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.

Older, unrenovated houses with large gardens attract property developers looking to demolish the existing structure and replace it with a new build. These buyers first need to obtain a building permit, a process that can take months or even years. Consequently, they prefer forward purchases, where a portion of the sale price is held in an escrow account. This requires specific expertise on the part of the real estate agent. Bestag’s algorithm takes portfolio fit into account—if agents in your area have successfully completed such transactions, they will be recommended to you.

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.

Selling your property yourself can make sense, but only under very specific conditions. Specifically: you are selling a condominium in a development where several identical units have recently been sold, and you know the exact price per square meter achieved. In all other cases—single-family homes, unique properties, or locations with few comparable transactions—you simply lack the market knowledge as a private individual to set the right price. If you set it too high, your property will "burn out." If you set it too low, you will give away six-figure sums without even realizing it. Even after deducting the commission, almost all sellers fare better with a professional real estate agent than they do on their own. Even if you are selling yourself, you can use the Bestag valuation to at least get a well-founded estimate of your property's market value.

Yes. The detailed hedonic valuations take around 40 data points into account, including condition, standard of finish, and level of maintenance. A house with a backlog of maintenance is valued lower than a comparable renovated property. Furthermore, local real estate agents know the market: they know what kind of discount buyers expect for unrenovated properties and whether there are any project developers interested in the land.

Bestag is particularly valuable in divorce cases. The typical problem: in a divorce, the partner who wants to keep the property has an interest in a low market value to minimize the equalization payment, while the other wants a high market value. Both parties hire "their own" experts, who then provide estimates that suit their respective clients. The difference is often a six-figure sum. Bestag solves this problem: five independent valuations—two hedonic models plus three broker estimates—provide a reliable range that both parties can rely on. Neither side has to rely on a single "favorable" appraisal. There is also a solution involving a right of first refusal: the property is offered on the market, and whoever wants to keep it can take it over at the highest third-party bid. For the first time since the separation began, both parties have a common interest: the highest possible price.

Yes. The fundamental problem is that all owners listed in the land register have a right of veto. One person wants a quick sale, another wants to keep the property in the family, and a third thinks the price is too low. This leads to stalemates and disputes—sometimes lasting for years. Bestag provides a neutral foundation for this: our five valuations create clarity regarding the actual market value. No heir can claim the house is worth significantly more or less when five independent sources point in a similar direction. The book also recommends the right of first refusal model: the property is offered on the market, and any family member can acquire it by matching the highest third-party bid. In practice, not a single family member has exercised this right of first refusal in all these years. Without a discount on the market value, it simply isn't worth it for most people.

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.