No. Bestag is not a real estate agency and does not sell properties. Bestag is an independent intermediary between you, the seller, and the best real estate agents in your region. Our role is best compared to that of a recruitment agency: Bestag finds the most suitable agent for your property from the entire Swiss market of around 7,000 active agents. We identify the three most successful agents for your specific property, organize valuations from five different sources, and draft a brokerage agreement that protects your interests. You then decide for yourself which of the three agents you wish to hire. Bestag continues to support you throughout the entire sales process, acting as an independent oversight body.

Bestag works best for properties that can be valued using a hedonic approach—namely condominiums, single-family homes, and multi-family dwellings. The hedonic valuation model compares your property with the actual sale prices of similar properties, which requires a sufficient amount of comparative data. For specialized properties—such as farms, alpine huts, rustic retreats, or properties with significant land development potential—the hedonic method is limited or entirely inapplicable due to a lack of comparable transactions. In such cases, the expertise of locally established real estate agents becomes all the more important, and this is precisely what Bestag identifies algorithmically.

The valuation is the first step in the Bestag process. You begin with a free online valuation at bestag.ch. The detailed valuation, which uses five different sources, is part of our comprehensive package. During a consultation with Bestag, you can clarify whether you are simply looking for an initial estimate or if you would like to proceed with the full sales process.

Both. Bestag guides you through the evaluation and selection process. Once you have chosen an agent, they become your operational partner for marketing and negotiations. However, Bestag remains in the background as a supervisory body—meaning you have two points of contact who keep each other in check.

There are four classic scenarios—inheritance, divorce, starting a family, and downsizing—and in each, the book analyzes the tax and financial consequences of renting versus selling. The core message: rental income must be taxed as earnings. On top of that, there are management costs, maintenance reserves, and the risks associated with climate protection regulations. Capital gains tax on a sale, by contrast, is often more favorable—and can even be waived entirely if the proceeds are reinvested in a primary residence. Bestag can advise you during this initial consultation and help you make your decision based on facts rather than gut feeling.

Yes. Bestag has offices in Zurich, Bern, and Préverenges (VD) and can be reached via regional phone numbers covering St. Gallen, Lucerne, Basel, Bern, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Geneva, Vaud, Valais, and Chur. The website is available in German, French, and English.

A discreet sale without a public listing can be important for certain sellers—such as in cases of divorce, high-profile owners, or in small communities where neighbors should not be informed. While the Bestag model is based on public marketing via portals, experienced agents maintain lists of interested buyers and can also place properties discreetly. Whether this makes sense for your property is best discussed directly with Bestag, as a discreet sale reduces the number of potential buyers and can therefore lower the achievable price. This is a conscious trade-off.

A good real estate agent handles price negotiations on your behalf, meaning you have no direct contact with the buyer and cannot be pressured. The agent must always consult with you and cannot make decisions independently, ensuring you remain in control. What makes the Bestag model unique is that our bonus-malus system gives the agent a genuine financial incentive to negotiate hard for you. Every additional franc they secure above the estimated value increases their commission. Furthermore, Bestag remains involved as a supervisory body. If the agent suddenly claims the price needs to be lowered, you can check with Bestag to verify whether that is accurate or if the agent is simply looking for a quick sale.