Advice when buying property. Know what you are buying.
Found a house or flat? Before you sign, our architects check the condition, renovation needs and costs. That way you know the real price of your property and have a solid basis for your purchase decision and the bank.
- We accompany you to the viewing
- Cost estimate for renovation and bank
- After the purchase: renovation from a single source
What we check before you buy
Our architects look where nobody looks during a normal viewing.
Building fabric
Structure, cracks, basement and damp.
Roof & façade
Condition, insulation and what will be due in the coming years.
Windows
Age, airtightness and thermal protection.
Pipes & wiring
Plumbing and electrical installations, often a hidden cost item.
Bathroom & kitchen
Condition and whether renewal is necessary or desired.
Layout & potential
Can your wishes be realised? Is an extension or attic conversion conceivable?
Building law questions
We clarify what is permitted in terms of building law with a view to your renovation plans.
Your package for buying property
What the package includes
- Advice on siteCondition, requirements, feasibility, preserving and increasing value
- Cost estimateDetailed, as a basis for decisions and for the bank
- SketchesBased on the existing plans
- ScheduleFor the renovation after the purchase
- Discussion in several roundsAdjustments, e.g. to optimise budget and tax
- RoadmapStep-by-step overview of the next steps
- One contact personRenovation from a single source if you buy
- ApartmentfromCHF 499
- HousefromCHF 990
- Apartment buildingfromCHF 1'990
- Verbal on-site consultationCHF 290
All prices incl. VAT. The package price depends on the size, condition and number of units of the property. The initial phone call is free of charge.
Request purchase advice →«They attended the house viewing with me and answered many of my questions.»
Google review · Property purchase advice«Great communication every step along the way. […] There was never doubt that the project would be on time and in budget.»
Google review · Renovation & house purchaseYour renovation study to leaf through
At the end of the consultation you hold a study you can base your decision on and take to the bank.
Schematic illustration. Your study contains the figures and plans for your property.
From the viewing to a confident purchase decision
Initial conversation
You tell us about the property, your wishes and your budget.
You get: an assessmentSite visit
We come with you to the viewing, check the condition and answer your questions on site.
You get: a picture of the conditionCosts & sketches
Cost estimate for renovation or remodelling, sketches based on the plans and a schedule.
You get: documents for the bankBuy & renovate
You decide. If you wish, we carry out the renovation with you, from a single source.
You get: your homeWhat does the property really cost?
The purchase price is only part of it. Depending on the condition, renovation or remodelling is added. Work it out roughly.
Guide values for renovation and remodelling by condition of the property, per m² of living area, including VAT:
| Condition | Typical | CHF / m² |
|---|---|---|
| Well maintained | Painting, floors, minor adjustments | 100 – 400 |
| Renovation due | Bathroom, kitchen, surfaces, possibly windows | 1'000 – 2'000 |
| In need of refurbishment | Building services, layout, all rooms | 2'800 – 4'700 |
Advice when buying a house or a flat
Buying a house
With a detached house, you bear everything alone: roof, façade, heating and pipes. We pay particular attention to:
- What will be due in the next ten years
- Heating and regulations on replacement
- Potential for an extension or attic conversion
Buying a flat
With an owner-occupied flat, you share the building with others. We pay particular attention to:
- Condition and fit-out of the flat itself
- What you can renovate within the flat
- Notes on common parts and the renewal fund
Property purchase advice in Zurich, Winterthur, Basel, Lucerne and Bern
We come with you to the viewing, in your region.
Questions about property purchase advice
What does property purchase advice involve?
Before you buy, we check a property for its condition, renovation needs and renovation options and estimate the costs. That way you know what to expect after the purchase and have a basis for decisions on purchase price and financing.
When should I book the purchase advice?
Before you make a binding offer or sign the purchase contract. Ideally, we attend a viewing.
Does the purchase advice help with financing?
Yes. You receive a detailed cost estimate for the renovation, which you can present to the bank as a basis for financing.
Do you also advise when buying a flat?
Yes. With an owner-occupied flat, we check the flat itself and show what to look out for regarding the common parts of the building.
What happens after the purchase?
If you wish, we carry out the renovation with you, with one contact person from planning to handover. Often the renovation can even be done before you move in.
Guide to buying property
In-depth information for your purchase. Click on a chapter to open it.
Checklist for the viewing
- Ask about the year of construction and the year of the last renovations
- Ask for plans, building permits and energy certificates
- Note the age of the heating, windows and roof
- Check the basement for damp and smell
- Test water pressure and sockets
- For flats: ask for the minutes of the owners' meetings
How the year of construction affects costs
Every building period has typical issues, from insulation to building services. Our construction year check shows what to look out for in your house.
Renovating before moving in
The easiest time to renovate is between purchase and moving in: nobody lives in the house, tradespeople have free access and dust does not bother anyone. So plan the renovation before the key handover. More on flat renovation.
Buy with clear sight.
We accompany you to the viewing and tell you what the property really costs.
Request purchase advice →