Home / People / Dr Stefan Gerster

Dr Stefan Gerster, LL.M., MRICS

Partner
Certified Specialist SBA Construction and Real Estate Law

Portrait ofStefan Gerster

Dr Stefan Gerster, LL.M., MRICS

Partner
Certified Specialist SBA Construction and Real Estate Law

Contact
CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd
Dreikönigstrasse 7
P.O. Box
8022 Zurich
Switzerland
Languages German, English, French

Stefan Gerster is a partner with CMS Zurich since 2001. His practice focuses mainly on real estate law. He is the head of our internal practice group Real Estate & Construction.

Among the clients of Stefan Gerster are Swiss and foreign institutional real estate investors, companies with corporate real estate matters and individuals. He provides advice in real estate transactions, including acquisition and financing as well as the sale of real estate. In addition, he has many years of experience in portfolio transactions, investments in hotels, shopping and entertainment centres as well as real estate development projects.

In 1996 Stefan Gerster worked as a foreign associate in a major US law firm. He has been with CMS Zurich since 1991. He is one of the first lawyers to receive the title Certified Specialist SBA Construction and Real Estate Law.

Since 2019, Stefan Gerster acts as a part-time judge at the Commercial Court of the Canton of Zurich.

more less

Stefan Gerster has very good availability and service orientation. He is very pleasant to work with.

Chambers & Partners, Europe, Real Estate, Switzerland, 2024

Professional, experienced, available.

IFLR 1000, client feedback, 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Dr. Stefan Gerster: Exceptional track record in real estate institutional transactions Dr. Sybille Schnyder: Exceptional track record in real estate institutional transactions.

The Legal 500, Switzerland, Real Estate and Construction, 2023

Individuals to be mentioned: Stefan Gerster, Sibylle Schnyder, Thomas Zweifel.

The Legal 500, Switzerland, Real Estate and Construction, 2023

Stefan Gerster: Very competent and highly dedicated, very responsive and deal-oriented, able to deliver excellent results under pressure. Deep knowledge of the real estate industry.

The Legal 500, Switzerland, Leading Firms: German-speaking Switzerland, 2023

Stefan Gerster and Sibylle Schnyder are highly experienced, very responsive.

The Legal 500, Switzerland, Real Estate and Construction, 2022

Stefan Gerster and Olivier Carrard jointly head the team, which ‘distinguishes itself by an efficient and hands-on attitude‘.

The Legal 500, Switzerland, Real Estate and Construction, 2022

A client notes that he has "a very broad experience and is flexible and helpful."

Chambers & Partners, Europe, Real Estate, Switzerland, 2022

Interviewees state that the highly-regarded Stefan Gerster is "very well known and has a good network." He gains particular recognition for his expertise advising investors on property purchase agreements. He is adept at handling transactions related to hotels, residential developments and leisure facilities.

Chambers and Partners, Real Estate, Switzerland, 2019

The real estate team at CMS focuses heavily on transactions, disputes and the development of shopping malls, hotels, retail buildings, offices and residential property. [...] Stefan Gerster advised Credit Suisse Investment Foundation on the development of Zurich-based Project Pergamin II, including handling the acquisition of land and the construction of the residential complex.

The Legal 500, Real estate and construction, Switzerland, 2019

CMS is ‘driven by long-standing client relationships, which make for very effective collaboration’. The practice covers real estate transactions, developments, financing and litigation matters and packs a particular punch in assisting with hotel transactions, related management agreements and construction projects. The team advised Sunrise Communications on the sale of more than 2,000 telecommunication towers in Switzerland. Another key client is Swiss Prime Site, whom the group recently assisted with acquiring two campus facilities near Lake Geneva and in the Canton Valais per share deal. Team lead Stefan Gerster is recommended.

The Legal 500, Real estate and construction, Switzerland, 2018

Stefan Gerster has a market-leading reputation among commentators, with one lauding his "long-standing and broad expertise in Swiss real estate law," and adding that "he has a very pragmatic approach to resolving matters, advising clients so they have a solution," and has "an excellent network." He excels in real estate transactions, with expertise in relation to hotel and retail developments. He assisted Credit Suisse Anlagestiftung with the purchase of land and subsequent construction of a residential development in Zürich.

