Are you planning to move to another city for your job? Are your children moving away from home? Or do you simply want to make a new start? There are a number of reasons for selling your home. Most sellers ask themselves this question over and over again: What's the best way to go through the selling process? First-time sellers often struggle with deciding when is the right time to sell. In this article, we have outlined the process for a lucrative House sale in Switzerland summarised.
Market value assessment for the sale of a house
Your house is priceless to you. But when it comes to selling it, nothing beats a plausible price estimate. This is absolutely essential to achieve the best possible return. An overpriced house can put off prospective buyers, while a selling price that is too low will result in a rush of interested parties and very little profit for you.
Therefore, an accurate market value assessment is too important. There are several valuation strategies used by leading property agencies. Some of them are:
- Hedonic estimate: It classifies a property based on its characteristics and compares these characteristics with other properties. This method is based on a large amount of data and estimates the actual value of a property using mathematical calculations. The fees for the hedonic method vary from provider to provider and can amount to several hundred francs. However, the valuation can be free if you use a digital tool.
- Income capitalisation approach: If you want to determine the value of your home using this method, your estimate should take into account any additional costs that could be incurred and the profits that could be realised, such as the net rental income from a flat.
- Asset value method: It is also known as a net asset valuation. In theory, the property is valued as if the same house had to be built from scratch. A valid valuation of the building structure is required. The total amount is then deducted from the construction costs required to build a new property. The loss in value over time is also taken into account.
Prepare your home
Good preparation is essential when selling a residential property. First of all, the house should be fully inspected for defects. Repair or renovate your home. You should also check all the basic components and interior fittings such as heating systems, washing machines, dishwashers and ventilation systems, which are just as important as the exterior, the tiles or the windows.
Once you have spruced up your home, you are ready to show your first visitors around. However, there are a few factors to consider to make this a success. Some of these are:
- Clean up: Clutter does not sell. Clear all personal belongings out of the house and keep the interior clean. Additional tip: A vase of flowers brings life to any room.
- Cleaning: Dust and lime stains discourage buyers from exploring the attractive elements of the house. If possible, have the house thoroughly scrubbed by professionals. This will make it look inviting and buyers will be mesmerised by the immaculate interior.
- Lighting: Make sure that your home is well lit. During the day, all blinds or curtains should be pulled up to let the sunlight in. You can also put up lamps to illuminate dark corners.
- Cancellation: Vibrant and eye-catching colours on the walls are a subjective decision. To present the property at its best, you should not hesitate to give it a new coat of paint.
Documentation
To ensure a positive sales process for your home, you should prepare a detailed sales dossier for the buyers. This will make the negotiations much easier. It should include the following documents as well as pictures of the house:
- Land register plan: It provides precise information on the location, shape and extent of plots of land and the buildings and installations on them.
- Extract from the land register: The extract contains important information on the legal aspects, such as the names of the owners and easements.
- Proof of building insurance: When a house is sold, the insurance is transferred to the buyer. It is important to know that cantonal buildings insurance is compulsory in 20 cantons in Switzerland.
- Floor plan: It provides information about the possible uses of a house. One of the most important features is the circulation, i.e. how the rooms are connected to each other.
- Proof of the renovation work: It should be included in the sales price, as it can increase the value of the property. This includes certificates for energy-efficient renovations.
Selling a house with an estate agent
If you intend to renovate your home with the help of a Real estate agent you save yourself the lengthy sales process. There are also countless benefits to hiring an estate agent to sell your home. An estate agent who does a good job is a service provider who will help you with every step of the house selling process. They will advise you from the outset and take care of marketing and finalising the deal, as well as handing over the keys to the buyers. In short, he makes the selling process easier for you and can also provide you with expert advice.
Conclusion
The process of selling a house can take several months or as little as a week. In some cases, it can easily take a year between placing the first advert and signing the final contract to achieve the asking price. It is therefore important not to rush the sale, as in many sales this simply means that you realise a lower sale price than you expected. To speed up this process and experience a smooth sale in Switzerland, contact us now.
FAQ:
What is the best time to sell a house in Switzerland?
The best time to sell a house in Switzerland is in the spring and early summer months and early autumn, because when buyer activity is at its highest, the chances of a quicker sale and a better price are higher.
How can I correctly assess the market value of my property?
Try methods such as the hedonic valuation, the capitalised earnings value or the asset value method. If you need further help, commission WENET AG to carry out a reliable valuation in order to achieve the best possible return.
What repairs and renovations should I carry out before I sell my home?
Repair structural problems, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. Update key areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms, update flooring and paint, and increase the home's curb appeal to attract buyers.
How can co-operation with WENET AG simplify the sales process?
Our experienced team takes care of everything, from planning to completion. With more than 50 years of market experience and an extensive network, we speed up the process and help you achieve the highest profit. Plus, you can try us for free for a week!
How long does it usually take to sell a house in Switzerland?
On average, it takes 6 months. However, if the price is right, the location is good and demand is high, the process can be accelerated. It can take a little longer for luxury properties.
