What Makes a Good Commercial Real Estate Listing: Tips for Successful Leasing

The Swiss market for commercial real estate is highly competitive. Whether it is office space in Zurich, retail space in Basel, or a warehouse in Aargau – the competition never sleeps. A well-thought-out and professionally designed listing can make the decisive difference between a quick lease and months of vacancy. It is not just about providing as much information as possible, but about presenting the right information in an appealing way.

Professional visualization: First impressions count

The visual presentation of your commercial space is the most important element of your listing. Studies show that listings with high-quality images generate up to 300% more clicks than those with poor or missing photos. Potential tenants form a first impression within a few seconds – and this often determines whether they continue reading or not.

Invest in professional photography or at least use a high-quality smartphone camera with sufficient lighting. Make sure that all rooms are tidy and clean before you take pictures. Poor lighting conditions, blurry images, or chaotic rooms immediately deter potential interested parties. The photos should show the commercial space realistically, but from its best side.

Today, complete visualization also includes other elements:

• Floor plans: A professional floor plan gives interested parties a quick overview of the room layout and helps with decision-making. It should be true to scale and clearly labeled.
• 360-degree tours: Virtual tours allow potential tenants to get a comprehensive picture even from a distance – especially valuable for interested parties from other cantons.
• Drone shots: For larger properties or industrial areas, aerial photographs convey an impression of the size and location of the property.
• Videos: Short video tours create an emotional connection and show details that are difficult to capture in photos.

The number of images is also important. Too few photos give the impression that something is being hidden. Too many confuse and overwhelm. An ideal number is 10 to 15 meaningful pictures showing different areas of the property: exterior view, entrance areas, main rooms, sanitary facilities, parking spaces, and relevant infrastructure.

Honesty in pricing creates trust

Transparency in pricing is an absolute must for a reputable commercial listing. Nothing frustrates potential tenants more than hidden costs or vague phrases like "price on request". Even if you think such a strategy will generate more inquiries, it usually only leads to unqualified contacts and wasted time on both sides.

State the rent clearly and distinctly. In Switzerland, it is customary to state the monthly net rent per square meter or as a total amount. In addition, you should transparently list the following cost components:

• Net rent: The base rent excluding ancillary costs
• Ancillary costs on account: Estimated monthly costs for heating, water, cleaning, caretaker, etc.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): If the space is subject to VAT
• Parking spaces: List costs for car and bicycle parking spaces separately

It is particularly important to clarify which services are included in the ancillary costs and which are not. For commercial spaces, for example, electricity costs, internet connection, or advertising costs for shared outdoor advertising may apply additionally. The more transparent you are here, the more reputable you appear – and the more qualified the incoming inquiries will be.

Another aspect of honesty concerns the lease term and notice periods. In Switzerland, commercial leases are subject to different regulations than residential leases according to CO 266a et seq. State clearly whether you require a minimum lease term, which notice periods apply, and on which dates the lease can be terminated. This transparency helps both sides establish clarity right from the start.

Completeness of data: All relevant information at a glance

A complete listing saves both sides unnecessary inquiries and significantly speeds up the leasing process. Potential tenants want to be able to get a comprehensive picture without first having to make contact. The more relevant information you provide, the more professional you appear – and the better interested parties can assess whether the space meets their needs.

Basic property data

The indispensable basic data include:

• Exact address: Street, ZIP code, and city – no approximate details
• Area in square meters: Separated into main and secondary usable areas
• Availability: From when can the space be occupied?
• Property type: Office, commercial, retail space, storage, production, etc.
• Year of construction and year of renovation: Important for assessing the condition

Location and accessibility

The location is particularly crucial for the success of commercial real estate. Describe precisely:

• Connection to public transport (distance to bus stop, train station)
• Highway connection and accessibility
• Parking situation (number of parking spaces, public parking nearby)
• Infrastructure in the surrounding area (restaurants, shopping opportunities, post office)
• Frequency and foot traffic (especially relevant for retail spaces)

Legal and usage-related information

Many commercial spaces are subject to specific usage restrictions. Clarify in the listing:

• Permitted types of use according to the building permit
• Restrictions (e.g., no hospitality, no production with strong emissions)
• Opening hours for retail spaces
• Fire safety regulations and requirements
• Possibility of structural modifications

The right description: Facts instead of phrases

The text description of your listing should be informative and factual without falling into exaggerated marketing language. Avoid empty phrases like "unique opportunity" or "absolute top location" if you cannot substantiate them concretely. Instead, focus on measurable facts and specific advantages.

Structure your description logically, for example:

1. Introduction: Brief summary of the most important features
2. Property description: Detailed description of the premises and layout
3. Location and surroundings: Concrete location advantages
4. Special features: Unique selling points of your property

It is also important to communicate honestly about any potential restrictions. If, for example, the property is located in a zone with restricted opening hours or structural measures are necessary, this should be mentioned. Transparency creates trust and prevents disappointment during the viewing.

Technical details and equipment features

Especially for commercial spaces, technical specifications play an important role. Depending on the property type, different details are relevant:

For office spaces

• IT infrastructure (fiber optics, network cabling)
• Air conditioning available
• Elevator and accessibility
• Meeting rooms, kitchenette, sanitary facilities
• Security systems (alarm, access control)

For storage and production spaces

• Ceiling height and load-bearing capacity of the floors
• Gates and loading docks (number, size, height)
• Crane system available
• Power supply (voltage, capacity)
• Heating, ventilation, lighting

For retail spaces

• Shop window front (length in meters)
• Storage rooms in the basement or back room
• Customer frequency and foot traffic
• Existing shop fitting infrastructure
• Possibilities for outdoor advertising and signage

Conclusion: Quality over quantity

A good commercial real estate listing is characterized by three main features: professional visualization, transparent pricing, and complete information. These three pillars form the foundation for a successful lease and save time and effort for both sides.

Invest time in creating your listing. Good photos, honest pricing, and complete details pay off – through more qualified inquiries, faster leasing, and more satisfied tenants. A professional listing is no guarantee for an immediate lease, but it significantly increases your chances and positions you as a reputable landlord in the Swiss commercial market.

Remember: Your listing is often the first point of contact between you and a potential long-term tenant. This first impression shapes the entire business relationship. With a well-thought-out, honest, and complete listing, you lay the foundation for successful leasing and a good collaboration.

Note: This article serves as general information on creating commercial listings. The legal aspects of commercial leasing can be complex and vary by canton. For specific legal questions or contractual details, we recommend consulting a legal advisor specialized in real estate law or a property management expert.