Changing rooms, Swiss-style: seeing the value in old things in Switzerland is not really in fashion--especially when it comes to real estate. However, there are a growing number of brave souls who are taking advantage of a good supply of old farm houses, mills and even the occasional castle in order to bring back the past, complete with its unique character and charm.

Swiss News › Nbr. 2007, April 2007

Author: McIntosh, Jane

Position:: HOUSING SPECIAL

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HOUSING SPECIAL

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Changing rooms, Swiss-style: seeing the value in old things in Switzerland is not really in fashion--especially when it comes to real estate. However, there are a growing number of brave souls who are taking advantage of a good supply of old farm houses, mills and even the occasional castle in order to bring back the past, complete with its unique character and charm.

A trend toward renovation is being fuelled by the current low cost of borrowing money, says Credit Suisse economist Ulrich Braun:

"At the moment we have historically low levels of interest rates. So if you want to finance your home, now is the best time we have seen for the last 30 to 40 years."

I work as a real estate consultant and it has often seemed to me that Suisse Romande has more old buildings up for sale and renovation. B...

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