country at MIPIM 2010 with 1,142 companies, just behind France and Monaco (1,226), Britain was more than ever at the forefront this year.Very satisfying for SPG Intercity Geneva, a company which specialises in finding commercial property for foreign and local companies. “As partners of the Cushman & Wakefield network (see article on SPG Intercity Geneva and Cushman & Wakefield on page 61) we were present on their stand as well,” notes Martin Dunning, CEO of SPG Intercity. This gave our participation an international dimension and opened up new doors for us. The business contacts we made at Cannes might not bear fruit until much later but without the MIPIM they would never have existed at all. Cocktail parties, organised meetings or informal get-togethers, are all good for business and increase our opportunities tenfold.The occasion was very enjoyable and very intense and we got back to Geneva with address books full of new contacts and heads full of innovative ideas, not to mention a more realistic assessment of the world economy. Switzerland is an island that has been sheltered from the crisis which has been striking so hard elsewhere, a reality that would be brought home to us during our four days at the MIPIM.” ■ Advertisement

Blatti carrelages MEMBRE DE LA CHAMBRE GENEVOISE DE CARRELAGE ET DE LA CÉRAMIQUE

REVÊTEMENTS MOSAÏQUES MARBRE

T 022 343 60 06 F 022 342 25 88 P 079 206 67 70 www.andreblatti.ch a.blatti@andreblatti.ch

28, rue Alexandre-Gavard 1227 Carouge

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

unusual Take the plunge and live differently!

e ur et is rly ! s en afl pe e s le ro ea this of p l P t d a e th os sp di

Take the plunge and live differently!

“A treehouse is the secret corner you have always been looking for, the place where you can hide from everything and everyone. Up in the treetops, you feel a sense of freedom and solitude that does you good. That’s where I go to find serenity and inspiration.” Yann Arthus-Bertrand

unusual

ired of living in standardised spaces, more and more private By Alexander Zelenka owners are turning their backs on conventional living quarters. So, it’s goodbye to houses and apartments and hello to yurts and treehouses!

If you want to live happily, then live in a treehouse! That might be the slogan of La Cabane Perchée, a French company established by Alain Laurens in 2000, which has already built more than 250 treehouses in Switzerland, France, Italy and Spain. The company has come a long way since its first models were built in the backyard of the home of its chief carpenter Ghislain André, a former Compagnon du Tour de France. The business customers are generally private individuals or tourism professionals who want to spice up their habits with something original. The photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, the first person to become the owner of one of Alain Laurens’s treehouses, did a great deal to publicise the company through his book “Vivons perchés” (published by Editions de la Martinière), in which he presented 50 creations of La Cabane Perchée. In his words, “A treehouse is the secret corner you have always been looking for, the place where you can hide from everything and everyone. Up in the treetops, you feel a sense of freedom and solitude that does you good. That’s where I go to find serenity and inspiration.” Containers recycled to make homes Turning from the countryside to the town, the conversion of shipping containers into housing is another example of alternative living that has been developing over the last few years. Originating in the Netherlands, this innovative concept soon won adherents among architects and private individuals thanks to the many qualities of the container. Strong enough to be piled one on another up to twenty levels on ships, they are watertight and capable of resisting not only corrosion by sea water but also the buffeting of hurricanes and earthquakes. Apart from these technical advantages, they are relatively spacious and can be slotted together in modules like pieces 8

■ For more information: - Cabins: www.la-cabane-perchee.com - Containers: http://containerbydorf. blogspot.com - Floating houses: www.gewoonboot.nl (Only available in Dutch) - Y urts: www.yourtes.ch, www.yourte-contemporaine.com Books: - “Vivons perchés, 50 créations originales de La Cabane Perchée”, published by Ed. La Martinière, 216 pp - “Cabanes d’exception”, La Cabane Perchée», published by Ed. La Martinière, 191 pp - “Cabanes perchées”, Peter et Judy Nelson, published by Ed. Hoëbeke, 224 pp - “Yourtes et Tipis”, Isabelle Bruno, published by Ed. Hoëbeke, 192 pp

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

di tha Ple sp t as unusual os th e ed is en Take the plunge and live differently! of lea sur pr fle e op t i er s ly ! of Lego. During the summer of 2010, the town of Le Havre inaugurated

Treehouse. This single-bed version is priced at around € 15,000 but more sophisticated models can go for as high as € 100,000.

Another type of alternative housing: shipping containers They are watertight and can be piled one on top of one another.

The yurt. The structure is easy to dismantle and move elsewhere.

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

France’s first university residence complex built entirely out of containers in a district looking onto the port. The 100 housing units, each of 25 m2 and fitted with solar panels, all have the same layout: a study/bedroom with a neat interior design, a kitchen, a bathroom and a balcony or terrace. The 20 units on the ground floor are intended for students with reduced mobility. To prepare the containers for their new occupants, they were given a complete makeover. Bay windows were inserted at the opposite ends and the internal width was reduced by 40 cm to take the necessary heat and sound insulation. Reinforced concrete fire walls were installed and rubber blocks fitted to the base to prevent vibration. The residence was erected in less than a year on land provided by the municipality and at a cost of € 5 million, one fifth being financed by the state. Each student pays about € 300 per month, including electricity, water and wifi. If this test Le Havre proves successful, other cities short of low-cost student housing may use the same formula. Living like nomads For anyone who is a nomad at heart, the yurt is an interesting alternative. This circular tent made of cloth, leather and wood which originated in central Asia is now finding a growing number of European fans who would like to try out a new mode of life more in harmony with their convictions, particularly with regard to ecology. As little levelling work is needed, it is possible to avoid the use of the heavy machinery. Since the structure is not fixed to the ground, it can easily be dismantled and moved elsewhere. The ingenious design means that it does not have to be pegged down either, the “walls” being formed of pliable wooden trellises fitted together to form a circle. In the centre, there is a cupola set up on two pillars to support the rods of the frame. It is the number of these “walls” that determines the ground area of the yurt, which can be as high as 125 sq. m. Though it might seem hard to believe, modern yurts provide a considerable level of comfort. Any surfer on the Internet will note the increasing number of companies offering models of all kinds, ranging from minimalist to luxury homes with kitchen, bathroom and mezzanine. They are generally heated with wood fires. It is also possible to install solar panels as a back-up for hot water to bathe. As far as conveniences are concerned, most users opt for so-called dry toilets that do not need water. Depending on the options selected, the prices range from € 3,000 to € 75,000. In her book entitled Yourtes et Tipis, Isabelle Bruno has gathered a number of stories of couples or families who have decided to live in a yurt. “We immediately felt good in this home like a soft nest lined with thick felt,” recall Beatrix and Etienne Decle, “the round shape is in harmony with nature and creates a feeling of peace.” Boats with their own energy supply Finally, while some people aspire to live like nomads, others dream of living on the water. Pioneers of houseboats, the Dutch have helped to revolutionise traditional housing by making use of the space along their canals. It was in this spirit that the DeltaWonen company celebrated its hundredth anniversary with the launch of the geWoonboot, a sort of floating ecological home, a prototype of which is moored on a quay in Amsterdam. At first glance, this wooden cube looks like any other Dutch barge, with a spacious interior of 120 m² that is light and airy thanks to its large bay window. The difference is that this one has no pipes, tubes or cables connecting it to outside services such as water, gas or electricity. This is because the geWoonboot is designed 8

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n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

di tha Ple sp t as unusual os th e ed is en Take the plunge and live differently! of lea sur pr fle e op t i er s ly ! so that, in theory, it consumes no more power than it produces. The solar “Heating comes from the

circulation of waste water under the floors.”

This houseboat moored at a quay in Amsterdam cost € 500,000. Compared to a conventional house the construction cost is fairly low as there is no need to dig foundations.

panels on the roof are connected to batteries that store the photovoltaic energy produced. Heating comes from the circulation of waste water under the floors. When the toilet is flushed, it is rainwater recovered from the roof that does the job. The boat has two 500 litre tanks to store rainwater and the water circulating in a closed system. There are two septic tanks to treat waste water, one for the toilet and the other for the kitchen and bathroom. Half-way through their treatment, these waters are pumped into a single reservoir of used water and then into an outside trough which serves to irrigate the adjoining beds of bamboos and reeds. The roots of these plants filter the water and bacteria do the rest. Before the resulting water becomes drinkable again, it is passed successively through a special filter, a control tank and a final tank fitted with a pump. The waste water is never discharged into the surroundings. Although there is still room to improve the ecological performance of the boat – e.g. the presence of a diesel generator on board means that it cannot yet be declared 100% energy autonomous – this type of housing could well attract a lot of adherents. Moreover, the floating house is also interesting from an economic point of view. The construction cost is relatively low in comparison with a traditional house as there is no need to dig foundations. In fact, the boat rests on floating concrete cases fixed to two pillars solidly planted in the canal bed and these ensure overall stability by adjusting to the changing levels of the water. ■

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- Spring 2011 - n° 28

e ur et is rly ! s partners en afl pe e e o l s Cushman & Wakefield and SPG Intercity – a long-standing partnership r ea this of p l P t d a th ose sp di The SPG Intercity team in Geneva consists of thirty-three employees, all focused on the same task – providing advice and selling commercial property to companies and investors in Switzerland.

Cushman & Wakefield and SPG Intercity – a long-standing partnership

he partnership between SPG Intercity and the British firm Cushman & Wakefield has been in existence since 1991 in Zurich and 1996 in Geneva. Let’s take a closer look at this fruitful relationship.

Who is SPG Intercity? And who is Cushman & Wakefield? On the one hand, SPG Intercity is an independent entity within the SPG organisation that specialises in providing a mainly international clientele of companies and investors with advice on all aspects of the commercial property business in Switzerland, from finding and selling properties to advising on the restructuring of portolios, business reorganisations and the like. With thirty three employees and offices in Geneva, Zurich and Basle, SPG Intercity has developed right after the abolition of the Lex Friedrich in 1998, the law which used to prohibit the sale of real property to foreigners. On the other, Cushman & Wakefield is an international network of real estate professionals, with a hundred and fifty sites worldwide and 13,000 employees at work on all five continents. The alliance with this powerful group dates back to even before the establishment of SPG Intercity itself. For the top people in the Geneva property management company, it was always a matter of being ready to go into action as soon as the market opened up. How does it work? The British giant offers its world network to its partners in exchange for local representation and related information. What are the best locations in terms of town and street? How much do you have to pay per square metre? How is the market moving? What are the best investment sites? All of this is at world level. The numerous brochures published by Cushman & Wakefield answer such questions as: What does it cost to rent an office in Tokyo? (€ 1,441 per square metre per annum on average). Or industrial premises in Bratislava? (€ 56 per square metre p.a.). The partners meet every three months in the London offices of Cushman & Wakefield, not just out of routine but rather for solid exchanges. As Martin Dunning, CEO of SPG Intercity, explains: “There is of course a formal obligation to take note of the strategy of Cushman & Wakefield, to exchange information on market trends and to check that business is 8

partners By Claude Juillard

“SPG Intercity is an independent entity within the SPG organisation that specialises in providing advice on all aspects of the commercial property business.”

