Managing one or more buildings is no small task. Even when these assets are entrusted to a management company, navigating management statements and technical estimates remains a complex process.
Property owners often feel overwhelmed, lacking the necessary knowledge or time to properly handle their affairs.
By offering real estate asset supervision, Custodia supports owners in this role. A service still relatively unknown in the real estate market but one that meets a real and growing need.
In Latin, “custodia” evokes the act of guarding, careful observation, and oversight. This is precisely what the Geneva-based company Custodia does. Founded in March 2018 and headquartered on Quai Gustave-Ador, Custodia enables property owners to manage their real estate with confidence, relying on qualified professionals who conduct cross-checks. This approach allows owners to regain free time while optimizing the management of their assets. The goal is to maintain a comprehensive overview, balancing cash flow and upcoming expenses, to ensure the smooth operation of their portfolio.
The meeting between Pierre-Yves Tournaire and David Vuadens proved to be highly productive, leading to the creation of Custodia. Pierre-Yves Tournaire, a trained lawyer, comes from the real estate management sector. He is also a property developer and has been involved in the construction of dozens of buildings throughout his career. David Vuadens, on the other hand, has a technical background in construction and has overseen numerous projects across French-speaking Switzerland.
Both founders own real estate assets in Geneva. Drawing from their respective experiences with various local management companies—and to address their own needs—they came up with the idea for Custodia. “Given the complexity of the administrative, technical, and legal tasks faced by real estate agencies, the need for supervision became evident,” explain the co-founders and managing partners of Custodia. “We enhance the value of our clients’ portfolios by working closely with management companies, consolidating their data when necessary. Our clients benefit from the combined strength, expertise, and resources of Custodia. There’s strength in unity!”
A Bridge Between Property Owners and Management Companies
Custodia caters to property owners who own at least one building but do not have the means—or the desire—to set up their own family office. Custodia’s fees, which represent 1.5% of the property’s rental income, offer significant value: owners are relieved of administrative tasks and can focus on other priorities with complete peace of mind.
David Vuadens & Pierre-Yves Tournaire
Through detailed analysis and meticulous technical monitoring, Custodia ensures that not a single cent is spent unnecessarily. In most cases, substantial savings are achieved.
“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 renovation projects, and ensuring that the work is completed and formally accepted according to proper standards.”
Enhancing Property Value: One of Custodia's Key Objectives.
At Custodia, portfolio managers have an in-depth understanding of the properties entrusted to them. Annual on-site visits, from the basement to the roof, are mandatory and include verifying services billed through the management company (such as maintenance contracts) and compiling a list of potential renovation projects. The company oversees more than eighty buildings and collaborates with Geneva’s leading property management firms. For example, Custodia is currently supervising an attic extension and renovation, as well as the restoration of a classified building façade. Significant expenses (such as renovation costs and service fees) have already been avoided, and service quality has been improved. For buildings under Custodia’s supervision, the vast majority of tenant-owner conflicts are swiftly diffused, thanks to proactive oversight.
Smooth-Running Construction Projects
During renovation work, Custodia offers property owners access to a network of qualified and reliable professionals. This network was created to ensure continuous control over the actual costs of construction.
Key partners include the Groupe de Rénovations Immobilières for interior and exterior renovations, Easy Amiante for issues related to hazardous building materials, and Grosch for plumbing services (repairs, renovations, and conversions). Estimates that are fairly priced and verified by Custodia ensure the best quality-to-price ratio and provide a solid basis for comparison.
Upon request, Custodia also offers property owners a digital tool that provides an overview of their building’s life cycle. Additionally, the company offers expert advice on tax, legal, estate planning, and inheritance matters.
An essential aspect of Custodia’s approach is its commitment to tailoring its services to each client’s specific needs. “Whether they prefer regular updates or a single annual report, every client receives a service that suits them,” emphasizes Pierre-Yves Tournaire. “Our technicians are always available to assist clients in making informed decisions.”
A valuable safeguard for any property owner seeking optimal management!
Véronique Stein
