Coronavirus – consequences and opportunities for the real estate sector

How advertisers and potential tenants or buyers get in touch even during the COVID-19 period

Here you will find current information for the real estate market

The current situation with the measures to contain the pandemic is causing uncertainty and questions also in the real estate world. On this page we are glad to present you some of our services that can support you during this period, offer explanations and tips and also point out special offers from selected partners.

We wish you good health and are happy to answer your questions.

Call us at +41 31 744 17 40 or write us a message.


We answer the main questions on the topic

Property seekers

Can people move house during the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic?

According to the Swiss Real Estate Association (SVIT), you are still allowed to move house: ‘Moving house, property inspections and property handovers are not affected by the increased restrictions put in place by the federal government and the cantons. This also applies for cantons which, as of 15/03/2020, have issued stricter restrictions on public life.’ So you don’t have to wait until after 19 April to move.

Is it worth house-hunting at the moment?

The market supply continues to be stable. Now might just be the moment to snap up your dream home. Have you always wanted a bigger kitchen? Or would you like to live in a more central location, even if it means downsizing? It’s the perfect time to review your requirements for your new home and incorporate them into your search.

What happens if I can’t pay my rent?

Contact your landlord early on and explain your situation. The key thing to note is that on 27 March 2020, the Federal Council extended the deadline for payment arrears for residential and commercial properties from 30 days to 90 days. This deadline extension applies for rental payments due between 13 March and 31 May 2020 (rent for April and May). It is not anticipated that the rent for this period will be written off, however. If you do not pay within the 30-day or, in the current case, 90-day deadline, your landlord may terminate the contract with a notice period of 30 days to the end of the month.

Could COVID-19 be present in my new home?

We recommend leaving the property empty for a short time between the old tenants moving out and new tenants moving in. This ensures that any traces of the COVID-19 virus that may have been present will have died. The virus can also be removed by professional cleaning and disinfection of the property. If you have any concerns, contact your landlord.

What should I do if I am not able to clean and disinfect my home in time for the handover?

Contact your landlord. Under the current circumstances, they may be willing to carry out or organise the cleaning of the property themselves.

How can I view a property? Do I need to give potential buyers/tenants an in-person viewing?

We recommend no longer carrying out viewings in person. Let potential buyers/tenants view the property via video call, or take part in a virtual remote viewing. To help protect you and those around you, we are now helping by marking properties with the free, prominent ‘Video viewing’ flag. This allows you to view your dream property from the safety of your own home, or let potential new tenants view the property virtually.

Can my landlord terminate my tenancy agreement if I have COVID-19?

A tenancy agreement cannot be terminated on the basis of a coronavirus infection. Equally, a rent reduction cannot be granted if a neighbour is ill.

My ancillary costs are higher while I am working from home. Who has to pay for them?

We recommend approaching your employer regarding a contribution to your ancillary costs. There is no legal basis defining whether or not you are entitled to such a contribution.

Landlords

What do I do if tenants are unable to pay the rent due to the current situation?

On 27 March 2020, the Federal Council extended the deadline for payment arrears for residential and commercial properties from 30 days to 90 days. This deadline extension applies for rental payments due between 13 March and 31 May 2020 (rent for April and May). It is not anticipated that the rent for this period will be written off, however. If tenants do not pay within the 30-day or, in the current case, 90-day deadline, you may terminate the contract with a notice period of 30 days to the end of the month.

Can property owners’ meetings still take place?

Meetings are banned until further notice in accordance with the emergency legislation. Owners’ association meetings are prohibited under the ban on events. This is one of the measures intended to combat coronavirus (COVID-19).

Do I need to disinfect the property before handing it over to new tenants?

No, a complete disinfection of the property is not required by the FOPH guidelines for all homes unless there is evidence of a suspected case of COVID-19 infection.

What should I do if a tenant tests positive for coronavirus?

If this occurs, you have an information obligation as a landlord. If a tenant in your property is diagnosed with COVID-19, you are required to inform all other tenants, service providers and visitors to the building.

Sellers and estate agents

Am I still allowed to hold viewings?

If there is no other option and neither you as the seller nor the potential buyer fall into the high-risk category, properties may be viewed in person, providing that the hygiene regulations are complied with. Social distancing, hand-washing and disinfection are essential. We recommend that you take advantage of digital alternatives, however, such as remote video viewings. You can use CasaSoft’s 360° tour service (casatour.ch) or standard video call services such as WhatsApp or FaceTime.

Can sellers and buyers still go to a notary?

Yes, this is still allowed.

Can I meet with estate agents or potential buyers/tenants?

Contact with people outside of your own household should be kept to an absolute minimum. Of course, you will need to contact potential buyers/tenants. However, you should do so via digital means wherever possible. There should be no gatherings under any circumstances (no group viewings) and the hygiene regulations must be followed.

Can properties still be viewed in person?

If there is no other option and neither you nor the potential buyer/tenant fall into the high-risk category, properties may be viewed in person, providing that the hygiene regulations are complied with. Social distancing, hand-washing and disinfection are essential. We recommend that you take advantage of digital alternatives, however, such as remote video viewings. You can use CasaSoft’s 360° tour service (casatour.ch) or standard video call services such as WhatsApp or FaceTime.

Are estate agents still allowed to travel to a property and carry out a video viewing on site?

Yes, this is still allowed. Freedom of movement has not been restricted by the Federal Council. This includes travelling to a property to carry out a video viewing in your professional capacity as an estate agent.

New at ImmoScout24

Viewing by video

covid19_landing#teasers_new_on_is24_img_alt
Visiting flats and houses in person is not easy at the moment. That is why we are now giving advertisers the opportunity to add the remark «Viewing by video» to their ad. Potential tenants or buyers can view these properties conveniently by video call.

For management agencies

360° tours with Casasoft

View of a 360-degree tour of a property, as offered by Casasoft.
Present your property with a virtual 360° tour. You can also order the appropriate equipment for the capturings.

For potential tenants

Online application dossier

Example view of an online application dossier created on ImmoScout24.
You would like to apply for a house or a flat? On ImmoScout24 you can create your online application dossier quickly, easily and free of charge.

Tips for the lockdown period