FAQ’s
What is the concept behind the Fiescherblick development?
The Fiescherblick apartments will be linked directly to a luxury boutique hotel. The existing hotel will be completely renovated and all owners of the apartments will have direct access to the hotels concierge services and leisure facilities. The hotel will manage and maintain the apartment on your behalf when you are not in residence.
Are the apartments freehold?
Yes, you will own a share in the freehold of the building with specific reference to your apartment.
Can I buy more than one apartment?
No, current law forbids foreigners from owning more than one property in Switzerland. However it is possible for members of the same family to purchase in a development.
What are the advantages of a serviced apartment?
The hotel will arrange rentals when you are not in residence, your apartment will effectively become a hotel suite. The apartment will also be maintained and 24hr security is provided. Think of it as an apartment that takes care of itself.
Do I have to rent out my apartment?
You will have to make your apartment available for rental for at least 6 months of the year. The more days you make available for rental the bigger your rental income will be. The hotel will rent out the apartment on a best effort basis and you will receive 50% of the income.
Who else can use my apartment free of charge?
Yourself and anyone you designate.
What hotel leisure facilities are available and will I get preferential treatment over regular guests?
You will have full use of the hotel facilities including the pool, spa, gym and ski room. The hotel will also have a bar, games room, smoking room, restaurant and conferencing facilities. As “part of the family” we will strive to give you preferential treatment, within reason, to internal and external services.
Can I resell my property?
In the Canton of Berne there are no restrictions on the resale of property. We would ask, however, that the seller grant the first right of refusal when putting the property on the market. There is a capital gains tax that decreases with the length of holding and is progressive with respect to the absolute gain in Swiss Francs. The Double Taxation treaty between Switzerland and relevant partner countries avoids double taxation on capital gains by giving the seller a tax credit against domestic taxes.
What will be included in the Service Charge?
All utilities such as water, electricity and heating will be included in the service charge. Maintenance and upkeep of the apartment will also be included. The buildings insurance will be paid for by the hotel and the owner will pay for the room contents insurance. A contribution to a sinking fund for major works will also be apportioned. The service charge breakdown will be calculated at Sfr 100 per sq/m, which is less than 1% per year. All concierge costs will be extra and charged to the owners account.
Are mortgages/ financing available for property purchase?
Yes, the typical Loan to value is 66% although it may be possible subject to status to borrow up to 80% LTV. More details can be obtained from our finance partners.
How do I reserve an apartment in the Fiescherblick development?
It is possible to reserve a property in the development. We will require a completed reservation agreement and a deposit of 50,000CHF. The next payment will be due when building work commences.
What construction guarantees are available?
The federal construction guarantee is:
Five years for construction defects.
Ten years for hidden defects.
Who pays for the interiors?
All fixtures and fittings are included in the purchase price. The owner pays for the initial furniture pack and appliances, while the hotel will pay for replacements if damaged by the hotel guests.
Can I choose my interior finish?
The apartment interiors are standard across the hotel so as to maintain the boutique luxury nature of the hotel. Therefore it will only be possible for the buyer to make minor changes. However, the buyer may bring their own furniture and fittings, subject to approval from the hotel. During their stay buyers can bring reasonable personal items which are returned to storage on departure.
When is the Fiescherblick development expected to be completed?
Building works are due to start in April 2009 and we would envisage a completion date of December 2010.
What is the concept behind the Fiescherblick development?
The Fiescherblick apartments will be linked directly to a luxury boutique hotel. The existing hotel will be completely renovated and all owners of the apartments will have direct access to the hotels concierge services and leisure facilities. The hotel will manage and maintain the apartment on your behalf when you are not in residence.
Are the apartments freehold?
Yes, you will own a share in the freehold of the building with specific reference to your apartment.
Can I buy more than one apartment?
No, current law forbids foreigners from owning more than one property in Switzerland. However it is possible for members of the same family to purchase in a development.
What are the advantages of a serviced apartment?
The hotel will arrange rentals when you are not in residence, your apartment will effectively become a hotel suite. The apartment will also be maintained and 24hr security is provided. Think of it as an apartment that takes care of itself.
Do I have to rent out my apartment?
You will have to make your apartment available for rental for at least 6 months of the year. The more days you make available for rental the bigger your rental income will be. The hotel will rent out the apartment on a best effort basis and you will receive 50% of the income.
Who else can use my apartment free of charge?
Yourself and anyone you designate.
What hotel leisure facilities are available and will I get preferential treatment over regular guests?
You will have full use of the hotel facilities including the pool, spa, gym and ski room. The hotel will also have a bar, games room, smoking room, restaurant and conferencing facilities. As “part of the family” we will strive to give you preferential treatment, within reason, to internal and external services.
Can I resell my property?
In the Canton of Berne there are no restrictions on the resale of property. We would ask, however, that the seller grant the first right of refusal when putting the property on the market. There is a capital gains tax that decreases with the length of holding and is progressive with respect to the absolute gain in Swiss Francs. The Double Taxation treaty between Switzerland and relevant partner countries avoids double taxation on capital gains by giving the seller a tax credit against domestic taxes.
What will be included in the Service Charge?
All utilities such as water, electricity and heating will be included in the service charge. Maintenance and upkeep of the apartment will also be included. The buildings insurance will be paid for by the hotel and the owner will pay for the room contents insurance. A contribution to a sinking fund for major works will also be apportioned. The service charge breakdown will be calculated at Sfr 100 per sq/m, which is less than 1% per year. All concierge costs will be extra and charged to the owners account.
Are mortgages/ financing available for property purchase?
Yes, the typical Loan to value is 66% although it may be possible subject to status to borrow up to 80% LTV. More details can be obtained from our finance partners.
How do I reserve an apartment in the Fiescherblick development?
It is possible to reserve a property in the development. We will require a completed reservation agreement and a deposit of 50,000CHF. The next payment will be due when building work commences.
What construction guarantees are available?
The federal construction guarantee is:
Five years for construction defects.
Ten years for hidden defects.
Who pays for the interiors?
All fixtures and fittings are included in the purchase price. The owner pays for the initial furniture pack and appliances, while the hotel will pay for replacements if damaged by the hotel guests.
Can I choose my interior finish?
The apartment interiors are standard across the hotel so as to maintain the boutique luxury nature of the hotel. Therefore it will only be possible for the buyer to make minor changes. However, the buyer may bring their own furniture and fittings, subject to approval from the hotel. During their stay buyers can bring reasonable personal items which are returned to storage on departure.
When is the Fiescherblick development expected to be completed?
Building works are due to start in April 2009 and we would envisage a completion date of December 2010.
