Articles that speak of a crisis in the real estate market, a devaluation of properties, yet, data in hand, it seems that the interest in changing or looking for a house in the luxury sector is always on. In recent weeks you have not been able to make visits, how did you manage to propose your objects?
«Our company is at the forefront for everything related to high technology, we have been able to propose images shot with a drone outside the properties, as well as moving videos to show the interior spaces. Of course, this kind of information is only given to customers we know and with whom, before Covid-19, we had already had direct contact. I do not hide the fact that even during these weeks we have managed to conclude distance sales, this is because there is a relationship of mutual trust ».
There is talk of a crisis in the real estate sector, but many are expressing the desire to buy a house ...
"We should not be surprised, the isolation due to the Coronavirus is making the value of the home rediscover, I think that - in some ways - the market, especially the luxury one, will be strengthened. Many people have had the opportunity to live in their own home, to understand if it was actually the most suitable home for them. We must not forget that for many the house during this lockdown has become a refuge and indirectly a considerable psychological help. We only think of those who have been able to enjoy a spacious and sunny terrace, a garden and who, perhaps, did not even have a balcony available. Another important factor, given that we have a lot of foreign customers, is the desire to change country, we have noticed a growing demand for foreigners who have decided to come and live in Switzerland. Now we just have to see if it is a limited phenomenon or a strengthening of a trend that has already existed for years ».
Do you feel that interest in Switzerland, in Ticino, has increased due to this exceptional situation?
«On the one hand, it seems we can say yes, at least for the moment, but it must be said that the luxury market, linked to foreign customers, has not been experiencing a crisis for some years. At the basis of this constant interest is political stability, security and, last but not least, the climate and the Mediterranean landscape in which we have the privilege of living. Speaking of the current situation, linked to the coronavirus, we cannot exactly establish which and how many customers have shown interest in buying a house due to the pandemic, as well as we cannot generalize on their origin, but we have noticed greater attention in the choice of properties as they have more time to research before making visits and, as mentioned above, there is a great demand for villas with terraces and gardens. Furthermore, let's not forget that there are also a significant number of families who come from beyond the Gotthard, in short, the charm of the Sonnenstube never fades ».
Just before the Coronavirus alert you were in Miami where you received an internationally coveted award. You haven't even had time to celebrate ...
«This is the only regret… but we will have time to do it. In any case, it is a recognition that has given us further motivation, perhaps it is also for this reason that in having to face the difficulties related to the pandemic we were able to react promptly. As you recalled, this is an international recognition, which was presented to us during the annual world congress of Christie's International Real Estate in Palm Beach. Being awarded “Affiliate of the Year” is an honor as there were the best agents in the world on site. What made the difference was our digital marketing, the printed matter and the accuracy of the events we offer - also linked to the auction parent company - as well as the fact that the level of our services in general is considered to be excellent ».