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

di tha Plea sp t s partners os th e e ed is n Cushman & Wakefield and SPG Intercity – a long-standing partnership of lea sur pr fle e op t is er ly ! proceeding as planned. The contract between us runs for five-year renewable periods. But

“But there is a whole series of fine points of law at the regional level which can become insurmountable obstacles when transactions are conducted from one continent to another and involve two or three different cultures.”

■ For

further information:

Martin Dunning Manager of SPG Intercity Geneva Route de Frontenex 41 A CH – 1207 Geneva Tel.+41 22 707 46 80 Fax +41 22 707 46 77 E-mail geneva@spgintercity.ch fonceca quart25.pdf www.spgintercity.ch 27.01.2009 11:25:09

these meetings are also an occasion for us to put a face to a name or a voice and to renew acquaintanceships. Whether we come together in conference rooms or passing in corridors, all sorts of opportunities arise for communications which subsequently lead on to some deal or other. This is what keeps the partnership dynamic and it’s indispensable.” What’s the point of all this? There are two sides to it: on one hand, the pragmatic aspect of the figures and, on the other, the indefinable benefits of human relationships. Let’s begin with the figures: Cushman and Wakefield has accounted for about 20% of the turnover of SPG Intercity over its ten years of existence. On the human side, the partnership contributes, for example, a great deal in terms of vocational training. This aspect, governed by the famous Red Book across the Channel, is taken very seriously and is now being disseminated within the framework of the IEI (Geneva Institute of Real Estate Studies), which now offers a masters course that has been granted the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors label. “We have recently become involved in teaching international practices, a duty imposed by the RICS label. In short, we indirectly pass on the knowledge that we have gained from them and put it to good use here as they would have done themselves. It is done in our own name but under their banner. All of our publications carry their logo and that gives an international dimension to our activity.” Who benefits? For Cushman & Wakefield, the benefit of the partnership is measured above all in terms of knowledge of the local market, a knowledge that is indispensable but that could not be gained from London. This involves not only price trends but also the specifics of the business, which vary greatly from one country to another. For example, the law governing leases is not an international commonplace, far from it, even though professionals share a common corpus of knowledge. “To take another example, while the notions of profitability are the same for everybody, there is a whole series of fine points of law at the regional level which can become insurmountable obstacles when transactions are conducted from one continent to another and involve two or three different cultures.” What are the advantages for clients? They enjoy the benefit of the same quality of service worldwide and have a partner within easy reach. If a Geneva-based company wishes to establish itself in Asia, SPG Intercity remains the interlocutor and demands its Asian contacts through Cushman & Wakefield. If an American company is looking for offices in Switzerland, Cushman & Wakefield has recourse to its Swiss allies who then take care of the job just as a British estate agent would do. “The estate agency business has become a lot more professional thanks to these international partnerships,” recalls Martin Dunning. “It is an excellent development for the business and for our clients.” ■

Rue des Rois 2 CH - 1204 Genève Tél. +41 22 321 73 23 Fax +41 22 321 73 23 Natel +41 76 389 73 23 fonseca-fernando@hotmail.com

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

SALE OF PRESTIGIOUS HOUSES, APARTMENTS AND RESIDENCES

YOUR HOME IN NEIGHBOURING FRANCE

A short distance from the French-Swiss border (Gaillard), the IFA Agency makes its in-depth knowledge of the region and its expertise in the ďŹ eld of residential real estate available to its clients. IFA is the French subsidiary of the SPG Group and for more than 20 years has been advising future owners who wish to purchase a prestigious house, chalet, apartment or residence in Haute-Savoie or Pays de Gex. IFA listens carefully to its clients and believes that direct communication and a personalised approach work best. Due to its know-how and skills acquired over many years, it is able to provide the legal, tax and administrative advice that is essential to the success of your real estate purchase.

SPG GROUP, A NETWORK OF SKILLS FOR COMPREHENSIVE REAL ESTATE ADVICE

IFA AGENCY

3, place Porte-de-France FR - 74 240 Gaillard Tel.: +33 4 50 87 05 80 Fax: +33 4 50 87 08 23 E-mail: ifa@wanadoo.fr www.agence-ifa.fr

e ur et is rly ! s en afl pe e s le ro ea this of p l P t d a e th os sp di

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE: OBLIGATION TO INFORM

Since January the 1st of 2011, it has become compulsory for real-estate advertisements to refer to the energy performance certificate of the property concerned, thus permitting prospective buyers inform themselves the relevant energy performance. This rule applies to properties being sold or leased, except for holiday lets and rural leases. The energy performance diagnosis, which must be carried out by a diagnostic expert, is now mandatory for every sale of real property. The advertisements may cite an “energy” rating on the basis of a scale running from A (virtuous, non-polluting) to G (highly polluting) or a “climate” rating for the green-house gas emissions of the property, again on the basis of a scale running from A (virtuous, non-polluting) to G (highly polluting). The diagnostic engineer may also make recommendations that would enable the user to consume less energy and save money doin so, but there is no obligation on the owner to carry out works. The energy performance certificate, which remains valid for ten years, is intended only to inform, not to constrain. The obligation to cite the energy certificate in real estate advertisements in whatever medium is solely intended to provide the future buyer with information.

REFORM OF VAT ON REAL ESTATE

IFA Agency

The IFA Agency, a French subsidiary of the SPG Group specialising in the sale of properties in Haute-Savoie and in the Pays de Gex, provides you with information on current developments in the French property market.

brief IFA

The new tax rules

a private individual has built or has had built. This type of sale now escapes VAT as the seller is by definition a person not liable for tax. In practice, this means that the seller will not have any residual VAT to return to the treasury on his capital gains. On the other hand, the buyer will have to pay “ordinary” costs in the order of 6.5% (of which 5.09% for the State). 8

Lac Léman

SUISSE

Cointrin ne

Genève Annemasse Gaillard

Canton de Genève

Saint-Julienen-Genevois

Haute-Savoie (74)

Sale within the five years following its completion of a house that

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signed through a professional or registered with the tax department before the entry into force of the new law will enjoy the benefit of the old law or, if the parties agree otherwise, the new one. In the light of the foregoing, let us consider a few practical examples.

Pays de Gex (01) Ferney-Voltaire

For the transition period, the act provides that the preliminary contracts

Where to find the IFA Agency?

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The amended finance act for 2010 takes into consideration the reform of VAT applying to real property. The law, which came into force on 11 March 2010, has introduced significant changes in the tax rules for real estate sales. One of the main innovations is the fact that now it is always the seller who will be deemed liable for VAT and that only a seller liable to tax will be deemed responsible. However, the term seller liable to tax has not yet been clearly defined. It would appear that this means any person carrying on an independent professional activity and acting within the framework of his economic activity. On the other hand, a person who conducts real estate operations outside of an economic activity would be deemed to be not liable for tax. A further innovation concerns the regulations for the sale of building land. In the past, the undertaking to build, expressing the intention of the buyer, was sufficient to qualify a plot as “building land” and to bring it within the scope of VAT. From now on, however, the notion of “building land” will depend solely on the possibility of building on it, having regard to the town planning rules (district development plan or any such document which may be applicable).

FRANCE

IFA Agency 3, place Porte-de-France F-74240 Gaillard Tel: +33 4 50 87 05 80 Fax: +33 4 50 87 08 23 email: ifa@wanadoo.fr www.agence-ifa.fr Trams: 12, 16 or 17 – Moillesulaz stop. A five minute walk from the border.

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

mmodossier

Les écoles du monde

IFA Agency

mmodossier

L’écolepour tous, chacun pour soi!

20th anniversary celebration of the IFA Agency

di tha Ple sp t as os th e ed is en of lea sur pr fle e op t i er s ly ! NB: the same will apply for all sales of properties by non-liable private individuals completed in less than five years, EXCEPT in the following case.

Sale within the five years following its completion of an apartment or a bungalow that a private individual has acquired with a view to its future state of completion (off-plan purchase) By way of exception, this type of sale will be subject to VAT as in the past. This means that the seller will be liable for the VAT (on the total price) while the buyer will enjoy “reduced” costs (2.5%). Sale of a real property within the five years following its completion by a real estate professional (trade or contractor). All disposals taking place within the five year period are liable to VAT payable by the seller. The buyer will enjoy “reduced” costs (2.5%).

Aisha Arrighi, manager of the IFA Agency and Thierry Barbier-Mueller, CEO of SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE.

Guests of the IFA Agency.

Sale of building land by one private individual to another private individual. This type of sale now escapes VAT as in the past but for the new reason that the seller is not deemed to be a person liable to tax. The seller will not be liable for VAT, while the buyer will have to pay “ordinary” costs in the order of 6.5%. Sale of building land by a regular developer to a private individual. This type of sale will now fall within the scope of VAT. This means that the seller will be liable to VAT – either on the total price (if the land gave rise to a deduction at the time of its acquisition) – or on the gross margin (if the land did not give rise to a deduction at the time of its acquisition). In the event of VAT on the margin, the buyer will pay “ordinary” costs (6.5%) and in the event of VAT on the total price “reduced” costs (2.5%). ■

TABLE OF NOTARY’S FEES

Guests of the IFA Agency.

