A WORLD OF CRYSTAL AND PORCELAIN

VIENNA

by Peter Marschall

Marschall Immobilien, Vienna & Kitzbühel, Austria.

Can you summarise the market in your area in 2021?

It was a very, very good year. Sales increased greatly, and with them prices rose by around 1015%. There was high demand from local buyers, and travel is opening up and easier again so the international buyers are also coming back.

How do you see things developing in 2022?

On the one hand investors will continue to be interested because of rising inflation, for which property is an excellent option, but on the other hand we don’t know what is going to happen with the war in Ukraine and how it will influence our lives and economy.

What kind of buyers are coming to your area?

Local buyers as well as people from Germany, Switzerland and Eastern Europe primarily. They are looking for quality homes in good locations, and fortunately we can supply that.

What kind of real estate and lifestyle are they looking for?

Above all elegant apartments and modern penthouses in the city centre of Vienna, or villas in the green neighbourhoods. International clients value Vienna because of its quality of life, historic beauty and the high standard of services and cultural offering.

Has the market changed a lot over the past few years?

Yes, since the beginning of the Covid pandemic in 2020 up to now the market has changed. Demand has risen dramatically, and along with it prices. Another trend is that buyers are looking for larger properties with gardens and/or terraces, and a safe haven for their money. Above all, however, it is quality and quality of life they seek.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Property agents don’t only work with private vendors and buyers, some specialised ones also have expertise in assisting investors and developers in the process of creating and marketing projects. FGP Swiss & Alps does this for promoters of luxury niche homes in Switzerland and the French Alps.

As Senior Executive Officer of the CI Group and CEO of FGP Swiss & Alps, Geneva-based Quentin Epiney leads a team specialised in working closely with private and boutique developers of luxury homes within his geographical market area. “This also includes projects created by the Comptoir Immobilier Group, and a good example of this is Guernerés Exclusive Lodge at Grimentz in the Valais" says Quentin. Other projects include luxurious homes right by the lake, such as the exclusive Domaine des Princes in Geneva's prestigious Cologny district as well as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Lavaux vineyards. New ones underway in the French mountain areas of Meribel.

What makes a new development successful

“The approach has to be holistic, but fundamental is the location, as it has to offer refinement, privacy, security, quality of life, views and also be close to all relevant facilities. Space and greenery, both of the property itself and its surroundings, are also important, and while things such as build quality and a high standard of amenities and finish are seen as a given, so is professional service throughout. From interior design to concierge management, it all has to be flawless. While efficient, in this segment the service also has to be personal.”

“To Quentin’s clients, design has become increasingly important over the years”

Quentin Epiney, FGP Swiss & Alps - Groupe Comptoir Immobilier

New trends

To Quentin’s clients, design has become increasingly important over the years. He works with trusted partners in architecture, interior design and landscaping to ensure that all expectations are met. While tastes vary greatly, the trend has moved a little away from the starker minimalism of recent times to a warmer, more eclectic form of contemporary refinement and elegance that fits in well with more traditional homes. “The Bozeen Agency created the styles for the Guernerés Exclusive Lodge project in Grimentz, using fine quality materials specially selected by the designer. They include reclaimed wood, natural stone and metal – all carefully considered to provide a contemporary vision of an authentic Alpine home of refinement.”

He reports that market activity is currently high, a trend that represents continuity from last year’s record transactions in the luxury segment. “Switzerland has been

Luxury modern chalet living in Grimentz, one of our own projects

even more in demand since the Covid crisis, because of its amenities and stability, but also because of the quality of life it offers. This is particularly true of the areas in Switzerland and adjacent parts of France that we cover, and here the property type that is most sought after is exactly that of luxury modern villa and apartment developments in top locations. For quality projects of this kind there is always demand.”

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