Chambers and Partners, Real Estate, Switzerland, 2018

“At CMS, Stefan Gerster and his team have extensive experience in hotel transactions and management agreements. Other recent work includes advising Acron regarding the acquisition of a shopping centre in St Gallen. Credit Suisse and SPS Immobilien are also clients.”

The Legal 500, Real estate and construction, Switzerland, 2015

Stefan Gerster has very good availability and service orientation. He is very pleasant to work with.

Chambers & Partners, Europe, Real Estate, Switzerland, 2024

Professional, experienced, available.

IFLR 1000, client feedback, 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Dr. Stefan Gerster: Exceptional track record in real estate institutional transactions Dr. Sybille Schnyder: Exceptional track record in real estate institutional transactions.

The Legal 500, Switzerland, Real Estate and Construction, 2023

Individuals to be mentioned: Stefan Gerster, Sibylle Schnyder, Thomas Zweifel.

The Legal 500, Switzerland, Real Estate and Construction, 2023

Stefan Gerster: Very competent and highly dedicated, very responsive and deal-oriented, able to deliver excellent results under pressure. Deep knowledge of the real estate industry.

The Legal 500, Switzerland, Leading Firms: German-speaking Switzerland, 2023

Stefan Gerster and Sibylle Schnyder are highly experienced, very responsive.

The Legal 500, Switzerland, Real Estate and Construction, 2022

Stefan Gerster and Olivier Carrard jointly head the team, which ‘distinguishes itself by an efficient and hands-on attitude‘.

The Legal 500, Switzerland, Real Estate and Construction, 2022

A client notes that he has "a very broad experience and is flexible and helpful."

Chambers & Partners, Europe, Real Estate, Switzerland, 2022

Interviewees state that the highly-regarded Stefan Gerster is "very well known and has a good network." He gains particular recognition for his expertise advising investors on property purchase agreements. He is adept at handling transactions related to hotels, residential developments and leisure facilities.

Chambers and Partners, Real Estate, Switzerland, 2019

The real estate team at CMS focuses heavily on transactions, disputes and the development of shopping malls, hotels, retail buildings, offices and residential property. [...] Stefan Gerster advised Credit Suisse Investment Foundation on the development of Zurich-based Project Pergamin II, including handling the acquisition of land and the construction of the residential complex.

The Legal 500, Real estate and construction, Switzerland, 2019

CMS is ‘driven by long-standing client relationships, which make for very effective collaboration’. The practice covers real estate transactions, developments, financing and litigation matters and packs a particular punch in assisting with hotel transactions, related management agreements and construction projects. The team advised Sunrise Communications on the sale of more than 2,000 telecommunication towers in Switzerland. Another key client is Swiss Prime Site, whom the group recently assisted with acquiring two campus facilities near Lake Geneva and in the Canton Valais per share deal. Team lead Stefan Gerster is recommended.

The Legal 500, Real estate and construction, Switzerland, 2018

Stefan Gerster has a market-leading reputation among commentators, with one lauding his "long-standing and broad expertise in Swiss real estate law," and adding that "he has a very pragmatic approach to resolving matters, advising clients so they have a solution," and has "an excellent network." He excels in real estate transactions, with expertise in relation to hotel and retail developments. He assisted Credit Suisse Anlagestiftung with the purchase of land and subsequent construction of a residential development in Zürich.

Chambers and Partners, Real Estate, Switzerland, 2018

“At CMS, Stefan Gerster and his team have extensive experience in hotel transactions and management agreements. Other recent work includes advising Acron regarding the acquisition of a shopping centre in St Gallen. Credit Suisse and SPS Immobilien are also clients.”

