Sotheby’s International Realty Brand Expands Presence in Switzerland

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced its luxury real estate services will be available throughout the canton of Grison through an office in St. Moritz, Switzerland, operating as St. Moritz Sotheby’s International Realty.

Gianluca Righetti, who currently owns the Tessin, Lugano, Locarno and Ascona markets through Fontana Sotheby’s International Realty, is an owner and will manage the new firm.  The Sotheby’s International Realty^® brand also is represented in other locations across Switzerland by Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty, which has offices in Lausanne, Montreux, Vevey, Nyon and Geneva.

“The Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s expansion across Switzerland continues our commitment to providing access to the brand’s network and exclusive real estate services in key countries around the world,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC.  “This affiliation, which strengthens our presence in Europe, offers  entrance into this famous and attractive lifestyle-focused Swiss market. We are very pleased that our global clientele now will have access to the brand’s services in this beautiful part of the world.  St. Moritz is one of only three locations to host the Winter Olympics twice, in 1928 and 1948, and remains a destination for world ski championships.”

According to Righetti, St. Moritz is a world-renowned mountain resort.  “Since the early 1950s St. Moritz has been an important destination for many personalities from the world of entertainment, sports and politics,” he said.  “It is the perfect location for owners of chalets and apartments coming from all over the world to benefit from 300 days of sunshine, long summers and sporty winters.  The St. Moritz luxury real estate market is one of the highest priced in the world, with the percentage of secondary residences very high and no existing major international real estate agency in the marketplace. Therefore, we believe this presents a great opportunity that will give us a strong position in the market.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has over 16,400 sales associates located in approximately 730 offices in 56 countries and territories worldwide.  St.Moritz Sotheby’s International Realty listings are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website.  In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and their clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs.  Each office is independently owned and operated.