26 Jun 2025 - Interview
Interview with Matteo Manzi, Real Estate Manager Switzerland at Yeldo
Interview with Matteo Manzi, Real Estate Manager Switzerland at Yeldo
Matteo Manzi is Real Estate Manager Switzerland, where he leads operations in one of Yeldo’s most strategic and stable markets. In this interview, he shares insights on how he collaborates with real estate developers, what makes the Swiss market unique, and what skills are truly essential to succeed in this sector.
Can you tell us about your role as Real Estate Manager for Switzerland at Yeldo?
At Yeldo, I am responsible for all operations in the Swiss market, which is highly strategic for our platform. My role covers the entire lifecycle of each deal — from the initial origination and selection of new investment opportunities, to in-depth project analysis and financial structuring. I also oversee the management of all ongoing transactions.
On a daily basis, I work closely with developers, property promoters, and advisors, with the goal of structuring new off-market investment opportunities for our investors. In particular, developers turn to Yeldo because they find a partner that can provide greater financial leverage, enabling them to maximize the return on their equity through optimized and structured solutions. They also value the flexibility and speed with which we provide access to capital, thanks to a wide range of financial instruments — from senior debt to equity — with reduced execution timelines, typically between one and two months.
Additionally, we offer the ability to scale and simplify financial management, helping to reduce the complexity often associated with traditional club deals. Another key strength is the specialist expertise we bring to the table, which helps developers unlock the full value potential of their projects.
What do you enjoy the most about your work? And what are the most challenging aspects you face every day?
What I enjoy most is the variety and dynamism of my role. Each transaction is unique, and every project comes with its own specific features. Private debt in real estate is a field that requires both strategic vision and great attention to detail — and that combination is particularly stimulating for me.
The most complex challenges involve maintaining a high level of selectivity in a very competitive market, where it’s not easy to find deals that fully meet our risk/return criteria. In addition, we must constantly monitor regulatory and macroeconomic developments, which are currently evolving at a rapid and impactful pace.
In your view, what are the main characteristics that set the Swiss real estate market apart from other European countries?
The Swiss real estate market stands out for its high degree of stability and resilience, even during more challenging economic cycles. This reflects the structural strength of the national economy, supported by a consistent and well-balanced housing demand.
A key feature that best expresses this solidity is the interest rate element, which in Switzerland has historically been lower and less volatile than in the Eurozone. This favorable macroeconomic backdrop allows us to structure transactions with optimal risk-return profiles, offering investors stable returns aligned with the expectations of a mature and reliable market.
In fact, private debt yields in Switzerland tend to be slightly lower than in other European markets, typically ranging from 7% to 9% for residential projects in prime locations. However, this lower yield is offset by significantly lower default risk and the presence of high-quality underlying assets in an extremely solid property market.
From a regulatory perspective, are there specific factors in Switzerland that make real estate transactions easier or more difficult to complete?
The Swiss regulatory environment is generally very clear and transparent, which is a strong advantage compared to markets marked by frequent and unpredictable legal changes.
That said, there are two main complexities that require particular attention. On one hand, the regulatory framework is fragmented across Cantons and Municipalities, which calls for deep knowledge of local specifics and careful due diligence on each individual project.
On the other hand, restrictions on residential investments by foreign investors represent another key consideration. These need to be addressed with a case-by-case approach, managed with precision and local expertise.
In your opinion, what are the key skills needed to succeed in real estate, and what advice would you give to a young professional entering the field?
Real estate is a sector that requires a balanced mix of technical and interpersonal skills. A solid foundation in finance and legal matters is essential, along with a good understanding of market dynamics and strong analytical and risk management capabilities. Equally important is the ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships, as real estate remains a business where social capital plays a key role.
To young professionals starting out their careers, I’d recommend staying curious and investing time in learning both the technical and practical sides of the business, as much of this job is learned through hands-on experience. I’d also encourage developing a long-term, quality-driven mindset: in this industry, reputation is a key asset.
