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Berlin Calling - Germany's capital is booming and so is demand for high-end real estate

2012-03-16T17:01:29Z

Yoo Berlin inspired by Philippe Starck - Good progress in the project realisation.

When it comes to where is best to invest in private real estate in Europe, cities like London and Paris are always a top choice. But considering the rather high prices in these two cities, another option which is becoming more and more attractive may be considered: Berlin.

Berlin has always been of great interest to people from all around the globe. Not only politically, as it is the home of the German government (the most important government in Europe), but also (and even more in recent years) as one of the (if not the) most creative and most exciting cities in Europe. From the café culture, to the iconic buildings of previous Reichs, to the seemingly endless art galleries and museums, to the rich club and creative scene, as well as to the old west and east centres of the city, Berlin is buzzling with possibilities.

The focus on Berlin is also clear in the sector of the real estate market which, at the moment, is one of the hottest markets in Germany. Traditionally, Berlin has a very prominent rental market: only 16% of Berliners namely own their own property. The demand for high-end rentals is huge due to a large number of people moving to Berlin due to work. In addition, construction activity in Berlin has lagged demand for years with the number of new offers in the housing market not even coming close to meeting the rising demand. These two facts, besides many others, underline the growth of property prices and rental prices. A report by Jones Lang LaSalle indicates that figures from the 2nd half of 2011 emphasize the trend towards a further increase in rental and property prices.

Following the trend from the years before, property prices for condominiums grew also in the second half of 2011 by an average of 13.6% compared to the same period a year ago. Central locations such as Mitte have seen an even higher growth in prices than the average. With prices in Munich and Hamburg still way higher than in Berlin, the capital remains a good location where to invest.

One of Berlin’s newest developments, the uber-cool Yoo Berlin by Philippe Starck, set in one of the most historic locations, right on the famous Friedrichstrasse and next to the government district, will cater for the demand of high-end, luxury real estate in Berlin’s centre. The property, developed by a Swiss developer, offers stunning architectural details (by architect Eike Becker) and a sophisticated interior design where clients can choose between four interior patterns all carrying Philippe Starck’s signature. Based on the property’s location, close to Berlin’s famous shops, restaurants, bars and cultural venues and on the growing demand for top real estate in unique locations of Berlin - Yoo Berlin by Philippe Starck with all its comfort and uniqueness can be considered a good choice for who wishes to invest in a stylish and prestigious city retreat. Join our group of lucky clients who bought a property in Yoo Berlin through us and, once the exclusive residences will be finished and ready to welcome the owners, you will not regret it.

Thanks to close connections and relationships to affiliates of our networks such as Christie’s International Real Estate and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World - Wetag Consulting International Division is able to help its clients on their real estate needs almost anywhere in the world. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

Posted by: Peter Rabitz

Malta – The hidden secret for high net worth individuals?

2012-01-16T10:08:56Z

Malta, the small archipelago in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, just 8o km south of Sicily, is well known for its ancient setting, the very mild climate and almost unparalleled health care system (according to the to the World Health Organisation, Malta has the 5th best healthcare service in the world). It also has a very good education system (more than 90% of all Maltese are bilingual Maltese and English speaking) and good business infrastructure.

Even with the island still best known as a cheap and cheerful holiday resort, the overall situation is changing and the island attracts more and more a more wealthy group of visitors. Easy to reach with direct flights from many European cities (London only a three hour flight away), Malta attracts tourists from all over the globe looking for some of the best diving spots in Europe, which Malta is known for as well. The island is also a sought-after stop by many cruise ship tours in the Mediterranean Sea where thousands of tourist visit the charming town of Valletta each year. Aside from the demand in tourism, Malta offers businesses a very advantageous business environment with attractive tax benefits and a friendly business infrastructure. The government created special programs to lure aviation and shipping industry for example. And now, the island becomes even more attractive for high net worth individuals by offering very interesting financial benefits when purchasing a home.

