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 continuously tracks all listings for houses and condominiums across Swiss real estate portals. From this data, we build a profile for every agent. Our algorithm evaluates 15 criteria, including: How quickly does an agent sell their properties? How often do they have to lower prices? How do their price-per-square-meter figures compare to the local average? How often does an agent fail to sell a property, only for it to reappear shortly after with a different agent? We also factor in "portfolio fit": agents who have successfully marketed properties similar to yours—in terms of type, location, and price range—are prioritized. The result: Bestag doesn't just suggest any agent; we recommend the three who have proven to achieve the best results for your specific property type in your region.

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.

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.

For luxury or niche properties, the pool of potential buyers is very small, marketing often takes over twelve months, and expectations are high. The hedonic valuation model reaches its limits here. Nevertheless, identifying the right agent through Bestag’s algorithm—who has successfully marketed luxury properties in your region—is particularly valuable in these cases. It is best to clarify the details in a personal consultation with Bestag.

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.

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.

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.