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

Price (in Euros)

Fees (in Euros)

Percentage (%)

100 000

7 300

7,30

140 000

9 800

180 000

12 300

6,83

220 000

14 700

6,68

260 000

17 300

6,65

300 000

19 700

6,57

340 000

22 100

6,50

380 000

24 600

6,47

420 000

27 100

6,45

460 000

29 600

6,43

500 000

32 000

6,40

540 000

34 500

6,39

580 000

37 000

6,38

620 000

39 400

6,35

660 000

41 900

6,35

700 000

44 400

6,34

800 000

50 600

6,33

WWW.IB-SERVICES.CH

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Excès de Zèle

Nettoyage / Fin de chantier / Entretien de bureaux Traitements de sols / Désinfection / Conciergerie T +41 22 732 30 69 - BAJRAM@IB-SERVICES.CH

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n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

- Spring 2011 - n째 28

WHEN SERVICE BECOMES AN ART

www.spgfinestproperties.ch

FINDING & SELLING PRESTIGIOUS PROPERTIES Due to its affiliation to the international CHRISTIE’S network, the SPG Finest Properties real estate agency can provide you with a unique service, which includes the sale, purchase and rental of luxury and prestigious properties. Enter the world of SPG Finest Properties to benefit from this fusion of property and art. Exclusive to French-speaking Switzerland.

SPG FINEST PROPERTIES r Route de Frontenex 41 A r CH - 1207 Geneva T +4122 707 46 60 r F +4122 707 46 66 r info @spg finestproperties.ch r www.spgfinestproperties.ch GENEVA r VAUD r VALAIS r NEUCHÂTEL r GSTAAD

Luxury and mountain tradition

GERMANY

France - Megève FRANCE

SWITZERLAND

Megève

SPAIN

ITALY

On the heights of mont d’Arbois, only 10 minutes’ walk from the town center resort of Megève, are nestled 2 beautiful chalets standing on a large, south-facing plot of about 8,000 sq.m. benefiting from an exceptional number of hours’ sunshine at the foot of the ski slopes. The main chalet from the 19th-century has a living area of approx. 500 sq. m. and comprises 6 bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. This chalet also has a fully fitted-out caretaker’s apartment. The second chalet, which is being renovated, offers the possibility of a guest house with approx. 250 sq.m. Price: CHF

CHF 4 - 8 Million

Energy label: E

8 -12 M.

12 -15 M.

15 -20 M.

SPG Finest Properties Route de Frontenex 41 A CH-1207 Geneva T +4122 707 4660 F +4122 707 4666 info@spgfinestproperties.ch www.spgfinestproperties.ch

20 M.

Between history and high tech

GE R M A N Y

switzerland - Clarens (Vaud)

FRANCE

SWITZERLAND Clarens (VD)

I TA LY

AU S T R I A

Located on top of a rocky promontory, this exquisite manor house opens onto a panoramic view of Lake Léman, the first mountains of the French Alps and the Rhône valley with, in the background, the imposing Dents du Midi range. Built in the early years of the 20th century and shaped by the latest trends in design, comfort and technological innovation, this extremely sophisticated residence offers a quintessential lifestyle on five levels. An elevator provides the link between the floors, enabling the residents to easily take advantage of the 1 400 sq. m. of living area. Price: CHF

CHF 4 - 8 Million

8 -12 M.

12 -15 M.

15 -20 M.

20 M.

SPG Finest Properties Route de Frontenex 41 A CH-1207 Geneva T +4122 707 4660 F +4122 707 4666 info@spgfinestproperties.ch www.spgfinestproperties.ch

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

A ll w our w o w. ff sp er g.c s o h n

Property pages Houses for sale

SALES

VÉsenaz (GE): for sale Houses THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

er ’én nd tio tion a m p som sum con con ble ergy i a n ,f vie r e de owe ité life, l l a qu of ure lity ille ua Me her q Hig

gie

In a quiet residential area, superb new developments 3 10 contemporary houses to be built for sale • Exceptional location • Modern architecture • Quiet and green setting Direct access to Geneva • Between the countryside and the shores of the lake

NEW

UILD

Minimum 220 m2 useable area • High quality finishings

From CHF 2,205,885.– to CHF 2,386,000.– Fittings to be chosen by the buyer. Completion 1st half of 2012.

RESIDENTIAL SALES – Société Privée de Gérance R oute de Frontenex 41 A – 1207 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 61 40 – Fax: 022 849 61 05 sale@spg.ch – www.spg.ch

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

Have you fallen in love with this house ? – Tel. 022 849 61 40

n so r ffe g.ch o ur .sp ll o ww A w

Property pages Houses for sale

SALES

g e n E V A AN D S U R R O U N D I N G A R EAS : f o r s a l e Houses THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

2. HERMANCE – Pleasant house with plenty of natural light of approx. 190 m2 situated on a plot of approx. 800 m2 with a swimming pool. It has a living room with fireplace opening onto a terrace, 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. CHF 2,600,000.–

Bo ok ed

ab Ho un us da e w nt it lig h ht

1. THÔNEX – Semi-detached house situated close to stores and public transport. Its living area of 170 m2 includes a living room with fireplace, a dining room, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Option of creating a mezzanine due to the high ceilings. Converted basement. Plot of approx. 650 m2. CHF 1,780,000.–

4. ONEX – A lovely bungalow with abundant natural light situated in a quiet and green area close to a park. The living room with fireplace opens onto a wide terrace and a garden planted with trees. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Office, games room, pleasant terrace, cellar, garage and parking. Useable area: approx. 230 m2. CHF 1,825,000.–

5. VERNIER – This charming house with character is situated in a green environment in Vernier close to public transport on an attractive plot of more than 1,700 m2. It has real potential, is well insulated and has plenty of storage space. There is a dining room, living room with fireplace and a south-facing terrace and 4 bedrooms including one with a balcony.There is also a basement with a cellar. Area : approx. 220 m2. CHF 1,690,000.–

6.VERSOIX – This magnificent property is set on a plot of approx. 1,400 m2. It is very spacious and is in a quiet and sought-after residential area. It has 4 bedrooms and a living room-dining room with terrace. Large workshop of 60 m2 that could be converted into a studio apartment. CHF 2,950,000.–

So ut hfa cin g

3. THÔNEX – This superb recently built house (2004) has 4 bedrooms and very light, spacious living areas. It also has a studio apartment with a separate entrance and a heated veranda of 25 m2. CHF 1,690,000.–

RESIDENTIAL SALES – Société Privée de Gérance R oute de Frontenex 41 A – 1207 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 61 40 – Fax: 022 849 61 05 sale@spg.ch – www.spg.ch Contact us to finance it. – Tel. 022 849 61 32

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

A ll w our w o w. ff sp er g.c s o h n

Property pages Houses for sale

SALES

g e n E V A AN D S U R R O U N D I N G A R EAS : f o r s a l e Houses THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

8. VEYRIER – Warm detached house situated on a lovely plot of more than 1,200 m2 facing fully south. Its living area of 210 m2 includes a living room with fireplace, a fitted kitchen and 4 bedrooms including a master bedroom with shower. A beautiful garden planted with trees and equipped with a barbecue and swimming pool adds to the comfort of this property. CHF 3,680,000.–

O sw ptio im n o m ff in itt g in po g ol

7. COINTRIN – Pleasant semi-detached house in a contemporary style. Spacious and light, it has 3/4 bedrooms and a separate studio apartment. Outdoor swimming pool. Plot: approx. 600 m2. CHF 2,480,000.–

9. COLLONGE-BELLERIVE – This superb semi-detached house opens onto an attractive garden and is situated in a quiet residential area. It has 2 living rooms, one with a terrace, an open-plan fitted kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a mezzanine and a converted basement. Living area: 140 m2, plot of more than 600 m2. CHF 1,850,000.–

10. VERNIER – This 165 m2 house is set on a perfectly maintained plot of approx. 1,300 m2 arranged into a large garden and a small garden. It is divided into two 4-room apartments with a basement. Its proximity to stores and bus routes makes it an ideal place to live. CHF 1,595,000.–

notice to owners

For our exclusive clients we are seeking in Geneva on the left bank: DETACHED HOUSE, LAND AND APARTMENT FOR SALE. Quick sale and discretion guaranteed. Contact us on 022 849 61 40.

11. CORSIER – 5 magnificent houses with contemporary architecture are for sale.They are in a residential area and their living areas ranging from 100 m2 to 125 m2 can be fitted out as the buyer wishes. CHF 1,890,000.– to CHF 2,190,000.–

RESIDENTIAL SALES – Société Privée de Gérance R oute de Frontenex 41 A – 1207 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 61 40 – Fax: 022 849 61 05 sale@spg.ch – www.spg.ch

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

Do you have a house to sell ? – Tel. 022 849 61 40

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Property pages Residential sales

#ALLĂ&#x2013;ONĂ&#x2013;OURĂ&#x2013;BROKERS Ă&#x2013;FORĂ&#x2013;PERSONALISEDĂ&#x2013;ADVICE /URĂ&#x2013;SERVICES ď ľ

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#ONTACTĂ&#x2013;USĂ&#x2013;ONĂ&#x2013; Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2013; SALE SPG CH )NFORMATIONĂ&#x2013;WITHOUTĂ&#x2013;OBLIGATION

SOCIĂ&#x2030;TĂ&#x2030; PRIVĂ&#x2030;E DE GĂ&#x2030;RANCE Route de Frontenex 41 A | CH - 1207 Geneva | www.spg.ch Tel.: +41 22 849 61 40 | Fax : +41 22 849 61 05 SPG-RYTZ Group

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You can find all our offers at www.spg.ch

nÂ° 28 - Springs 2011 -

14/03/2011 13:20:59

Sales

ÂŠ iStock

genE VA AND S U R R O U N DING AR EAS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; VAU D: for s a les Houses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Apartments â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chalets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Plots

A ll w our w o w. ff sp er g.c s o h n

Property pages Apartments for sale

SALES

g e n E V A AN D S U R R O U N D I N G A R EAS : FOR SALE Apartments

M ag tr nif ip ice le n x t

THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

2. COLLONGE-BELLERIVE – Triplex double aspect apartment with 100 m2 garden and view of Mont Blanc in a quiet setting. Situated close to amenities, it has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Living area: approx. 300 m2. CHF 2,700,000.–

3. CORSIER - This 7-room attic duplex of 217 m2 is situated in a residential area. It is a double aspect apartment with 2 balconies offering an open view. It is comprised of a dining room, a modern kitchen, 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, a shower room and w.-c. on the 1st floor. Upstairs there is a living room, a bedroom and a shower room. Cellar and double parking space. CHF 1,850,000.–