Last year, Malta introduced tax legislation designed to attract these high net worth individuals. In January 2011, the government started with the introduction of the Highly Qualified Persons Rules with the goal to support the islands financial services industry. The initiative offers incomers in a range of executive positions in financial services that will pay tax at a rate of only 15 per cent, provided they have an income of at least €75,000 a year for five consecutive years. Later that year, in September, they ruled out another program, the New High Net Worth Individuals Scheme, where the government tries to encourage people to contribute to Malta's economy and not simply keep a second home there. Taking first residence in Malta where you must life for at least 90 days and purchasing a property worth at least €400'000 (or spend €20'000 a year in rent), the applicants foreign income will be taxed at 15% only with a minimum tax payable of €20'000 a year. In addition, Malta has no inheritance tax or capital gains tax on a primary residence what makes Malta a true tax haven and worth to consider moving there.

There are many new developments around Valletta with high quality real estate, more likely apartments, looking for these kind of buyers who want to take advantage of these new established benefits. Besides more known cities such as Valletta, Sliema and Madliena, which are the favourite spots amongst international buyers, there are some locations which can be considered secret, offering character charming squares with street markets, cafés, bars and high quality properties. The village of Rabat - yes right, the other Rabat than the one in Morocco – is such a hidden secret with a charming village centre, ancient buildings and all that only a short drive from Malta's international airport and city of Valletta away. Here in Rabat, one of the most luxurious real estate in Malta is currently being offered for sale.

Towns on Malta are known for their cultural rich Palazzos, with their inner courtyards and wells. The luxurious Palazzo, also known as “The Palace of the Countess” has been renovated and modernized by its current owners, paying huge attention to each detail to bring back the charm of the old Palazzo, but without missing all the amenities of today’s luxury living. The home features multiple air-conditioned living areas, several spacious bedrooms, a well-designed entertainment area, offices, a gourmet style kitchen and much more. After the addition of a neighbouring property, the courtyard doubled in its size. A beautiful, mosaic tiled pool, a roof terrace and a three car garage round up this unique property. Maybe the property’s most special feature is its glass floor on the ground floor providing day light for the lower level consisting the entertainment area and wine cellar. The museum quality like property is perfect to entertain guests, to relax with family or to work from home. A true haven on the island of Malta.

Posted by: Peter Rabitz

Andermatt Swiss Alps to pick up speed

2011-11-11T14:38:33Z

What has happened within one year in the very charming Swiss village of Andermatt is quite unbelievable. Recently on a sunny day in October, I went up to Andermatt with clients to show them the development Andermatt Swiss Alps as well as for an update on the construction progress. Already when entering the Ursern Valley, after a 1 hour drive from Lake Maggiore only, the changes and progress in construction where just obvious and not to be overlooked. Multiple cranes on the construction site of the future apartment buildings, an area called “Podium,” prove intensive and numerous building activities. The first parts of the Podium on which the apartment buildings will be constructed on are clearly visible. The Podium will house the complete infrastructure of the future and newly built village including building maintenance facilities, resident parking and all access and exit routes. Residents will enjoy a hassle free arrival despite any weather conditions as well as parking with direct access by elevator to their apartment. Another advantage by that “underground” solution is that the village on top is going to be a car free zone where one can freely stroll around.

Passing the construction site of the Podium and moving towards the village centre of Andermatt, the cranes of the future 5* Chedi Luxury Hotel attract attention. The scenery of the upcoming Chedi Hotel becomes more and more impressive as one gets closer. The main hotel complex is up and construction workers are finishing the massive roof in order to get the buildings ready for the winter season. Windows are being installed so work can proceed during winter. Right next to the hotel, the Chedi residences are under construction where apartments and lofts are being sold. The residences will offer its residents the same service and comfort such as wellness/spa, ski butler, valet parking, cigar lounge and much more, just as the hotel offers its guests and residents. Embedded in harmony with the surrounding architecture, these residences offer the future owner a charming lifestyle within the comfy living environment of an alpine village, but without missing out on the luxurious amenities of the luxury 5* Chedi hotel.

