In an exclusive interview with the daily Le Temps, Bernard Nicod, a leading figure in French-speaking Switzerland's real estate industry and founder of Groupe Bernard Nicod, takes an uncompromising look at the real estate market and shares his vision as an entrepreneur. The septuagenarian, who works more than sixty hours a week, addresses the sector's crucial issues while reaffirming the Group's solidity.
A real estate market under stress
The founder of Groupe Bernard Nicod points to several factors contributing to the current housing crisis. "In Switzerland, 18 to 20 billion francs' worth of property is tied up in the courts, out of 60 billion francs' worth of construction," he points out, illustrating the administrative complexity that is slowing down real estate development. Of the 26 projects currently underway, ten are the subject of legal proceedings, generating considerable costs that are blocking the start of construction.
The impact of Covid on the real estate sector
Bernard Nicod shares a worrying reality: since the pandemic, litigation within the Group has doubled, reaching 10 million francs in unpaid rent. This situation has necessitated the strengthening of the teams dedicated to litigation management, from 7 to 11 employees. "That's a lot of money out there, and it doesn't suit us," he confides, noting that this represents a fraction of the Group's total rental income of 650 million.
A strong entrepreneurial vision
Despite these challenges, Bernard Nicod is staying the course with determination. With 428 properties built and 11 billion transactions completed, he continues to favor an approach based on long-term development rather than speculation. "My vision is to buy land, get a permit, build and fill. I'm not a speculator," he asserts.
Excellence as a driving force
At 76, Bernard Nicod remains driven by the same enthusiasm as in his early days. "Passion is not lost, it increases every day," he confides. His management philosophy is based on high standards and recognition: "I'm strict, demanding, grateful and generous. The aim of a boss is to push his staff to excel, to evolve, to become better."
A constant commitment to real estate in French-speaking Switzerland
With his in-depth knowledge of the market - he estimates he knows around 30% of the 138,000 properties in the canton of Vaud - Bernard Nicod continues to invest fully in the Group's development. This unique expertise, coupled with a clear entrepreneurial vision, enables Groupe Bernard Nicod to maintain its leading position in the real estate market in French-speaking Switzerland, despite a complex economic context.
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