5 facts about becoming a real estate manager with a Federal Diploma of Higher Education

Their day-to-day work includes letting, rental agreements, apartment inspections, budget planning, maintenance coordination and contact with owners, tenants and tradespeople. Real estate managers therefore assume an important interface function between various stakeholder groups.

These are the core tasks in the context of holistic management:

• Commercial management:This includes the re-letting of properties, rent reviews, debt collection, heating and ancillary cost accounting and bookkeeping.
• Technical support:This includes the maintenance and repair of properties, the acceptance and handover of apartments, the maintenance of outdoor facilities and the coordination of janitors and tradesmen.
• Tenant support:The managers are the point of contact for tenants' concerns and complaints and take care of settling disputes.
• Condominium ownership (STWEG):They hold owners' meetings and manage complex communities of owners.
  Tax optimization: The managers provide support in optimizing VAT and preventing tax risks in the real estate portfolio.

Only those who can demonstrate several years of practical experience in the real estate industry are admitted to the Federal Professional Examination in Real Estate Management. Depending on previous education, at least three to five years of professional experience in the real estate industry are required.

Necessary professional experience (proof of practical experience):

• At least 3 years of professional experience(with a 100% workload) in a profession in the real estate industry at the time of the examination.
• With a smaller workload, the required duration is extended accordingly.
• Of these 3 yearsat least 2 years in Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtensteinhave been completed.

Alternative approval:

• Persons who do not have any of the required basic qualifications (see below) will be admitted if theyAt least 5 years of full-time professional practicein the real estate sector.

Real estate managers with a Federal Diploma of Higher Education must be familiar with tenancy law, contracts, condominium ownership and administrative processes, among other things. This is why legal principles are one of the central topics of continuing education, further training.

These are the central legal areas in which a manager needs sound knowledge:

• Tenancy law (OR):This is the core area. It includes the conclusion and termination of rental agreements, the setting and adjustment of rents, the handling of rent adjustments (reference interest rate) and knowledge of rights and obligations in the event of defects in the rental property.
• Condominium ownership (ZGB):This includes knowledge of the establishment and management of condominiums, the organization of owners' meetings and the enforcement of regulations.
• Debt enforcement and bankruptcy law (SchKG):In the event of rent arrears, the correct procedure for debt collection and reminders, including debt enforcement, is essential.
• Environmental, planning and building law:Knowledge in this area is important for the maintenance of properties, renovations and compliance with safety standards.
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO):Knowledge of the legal steps to be taken in the event of disputes before arbitration authorities or courts.

As many participants are already working in the real estate industry, the course is often offered on a part-time basis. This means that what they have learned can be applied directly in their everyday work - for example in the management of rental properties or the organization of maintenance work.

Here are the most important facts:

• Structure:Classes usually take place in the evenings or at weekends so that employment in the real estate industry can be maintained.
• Practical relevance:The courses are aimed at people who are already working in the real estate sector or want to gain a foothold there.
• Contents:Continuing education, further training includes legal basics, construction technology, accounting and HR.

The Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Real Estate Management is an established continuing education, further training course within the Swiss real estate industry. Graduates work, for example, for real estate management companies, general contractors, pension funds or institutional owners.

Features and benefits:

• Nationally recognized:The degree is sponsored by the State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation SERI and the professional associations (e.g. SVIT).
• Federal Professional Examination (FPE):It is awarded after passing the Federal Professional Examination, which is aimed at people with professional experience in real estate management.
• Proof of competence:Holders of the Federal Diploma of Higher Education (often referred to as a real estate manager with a Federal Diploma of Higher Education) demonstrate in-depth knowledge of legal, construction and administrative matters.
• Management level:The degree qualifies students to manage their own portfolios and lead small teams.