With all the unparalleled luxury the Chedi offers - summer and winter alike - it doesn’t come by surprise that most of the very attractive units have already sold. In the main hotel building, there are only a few units left, but where you still can choose between an apartment with a nice view onto the slopes of Nätsch/Gütsch, the Gemsstock or onto the valley. Units facing the beautiful valley also enjoy a view onto the hotels backyard with its large scaled pond where one can ice-skate in winter while others relax on sunken and comfy seating areas alongside the pond which invites to relax. Rear units also enjoy a glimpse onto the extensive glazed wellness and spa center with its gigantic pool.

The hotels inside however still require some imagination, but the generosity of the premises can be foreseen due to the spacious interiors and the open floor plan. Warm colours, noble wooden built-in’s and furniture in an luxurious alpine chic style will dominate the interior design and boast an absolutely cosy atmosphere as one can imagine by looking at the glossy brochures.

Altogether, the recent visit of the construction site of Andermatt Swiss Alps has been extremely worthwhile and it’s a great feeling to see something extraordinary and one of a kind within the Swiss alpine region growing. The visionary plan of the Egyptian investor Samih Sawiris has been getting proven right by a steady client request as well as by the sales of many units either within the luxury 5* Chedi hotel or one of the first 6 apartment buildings available. This also underlines the significance as well as interest on a year-round holiday destination in close proximity to metropolitan cities such as Zurich and Milan. With the completion and opening of the Chedi hotel in 2013/14 and by that time also of the new to be opened Gotthard-Oberalp- Ski Arena, interest will surely surge. More and more prospects express serious interest in a vacation home in Andermatt Swiss Alps so why not you too? Please contact Wetag Consulting for more detailed information or to schedule a visit. For impressions of the construction please click here.

Posted by: Peter Rabitz

Investment in German residential real estate

2011-02-17T07:31:53Z

Germany and Austria as another German speaking real estate market are considered to be good places to invest in residential real estate these days. Germany in general is a rental market with an average home ownership quote of 43%, which is quite low compared to other European counties or the United States. Germany has a higher proportion of renters compared to other countries in Europe - the average home ownership quote in Europe is about 60%. In Germany, home ownership is more common in rural areas and larger cities (more than 500,000 inhabitants) show the lowest rates. With Vienna being very popular by property investors in Austria, German cities like Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Berlin lead the list of interesting residential investment markets in Germany. News agency Reuters reports: “German residential real estate prices increased in the forth quarter 2010, driven by the country’s economic recovery and improving labour market.” Munich and Hamburg are the undisputed places of interest for a safe property investment, but also showing the highest prices. Berlin however, is one of Germany’s investment hotspots in terms of investing in apartment buildings. Berlin has always been dominated by rentals and is not going to change dramatically. Lately, Berlin also sees an increasing interest in the upper end property market, be it rentals or sales. Wetag Consulting, as the exclusive affiliate for Christies International Real Estate, is involved in the sale of Berlin’s most prestigious residential development – Yoo Berlin by Philippe Starck. Developed by a Zurich based international real estate developer, Yoo Berlin is one of the most talked about developments in the current market. Without a doubt, residences within Yoo Berlin belong to the very finest and with an increasing interest in Berlin due to events like the currently happening Berlin Film Festival, interest in high-end rental and freehold properties will increase as well. I wouldn’t call it a ordinary investment property, but if you are looking for an upscale, arty city pied-à-terre it is definitely worth it to consider.

