Why does the Bernese Oberland attract real estate investors?

Nature and real estate of the Bernese Oberland

The Swiss Bernese Oberland is a stunning region located just seventeen minutes by car south of the capital of the canton of Bern. Here, breathtaking nature unfolds in all its glory, making it an ideal place for living and recreation. This picturesque area is renowned for its attractive real estate offerings, especially against the backdrop of the amazing Lake Thun, situated at the foot of the Bernese Alps.

The city of Thun and the neighboring village of Spiez are becoming increasingly popular among residents of Bern who wish to spend their days in harmony with nature and enjoy solitude on the picturesque shores of the lake.

The resort town of Interlaken

Between Thun and Lake Brienz lies the famous resort town of Interlaken, which has become a true tourist hotspot thanks to its strategically advantageous location at the foot of the majestic peaks of the Alps — Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. This corner of the city attracts a large number of tourists eager to conquer the heights of Jungfrau, which is accessible via the highest railway in Europe.

The area is surrounded by truly mesmerizing landscapes, generously offering an abundance of fish, pristine lakes, and majestic mountains. A significant portion of this region, including the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn massif, partially belongs to the canton of Valais and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

Advantages for foreign investors

Despite the popularity of this excellent resort among tourists, there are quite few permanent residents among foreigners here. Nevertheless, citizens of England, Germany, the Netherlands, and France have long appreciated all the advantages of living in the Bernese Oberland and are actively investing in various real estate properties. At the markets, you can find:

• private houses
• commercial spaces
• country houses in nature

Russian buyers, for their part, have not shown much interest in this area so far, often underestimating its merits and the generosity of nature.

Transport accessibility

Some claim that the region is too remote from civilization and suffers from a lack of access. However, this is not entirely true. The Bernese Oberland has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, making it easy to reach from major cities like Bern orMilan. For example, the journey from Milan to Thun takes only about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Additionally, you can conveniently reach Thun from Zurich Airport by direct train in just an hour and a half. Bern's nearby Belp International Airport offers connections to many European cities such as Vienna, Berlin, London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Nice. Local airports and runways for private aviation in Thun, Zweisimmen, and the resort areas of Gstaad-Saanen further enhance the region's transport accessibility, providing excellent travel conditions.

Opportunities in the real estate market

The real estate market in the Bernese Oberland stands out not only for its convenient transportation connections but also for its relatively affordable prices compared to other Swiss regions. This opens up unique opportunities for investors, offering favorable conditions for purchasing residential and commercial properties in this amazing area, rich in natural beauty and with a well-developed infrastructure.

The Bernese Oberland, with all its riches, remains at the forefront of the Swiss real estate market, making it attractive to both locals and foreign investors seeking tranquility and beauty in their surroundings.

The exceptional atmosphere of Zaanenland

In the Zaanenland area, where the famous town of Gstaad is located, there is a unique atmosphere that attracts high-income individuals. This mountain resort offers a variety of housing options – from classic chalets to ultra-modern buildings that can meet any demand. The region is renowned not only for its natural beauty but also for its regular major cultural and sporting events, as well as the presence of prestigious international schools with English-language programs. As a result, property prices here are among the highest in Switzerland.

Housing prices in the canton of Bern

However, when comparing housing prices in the canton of Bern, it can be noted that they are 15-20% lower than in cities like Zurich and Geneva. In 2011, the international consulting company Wuest & Partner presented a study on housing prices in Bern and other Swiss cities. For example, a three-room apartment with a kitchen and bathroom in the capital can cost 499,000 Swiss francs, while a similar apartment in Zurich costs approximately 808,000, and in Geneva, around 1,032,000 francs. A similar situation is observed with houses: a four-room home in Bern is available for 605,000 francs, while in other major cities, prices are significantly higher.

The standard of living in Bern

When it comes to the standard of living in the canton of Bern, it is on average 10-15% lower than in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Zug.

Increase in the share of real estate for temporary living

In the last ten years, there has been a noticeable trend in Switzerland of increasing the number of properties intended for temporary living. This growth has caused dissatisfaction among local residents, as many of these properties remain abandoned for long periods.

Initiative to limit the purchase of "second homes"

In turn, a group of proactive citizens has started collecting signatures for a referendum aimed at establishing restrictions on the purchase of so-called "second homes." The proposed measures stipulate that the number of such properties in each municipality should not exceed 20% of the total number of residential units.

Referendum of 2012

On March 11, 2012, a national referendum took place in Switzerland, where a significant majority of participants voted in favor of introducing restrictions on the number of "second homes" used seasonally. These properties are generally poorly rented out, and their owners use them for only 30-40 days a year. For the rest of the time, they remain unnecessary, as the owners live in other countries and come to Switzerland only for short vacations.

Accounting for "second homes" when purchasing real estate

Now potential buyers should closely monitor the percentage of "second homes" in the communities they wish to purchase in. Notably, this ratio is particularly high in popular resort areas, such as:

• The international resort area of Lenka - up to 65%
• Winter resort Grindelwald - 49.6%

Acquisition of primary housing by foreigners

As for the possibility for foreigners to acquire primary housing, such an opportunity exists, but it ensures compliance with the quota distribution system by cantons each year. Particularly many permits are granted in the canton of Bern for foreign citizens wishing to become property owners. In some municipalities of this canton, not all allocated opportunities for purchases are even utilized.

Decisions of local authorities

It should be emphasized that the decision on the number of permits for foreign homebuyers is made by local authorities. This measure remains relevant and in demand among the population, which is concerned about the increasing number of secondary residences in their communities.

Trends in the Swiss real estate market

The information presented at the beginning of 2012 highlights the existing trends that local authorities are considering in light of the growing interest in "second homes" in the Swiss real estate market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bernese Oberland represents a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic opportunities, making this region attractive for living and investment. I hope my review has helped you better understand the advantages of living in this natural resort, including its accessibility and the variety of real estate options available.

The real opportunity to purchase property at a reasonable price in such a picturesque place as the Bernese Oberland is a strong argument in its favor. Despite existing stereotypes about the region's difficult accessibility, the facts speak for themselves: convenient transportation links and proximity to international airports make travel easy and comfortable.

Issues and changes in the real estate market

Compact settlements like Thun and Spiez are convenient for those who work in Bern but do not want to give up the charms of country life. There are many options available for both permanent residence and investment.

Prospects of commercial real estate

In this regard, it is worth paying attention to the rapidly growing commercial real estate market, where a decent rental income is possible.

• Hotels and accommodations of various categories;
• Factories and warehouses;
• Office buildings and other small and medium-sized business facilities.

Moreover, the Bernese Oberland is an excellent place for direct foreign investments in properties, which also contributes to the economic development of the region. I would like to emphasize that, although competition in the real estate sector is increasing, property prices are still lower than in other major Swiss cities, and there are still many opportunities here for those looking for profitable deals.

Advantages of the Bernese Oberland

Every year, more and more foreign buyers are paying attention to this region, creating prospects for its further development. In this context, it is worth noting that the Bernese Oberland, as part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage, will continue to attract tourists and investors with its splendor and natural wealth.

I hope this information will be useful for those considering the possibility of moving or investing in this amazing corner of Switzerland. Ultimately, the Bernese Oberland is a place where nature and economic opportunities intersect, creating a unique environment for living and working.