We are delighted to welcome Julian Slickers as Head of Real Estate Valuation and wish him every success in his new role! Julian brings with him nearly ten years of experience in real estate valuation and consulting and has held senior positions at renowned companies. He holds a Master of Science in Economics and is a certified real estate appraiser (DIA), a member of the SVIT Chamber of Valuation Experts and a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS).

How did you get started in real estate valuation? Was it always your goal to work as a valuation expert?

I got my start in the real estate industry at a large consulting firm while I was still a student. I initially worked in the tax department there. I became interested in the reasons behind and origins of values, which led me to focus on valuation. Real estate valuation covers the basics of the real estate world, combines many facets and forms the basis for various decisions. I am fascinated by the combination of economic, structural and legal issues. Due to this holistic approach, it quickly became clear to me that this would one day be my everyday work. 

The specialists at Julius Baer Real Estate value properties of all types and sizes. What are the differences between valuing residential, commercial and special-purpose properties, and which valuation method do you prefer to use?

The differences between asset classes can be striking. Commercial properties are influenced by different economic factors than residential properties. In both cases, however, financial investors or owner-occupiers can shape market activity. For a commercial owner-occupier, the property is often a means to an end. As a valuer, you therefore also need to understand the needs of the market. A logistics property with excellent transport links or delivery facilities/ramps is much easier to sell on the market than properties without these features. In the owner-occupier residential segment, other factors such as municipal tax rates play a significant role. These examples also make it clear that the valuation method depends on the property. Whether rents, costs, yields or purchase prices – all assumptions should be justified by derivation. In addition to the comparative value, the capitalised value is most commonly used to derive the market value, which is why I like to work with both methods. The real value is also a good way of checking the result per se – but in practice it plays a subordinate role due to the lack of real value factors in Switzerland.

What was the most exciting property you have had the opportunity to value in your career so far – and what made this case so special for you?

There have certainly been one or two exciting properties. The most challenging from a technical point of view was the valuation of an entire site belonging to a large corporation in north-western Switzerland. Certain luxury chalets in the mountain regions are, of course, very exclusive – it is interesting to note here that properties are not only investment goods, but also have consumer goods characteristics. Perhaps the valuation of a large cheese dairy should also be mentioned as a ‘special property’. After the visit, we were certainly familiar with the production steps involved in cheese making. That’s the great thing about this profession – you learn a lot of things from other industries.

Thanks to your various professional positions, you bring a wealth of theoretical and practical experience to the table. How will you incorporate this into your new role at Julius Baer Real Estate?

I am looking forward to putting my many years of expertise to work for Julius Baer and other clients. Together with the existing team, we will continue the success story and maintain high quality standards. I naturally hope to be able to pass on my broad knowledge of valuation practice and theory both within and outside Julius Baer to clients and stakeholders. I am always happy to listen to concerns, and through my teaching activities at the Real Estate Academy in Freiburg, I am skilled at explaining even complex issues. From a holistic perspective, market comparison with the brokerage team at Julius Baer Real Estate is also of particular importance.

What does your perfect Sunday morning look like?

I seem to have lost my ability to sleep in after university, which is why my partner and I tend to start the day early. A typical Sunday usually begins with a relaxed breakfast. In our division of labour, breakfast is one of my tasks. We usually have eggs with avocado, fruit and bread/braided loaf, as well as the obligatory morning coffee. After that, we usually go to the gym to round off the morning. In winter, I also like to head for the ski slopes.