Posted by: Peter Rabitz

It's Showtime baby....Fashion Week Berlin 2011

2011-01-20T15:03:00Z

Berlin starts the New Year with one of the most successful fashion events not only of Germany – the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Fashion victims, designer, models, starlets, actors and all people with a passion for fine clothing will hit the city and spread across shows, stores, galleries, restaurants and clubs. Main events taking place from January 19th till January 22nd at Bebelplatz, right in the historic centre of Berlin. The fashion epic centre is located near the pulsing hip district Mitte whit all its fancy shops and galleries. The historic part of Berlin along the street “Unter den Linden” stretches from the well known “Brandenburger Tor” all the way to the Alexanderplatz. The main tent of Fashion Week stands right in front of Rocco Forte’s glitzy 5* Hotel de Rome. The “Gendarmenmarkt” and Berlins shopping street “Friedrichstrasse”, Berlins world famous Museum Island are also right around the corner. Fashion and design are inevitable interconnected and so is architecture and design. When strolling through the streets of Berlin there are great examples of good architecture around. My favourites around these neighbourhoods are the “Neue Nationalgalerie” built by architecture icon Mies van der Rohe, the “Deutsches Historisches Museum” by I.M. Pei and Frank O Gehry’s designed headquarter of DZ Bank with its awesome interior space.

Only a stone’s throw away is Berlin’s newest and most sophisticated luxury residential development Yoo Berlin. At Yoo Berlin, fashion meets design and architecture in a very sexy way. Interiors are designed by noted designer Philippe Starck who set footprints all over the world already. I am pretty sure there will be some fantastic events held in Berlin, and clubs will be filled up by all the fashion victims from around the globe. So get your dancing shoes ready to celebrate Germanys hottest fashion nights.

Posted by: Peter Rabitz

Daniel Libeskind's first private villa is complete

2011-01-14T16:21:21Z

Daniel Libeskind, known for his deconstructive architecture, as seen in examples such as the Jewish Museum in Berlin, the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and on the expansion of the Denver Art Museum, to name just a few examples of his work, has finally completed his first private home. The German edition of Architectural Digest published the building in its recent January issue and offered interesting insights on it. Daniel Libeskind designed for some of his art scene friends, a very spectacular weekend house in Connecticut, United States - which is called 18.36.54.This eccentric name comes from a spiraling ribbon of 18 planes, defined by 36 points connected by 54 lines. The shape of the Libeskind building is typical, with tips, edges, dislocations, fractures and folds and interesting insights. Similarly is the Libeskind’s metal cladding that was used on of the facade which gives the 190sq.m large house a special, reflective note. An architectural critic describes Libeskind’s newest building as „a sea snail, standing under high voltage ….” However, the comparison with a distorted crystal or a “hyperactive Origami in polished brass” is rather close. The draft for this home is based on the design of a Libeskind designed garden pavilion for London’s Serpentine Gallery. The interior reminds me in a way of some of the interiors of the Goldstein Residence designed by John Lautner in Hollywood Hills.

Equally interesting is that the architectural features shown in this structure are an essential part of the “The Villa - Libeskind Signature Series” design. The Villa - Libeskind Signature Series is a residential project in which only 30 copies are planned to be built exclusively by him worldwide in a “prefab“ designed house. A prototype of this villa was already installed in Germany and is used as a reception and representation building for one of its partners for many large projects he is working with. The Villa - Libeskind Signature Series is far less spectacular than the building that was built in Connecticut, but this is due also to the idea of the relative economic production in the planned quantities. Compared to “normal” single-family homes and villas this structure simply stands out and delights with the typical Libeskind design. The fans of Libeskind’s architecture that would like to buy the world’s first example, have the opportunity to fulfill their dream with a beautifully situated property in Locarno, overlooking Lake Maggiore. Here, the architecture interconnects with the typical Ticino landscape, flora and fauna. Looking at the exterior of the villa 18:36:54 one can only guess how the interior design of The Villa - Libeskind Signature Series looks like, as Daniel Libeskind will show us how he designed the distinctive central kitchen area. All we can say to the ones who are passionately interested in the house built in Connecticut, is that they should take into account the possibility of The Villa - Libeskind Signature Series. The project in Ticino, which is the world’s first complete offer of this kind, inclusive beautiful located plot, is probably the best option. If interested, I will gladly provide more information about this unique residential project.

Posted by: Peter Rabitz

Berlin, a rising star on Germany's horizon and what makes Berlin more and more attractive not only for tourists.

2010-12-03T00:00:00Z

Seems that Berlins tough times are going to be history in near future, at least signs of recovery are obvious everywhere. Outlook for the once divided city is bright and the German capital gains more and more attention and recognition world wide. Celebrating 20 years of reunification, Berlin uses its not so glamorous past to show off its free and affluent future.

