For anyone thinking about moving in with the Swiss, Barzilay Services can help in all areas of life

Uprooting several times before at last finding a country she could really settle in, Monica Barzilay set up her own company to help others moving into Switzerland adapt to the new pace of life. Using her contacts across a wide network of disciplines, Barzilay Services specialise in aiding overseas buyers and renters looking to move to the French Riviera, investigating which would be the best area and providing the local knowledge necessary to find the best property, then helping out with the moving and installation process itself. We speak to the lady herself as she explains why Barzilay Services’ guidance is so important.

Is it difficult to find an apartment to rent in Geneva or Lausanne?
These last years, very few new properties have been built in Geneva and Lausanne and the vacancy rate is quite low, except in the very high price range. Finding an apartment to rent in Geneva or Lausanne is extremely difficult, meaning having professional help is not a luxury but a necessity. Our services start as soon as the client, or his/her employer, contacts us, then we ‘hold their hand’, so to speak, in all aspects of daily life. Be it finding a doctor or a lawyer speaking their language, or finding the local amenities for a particular hobby. In this way, Barzilay Services offers more than the standard relocation guidance.

What about the Swiss legislation on holiday homes for overseas buyers?
We are not authorised to give legal advice and the Swiss legislation on the acquisition of real estate by overseas buyer can also prove relatively complicated. When a question arises, therefore, we refer the client to a law firm specialised in real estate, who will be able to give the appropriate answers. The exact legal situation is indeed different depending on the nature of the real estate, the origin of the overseas purchaser and the type of residence permit the owner will be getting or even the location of the property.

How do you explain the attractiveness of the French part of Switzerland?
There are many international organisations based in Geneva and Lausanne, including multinational companies such as Hewlett-Packard, MacDonald’s, DHL, Ralph Lauren and Caterpillar, each having chosen Geneva for their European headquarters. French-speaking Switzerland also boasts great educational institutions such as EPFL in Lausanne, the Hotel schools in Montreux and Lausanne, Webster University, and excellent music and dance academies. Furthermore Geneva is only two hours away from Paris by TGV, one hour away from London by plane, and offers excellent sporting facilities.

What other assistance can Barzilay Services provide?
We can provide different services from expert art valuation to the disposal of belongings after a loss in the family. With the help of auction houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s, plus other less well known firms, Barzilay Services is able to help the families in the most efficient and profitable way. We also have a division that deals with event organisation, such as professional or private parties, art exhibitions and fairs, and lastly can also give advice on establishing a business with the help of specific consultants and attorneys.

Barzilay Services
20. Av. Dumas
1206 Genève
Tel: +41 22 734 80 26
Fax: +41 22 740 25 90
Web: www.barzilayservices.com
Email: info@barzilayservices.com