4. CHÊNE-BOUGERIES – Attractive 6-room apartment in a recent residential building with an open view, situated in a quiet setting with services and a school close by. It is comprised of a hall, a living room, 4 bedrooms including one with a balcony, a fitted kitchen, bathroom and shower room. CHF 1,490,000.–

a re ar side ea n tia l

1. CHAMPEL - This 4-room apartment is situated in a prestigious building only a few minutes away from stores and public transport. It has a spacious living room, a fitted kitchen, 2 bedrooms with a lovely garden view, a bathroom, a w.-c. and a cellar. Parking space can be rented. CHF 1,700,000.–

5. OLD TOWN (GE) – Close to Parc des Bastions, this warm 3-room apartment is situated in a building with character very close to stores and public transport. It has the following layout: an entrance hall, a light and spacious living room, one bedroom, a bathroom, a w.-c., a separate fitted kitchen and a cellar. CHF 1,270,000.–

6. COLOGNY – This light 6-room apartment of more than 150 m2 is situated 3 minutes away from Cologny golf course and has an open view of the park. It is comprised of 3 bedrooms, two bath/shower rooms, a spacious living room opening onto a loggia of 27 m2 and a fitted kitchen.An attractive spiral staircase leads up to the mezzanine and living room with fireplace.There is also a lock-up garage and a cellar. CHF 3,700,000.–

RESIDENTIAL SALES – Société Privée de Gérance R oute de Frontenex 41 A – 1207 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 61 40 – Fax: 022 849 61 05 sale@spg.ch – www.spg.ch

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

Have you fallen in love with an apartment ? – Tel. 022 849 61 40

n so r ffe g.ch o ur .sp ll o ww A w

Property pages Apartments for sale

SALES

g e n E V A AN D S U R R O U N D I N G A R EAS : FOR SALE Apartments

a re ar side ea n tia l

THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

8. VERSOIX – Elegant 4-room apartment situated on the ground floor of a secure, prestigious apartment building. It is in a quiet setting a short distance from the lake with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fireplace, a hall opening onto the living room and an open-plan fitted kitchen. Living area: 138 m2. CHF 2,250,000.–

9. COLOGNY – In a prestigious apartment building with swimming pool and jacuzzi, this 4-room double aspect apartment offers an ideal lifestyle due to its relaxing environment. Living area: 134 m2. CHF 2,250,000.–

10. GENEVA - LEFT BANK – This superb 10-room, double aspect, duplex apartment is situated on the top two floors of a prestigious apartment building close to public transport, services and Bertrand Park. It has a panoramic view of the city. The rooms are bathed in natural light and open onto large terraces and a balcony. Living area: 300 m2. CHF 5,800,000.–

a re ar side ea n tia l

Ex ce pt io na l

7. MEYRIN VILLAGE – This light 5-room apartment is situated close to all amenities. It is comprised of a superb living room with fireplace, a fitted kitchen, 3 bedrooms, a bathroom and w.-c. There is a pleasant open view from the loggia. A cellar, an inside parking space and an outside one are included in the sale price. CHF 1,360,000.–

11. PETIT-LANCY – In a green setting, this 7-room duplex apartment is situated in a renovated house. The ground floor is comprised of a fitted kitchen, living room and dining room. The entire upper floor has sloping ceilings and has 3 bedrooms and a bathroom. Living area: 174 m2. CHF 1,350,000.–

12.VERSOIX – This apartment is situated in a green setting close to the lake. It has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a spacious living room with fireplace. It has a 90 m2 terrace planted with trees, a loggia and a balcony. The basement is converted into an air conditioned wine cellar, a storage cellar and a lockup garage. Living area: 211 m2. CHF 3,690,000.–

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

A ll w our w o w. ff sp er g.c s o h n

Property pages Financing and insurance

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financing and insurance

g e n e v a , v a ud AN D f r e n c h b ord e r a r e a Financing and Insurance

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SOCIĂ&#x2030;TĂ&#x2030; PRIVĂ&#x2030;E DE GĂ&#x2030;RANCE Route de Frontenex 41 A | CH - 1207 Geneva | www.spg.ch Tel.: +41 22 849 61 61 | Fax : +41 22 849 61 07 SPG-RYTZ Group

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- Spring 2011 - nÂ° 28

Do you have a house to sellâ&#x20AC;&#x2030;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tel. 022 849 61 40

14/03/2011 13:18:22

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Property pages Apartments and houses for sale

SALES

g e n e v a AN D S U R R O U N D I N G A R EAS : FOR SALE Apartments and houses THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

lOCATION

no of rooms

pRICE

advantages

area

Apartments Les hauts de Carouge

5 rooms

CHF 2,390,000.– Apartment on two floors with a generous living area. Its rooms with sloping ceilings and 35 m2 mezzanine give it a lot of character. It has a kitchen, dining room, master bedroom, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 double lock-up garages and a cellar.

129 m2

Corsier

7 rooms

CHF 1,850,000.– This apartment is in a quiet setting close to stores and public transport. Its living area of approx. 217 m2 includes 2 living rooms, one with a fireplace, a dining room, a fitted Bosch kitchen, 4 bedrooms and a dressing room. Cellar and lock-up garage.

217 m2

Meyrin

5 rooms

CHF 1,360,000.– This charming duplex apartment is situated close to stores and has a superb living room with a fireplace, fitted kitchen and 3 bedrooms. Inside and outside parking. 10 m2 loggia.

128 m2

Versoix

4 rooms

CHF 2,250,000.– This charming apartment is situated in a very sought-after residential area in a very prestigious secure apartment building close to the lake. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, an open-plan fitted kitchen opening onto the living room, an air conditioned wine cellar and a lock-up garage.

137 m2

Chêne-Bougeries

4 rooms

CHF 1,490,000.– This attractive 6-room apartment is in a prestigious apartment building. Its quiet and green setting offers a very pleasant lifestyle. It has a living room, 4 bedrooms, a fitted kitchen and two bath/shower rooms. It also has a lock-up garage.

138 m2

Collonge-Bellerive

6.5 rooms

CHF 2,700,000.– This double aspect triplex apartment has a lovely view of Mont Blanc. Its generous area is extended by an attractive garden of 100 m2. It has a living room, dining room with fireplace, 3 bedrooms, a lock-up garage and 2 outside parking spaces.

312 m2

Thônex

6 rooms

CHF 1,780,000.– Situated close to stores and public transport, this house includes a living room with fireplace, a dining room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with the option of creating a mezzanine. Converted basement. Plot of 650 m2.

170 m2

Vernier

6 rooms

CHF 1,690,000.– This charming house with character is situated in a quiet and green environment in Vernier on an attractive plot of more than 1,700 m2. It has real potential, is well insulated and has plenty of storage space. There is a dining room, living room with fireplace and a south-facing terrace and 4 bedrooms including one with a balcony. There is also a basement with a cellar.

220 m2

Hermance

8 rooms

CHF 2,600,000.– This pleasant house with abundant natural light was built in 2001 and is set on a plot planted with trees of more than 800 m2 with a swimming pool. It has a living room, a fitted kitchen, 4 bedrooms, a master bedroom and a converted basement.

186 m2

Houses

RESIDENTIAL SALES – Société Privée de Gérance R oute de Frontenex 41 A – 1207 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 61 40 – Fax: 022 849 61 05 sale@spg.ch – www.spg.ch You can find all our offers at www.spg.ch

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

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Property pages Buildings for sale

SALES

g e n e v a AN D S U R R O U N D I N G A R EAS : F o r SALE Buildings THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

1. CITY CENTRE (GE) – 66 m2 air conditioned shopping arcade fully renovated in 2009 with fitted kitchenette. Available immediately. Any type of business possible except for restaurant. Private sale and in condominium (PPE). Theoretical gross return: 5.78%. Sale to foreign residents authorised. CHF 970,000.–

2. CAROUGE – In condominium (PPE), 425 m2 of offices and 7 parking spaces in an industrial and small business area. 100 % administrative business welcome. Very good general condition: air conditioning, conference rooms, reception, elevator, etc. Free of any lease and available soon.Theoretical gross return: 7.89 %. Sale to foreign residents authorised. CHF 1,990,000.–

3. LAUSANNE CENTRE – Mixed use building built in 1575 and renovated in 1988 comprised of a 260 m2 shopping arcade and 390 m2 for 7 apartments. Ideal location in pedestrian zone close to Place de la Riponne and subway M2. Gross return: 4.64 % with high potential for improvement. CHF 5,175,000.–

4. CITY CENTRE (GE) – Left bank, a short distance from the city centre, on the ground floor of a mixed use condominium (PPE) dating from 1992, 4 8 lots of rented shopping arcades and offices from 64 m2 to 287 m2 + warehouses for sale offering a gross return of between 4.92 % and 6.63 %. Lot from CHF 485,000.–

5. LEFT BANK (GE) – Comfortable offices of approx. 170 m2 on the upper ground floor of a building situated in the heart of Champel, in a quiet setting. Sold with three parking spaces and a warehouse. Private sale and in a condominium (PPE). CHF 1,800,000.–

6. LEFT BANK (GE) – High profile commercial property in first class location, on 2 levels, comprising an area of approximately 245 m2 of open space on ground floor and 178 m2 on basement. Property comes with 6 rented parking places. Entry date to be agreed. CHF 3,900,000.–

BUiLDING sales valuations – Société Privée de Gérance R oute de Chêne 36 – 1208 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 65 54/51 – Fax: 022 849 61 04 buildings@spg.ch – www.spgbuildings.ch

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

The panorama of property – www.immorama.ch

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Property pages Building sales valuations

/WNERS Ă&#x2013;YOUĂ&#x2013;WOULDĂ&#x2013;LIKEĂ&#x2013;TOĂ&#x2013;KNOW ď ľ

Visit r u o website ildings.ch www.spgbu

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#ALLĂ&#x2013;ONĂ&#x2013;OURĂ&#x2013;ADVISORS #ONTACTĂ&#x2013;USĂ&#x2013;ONĂ&#x2013; Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2013; BUILDINGS SPG CH WWW SPGBUILDINGS CH )NFORMATIONĂ&#x2013;WITHOUTĂ&#x2013;OBLIGATION

SOCIĂ&#x2030;TĂ&#x2030; PRIVĂ&#x2030;E DE GĂ&#x2030;RANCE Route de ChĂŞne 36 | CH - 1208 Geneva | www.spg.ch Tel.: +41 22 849 61 61 | Fax: +41 22 849 61 07 SPG-RYTZ Group