For me, Berlin has been and still is Germany’s SOHO, Greenwich, Wapping, Notting Hill or what ever other trendy city quarter you like to name. Soon after the wall came down, creative’s, artists and musicians moved to Berlin and enjoyed the open minded and free spirit you could and still can experience everywhere. The city is undergoing a transformation into a very much hot spot in Germany. Berlin’s trendsetter potential is well known and a recently published article in the Telegraph headlines their story the following “Berlin joins the cool crowd” what perfectly describes the city’s current status.

Sometimes, I believe all these positive news about Berlin’s growth and bright future outlook is so new to the city that it’s hard for Berliners to handle them and so it’s still very common to question everything rather than believe in the good. Of course, there is still a long way to go considering where the city is coming from and what difficulties it had to deal with – financial, economical and social wise. Therefore, it’s even more welcome when positive news makes a circuit.

Just today, Financial Times Germany published an article called “The capital on a roll” where they look at Berlin under the attention of the new international airport BBI who is scheduled to open for business in June 2012. The newly constructed Willy-Brandt-Airport, named after the former politician, is located in the very south of Berlin and will replace all three existing airports (airport Tempelhof already closed for business). The new and approx 2 Billion Euro expensive airport is planed to handle up to 27 million travellers with an additional extension planed to handle up to 45 million passengers in the end. Right now, the airport will rank Germanys 3rd largest after Frankfurt and Munich. Politics and economy link great hope with the airport. The region Berlin-Brandenburg is booming for quite some time, but which is barely perceived. A recent city ranking by the “Hamburgerisches Weltwirtschaftsinstitute” (HWWI) did take a look at 30 German cities where Berlin made a jump from the 24th to the 8th rank. HWWI boss Thomas Straubhaar states: “The growth engine started and locational advantages such as education, accessibility improved by far and continue to have an effect.

Berlin’s senator for economics states: “Already this year, the real national output will be higher than before the crises.” The long time not recognized industry is going to become more important again and the new BBI airport is a very important prerequisite for even more growth.

We experience Berlins increasing appeal by a broad range of interested parties from all over the globe looking for real estate opportunities in Berlin. We are proud to be able to offer them one of the most sparkling luxury residential developments currently available – Yoo Berlin. With celebrating the ground breaking ceremony few weeks ago and construction on its way, the development will be scheduled to open in 2013. Just last week, I was happy to attend the official launch party of the Yoo Berlin by Philippe Starck development which took place at the projects beautiful showroom, located on site. Philippe Starck - the iconic star designer, Eike Becker – the architect of the buildings exterior, Dr. Thomas Wolfelsberger – CEO of Peach Property Group (the developer), Jon Hitchcox – co-founder of Yoo and many other guests form showbiz, culture and economic gathered at the successful launch party. Yoo Berlin is going to be Berlin’s most successful luxury residential development with already 30% of all planed 87 apartments sold off plan. Yoo Berlin, the city’s most luxurious new scheme will be home to apartments, townhouses and penthouses as well as a boutique hotel and some small commercial units. The glamorous 10-storey block is located right on the river Spree and in close proximity to the governmental district, the famous shopping street Friedrichstrasse and all the fancy restaurants, bars and galleries of Berlin Mitte.

I am looking forward to go back to Berlin for another trip and would be happy to provide all interested people with more detailed information on Yoo Berlin or any other possible real estate opportunities. Please contact me me for more information.

Posted by: Peter Rabitz

Andermatt Swiss Alps - great skiing and winter sports, almost boundless ski fun on more than 130km piste

2010-10-05T11:08:37Z

Things are in progress with the construction of the prestigious holiday resort by Samih Sawiris up in Andermatt. Only recently, the laying of the foundation stone of the Chedi 5 star luxury hotel has been celebrated and the development of the new part of Andermatt is also in full progress. In addition, some weeks ago it was announced that the Rezidor Hotel Group will be part of Andermatt Swiss Alps and is going to open their 8th hotel in Switzerland up in Andermatt. The Radisson Blu Resort Andermatt with its planed 240 rooms is supposed to open by 2013 as well. Another powerful partner could be added which will help make Andermatt one of the most exclusive destinations in Switzerland.

