Property management is no easy task. Even when assets are entrusted to a management company, navigating through countless financial and technical documents remains a complex and time-consuming process.
By offering real estate asset supervision, Custodia supports its clients in their “role” as property owners.
Founded in 2018, Custodia is a Geneva-based company located in the heart of the Eaux-Vives district, on Quai Gustave-Ador. At its helm are two experts: Pierre-Yves Tournaire, a trained lawyer with a background in property management and real estate development, who has been involved in the construction of dozens of buildings throughout his career; and David Vuadens, an entrepreneur with a solid technical background in construction, who has led numerous projects across French-speaking Switzerland. Both founders own real estate assets in Geneva and, drawing from their personal experiences with various local management companies, came up with the idea of creating Custodia.
“Faced with the sheer number and complexity of administrative, technical, and legal tasks required for the quality management of a building, one thing became clear: supervision is key! By working closely with property management companies, we enhance their services and increase the value of our clients’ assets, who benefit from the strength of a unified approach,” explain the co-founders and managing partners of Custodia.
A True Interface Between Property Owners and Management Companies
Custodia primarily targets property owners who own at least one building but do not wish to establish their own family office. “Our services cover several aspects,” explains David Vuadens. “This includes attending preliminary property inspections, verifying tenant selection and lease agreements, reviewing estimates and counter-estimates submitted to us, planning and monitoring renovation work to ensure it is carried out correctly, and verifying the formal acceptance of completed work. For individuals with properties managed by different agencies, we also consolidate all relevant data.”
The company currently oversees more than eighty buildings and collaborates with numerous real estate agencies in the region. Custodia’s fees, which are volume-based and can be as low as 1.5% of the property’s rental income, prove advantageous for property owners. In most cases, significant savings are achieved—whether in terms of renovation costs, operating expenses, or service fees. At Custodia, portfolio managers have an in-depth understanding of the properties under their care, ensuring a tailored and efficient management service.
David Vuadens & Pierre-Yves Tournaire
On-site visits, from the basement to the rooftop, are conducted annually. These visits include verifying the services billed through the property management company (such as maintenance and repairs) and compiling a list of potential renovation projects, prioritized over time.
Long-lasting and Personalized Relationships
Additionally, during renovation projects, Custodia offers property owners access to a wide range of services provided by qualified and reliable professionals, in collaboration with various partner companies within its network. Estimates that are fairly valued and reviewed by Custodia ensure the best quality-to-price ratio. Furthermore, an IT tool that provides a visual overview of the building’s “life” is available upon request.
The company also provides expert advice on tax, legal, estate planning, and inheritance matters. “Whether they want regular updates or just an annual report, each client benefits from a tailored service,” emphasizes Pierre-Yves Tournaire. “Our technicians are always available, even if it’s just to help with decision-making.”
A valuable layer of security for any property owner seeking optimal management!
Véronique Stein