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SALES

ÂŠiStock

g e n e v a â&#x20AC;&#x201C; v a ud : F o r s a l e building sales valuations

A ll w our w o w. ff sp er g.c s o h n

Property pages Apartments and houses to rent

Re no va te d

sw Ho im use m w in ith g a po ol

ho us e

THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

2. BELLEVUE – Semi-detached house surrounded by trees with a co-owned swimming pool and tennis court. 7 rooms including a large, light living room and a fireplace, dining room and new fitted kitchen. Upstairs: 3 bedrooms, a master bedroom with bathroom. Converted basement with games room. 2 garages. Attractive garden/terrace. Available immediately. Rent: CHF

Q ui et an d

re Fu no ll va y te d

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1. GENTHOD – Semi-detached house comprised of a fitted kitchen opening onto a dining/living room, a 2nd living room with access to the garden and swimming pool. On the 1st floor, 5 bedrooms, a shower room and bathroom. Converted attic. Converted basement with games room, laundry, shower and sauna. Garage and outside parking space.Availability to be agreed. Rent: CHF

4. CROIX-DE-ROZON – 5.5-room 127 m2 double aspect duplex apartment on the 3rd floor, open view, including on the 1st floor: living room/dining room with terrace, kitchen with dining corner. Room with washing machine/tumble drier, bedroom and bathroom. 2nd floor: bedroom, mezzanine, living room and shower room. Cellar and parking space.Available immediately. Rent: CHF

ho us e

Pr es ti w giou ith s te apa rr rt ac m e e nt

3. ACACIAS – Close to all amenities, fully renovated apartment comprised of a large living room, fully fitted open-plan kitchen, small bedroom, separate w.-c., fully fitted bathroom with double washbasin, 2 bedrooms (with wooden floor). Available immediately. Rent: CHF

Fa m ily

RENTALS

g e n e v a AN D S U R R O U N D I N G A R EAS : F o r RE N T Apartments and houses

5. ONEX – Attractive 6-room semi-detached house (3 bedrooms) of approximately 150 m² on a plot of approximately 640 m2. Living room with fireplace and terrace, dining room, fitted kitchen, 2 bedrooms with balconies, bathroom/ shower room, master bedroom with en suite bathroom/balcony. Mezzanine under the eaves with 2 verandas. Rent: CHF Price / month range: CHF

1-5,000.–

6. CONCHES – 8-room apartment on two half-levels, with large terrace, spacious dining room/living room with fireplace and access onto the terrace, fitted kitchen, 2nd living room/library, office, 3 bedrooms each with en-suite bath/ shower room, w.-c. Cellar, garage.Available immediately. Rent: CHF

5-10,000.–

10-15,000.–

15,000.–

residential RENTALS – Société Privée de Gérance R oute de Chêne 36 – 1208 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 61 50 – Fax: 022 849 61 81 rent@spg.ch – www.spg.ch

- Springs 2011 - n° 28

You can find all our offers at www.spg.ch

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Property pages House to rent

RENTALS

l e f t b a n k ( G E ) : f o r r e nt House THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

Detached house with swimming pool The feel of Provence a short distance from Geneva • Dining room opening onto the living room with fireplace and fitted kitchen (terrace access) • Veranda • Master bedroom with fully fitted bathroom • 3 bedrooms with wardrobes • Office or TV room • Fully fitted bathroom • Guest room with fully fitted shower room • Wine cellar • 2-car garage Available: 1st May 2011. Rent: CHF

Price / month range: CHF

1-5,000.–

5-10,000.–

10-15,000.–

15,000.–

residential RENTALS – Société Privée de Gérance R oute de Chêne 36 – 1208 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 61 50 – Fax: 022 849 61 81 rent@spg.ch – www.spg.ch Subscribe to our Newsletters: publications@spg.ch

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

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Property pages Apartment for rent

RENTALS

O L D T O WN ( G E ) : FOR RE N T Apartment THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

In the heart of the Old Town Rare property with a lot of character • Beautifully renovated double aspect apartment of approx. 185 m2 • Large living room with black marble fireplace and plenty of storage space • Fitted kitchen, large bedroom with white marble fireplace and shower room • Master bedroom with fully fitted bathroom • High ceilings

Available immediately. Rent: CHF

Price / month range: CHF

1-5,000.–

5-10,000.–

10-15,000.–

15,000.–

residential RENTALS – Société Privée de Gérance R oute de Chêne 36 – 1208 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 61 50 – Fax: 022 849 61 81 rent@spg.ch – www.spg.ch

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

Have you fallen in love with this apartment ? – Tel. 022 849 61 50

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Property pages Apartment for rent

RENTALS

M a l a g n ou ( G E ) : f o r r e nt Apartment THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

Magnificent triplex of 450 m2 Large terrace with panoramic view • On the 7th floor: living room with wooden floor, 4 bedrooms and 3 fully fitted bathrooms • On the 8th floor: master bedroom with bathroom and dressing room, marble living room with direct access to the dining room, closet with w.-c. and modern fitted kitchen • On the 9th floor: large living room with fireplace and semi-panoramic terrace • 4 parking spaces (including 3 inside) and cellar • Possibility of furnished rental

Available immediately. Rent: CHF Price / month range: CHF

1-5,000.–

5-10,000.–

10-15,000.–

15,000.–

residential RENTALS – Société Privée de Gérance R oute de Chêne 36 – 1208 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 61 50 – Fax: 022 849 61 81 rent@spg.ch – www.spg.ch Do you have offices to let ? – Tel. 022 849 62 00

n° 28 - Springs 2011 -

A ll w our w o w. ff sp er g.c s o h n

Property pages Apartment for rent

RENTALS

f l ori s s a n t ( G E ) : f o r r e nt Apartment THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

Elegant double aspect furnished apartment Excellent condition • Hall with wooden floor and closet • Dressing room, fully fitted bathroom, service entrance with closet • Large living room/dining room with attractive wooden floor and access to the balcony • Fitted kitchen, fully fitted shower room, 2 bedrooms with access to the balcony • Covered parking space

Available immediately. Rent: CHF

Price / month range: CHF

1-5,000.–

5-10,000.–

10-15,000.–

15,000.–

residential RENTALS – Société Privée de Gérance R oute de Chêne 36 – 1208 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 61 50 – Fax: 022 849 61 81 rent@spg.ch – www.spg.ch

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

You can find all our offers at www.spg.ch

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Property pages Commercial premises

RENTALS

SAENTYS/IMAGINA

g e n E V A AN D S U R R O U N D I N G A R EAS : FOR r e nt Commercial premises

re ire ntin nt : e e : o r.tchhe ct on r.ch the t c e Se projegb-vernSieeeprojegb-vernie c w.c w. ww

Meilleure qualité de vie, faible consommation d’énergie Higher quality of life, lower energy consumption

Coupe Gordon-Bennett Vernier, Geneva

Owner:

Marketing:

126 m

Marketing:

ARCADES: For rent 1’100 m from 65 to 126 m at CHF 250.-/m2 2 to 32 m WORKSHOPS: For rent 200 m2 from 26 to 32 m2 ANCE SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE SOCIÉTÉ GÉRANCE PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE at CHF 200.-/m2 Commercial rentalsCommercial rentals 2

Route de Chêne 36 Route de Chêne 36

s in a new Situated residential opposite the SIG headquarters a new residential 1208 Geneva 1208inGeneva locom@spg.ch the Coupe area accommodating Gordon300 apartments, the Coupe Gordon- locom@spg.ch ommercial Bennettlocation complex offers a high quality commercial location François Delaite François Delaite francois.delaite@spg.ch francois.delaite@spg.ch for its future users. +41 22 849 62 26

012

10:04:10

Completion date: July and October 2012 www.spg.ch

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Are you looking for new premises ? – Tel. 022 849 62 00

+41 22 849 62 26 www.spg.ch

11/03/2011 11/03/2011 10:04:10 10:04:10

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

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Property pages >Canton Commercial premises

Re nt

THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

1. Rive, town centre – Magnificent attic offices with view and terrace of approx. 290 m2. Luxury decoration. Conference room, air conditioning, elevator. 2 management parking spaces in the basement and archiving room. CHF 690.–/m²/year

2. CHAMPEL – Very attractive area of approx. 310 m2 with private entrance. Duplex comprising 12 closed offices, an open-plan area, kitchen, parking spaces and warehouses. CHF 680.–/m²/year

Re nt

RENTALS

g e n E V A AN D S U R R O U N D I N G A R EAS : FOR r e nt Commercial premises

3. old town – In the Confederation centre, arcade of approx. 66 m2. Fully fitted out and equipped as a beauty salon or hairdressers. Unique offer! CHF 850.–/m²/year

4.ACACIAS – At an unbeatable price! There are still 208 m2 of office spaces for a short-term lease. Parking spaces in the basement. From CHF 180.–/m²/year

commercial premises – Société Privée de Gérance R oute de Chêne 36 – 1208 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 62 00 – Fax: 022 849 67 04 locom@spg.ch – www.spg.ch

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

Are you looking for offices in the city centre ? – Tel. 022 849 62 00

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Property pages Commercial premises

RENTALS

g e n E V A AN D S U R R O U N D I N G A R EAS : FOR r e nt Commercial premises THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

NEW

6. GORDON BENNETT – As part of the construction of five buildings (290 apartments), beautiful arcades of approx. 70 m2 to 400 m2 in a pedestrian zone. Ideal for pharmacy, paramedical equipment and other local stores. Completion summer 2012. CHF 250.–/m²/year

M of ore fic th e of an 36 on m2 e

5. charmilles new tech center – Magnificent show room on the ground floor. Ideal for household goods and computer equipment. Large windows looking onto the street. Loading bays. Parking spaces in basement. CHF 350.–/m²/year

UILD

7. ROUTE DES JEUNES – Large, open-plan, double aspect office with plenty of natural light. Approx. 165 m2 in a new building. Many layout possibilities. CHF 340.–/m²/year

8. GRAND-SACONNEX – Very attractive offices of approx. 158 m2 with view of the Jura mountains, quiet. Parking spaces available in the basement. Close to the airport and Lausanne freeway. Large open plan and nice kitchen. CHF 350.–/m²/year

commercial premises – Société Privée de Gérance R oute de Chêne 36 – 1208 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 62 00 – Fax: 022 849 67 04 locom@spg.ch – www.spg.ch You can find all our offers at www.spg.ch

n° 28 - Springs 2011 -

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Property pages Commercial premises