With the development of Andermatt Swiss Alps, the villages Andermatt and Sedrun inevitably close, they plan the expansion of the touristic infrastructure together. Gérard Jenni, CEO of ASA states that a PGA standard golf course in Andermatt can’t be enough and there must be investments in the mountain infrastructure to offer his guests attractive leisure facilities in summer and winter alike. To achieve that, a master plan for the entire infrastructure in the Urserntal and Oberalp-Sedrun region has been presented which focuses on the construction of 8 new gondola cableways and chairlifts, as well as the replacement of 6 already existing facilities.

After the planed overall construction, winter sports enthusiasts will enjoy more than 130km (80 miles) of groomed ski runs (without free ride runs) at the Andermatt-Sedrun ski resort. The amount of investment is estimated by 160 million Swiss Francs in total. The highest priority will be the construction of an 8 seat gondola cableway from Nätschen to the region Gütsch, as well as a quadripartite-chairlift Oberalp-Calmut. A permanent connection between Urserntal and Sedrun via mountain infrastructures with additional four lift facilities is planed by 2015.

With the expansion of the ski area, not only the attractiveness of the region is increasing, but also its commercial relevance of Andermatt Swiss Alps. In Andermatt, a region known for guaranteed snow and best snow conditions (with great powder snow), a very attractive winter sports resort is being developed which is of great interest to foreign real estate buyers since the purchase of property is exempt from the Swiss typical “Lex Koller” law. That means that foreign buyers will be free in buying any real estate they want. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at should you wish to receive further information on Andermatt Swiss Alps or any real estate options available.

Posted by: Peter Rabitz

Marrakech still attracts celebrities from all over the world and is still a top choice for a beautiful vacation property by many

2010-09-24T14:53:16Z

There are not many places on earth famous for their rich culture and feel of the “Arabian Nights” like Marrakech, Morocco. The city attracts a number of celebrities from all over the world and is well known for the spiritual experience its magical Medina offers. A-listers like Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Aniston, Madonna, Brad Pit, the Beckhams and many more already visited Marrakech where they enjoyed the bustling life of its ancient streets. Some of them loved it so much that they chose Marrakech for a vacation pied-à-terre where they bought either a beautiful riad within the Medina of Marrakech or a traditional Moroccan property in the outskirts of the city.

The latest coup is a luxurious development in the suburbs of Marrakech, where 15 villas are being built at the luxury five star Baglioni Marrakech Resort. Fashionista hottie Jade Jagger teamed up with design firm Yoo on the interior design of 15 villas. Jagger already worked with Yoo on their projects in New York, Dubai and Manchester. Yoo is well known for eccentric designed real estate where designer luminaries such as Philippe Starck styled the interior of apartments and penthouses, which soon became almost collector’s sough-after properties. The current most recognized development by Yoo is its development in Berlin where Philippe Starck designed the interior of all apartments, penthouses and townhouses.

It is very interesting to see how the Yoo style blends in with the typical Moroccan architecture. Jade Jagger planned a mixture of typical Yoo design elements in a combination with traditional Moroccan décor and ornaments implemented in the overall design. The architecture is very sleek and almost contemporary. For those who are more into the typical Moroccan architecture and design, and who are fans of the lifestyle within the walls of Marrakech’s Medina, Wetag Consulting is offering two very sophisticated luxury riads, located in the Dar El Bacha district, the most prestigious ZIP code in Marrakech’s Medina. The two riads offer a very luxurious lifestyle with all amenities you don’t want to miss, including home theatre, indoor pool, sauna/hamam, wine cellar, gym and much more. In close proximity to the guest house of the Moroccan King and not far from the airport, these riads offer Moroccan lifestyle at its best.

