Content:

A hand strokes a paint brush on a wall.

When is it worth renovating a property?

Renovation is recommended if the property has obvious technical defects, such as:

  • Outdated heating (systems)
  • Poor insulation
  • Damp walls
  • Damage to the roof or windows

Such defects not only make the property less comfortable to live in, but can also lead to high costs.

In Switzerland, the first repairs to multifamily units are usually needed after around 20 years. A comprehensive renovation is usually necessary after 50 to 70 years in order to preserve the building fabric.

Types of renovation

There are various types of renovation, depending on your goals and the condition of the property.

  • Maintenance: regular maintenance to preserve the current condition.
  • Restoration: repair of damage to restore functionality.
  • Partial renovation: renovation of individual parts of the building, e.g. roof or façade.
  • Total renovation: comprehensive renovation of the entire property.

Which option is right for you depends on the cost-effectiveness. An investment is only worthwhile if the costs are proportionate to the expected benefits – be it through increased value, energy savings or lower maintenance costs.

Make use of subsidies

In Switzerland, there are attractive subsidies available for energy-efficient renovation:

  • Energy-efficient renovations are tax-deductible and some cantons even allow you to deduct the full cost.
  • Additional subsidies are available for complete renovations according to energy efficiency standards.

Impact on rents and returns

In the case of value-enhancing investments, some of the costs can be passed on to the tenants. In addition, modernized apartments are usually easier to rent out.

If the focus is exclusively on returns, minor work such as cosmetic improvements or other maintenance work can also make sense, especially if the building is set to be demolished in the long term. It is also important to estimate renovation costs realistically.

A renovation is an investment in the future of your property. With careful planning and use of subsidies, you can increase the long-term value of your investment property.

Replacement construction: when renovation no longer makes sense

In some cases, renovation of an investment property no longer makes economic or technical sense, especially if the renovation costs exceed the increase in value or if the building fabric is in such poor condition that even a total renovation doesn’t make sense in the long term.

In these cases, a replacement construction may be a better option. Although the investment costs are initially higher, in the long term owners benefit from lower maintenance costs, higher energy efficiency and better rentability. A replacement building also makes it possible to make optimal use of the space and adapt it to current market requirements. Check the building regulations in advance, especially with regard to utilization rates, living space and floor height.

The legal framework also matters: Depending on the location, building law, zoning regulations and permits can be decisive for whether a replacement building is worthwhile. At the same time, the risks involved with terminating existing tenancies must also be considered. A replacement building usually requires the termination of existing tenancies. However, tenants also have rights and claims for compensation or delays – e.g. due to requests for an extension of the deadline – may incur additional costs.

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Selling an investment property as a strategic option

Financing a total renovation or a replacement building isn’t always worthwhile. In such cases, selling your property can be the more economically sensible solution – especially if the renovation costs exceed the expected benefits or property prices are strong.

Selling allows owners to free up capital and invest it in high-yield properties or alternative investments. Tax-related aspects should also be taken into account, such as property gains tax or possible deductions.

Selling a property can be a strategic decision to achieve your financial goals. Seek expert advice to exploit the full potential of your property.

Comparison: renovate, replace or sell?

The decision to renovate, replace or sell depends on multiple factors. The following overview shows how the building fabric, market potential and your personal strategy can impact which option you choose. It serves as an orientation and can help you better classify the advantages and disadvantages.

Building Condition

Building Condition

Market Potential

Market Potential

Strategy

Strategy

Option

Option

Building Condition

Good

Market Potential

Good

Strategy

Increase value. Good condition and prospects justify investment.

Option

Total renovation

Building Condition

Good

Market Potential

Poor

Strategy

Maintain or slightly increase value. Good building condition allows moderate investment.

Option

Partial renovation

Building Condition

Poor

Market Potential

Good

Strategy

Utilize potential. Good long-term market potential legitimizes investment in new construction. If utilization is lower than the old building: sale as an exit strategy.

Option

Demolition and replacement construction or sale

Building Condition

Poor

Market Potential

Poor

Strategy

Optimize returns. Invest only in maintaining building functions.

Option

Continue renting (without renovation)

Do you need advice regarding your investment property?

Whether financing, renovation or sale, our experts can provide specialized individual advice.

Help with your decision: what you should ask yourself

Whether a renovation, replacement building or sale – the right choice depends largely on your personal goals and the prevailing conditions. The following questions can help you decide:

  • Returns: Is the investment worthwhile in comparison with the expected income and potential increase in value?
  • Effort: Do you have enough time, capital and patience to successfully implement a renovation or new construction project?
  • Life planning: Does the project fit with your long-term strategy, for example with regard to your retirement provision, succession planning or asset structure?
  • Location: Will the location continue to meet your expectations in terms of demand, infrastructure and increases in value in the future?
  • Legal aspects: Are there any requirements or restrictions that could influence your decision?

A clear answer to these questions makes it easier to choose the best option for your situation – whether it is renovation, replacement construction or sale.

Conclusion

Whether partial renovation, total renovation, replacement building or sale – the right decision always depends on your individual situation. If your property only has technical defects, a targeted renovation can maintain the value and improve rentability. However, if the building fabric is severely damaged or renovation costs are disproportionately high, a replacement building is often the more sustainable solution, offering advantages such as higher energy efficiency, lower maintenance costs and better rentability.

If, on the other hand, you do not want to invest a large amount and want to benefit from attractive market prices, you should consider selling the property as a strategic option. Ultimately, it comes down to clearly defining your individual goals: Do you want to increase returns, minimize expenditure or consolidate your assets in the long term? The above considerations will help you identify the best solution for your situation.

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