RENTALS

g e n E V A AN D S U R R O U N D I N G A R EAS : FOR r e nt Commercial premises Redefining business space for high technology and innovation

charmilles new tech center

Rue de E Lyon 105 to 111 — 1203 Geneva L AILAB

:03:02

Areas – – –

MORE T

available areas from 154 sq. m to 6,857 sq. m option to rent floors of 1,000 or 2,000 sq. m prices from 340.– / sq. m Fields of activities

– – – – – – – – –

E AVAILABL m . q s 0 0 HAN 2,5

electronics mechatronics medical graphics agrifoodstuffs information technologies construction pharmaceuticals and chemistry watchmaking

Technical specifications – – – – – – –

access control lifts and goods lifts technical false floor cooled air fibre optics truck access tunnel warehouses in the basement

Marketing SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE Commercial Rentals Route de Chêne 36 1208 Geneva

+41 22 849 62 00 +41 22 849 67 04 (fax) locom@spg.ch www.spg.ch

Management SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE Shopping & Business Centers Route de Chêne 36 1208 Geneva

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

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+41 22 849 62 60 +41 22 849 67 61 (fax) sbcenters@spg.ch www.spg.ch

You can find all our offers at www.spg.ch 11/03/2011 11/03/2011

10:03:02

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Property pages Parking area for rent

RENTALS

g e n E V A AN D S U R R O U N D I N G A R EAS : FOR r e nt Parking area

!REĂ&#x2013;YOUĂ&#x2013;LOOKINGĂ&#x2013;FORĂ&#x2013;AĂ&#x2013;PARKINGĂ&#x2013;SPACE 4AKEĂ&#x2013;AĂ&#x2013;LOOKĂ&#x2013;ATĂ&#x2013;OURĂ&#x2013;OFFERSĂ&#x2013;ONĂ&#x2013; ď ľĂ&#x2013;WWW SPG CH ANDĂ&#x2013;FINDĂ&#x2013;YOURĂ&#x2013;OWNĂ&#x2013;PERSONALĂ&#x2013;PARKINGĂ&#x2013;SPACE FORĂ&#x2013;THEĂ&#x2013;PRICEĂ&#x2013;OFĂ&#x2013;AĂ&#x2013;PARKINGĂ&#x2013;FINE

ces Parking spa for rent

#ALLĂ&#x2013;ONĂ&#x2013;OURĂ&#x2013;ADVISORS #ONTACTĂ&#x2013;USĂ&#x2013;ONĂ&#x2013; Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2013; LOCATION SPG CH /PENĂ&#x2013;NON STOPĂ&#x2013;FROMĂ&#x2013; Ă&#x2013;TOĂ&#x2013;

SOCIĂ&#x2030;TĂ&#x2030; PRIVĂ&#x2030;E DE GĂ&#x2030;RANCE Route de ChĂŞne 36 | CH - 1208 Geneva | www.spg.ch Tel.: +41 22 849 61 61 | Fax : +41 22 849 61 07 SPG-RYTZ Group

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BIENBIEN PENSER L’IMMOBILIER D’ENTREPRISE PENSER L’IMMOBILIER D’ENTREPRISE fINDING CoMPaNY real esTaTe solUTIoNs PG Intercity est le PENSER leader suisse deL’IMMOBILIER l’immobilier d’entreprise. D’ENTREPRISE BIEN SPG Intercity est le leader suisse l’immobilier d’entreprise. sPG Intercity is the leading commercial real estate agency switzerland. With mplantés à Genève, Zurich et Bâle, nousdesommes au service desinentreprises

Implantés à Genève, Zurich Bâle, nous sommes au service des entreprises offices in Geneva, Zurich andetBasel, we provide comprehensive services for ésireuses de s’installer, sélectionner un nouveau site, vendre des actifs, companies de seeking initiatesélectionner premises, discover a new site, sell assets, reorganize désireuses s’installer, un nouveau site, vendre des actifs, éorganiser activités investir. SPGleurs Intercity est leou leader suisse de l’immobilier d’entreprise. business surfaces or invest.ou investir. réorganiser leurs activités Implantés à Genève, Zurich et disposition Bâle, nous sommes au service des entreprises epuis 10 ans, nous mettons à votre notre expérience Depuis ans, nous mettons votre the disposition notre after 1010years we continue to àdeliver benefit our expérience expertise andactifs, resources désireuses devous s’installer, sélectionner un nouveauof site, vendre des notre réseau pour offrir les meilleures opportunités du marché. et réseau pour vous offrir les meilleures opportunités du marché. to notre give you the best market in switzerland. réorganiser leurs activités ouopportunities investir. ous avezVous unyou projet immobilier ? Alors, ensemble. Depuis 10 ans, nous mettons àAlors, votre disposition notre expérience Do have a real estate project? Then let’s work together. avez un projet immobilier ?travaillons travaillons ensemble. et notre réseau pour vous offrir les meilleures opportunités du marché. Vous avez un projet immobilier ? Alors, travaillons ensemble.

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09.12.10 14

Property pages Commercial premises

G e n e Va : f o r r e N T Commercial premises

rEnTALS

n h s o ty.c r ffe erci o t ur in ll o .spg A w w w

GENEVA | FOR RENT | Florissant

Self-contained ofﬁce building

3,400 sq. m. of offices premises • Prest igious building • Fully fitted offices • Parking spaces available

INFORMATION: SPG INTERCITY GENEVA — CAROLINE RIEBEN Route de Frontenex 41A — 1207 Geneva Tel. +41 22 707 46 86 | Fax +41 22 707 46 77 caroline.rieben@spgintercity.ch | www.spgintercity.ch

Do you have offices to rent ? – Tel. 022 707 46 00

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

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Property pages Commercial premises

rEnTALS

G e n e Va a n D s U R R O U n D I n G a R e a s : f o r r e N T Commercial premises

GENEVA | FOR RENT | Les Pléiades

Divisible ofﬁces

Total area of 3,600 sq. m. divisible from 723 sq. m. • Green sett ing • In t he heart of Geneva on t he Champel plateau • Very prest igious new building (under construct ion)

NEW

UILD

INFORMATION: SPG INTERCITY GENEVA — CAROLINE RIEBEN Route de Frontenex 41A — 1207 Geneva Tel. +41 22 707 46 86 | Fax +41 22 707 46 77 caroline.rieben@spgintercity.ch | www.spgintercity.ch

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

Do you have offices to rent ? – Tel. 022 707 46 00

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Property pages Commercial premises

rEnTALS

G e n e Va a n D s U R R O U n D I n G a R e a s : f o r r e N T Commercial premises

GENEVA | FOR RENT | Cologny

Superb renovated ofﬁces

Prest igious building of 400 sq. m. • Availability: autumn 2011 • Parking spaces available • Ofﬁces can be ﬁtted out to t he tenant’s requirements • Plenty of natural light wit h view of t he lake

NEW

UILD

INFORMATION: SPG INTERCITY GENEVA — CAROLINE RIEBEN Route de Frontenex 41A — 1207 Geneva Tel. +41 22 707 46 86 | Fax +41 22 707 46 77 caroline.rieben@spgintercity.ch | www.spgintercity.ch

Are you interested in 300 sq. m. of offices ? – Tel. 022 707 46 00

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

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Property pages Commercial premises

rEnTALS

G e n e Va a n D s U R R O U n D I n G a R e a s : f o r r e N T Commercial premises

GENEVA | FOR RENT | Close to t he airport Ofﬁce building

Ofﬁce building to be built, self-contained and prest igious • Area of 1,200 sq. m. can be ﬁtted out to t he tenant’s requirements and divisible from 400 sq. m. • Complet ion: end 2012

NEW

UILD

INFORMATION: SPG INTERCITY GENEVA — SOPHIE CARLIEZ Route de Frontenex 41A — 1207 Geneva Tel. +41 22 707 46 86 | Fax +41 22 707 46 77 sophie.carliez@spgintercity.ch | www.spgintercity.ch

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

Are you looking for new premises ? – Tel. 022 707 46 00

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Property pages Commercial premises

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G e n e Va a n D s U R R O U n D I n G a R e a s : f o r r e N T Commercial premises

VERNIER | FOR RENT | Arcenter

Ofﬁces premises above a shopping mall

Ofﬁces: 8,400 sq. m. on 3 ﬂoors, divisible from 500 sq. m. • 210 parking spaces, including 75 spaces reserved for t he shopping mall • Availability: January 2012 (work in progress)

NEW

UILD

INFORMATION: SPG INTERCITY GENEVA — KEVIN CANTARELLA Route de Frontenex 41A — 1207 Geneva Tel. +41 22 707 46 86 | Fax +41 22 707 46 77 kevin.cantarella@spgintercity.ch | www.spgintercity.ch

Are you looking for offices in the city centre ? - Tel. 022 707 46 00

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

w Al w lo w. u sp r o gi ffe nt r er s o cit n y.c h

Property pages Commercial premises

rEnTALS

Va U D : f o r r e N T Commercial premises

MORGES (VD) | FOR RENT | Lake Geneva Park Divisible ofﬁces

Ofﬁces premises from 890 sq. m. to 11,800 sq. m.

NEW

• Business centre comprised of t hree interdependent buildings • Opt imum locat ion and easily accessible B

UILD

INFORMATION: SPG INTERCITY GENEVA — KEVIN CANTARELLA Route de Frontenex 41A — 1207 Geneva Tel. +41 22 707 46 86 | Fax +41 22 707 46 77 kevin.cantarella@spgintercity.ch | www.spgintercity.ch

- Spring 2011 - n° 28

You can find all our offers at www.spgintercity.ch

n h s o ty.c r ffe erci o t ur in ll o .spg A w w w

Property pages Commercial premises

rEnTALS

G e n e Va a n D s U R R O U n D I n G a R e a s : f o r r e N T Commercial premises THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR COMPLETE LIST

lOCATIOn

ArEA

prICE SQ. M./YEAr

ADvAnTAgES

STOrES vernier (GE) ARCENTER

5,400 sq. m.

On request Store in the future Migros shopping mall.

Crissier (vD) CENTRE COMMERCIAL

2,200 sq. m.

CHF 280.– Divisible store in a new building.

Etoy (vD) DESIGN CENTER

9,000 sq. m.

CHF 230.– Show room with great visibility from the freeway

Conthey (vS)

1,600 sq. m.

On request Store in new development in an attractive retail park

Geneva airport

3,100 sq. m.

On request Offices in the superstructure of Ikea. First-rate location.

vernier (GE) ARCENTER

8,400 sq. m.