The Legal 500, Real estate and construction, Switzerland, 2015

Relevant experience

  • Advising Allianz Suisse regarding the acquisition of a development project concerning approx. 260 apartments in Winterthur.
  • Advising Allianz Suisse in connection with re-positioning and complete overhaul of an office building in the central business district of Zurich (approx. 14,000 sqm).
  • Advising the Pension Fund of the Canton of Zurich (BVK) in connection with the sale of the landmark building “Neue Börse” (Zurich), i.e. sale of a ground lease.
  • Advising Credit Suisse Investment Foundation in connection with the development and sale of a mixed-use residential, office, retail and hotel project in Zurich.
  • Advising Credit Suisse Investment Foundation regarding a portfolio transaction (asset swap) concerning nine commercial and residential buildings in seven cantons.
  • Advising co-owners of Sihlcity (a new “district” for shopping, residential, office, leisure), especially during the acquisition and construction phase and regarding ongoing operations.
  • Advising Swiss Prime Investment Foundation re acquisition of a start portfolio of 7 properties situated in 6 cantons and purchase of other real estate.
  • Advising investor regarding acquisition of a logistics building in the Canton of Aargau (distribution centre of a major Swiss retailer).
  • Advising a global IT company regarding the expansion of its Swiss offices (approx. 50,000 sqm, 3,000–4,000 additional work stations) at Europaallee near Zurich main station.
  • Advising investor regarding the acquisition of a new office building in Basel, used as a new headquarter of an international company.
  • Advising Swiss and foreign institutional investors in connection with the acquisition of properties in Switzerland, including commercial, logistic and hotel properties as well as sale & rent back transactions.
more less

Memberships & Roles

  • Zurich Bar Association (ZAV)
  • Swiss Bar Association (SAV)
  • Kammer der Fachanwälte SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht
  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
  • Swiss Circle
more less

Awards & Rankings

  • The Legal 500 | Real Estate and Construction, Switzerland, 2022 | Leading Individual
  • Chambers and Partners | Real Estate, Switzerland, 2021 | Europe | Band 1
  • Who's Who Legal | Hospitality, Switzerland, 2021 | Thought Leader Global Elite
  • Who's Who Legal | Hospitality, Switzerland, 2021 | Global Leader
  • Who's Who Legal | Real Estate, Switzerland, 2021 | Global Leader
  • Who's Who Legal | Construction & Real Estate, Switzerland, 2021 | National Leader
  • Best Lawyers | Construction Law, Real Estate Law, Switzerland, 2023 | Lawyer of the Year
more less

Publications

  • CMS Newsletter Immobilien Änderung des Raumplanungsgesetzes (RPG), 03/2013
  • CMS Newsletter Immobilien Zweitwohnungen, 09/2012
  • CMS Newsletter Immobilien Erdbebensicherheit, 07/2012
  • CMS Newsletter Register-Schuldbrief, 07/2011
  • Der Reiz des Besonderen, Finanz und Wirtschaft, 07/2011
  • Institutionelle Investoren als Bauherren, Modulor Magazin, 02/2009
  • Leichtere Übertragung von Immo-Pakteten, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, 15/11/2005
  • Wie ein Abschluss per Handschlag, Immobilien Business, 06/2004
more less

Lectures list

  • Universität Zürich, CUREM (Center for Urban Real Estate Management am Swiss Banking Institute der Universität Zürich, (www.curem.ch), Themen „Immobilienkaufrecht“ und „Legal Due Diligence“ (seit dem ersten Lehrgang)
  • ACADEMY for Best Execution GmbH, various lectures
more less

Education

  • 2009 Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS)
  • 2007 Fachanwalt SAV Bau- und Immobilienrecht, Universität Fribourg
  • 1997 Master of Laws, LL.M., University of Miami, USA, School of Law
  • 1993 Anwaltspatent, Zürich
  • 1991 Rechtsstudium, Dr. iur., magna cum laude, Universität Zürich
more less

