Sustainable commercial real estate in the focus of institutional investors
Swiss Life Asset Managers plans to launch a listed Swiss real estate fund focusing on commercial properties. The fund, which is based on an integrated ESG strategy, holds real estate in direct ownership and offers investors high income stability.
Swiss Life Asset Managers plans to launch the Swiss Life REF (CH) ESG Diversified Commercial Switzerland real estate fund, according to a press release. The listed fund will start with core and core-plus properties in above-average micro-locations in major Swiss cities and metropolitan areas.
The properties will be held directly by the fund, which promises investors with Swiss tax domicile tax exemption on annual distributions and the assets invested in the fund. The fund is expected to offer high income stability, according to the press release. The portfolio of the planned fund is also based on an integrated ESG (environment, social, governance) strategy that promotes sustainable practices in the properties it holds throughout the entire holding period.
“Our goal is to launch a new, high-yield real estate fund with stably leased properties in good locations in the current market environment – with disciplined selection, conservative assumptions and comprehensive assessment of the key risks,” said Paolo Di Stefano, Head of Real Estate Switzerland at Swiss Life Asset Managers. “The planned initial issue at net asset value (plus issue commission) offers investors an attractive entry point to participate in a significant, established portfolio that already meets our high sustainability requirements.”
The project is currently undergoing the approval process of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). The launch of the fund at net asset value is planned for 1 April 2026.