CHF 360.– Offices with Minergie label divisible from 500 sq. m.. www.arcenter.ch

vernier (GE) PATIO PLAZA

1,300 sq. m.

CHF 480.– New offices divisible from 450 sq. m.. www.patioplaza.com

Cointrin (GE) Av. LOUIS CASAÏ

1,200 sq. m.

CHF 500.– Offices divisible from 400 sq. m.. and situated in a new selfcontained building.

vernier (GE) RUE DE vEYROT

3,000 sq. m.

CHF 300.– Open-plan offices and industrial premises.

Rolle (vD) ONE BUSINESS CENTER

2,100 sq. m. or 600 sq. m.

Etoy (vD) LA TUILIÈRE

11,300 sq. m.

CHF 270.– Offices in a new building with Minergie label. Can easily be seen from the AI freeway.

Founex (vD) GvA BUSINESS PARK

5,500 sq. m.

CHF 400.– Offices in a new building.

p p

OFFICES

CHF 295.– or Offices in a new building. Divisible from 310 sq. m. CHF 270.–

SMAll BuSInESS AnD InDuSTrIAl SITE versoix (vD)

11,000 sq. m.

On request Approximately 6,000 sq. m.. of workshops and offices remain in a new building close to versoix train station.

Ecublens (vD)

10,000 sq. m.

CHF 150.– Divisible industrial building with 9 metre high ceilings.

Yverdon (vD)

9,000 sq. m.

CHF 255.– Small business and administrative premises in a new building on the technology park.

Route des Jeunes (GE)

375 sq. m. or 880 sq. m.

CHF 300.– Workshops and offices with optimum visibility.

Are you LOOKING FOR or do you want to RENT OUT a town centre store? Do not hesitate to contact our RETAIL department: Cécile Albet on 022 707 46 70. Information: SPG Intercity Geneva S.A. Route de Frontenex, 41A – 1207 Geneva – Tel. 022 707 46 00 – Fax. 022 707 46 77 – geneva@spgintercity.ch – www.spgintercity.ch

Do you have offices to rent ? – Tel. 022 707 46 00

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

DEVELOPMENT · SALES · RENTALS · PPE (COMMONHOLD) · MANAGEMENT

YOUR PROPERTY IN FRENCH-SPEAKING SWITZERLAND

RYTZ & Cie S.A. is the leading property company on the Vaud coast between Geneva and Lausanne and is a subsidiary of the SPG Group, providing its clients with expertise in rental management, brokering, valuation and property developments. It was established in 1947 and has all types of properties in its portfolio: houses, apartments, PPE (commonhold), parking spaces, plots of land and luxury properties. ISO 9001 certiﬁed, it offers a high quality, efﬁcient and local service. As part of the SPG Group, which is solidly established in Switzerland, RYTZ & Cie S.A. can provide its customers with a network of skills and multi-service expertise.

RYTZ & CIE S.A. Avenue Alfred-Cortot 7

1260 Nyon Tel.: +41 22 363 60 00 Fax: +41 22 363 60 20 E-mail: info@rytz.com www.rytz.com

SPG GROUP, A NETWORK OF EXPERTISE FOR COMPREHENSIVE PROPERTY ADVICE

on s r m ffe .co o z ur .ryt o ll w A w w

Property pages House for sale

SALES

N y o n ( vd ) : f o r s a l e House

EX C LU SI VE

O FF ER

THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

Very spacious lavish new property With indoor swimming pool • Situated a short distance from the lake and close to the centre of Nyon • Useable floor area of approximately 1,000 m2 • Set on a plot of more than 6,000 m2 • Indoor garages and an outbuilding with garage • Option of building an additional house of 500 m2 • Finishings to be chosen by the buyer.

Price: CHF Price range: CHF

MembER OF THE SPG GROUP

1-3 million

3-6 m.

6-9 m.

9-12 m.

12 m.

Sales department – rytz & CIE S.A. Avenue A.-Cortot 7 – 1260 Nyon – Tel. 022 36 36 010 – Fax: 022 36 36 020 vente@rytz.com – www.rytz.com

You can find all our offers at www.rytz.com

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A w ll ou w r w. o ry ffe tz rs .co o m n

Property pages Houses for sale

SALES

V a ud : f o r s a l e Houses THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

1. GINGINS – Detached house of approx. 180 m2 comprised of 2 separate apartments of 3.5 rooms each on a plot of approx. 1,000 m2. It has a large convertible attic, a turfed garden and a terrace. It is situated on the edge of the village of Gingins, 10 minutes from Nyon by car. CHF 1,280,000.–

2. CHAVANNES-DES-BOIS – Delightful 5.5-room semi-detached house situated close to the village centre in a residential area of houses. Quiet and sunny environment. Private plot of an area of approx. 230 m2 with garden. 2 outside semi-covered parking spaces and 2 visitor’s spaces. CHF 1,390,000.–

3. LA RIPPE – This superb semi-detached house was built in 1991 on a plot of 607 m2. It is in a quiet and peaceful location, away from all disturbances on the edge of farmland. Lavish fenced garden planted with many trees. Ideal setting for nature lovers. CHF 1,650,000.–

4. BUCHILLON – In a very quiet residential area, spacious new detached house of 7 rooms + kitchen built on a plot of 1,711 m2 in a green setting. Built in 2008 it has a useable area of 310 m2 with generous spaces and quality materials. Separate entrance, basement and garages. CHF 2,940,000.–

5. FOUNEX – Magnificent detached house of 8.5 rooms + kitchen with a living area of approx. 280 m2 on a splendid plot of 2,017 m2. Quiet and sought-after location close to the lake and the centre of Founex. It has a large garden that benefits from an optimum amount of sunshine. CHF 4,950,000.–

6. LUTRY – Exceptional residence situated in an idyllic setting with a living area of 570 m2 and exceptional finishings. A terrace, balconies, inside parking spaces, an elevator and a perimeter overflow pool complete this property. Panoramic view of the lake and Alps. Price: CHF

Price range: CHF

1-3 million

3-6 m.

6-9 m.

9-12 m.

sales department – rytz & CIE S.A. Avenue A.-Cortot 7 – 1260 Nyon – Tel. 022 36 36 010 – Fax: 022 36 36 020 vente@rytz.com – www.rytz.com

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12 m.

MembER OF THE SPG GROUP

Are you looking for a house to buy ? – Tel. 022 36 36 010

n som r ffe .co o z ur .ryt o ll w A w w

Property pages Houses for sale

SALES

N y o n ( vd ) : f o r s a l e Development THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

New Central Parc development In the heart of Nyon • 120 condominium (PPE) apartments • 6,000 m2 of offices premises • 1,500 m2 of stores

Completion summer 2013

MembER OF THE SPG GROUP

Sales department – rytz & CIE S.A. Avenue A.-Cortot 7 – 1260 Nyon – Tel. 022 36 36 010 – Fax: 022 36 36 020 vente@rytz.com – www.rytz.com

You can find all our offers at www.rytz.com

n° 28 - Spring 2011 -

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A w ll ou w r w. o ry ffe tz rs .co o m n

Property pages Apartments for sale

SALES

v a ud : f o r s a l e Apartments THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

Meilleure qualité de vie, faible consommation d’énergie Higher quality of life, lower energy consumption

4. FOUNEX – In the centre of the village, spacious duplex apartment of 5.5 rooms + kitchen in the lower and upper attic. Condominium (PPE) area of approx. 222 m2 + balcony of 30 m2, fireplace, storage cellar, air conditioned wine cellar, gym and carnotzet (wine tasting room). Completion autumn-winter 2011. CHF 2,099,000.–

N ew

3. FOUNEX – Spacious duplex apartment of 4.5 rooms + kitchen in the lower and upper attic. Condominium (PPE) area of approx. 153 m2 + balcony of 30 m2, fireplace, storage cellar, and air-conditioned wine cellar, gym and carnotzet (wine tasting room). Completion autumn-winter 2011. CHF 1,565,000.–

2. NYON – Beautiful duplex apartment of 4.5 rooms + kitchen situated a short distance from the bus stop. Very quiet and sunny location opposite the forest and Boiron river. Area of approx. 122 m2 + landscaped garden planted with trees of approx. 80 m2. 2 inside parking spaces. CHF 1,200,000.–

N ew

1. CHAVANNES-DES-BOIS – Apartment of 3.5 rooms + kitchen of a useable area of approx. 98 m2 situated on the 1st floor of a village house made into a condominium (PPE) of 7 apartments, in quiet and sunny countryside. Communal garden, one inside parking space and one outside parking space. CHF 820,000.–

5. ARNEX – Luxurious apartment under construction of 5.5 rooms + kitchen of 240 m2 in a condominium (PPE) with large private garden of approx. 600 m2+ garages. Benefits from a maximum amount of sunshine. High quality construction and finishings. A unique setting in a quiet countryside. Completion end of July 2011. CHF 1,975,000.– + CHF 70,000 double garage

6. COPPET – Luxury attic with natural light of 5 rooms + kitchen, situated in the residential complex of Domaine des Perrières, to the north-east of the village of Coppet. This attic is on a sought-after site (quiet and planted with trees) close to the lake. Living area of 200 m2 + large terrace (200 m2). CHF 2,800,000.–

sales department – rytz & CIE S.A. Avenue A.-Cortot 7 – 1260 Nyon – Tel. 022 36 36 010 – Fax: 022 36 36 020 vente@rytz.com – www.rytz.com

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MembER OF THE SPG GROUP

Are you looking for an apartment to buy ? – Tel. 022 36 36 010

n som r ffe .co o z ur .ryt o ll w A w w

Property pages Commercial premises for sale

SALES

V a ud : f o r s a l e Commercial premises THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

1. FOUNEX – Attractive commercial premises of approx. 200 m2 with 4 lockup garages situated in the town of Founex in a quiet residential area. Close to the Coppet exit of the freeway. Built in 1990 and renovated in 2007, it forms part of a condominium (PPE). CHF 1,400,000.–

2. HAUTS DE ST-CERGUE – Currently used as a restaurant, this building is situated in a tourist area with an option to extend it or to change the type of business. It is in an exceptional location on a large plot with a beautiful panoramic view. CHF 985,000.–

MembER OF THE SPG GROUP

sales department – rytz & CIE S.A. Avenue A.-Cortot 7 – 1260 Nyon – Tel. 022 36 36 010 – Fax: 022 36 36 020 vente@rytz.com – www.rytz.com

Do you want to sell your apartment ? – Tel. 022 36 36 010

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YOUR MANAGER OF SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY In the field of sustainable development, SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE takes tangible steps to reduce the energy impact of buildings. It also encourages its clients, partners and employees to be aware of the advantages and the economic and environmental stakes of ecological housing.

