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Renovation in Geneva: Renovate or Sell ?

Geneva, renowned for its international status and ever-evolving real estate landscape, poses a unique dilemma for property owners. The lingering question: is it wiser to renovate one's property or to sell it? Given the current regulatory framework and market trends, this question warrants special attention.

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I. Regulatory Context of Renovation in Geneva
 

Geneva's laws, particularly the Construction and Various Installations Act (LCI) and the Demolition, Transformation, and Renovation of Residential Houses Act (LDTR), play a pivotal role in the renovation landscape. They delineate the permissions needed before undertaking any construction work.

 

    A. Required Authorizations

 

Construction permits are essential for most projects. However, there are notable exceptions:

 

  • Interior works in standalone villas without changing the living space.

 

  • Minor constructions in building zones, such as antenna installations.

 

  • Solar panel installations under specific conditions.

 

    B. Authorization Procedures

 

There are two main procedures for acquiring construction permissions:

 

  • Ordinary Procedure (DD): Of a more formal nature, it requires official publication and can take up to 60 days.

 

  • Accelerated Procedure (APA): Quicker in nature, this procedure doesn't require publication, and decisions are typically rendered within 30 days. It's often preferred for existing buildings or minor constructions.

 

II. The Challenges of Renovation in the Geneva Context

 

    A. Costs
 

Renovation can be costly, especially considering the high-quality materials and standards required in Geneva.

 

    B. Return on Investment
 

While renovations can enhance a property's value, it's vital to assess whether the investment will pay off in the long run.

 

    C. Regulatory Constraints
 

Regulations can pose limitations, especially if the property is in a protected zone or holds heritage value.

 

III. Selling: An Appealing Alternative
 

Given these challenges, selling might emerge as a tantalizing option, especially considering:

 

    A. Geneva's Active Real Estate Market
 

With steady demand, selling in Geneva can yield quick returns.

 

    B. Benefits of Selling to Professionals
 

Real estate professionals, with their expertise, can streamline the process and maximize sales potential.

 

    C. Property Evaluation
 

Before making a decision, it's advisable to have one's property evaluated. This provides market value insights and aids in devising an effective sales strategy.

 

Conclusion

 

While renovation can breathe new life into a property and potentially increase its value, it comes with its share of challenges and constraints in Geneva. In certain situations, particularly when faced with significant regulatory or financial constraints, selling might emerge as a more prudent option. It's crucial to weigh the pros and cons and consider the possibility of selling to real estate experts. If such a decision is on the horizon, don't hesitate to reach out to specialists like OAKS LANE SA for a professional evaluation of your property.

 

Keywords: Renovation Geneva / Construction Authorizations / Construction Law / Geneva Real Estate Market / Sell Property Geneva / LDTR, LCI / OAKS LANE SA / Real Estate Evaluation

 

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