IFMA fact sheet: Costs in the life cycle of a property (German only)

Life cycle cost analysis is becoming increasingly important in the construction and real estate sector. It is also used to decide whether a building is worth the investment or not. With this fact sheet, IFMA Switzerland aims to contribute to greater transparency in the real estate and FM sector on the subject of “Costs in the life cycle of real estate”.

The understanding of terms, the methodology and the interpretation of the results of life cycle cost calculations for real estate are often lack uniformity and sometimes lead to a misleading understanding of life cycle cost considerations within facility management (FM) industry. For example, the rule “20% investment costs to 80% operating costs” is often quoted.

The fact sheet provides clarity about the underlying methodology, the scope of the cost analysis and thus the interpretation of life cycle costs. The aim is to clarify how the striking message ‘20% investment – 80% operation’ should be understood.

The fact sheet intends to create a common understanding regardless of roles and perspectives and contribute to objectivity. It is therefore designed for everyone involved in determining and evaluating the life cycle costs of real estate.