Béatrice Gollong, Head of Transactions and Commercial Spaces Marketing

Full potential realized

One of 2021’s achievements was the acquisition of a fully leased logistics property in Buchs (AG) as part of a share deal. The tenant in the European clothing industry is now one of HIAG’s “top three tenants”. Another highlight was the acquisition of four retail properties in Winterthur, Solothurn and Reinach (BL). The seller remains a long-term tenant at all three sites following the sale-and-leaseback transaction. For this type of transaction, the drafting of the leaseback and development agreements is key. Tailor-made projects are developed jointly with the tenant using a build-to-suit approach and a long-term lease is concluded. The divestment program was also successful.

With the sale of non-strategic properties in Aigle, Basel, Biberist, Bremgarten, Windisch and the Zurich Oberland, a large portion of the volume scheduled for the end of 2022 has already been realised at a profit. Among the highlights of commercial spaces marketing were the seamless follow-on lease for a logistics property in Brunegg with a 10-year term to a solvent tenant and the conclusion of a long-term preliminary lease agreement for a planned residential care centre in Ermatingen.

In terms of development properties, HIAG reviews a number of off ers on an ongoing basis. Generally, large sites are preferred, particularly those where complex planning processes need to be implemented. The future viability of a property, the long-term nature of leases with creditworthy tenants and the subsequent use by third parties are decisive factors.

HIAG also plans to acquire suitable properties in 2022, particularly land for residential use that allows rapid construction and marketing of condominiums.