Posted by: Peter Rabitz

Luxury apartments on a historical address – Yoo Berlin development celebrates ground breaking ceremony

2010-09-17T19:58:00Z

Berlin, Germany – no other German city is linked that tight to the country’s history. Berlin has been and still will be a focal point of Germanys politics and is also becoming an even more important player in the lifestyle world by all world wide metropolises. Berlin’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week or the international film festival Berlinale have put Germany’s capital into the first row of international interest not only by members of the movie or fashion industry. More and more creative and lifestyle oriented PR, marketing, advertising and media companies made Berlin their global hub and want to profit from the city’s energy. Most foreigners feel set back in times when New York or London radiated this certain and very special flair.

After the wall came down, the city quickly metamorphosed from a more likely working class dominated development into a more lifestyle and quality of life influenced metropolis. Still, there are other German cities such as Hamburg, Munich or Düsseldorf which are better known for their high-end living and luxury lifestyle throughout, but Berlin experienced a higher than average demand for luxury living these days. High end real estate, especially in Berlin’s city center, is rare and much sought-after.

With Yoo Berlin by architect Eike Becker and iconic design star Philippe Starck, this demand should be satisfied to the highest expectations. On a history-charged location, right in the middle of Berlin Mitte and on site of the former and famous Friedrichstadtpalast, the new crystal like solitaire will be home to luxury apartments, penthouses and townhouses as well as a hotel inclusive Wellness-spa, bar and a café.

Thursday, September 16th 2010, marked another milestone in the developments progress. Representatives of the development like John Hitchcox (co-founder of YOO), Berlins Cabinet Building Director Regula Lüscher, Dr. Thomas Wolfelsberger (CEO of Peach Property Group) and Eike Becker (Architect of Yoo Berlin) (f.l.t.r. at the main photo) executed the groundbreaking ceremony with a symbolic turn of the first spade full of earth.The first phase of construction consists of all the foundation works where more than 350 concrete piles will be brought in the swamp like underground almost 35m deep. The construction of approx. 124 underground parking spaces, special construction is needed due to the Berlin’s typical sandy and hydrated grounds. Once the costly foundation work is completed, the building can go up. Yoo Berlin is scheduled for completion by end of 2012. The sale of all real estate available started already and the first residences are sold. Some of the best units facing the river Spree or some of the penthouses boasting amazing views onto Berlin’s skyline are sold already. With a further increasing interest we are confident that Yoo Berlin is as successful as its predecessors in London, Sydney or Munich just to name a few. The Yoo brand became a much sought-after label for high-end living where pretty much each unit is a unique property for itself. Fans of Yoo watch closely all news about any new developments by the Yoo brand because they know the properties not only feature a much sought-after lifestyle, but also offer quite some appreciation of their investments. Feel free to contact us under info@wetaginternational.com to get to know more about this exciting new development. Just wanted to mention that because of the strength of the Swiss Franc against the Euro, an investment in a stylish city dwelling could be of great interest. Not only for your own use, but also to rent it out since there is also an increasing interest for high-end and furnished apartments in Berlin.

Posted by: Peter Rabitz

From Ascona to Milano or Venice by boat - good news for all the friends of boats /yachts and Lake Maggiore

2010-09-15T20:31:00Z

What we all hoped and discussed many times seems official by now: At the conference “Idrovia dal Lago Maggiore a Milano” held in Arona, Italy, last Monday, the 13th of September, Italy confirmed that the waterway from Lago Maggiore to Milano (using the Ticino river and the historical canal “Naviglio Grande”) will be navigable again by 2015 before the Milan Expo 2015 at the latest. Italian Vice minister for Transports Roberto Castelli further said at the conference that he hopes not only this part, but the entire connection from Lago Maggiore to Venice, should be open for ships by then. He named a total cost of approximately 100 million Euros, of which a part, but not all, is already spoken for.

I am truly looking forward to do my Saturday shopping in Milano by boat, to board my Venetian Gondola in Ascona to the Carnival, or simply to enjoy a canal-and-river cruise through one of Europe’s most remarkable historical regions. Ship ahoy!