OUR TANGIBLE STEPS : r 5P DSFBUF TVTUBJOBCMF IPVTJOH UIF .*/&3(*&® label and eco-districts r 5P JODSFBTF UIF WBMVF PG ZPVS QSPQFSUZ HSFFO SFOPWBUJPOT r 5P TBWF FOFSHZ SJHPSPVT NBOBHFNFOU BOE FDPMPHJDBM EJBHOPTFT r 5P TBWF XBUFS BQQSPQSJBUF à YUVSFT r 5P QPMMVUF MFTT EBJMZ FDPMPHJDBM HFTUVSFT r 5P à HIU BHBJOTU EFGPSFTUBUJPO FDPMPHJDBM QBQFS BOE less consumption r 5P MJWF CFUUFS TPGU NPCJMJUZ r 5P NBLF UPXOT NPSF BUUSBDUJWF RVBMJUZ BSDIJUFDUVSF r 5P LFFQ ZPV JOGPSNFE RVBMJUZ QVCMJDBUJPOT To find out more :

www.spg.ch/ecology

SOCIÉTÉ PRIVÉE DE GÉRANCE Route de Chêne 36 / CH - 1208 Geneva / Tel.: +41 22 849 61 61 www.spg.ch SPG-RYTZ Group

Property pages Houses for sale

f r e n c h b ord e r a r e a : f o r s a l e Houses

SALES

n s o fa.fr r ffe e-i o c ur gen o ll .a A ww w

C ho ice

So u lo ght ca -a tio ft n er

of fin ish in gs

THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

2. MESSERY – This very light architect’s house of 7 rooms + kitchen is in an exceptional location and has beautifully maintained grounds of 3,860 m2 fully enclosed and planted with trees with a view of the lake. It also has a swimming pool of 11x5 m.Very quiet setting. Close to schools and stores. EUROS 1,680,000.– Energy label: C

3. GAILLARD – In the heart of the village, this renovated traditional-style house of approx. 170 m2 on a plot of 1,200 m2 comprises: a dining room with a fitted kitchen, a living room, 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large loft space on the 2nd floor.There is also a basement with cellars and 2 above ground garages. EUROS 850,000.– Energy label: C

4. GAILLARD – Very close to the border, traditional-style house with character of 7 rooms + kitchen built from quality materials. Sought-after location. Plot of 2,739 m2 enclosed and planted with trees. EUROS 1,370,000.– Energy label: E

M ag vie nific w en t

E th xclu e si ag ve en to cy

su Q nn uie y ta lo n ca d tio n

C amlose en to iti al es l

1. ESERY – Attractive fully renovated property with 8 rooms + fitted kitchen situated in a quiet, green setting on a plot of 5,611 m2. Large loft space of 90 m2. Heating by heat pump. Finishings to be chosen by the buyer. EUROS 1,100,000.– Energy label: unknown

5. MACHILLY – 3 km from Monniaz customs, very attractive Savoyard style house in perfect condition on 2 floors + full area basement. It has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a living room, a dining room, a fitted kitchen and a large terrace. Attractive plot of 3,132 m2 + outbuilding. EUROS 627,000.– Energy label: C

6. MESSERY – Magnificent estate “on the waterfront” with jetty and private beach. It is comprised of 2 buildings: a mansion (9 rooms + kitchen) and an annexe (6 rooms + kitchen), all on a plot of 13,457 m2 including a part where building is permitted. EUROS 5,100,000.– Energy label: E

MembER OF THE SPG GROUP

AGENCE IFA 3, place Porte de France (50 m from the Moillesulaz border crossing point) – FR - 74240 Gaillard Tel. +33 (0) 450 87 05 80 – Fax +33 (0) 450 87 08 23 – ifa@wanadoo.fr – www.agence-ifa.fr

Are you looking for a house in neighbouring France ? – Tel. +33 (0) 450 87 05 80

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Carrelages t RevĂŞtements MosaĂŻques t Marbres

Pinto Fernando

tout travaux de peinture, tapisserie et crĂŠpi

edouard.berclaz@bluewin.ch 12, chemin du Chasselas 1246 Corsier - GenĂ¨ve

TĂŠlĂŠphone: 022 751 08 80 Fax: 022 751 08 90 Mobile: 079 436 92 28

Rue Benjamin FRANKLIN, 6 1201 GenĂ¨ve atelverre n24.pdf 27.01.2009 16:13:43

TĂŠl. : 079 261 90 03 Fax : 022 734 60 43

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BERNARDINO

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13, PROMENADE CHAMPS-FRĂ&#x2030;CHETS 1217 MEYRIN

E-mail : bernardino-sols@bluewin.ch

TĂ&#x2030;L.: 022 782 45 67 FAX : 022 782 45 78

- Spring 2011 - nÂ° 28

MENUISERIE - RĂ&#x2030;NOVATION DE FENĂ&#x160;TRES VITRAGES - SERRURES AGENCEMENT DE CUISINES TĂŠl. : 022 340 66 70 - Fax: 022 340 66 90 - Natel: 079 214 38 06

n so r ffe g.ch o ur .sp ll o ww A w

Property pages Be extravagant!

SALES

BE E X T R A V A G ANT ! FRA N C E : M A N S I O N S A N D M A N OR H O U SES FOR SALE THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

1. SARTHE – This elegant mansion from the 18th and 19 th centuries is situated 185 km west of Paris, 30 km from Le Mans, close to stores and with an easy access to freeways. On the ground floor it has a row of rooms with an abundance of natural light: an entrance hall, a large and a small living room, a dining room, a library, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen and 2 w.-c’s. Upstairs there are 8 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 3 w.-c’s. The mansion has some attractive decorative elements: oak floors, marble fireplaces, overmantels and ceiling roses. Its living area is approx. 500 m2 . On the second floor there are small bedrooms, a linen room and an attic. In the basement there is an old-style kitchen and a boiler room (heating oil). Outbuildings, a caretaker’s house and a gardener’s house. Vegetable garden, attractive grounds planted with hundred-year-old trees, a pond and a stream. The entire estate covers an area of 12 hectares. EUROS 995,000.– Energy label: D 2. INDRE-ET-LOIRE – Situated south of the Loire, less than 280 km from Paris and easily accessible from the A10 freeway, this enormous mansion built on the foundations of an old fortress is the dominant feature in a picturesque valley in the middle of its wooded grounds of 7 hectares. On its 3 floors it has a number of rooms made into offices, living rooms, kitchens, 20 bedrooms and bathrooms. The total living area is approximately 1,300 m2. It has oil-fired central heating and a sewerage system complying with standards for 120 people/day. The old outbuildings have been converted into classrooms and bathrooms. There is also a 100 m2 barn, a chapel, caretaker’s lodge and large stables (12 stalls), harness room, office and bathroom. There are a number of cellars dug out of the tufa limestone. EUROS 1,293,000.– Energy label: unknown

3. ALLIER – This beautiful mansion built around 1870 is located in Auvergne, 300 km south of Paris, close to a town with a population of 40,000, in an attractive setting of undulating countryside. There are stores and a golf course nearby. The mansion is comprised of a ground floor: an entrance hall, a living room, a dining room, office, kitchen, w.-c. and 2 small rooms in the turrets. On the 1st floor there are 4 bedrooms and a bathroom. Above this there are more bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a w.-c. The rooms have wooden floors with marble fireplaces and are well laid out. Living area: 130 m2 per floor. Oil-fired central heating. Large outbuildings and caretaker’s house. Small wood and grassland crossed by a stream, partially enclosed by walls, covering a total area of 18 hectares. EUROS 750,000.– Energy label: G

4. ILLE-ET-VILAINE – In Brittany, not far from Brocéliande Forest, a beautiful mansion from the 17th and 19 th centuries, of a living area of approx. 1,500 m2 , comprised of a ground floor: entrance hall, 5 spacious reception rooms (from 54 m2 to 69 m2 each), office, kitchen and various other rooms. On the 1st floor: a 4-room apartment and a number of bedrooms. The second floor houses the former dormitories. Central heating. The reception rooms have wooden floors, attractive fireplaces and panelling. The ceilings are decorated with mouldings. There is a pretty chapel and outbuildings converted into offices and bedrooms. Caretaker’s house and another 8-room house. Grounds of 7 hectares planted with large trees and bordered by a river. EUROS 1,186,000.– Energy label: unknown

Information available from Béatrice Repole – Société Privée de Gérance Route de Chêne 36 – 1208 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 65 63 beatrice.repole@spg.ch – www.immorama.ch Visit our website www.immorama.ch

n° 29 - Spring 2011 -

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A ll w our w o w. ff sp er g.c s o h n

Property pages …Another extravagance!

SALES

… a n ot h e r e x t r ava g a n c e ! F I J I I SLA N D S : K ATAFA N G A I SLA N D THESE PROPERTIES ARE A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO. CONTACT US FOR complete LIST

Philippines PACIFIC OCEAN

PapuaNew Guinea Indonesia

FIJI ISLANDS Katafanga Island Australia

New Zealand INDIAN OCEAN

Katafanga Island, paradise of the South Pacific This island is situated in a turquoise blue lagoon of 2,020 hectares, fringed by staggeringly beautiful white sandy beaches. This island is the ideal setting for the luxury complex that is currently under construction. The majority of the infrastructure has been completed and includes 30 private villas, each with its own white sandy beach.

Price: USD 25,000,000.–

Information available from Béatrice Repole – Société Privée de Gérance Route de Chêne 36 – 1208 Geneva – Tel. 022 849 65 63 beatrice.repole@spg.ch – www.immorama.ch

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Visit our website www.immorama.ch

NOUS VOUS OFFRONS 1000 FORCES SOUS UNE SEULE ENSEIGNE. Nos 1000 collaborateurs dans toute la Suisse se distinguent par des compétences multiples. Votre conseiller personnel se charge d’élaborer une solution qui réunit toutes les prestations indispensables à la réussite de votre projet et qui répond de manière optimale à vos besoins – aussi individuels soient-ils. www.swissprinters.ch

Swissprinters Lausanne SA – Tél. +41 58 787 48 00 – lausanne@swissprinters.ch

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