SREF Makes Its Debut in Bern – SVIT Strengthens Institutional Portfolio and Asset Management

The Swiss Real Estate Forum (SREF) took place for the first time in Bern on June 11 and 12, 2026. By moving to BERNEXPO, the industry event brought itself closer to federal politics and set an example for dialogue between the real estate industry, politics, academia, and society.

The focus was on the industry’s major challenges: housing shortages, regulation, climate risks, investment security, and the future role of the real estate sector in a challenging market environment. Insights came from a variety of fields, including sports, science, market analysis, and culture. The panel discussion on the housing shortage in cities highlighted how much pressure has grown on policymakers, investors, and property owners, and how crucial sustainable solutions for urban densification, permitting processes, and public acceptance remain.

SVIT Switzerland sent an important signal at its Delegates’ Assembly on June 11. The association established the new Professional Chamber for Portfolio and Asset Management, or FK PAM for short. It will be incorporated into the association’s structure as the 16th member and, for the first time, provides institutional real estate portfolio and asset management with an independent platform within SVIT.

The new professional chamber is aimed at market players who strategically manage, structure, develop, evaluate, or provide transactional support for real estate investments. These include pension funds, fund managers, real estate companies, as well as consulting and transaction firms with an institutional focus. The goal is to promote professional standards, strengthen dialogue, and give portfolio and asset management a clearer voice in relation to regulation, politics, and the public.

The FK PAM is led by a co-presidency comprising Severin Wenger of the Migros Pension Fund and Terence Kast of PROCIMMO SA. The founding board brings together diverse perspectives from the field of institutional real estate management.

Thus, the SREF in Bern featured not only expert presentations, networking, and social debates, but also marked a structural step forward within the industry. The premiere at the new location demonstrated that the real estate industry faces complex challenges and is simultaneously organizing itself more effectively to play a more active role in shaping the housing market, climate issues, capital investments, and location development.