Posted by: Ueli Schnorf

The exciting way of real estate – Villa Libeskind, an architectural testament of the 21st Century

2010-09-14T21:24:00Z

There are dozens of great architects these days, but only a handful can be considered iconic, given by their controversial design or ingenuity of their works. Most of them such as luminaries like Frank Gehry, Shigaru Ban, Richard Meier, Tadao Ando, Santiago Calatrava and Rem Koolhaas just to name a few, are also ever-present in medias across the globe. Definitely not to be missed in that list is Daniel Libeskind. Not many architects split their audience that drastic into two opposite camps just by the look of their architecture and Mr. Libeskind is definitely one of them. People either hate or love what he is doing, but it doesn’t go without notice that he is quite successful. Maybe one of his biggest successes has been winning of the Ground Zero design competition where he was chosen to become the lead architect. Unfortunately, his involvement soon was disregarded and narrowed when he got some colleagues on his site who soon took over the overall design process creating a less spectacular architecture for Ground Zero.

Some of Daniel Libeskinds current most recognized works include the Las Vegas MGM Mirage City Center, the Extension to the Denver Art Museum, the Jewish Museum in Berlin, the Military History Museum in Dresden and the Fiera Milano project only to name a few. All its past, current and future works make him one of the big players in commercial architecture leaving some people dreaming of a Daniel Libeskind designed single-family-residence to call it their own Libeskind. Up to that point a few months ago where he announced his latest coup – the design of “The Villa-Libeskind Signature Series.”

The New York-based architect has teamed up with the German builder Proportion to produce a limited-edition series of 5,500-square-foot dwellings dubbed “Villa Libeskind.”

“This is the first small intimate house that I have designed for an individual or a family, which really reaches into the depths of a new experience of living and architecture,” says Libeskind, who calls the residence a “walk-in sculpture.” A prototype was unveiled in October 2009 in Datteln, Germany, on the campus of Rheinzink, the zinc panel manufacturer, where the villa serves as their welcome center what led into a slightly different use than the villa was originally planned.

This first week in September, I was able to finally make a trip to visit the prototype. We at Wetag Consulting market the projects first to be built villa on a beautiful lot in a sloping hillside position in Locarno/Orselina, Switzerland, overlooking gorgeous Lake Maggiore. It is a very prominent but still hidden location what totally reflects the building’s story. Daniel Libeskind designed the building like a crystal growing from rock, where a dramatic structure emerges from the ground.

Turning into the parking lot of Rheinzink, your eyes will immediately focus on the villas imposing appearance. Without a doubt, the building is right away recognized as a work of Daniel Libeskind. A trio of interlocking architectural bands envelops the Villa in striking angles, creating a dramatic, asymmetrical interior of spiraling, two-story peaks and smooth transitions to secluded terraces. Mimicking the Jewish Museum in Berlin and other architectural masterpieces by Daniel Libeskind, the Villa’s exterior is enveloped by an elegant standing-seam zinc façade, which enables the use of 21st Century technologies such as a solar thermal system and a rain water harvesting system.

Entering the entrance area, the dramatic lines and the allegedly wild use of angles continues in the interior as well, shaping a dramatic and eye catching living space. The ground floor consists of 2 rooms which could work as bedroom, library, home office, guest quarters or whatever else you would like them to be. The entrance area with the staircase, leading to the upper floor with all the private areas, is divided by a wall from the loft like open living room, featuring an open kitchen (optionally also designed by Libeskind) as well. Floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides flood the living area with natural light. Incline planes, Libeskind like ribbon windows, light wells and strange angles in the villas overall construction proof the building to be an original Libeskind throughout and give it an even surreal guise. It’s not a secret, but “The Villa-Libeskind Signature Series” is not for everyone. The future owner should be an architectural enthusiast, should love design and most of all should appreciate and understand Daniel Libeskind’s design language. In my opinion, gallery owners, artists, creative’s or similar will have their joy on this villa and will most likely impress not only their friends and acquaintances, but also their neighbors.

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