The glory and misery of an article of law

New builds, conversions, extensions: anyone who builds moves in a field of tension. It can’t be any other way, because construction takes place in public. Everyone who moves around in public spaces is exposed to the built environment. The public interest in building is evident, which is why building is regulated by law.

Change from Libor to Saron: Uncertainty on the Swiss mortgage market

It is not only in times of crisis that homeowners observe the development of the relevant key interest rate with some tension. This year, it is not only the Covid-19 pandemic that is causing uncertainty among mortgage customers, but also the announced replacement of the Libor as the key interest rate. We explain below what you should know about switching from Libor to Saron. 

Contractual penalty or liquidated damages?

In the case of contracts for work and services, a contractual penalty is very often agreed in the event of non-compliance with the performance period, the amount of which is independent of the actual damage incurred. The parties can also determine the amount of the damages to be compensated in advance (liquidated damages clause). The most important differences are outlined below.

Landmark ruling in the matter of second homes

Stifel, Reto. 2020. “Landmark ruling in the matter of second homes” Engadiner Post/Posta Ladina, 08.06.2020

Legacy buildings may not be rebuilt and extended at the same time without restrictions on use. This was decided by the Federal Supreme Court and overturned a decision by the Administrative Court. A judgment with consequences.

In the fall, the Grand Council amended the tax law. The new legal text was published in the Official Gazette at the end of November. The entry into force has already been set for January 1. January 2020 decided.

How much is my property worth?

The house or apartment seems perfect – but is the price right? It is difficult for a layperson to estimate how much a property is really worth. Not for Cédric Hochuli, head of the valuation desk at Ginesta Immobilien AG.

The second-home market is robust

Sascha Ginesta has been dealing with the second-home market for years. He confirms that the consequences of the second home initiative were far less dramatic than feared and says that the market has remained attractive for many buyer groups in recent years.

Building mass transfer: Meilen municipality fights new construction all the way to the Federal Supreme Court – and loses the case

In spring 2016, the Meilem building authorities refused planning permission for two apartment buildings that were to be built to replace a former farmstead. The point of contention was whether the project would fit into the surroundings, which was ultimately determined by the planned building mass transfer. After the Zurich building appeal court and later the cantonal administrative court ruled against the building authority, the municipality took the matter to the Federal Supreme Court.