But things are changing. Thanks to real estate structures involving special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and digital platforms like CapiWell, young wealthy investors now have proven ways to get into the best Swiss property markets. This guide outlines how HENRYs can buy Swiss real estate, what problems they might have, and what strategies work best in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Lausanne.
Why HENRYs Are Buying Swiss Real Estate
HENRYs are the high earners making roughly CHF 200’000-500’000 a year but not yet ultra-wealthy, are often attracted to Switzerland’s premium or aspirational properties, seeking a mix of long-term stability, safe-haven security, and the option to use them both as an investment and a personal home.
People who are interested in real estate are looking for long-term, inflation-protected assets, so interest in Swiss real estate investment has been steadily rising. But the problems are still the same:
- Prices for property in Zurich often go over CHF 14’000 per m2.
- Geneva has some of the lowest rates of empty homes in Europe.
- Basel and Lausanne markets are a little easier to enter, but you still need to make large down payments.
- It’s harder for first-time buyers to get mortgages when interest rates go up.
High-earning millennials are in the same boat: they have good jobs but not enough cash to buy entire properties. This gap is leading them to look for other ways (like fractional investing and SPVs) to own Swiss property.
SPVs: The Most Promising Route for New Real Estate Investors
An SPV is a separate legal entity that is set up just to own a property or portfolio. Instead of buying the property itself, investors buy shares in the SPV.
- Why SPVs Are Important for HENRY Investors
- Less money needed than when buying a whole property.
- Management of properties, renovations, and tenant operations by professionals.
- Clear reports, distributions, and exit timelines make the structure clear.
- Risk isolation keeps debts inside the SPV.
- Access to major deals in cities like Zurich and Geneva that would otherwise be too expensive.
- SPVs are a great way for tech-savvy investors to get involved in real estate without having to deal with operational issues.
How CapiWell Opens the Door to Crowd-Investing in Switzerland
CapiWell is a crowd-investing platform with a special emphasis on SPV-owned real estate, transparency, and ESG.
CapiWell is becoming more and more popular among 25- to 40-year-old professionals who are looking for Swiss property crowd investing and ways to invest in Swiss real estate with relatively little money upfront.
What HENRYs Like About CapiWell
- Low minimum investment amounts. Investors can get curated deals with much smaller tickets instead of having to put in CHF 200’000 or more.
- CapiWell provides access to the best Swiss real estate markets, such as Zurich West, Geneva’s “Rive Gauche”, Lausanne’s innovation district, and Basel’s strong rental areas.
- SPV-backed governance: Every project is set up professionally to ensure that investors get the same level of oversight as institutions.
- CapiWell real estate opportunities primarily involve buildings that meet energy-efficient standards and have long-term plans for sustainability. These factors matter to younger investors.
CapiWell is an easy way for millennials with good jobs in finance, tech, life sciences, or consulting to get into Swiss real estate without having to wait years to save up for a full down payment.
ESG: An Important Element of Long-Term Real Estate Value
Since 2023, in Switzerland there has been growing demand for ESG-compliant property and sustainable real estate investment opportunities. Buildings that don’t use energy efficiently are coming under more regulatory pressure, and owners are being pushed to improve older buildings.
- For HENRYs, ESG isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also good for business.
- The ESG Advantage in Swiss Cities
- More tenants want modern, efficient apartments.
- Buildings that already meet energy standards cost less to maintain in the long run.
- Stronger resale and appreciation as rules get stricter.
- Better financing terms for long-lasting assets.
Young investors who use SPVs or platforms like CapiWell to choose projects that fit with ESG goals tend to have less risk of vacancies and better long-term performance.
City-by-City Insights: What HENRYs Should Pay Attention To
- Investing in Zurich Real Estate
Zurich is still the best place to invest money in real estate and see it grow. The vacancy rate is about 1%, and there is steady demand from expats and business tenants. CapiWell provides HENRYs a safe route to gain partial ownership of buildings in Zurich. - Investing in Geneva Real Estate
The market in Geneva is well-known for being short on supply, especially in prime areas. Prices are high, but the market is very stable. Best plan: ESG-renovation SPVs that focus on central Geneva. - Investing in Basel Real Estate
The pharmaceutical and biotech sectors in Basel help keep yields more balanced. Renting is still going strong, and there is a moderate amount of supply. Here, the best strategy is to invest in medium-yield SPVs or mixed-use properties. - Investing in Lausanne Real Estate
Technology, education, and lifestyle drive Lausanne’s growth. Students and professionals keep modern units in high demand.
The best strategy is to look for fractional opportunities that focus on ESG or new construction.
Things HENRYs Need to Think About Before Investing
Investing in Swiss real estate is still hard, even with digital access:
- Costs of Transactions Are High
Taxes and fees can be 3% to 5% of the purchase price, depending on the canton. - Low Liquidity
Fractional shares may only be able to be traded during set exit times. - Regulatory Difficulties
Swiss real estate laws are strict. It is essential to carefully review SPV documents, tax implications, and differences between cantons. - Fees
Management fees, performance fees, and transaction fees can have a meaningful effect on returns for smaller investors.
Investors must always do their homework, but CapiWell is designed to make this process smooth.
A Four-Step Swiss Real Estate Plan for HENRYs
Step 1: Start with fractional exposure. You can get on the property ladder in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, or Lausanne by investing in a SPV through CapiWell.
Step 2: Diversify by city. Each market has different characteristics: Zurich for stability, Geneva for scarcity, Basel for yield, and Lausanne for growth.
Step 3: Pick projects that put ESG first. They have lower regulatory risk and higher long-term returns.
Step 4: Gradually scale up. As your capital grows, increase your position. Make regular contributions to build a long-term Swiss real estate portfolio.
Conclusion: Finally, Young High-Earners Can Buy Swiss Property
Swiss real estate has always been one of the safest, most desirable, and most exclusive markets in the world. For many years, only families, institutions, and investors with significant liquidity could participate in the local market.
But that time is coming to an end.
With the rise of SPV-based structures and crowd-investing platforms like CapiWell, HENRYs can now invest in real estate in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Lausanne without having to put down hundreds of thousands of francs up front.
For young, ESG-conscious professionals to build wealth over time, this fractional approach to Swiss real estate is one of the most promising alternatives to stocks.
