What are the main architectural and building features that determine the economic value of new properties today, according to SIT Immobiliare's experience?
Today, the most sought-after renovations revolve around advanced methods of renovation, aimed at reducing operating costs. Buyers primarily want to keep energy and condominium fees low, so they pay particular attention to high-performance thermal insulation, often exceeding the legal minimum, and to modern, highly efficient systems: photovoltaic panels, energy recovery systems, heating and cooling via heat pumps. Aesthetics remain important, but the priority is long-term cost sustainability. A concrete example is the recent renovation of the Residenza Concordia: thermal insulation, windows and doors, new photovoltaic panels, and a complete replacement of the heating system. Thus, a two-room apartment of 50–60 m² can maintain annual condominium fees of around 2.000–3.000 francs, compared to the current 4.000–5.000 francs for many less efficient buildings.
So sustainability has a significant impact on your customers' demands?
It's become central. Sustainability is now a standard requirement, not just a plus. Clients are evaluating materials, insulation, energy-saving technologies, and especially future maintenance costs. Real estate developers are also adapting their projects, driven by this demand: investors want their property to be competitive not just today, but also in ten years' time.
Which urban areas in Ticino are you focusing on most?
The most sought-after areas are those within walking distance of Lugano's city center: convenience, proximity to services, and reduced car use. Paradiso and Massagno remain highly attractive, as does Cassarate, which offers lake views, access to the Lido, supermarkets, and amenities right on the doorstep. Families are seeking more sustainable transportation, often with e-bikes, precisely to avoid expensive parking and city traffic. There's also greater attention to the quality of parking spaces: developers are now avoiding excessively deep underground levels, especially near the lake, to avoid water infiltration and costly maintenance.
What are the current trends in residential construction demand in Ticino?
«Sit Real Estate It offers solutions with low running costs, quality systems, sustainability, and convenient services. Even affluent clients today avoid high-cost condominiums: swimming pools, spas, and shared parks are popular, but few are willing to pay for their annual maintenance, which can cost up to 2.000 francs a month.
How do you deal with the growing demand from international customers?
International clients have different needs than local clients. The primary differentiator is education: many foreign families opt for international schools and choose areas like Sorengo, Collina d'Oro, Castagnola, or the Lugano hills, where there is ample, green residential space and large properties (often 200–500 m²). Distances are perceived differently: for a foreigner, 20–30 minutes by car is normal, while for a local resident, it's perceived as excessive. To attract this clientele, we also work with professionals specialized in international relocation, such as an American professional who works with us to assist US clients interested in moving to Ticino.
Do you also deal with properties abroad?
"Yes, but for us, international markets are primarily a response to local demand. Many Ticino clients desire second homes in Liguria, Tuscany, or Sardinia, and for this reason, we have established partnerships with Swiss developers investing in these areas. We handle sales from here, ensuring that the product and the developer are reliable. We are also managing major projects with established developers who build both in Ticino and beyond. Some new developments will be launched soon, with high-end properties priced up to 11 million francs."
What is your assessment of the overall health of the Ticino real estate market?
The market is undergoing a profound transformation. The real estate stock from the 70s and 80s requires major intervention: those with the financial means are renovating and maintaining income, while those who can't prefer to sell. Redevelopment is essential, but it requires vision: simply replacing the insulation and roof isn't enough. Spaces need to be redesigned, with adequate elevators, modern systems, and structural upgrades that will ensure their value even 15 years from now. Unfortunately, developers often focus on a cosmetic facelift, which, however, will quickly become obsolete.
How do you concretely support investors in the development of real estate projects?
We always encourage developers to engage with us before the market launch. We analyze real demand, the most popular layouts, and preferences (separate or open-plan kitchen, number of bathrooms, internal laundry, outdoor spaces), and we verify the actual market value, not the one estimated by the portals. This preliminary work allows us to set correct prices; develop projects consistent with current needs; sell "on paper" before construction; and avoid mistakes that hinder future sales. Today's customers are well-informed and immediately recognize cheap materials, substandard systems, or poorly maintained details. The real estate speculation that worked fifteen years ago is no longer sustainable.
Are there any income-generating properties available on the Ticino market?
Demand is extremely high, supply is very low. Many owners fear that if they put a building with tenants up for sale, word will spread and the tenants will leave, jeopardizing the income needed to finance the loan. This is why we always operate with extreme discretion: appraisals are held without publicity, viewings are limited to qualified investors, and the processes are fast and confidential. In several transactions, tenants were only informed at the time of the transfer of ownership, without any interruption to their contracts. The problem, therefore, isn't demand: it's the lack of rental properties, especially for sale in the Lugano area, where many buildings from the 70s require significant renovations.