Expertise

Feed

14/03/2024
CMS Switzerland ranked in Chambers and Partners Europe Guide 2024
Awards & Rankings
News
03/05/2023
Real estate transaction costs and taxes in Switzerland
1. Due diligence costs for the purchase of real estate 1.1 Municipal search Cost Map/zoning plan: EUR 10-EUR 70 VAT 7.7% 1.2 Utility search (each service) Cost N/A VAT N/A 1.3 Land registry search...
Expert Guide Real Estate
12/04/2023
CMS Switzerland recommended by The Legal 500 EMEA 2023
Rankings of CMS Switzerland in The Legal 500 EMEA 2023 Edition
News
19/03/2023
CMS Switzerland recommended in the Chambers Europe Guide 2023
Chambers and Partners has pub­lished its rankings of Europe's lead­ing law firms and lawyers in the Europe Guide 2023. Our firm and our lawyers are listed in both rankings for Switzerland.
News
28/10/2022
CMS Real Estate Global Brochure
Globalisation, political turbulence, changes in urban living patterns, increased digitisation, shifting consumer behaviour and flexible working are just some of the issues that are transforming the demands...
Brochures
11/04/2022
CMS Switzerland recognised by The Legal 500
Rankings of CMS Switzerland in The Legal 500 EMEA 2022 edition
News
17/03/2022
CMS Switzerland recommended in the Chambers Europe Guide 2022
Chambers and Partners has pub­lished its rankings of Europe's lead­ing law firms and lawyers in the Europe Guide 2022. Our firm and our lawyers are listed in both rankings for Switzerland.
News
30/04/2021
Switzerland
Recent work highlights Construction and development Advised investor regarding the acquisition of a residential development (76 apartments) in Zurich. Advised investor regarding acquisition, development and construction of a major mixed-use development project in the canton of Aargau. Advised investor in connection with the acquisition of a development project in the city center of Basel regarding an underground parking with 350 parking spaces. Advised developer regarding the sale of a residential real estate project (170 apartments) in Bern. Advised investor regarding acquisition of real estate development project (logistic building) in Zurich. Investment and disposal Advised client regarding an asset swap of major commercial buildings in Zurich and Bern, amongst others a co-ownership share in a shopping and entertainment center in Zurich. Advised seller of a logistic building in the greater Basel area (share deal). Advised seller regarding the sale of a boutique five star hotel in Zurich and a related real estate portfolio in a combined real estate and share deal. Advised client in connection with the acquisition of an office building in the canton of Vaud. Advised a real estate fund regarding the divestment of a hotel portfolio in the Swiss mountains (amongst others, in Davos and Zermatt). Advised the seller regarding the sale of a portfolio of four commercial properties in the Zurich area. Advised the seller regarding the divestment of a large office building in Bern. Managers and occupiers Advised owner regarding a major commercial lease agreement in the historic part of Zurich. Advised client in connection with expansion of sales premises and showrooms in Switzerland. Advised an international hotel operator regarding lease agreements for two new design budget hotels in Zurich and Geneva (re-de­vel­op­ment). Ongoing advice of a global IT company regarding the expansion of its Swiss offices. 
Publication
14/04/2021
CMS Switzerland ranked by The Legal 500
Rankings of CMS Switzerland in The Legal 500 EMEA 2021 edition CMS Switzerland is recommended in 18 categories in this year's Europe, Middle East and Africa edition of The Legal 500, published in April...
News
18/03/2021
CMS Switzerland ranked in Chambers and Partners Europe Guide 2021
We are delighted to announce that 13 of our lawyers across 9 practice areas are recommended in the Chambers and Partners Europe Guide 2021. The following lawyers from our offices in Zurich and Geneva...
News
15/01/2021
CMS advises Deka on the acquisition of Pictet's headquarters in Geneva
Zurich, 14 January 2021 / Deka Immobilien has obtained a purchase contract for an office building in Geneva as part of a sale and leaseback transaction with the private bank Pictet & Cie Sa. The acquisition...
Deals
07/05/2020
The COV­ID-19-Or­din­ance Rent and Lease
The COV­ID-19-Or­din­ance Rent and Lease – Grace Periods for Payment Arrears Rental and leasing rates play an important role in the crisis-related liquidity management of companies and private individuals...
Publication
Load more articles