immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Business

  • Double award recognises quality in property management

    Double award recognises quality in property management

    IAZI, Informations- und Ausbildungszentrum für Immobilien AG, presented this year’s IAZI Awards at the 21st IAZI Real Estate Investment Event in Zurich. According to a press release, the Rivora Collective Foundation, based in Winterthur, received the awards for Best Residential Properties 2026 and, for the first time, Best Pension Fund.

    “We are delighted to receive this double award, which is the result of a clear strategy and strong collaboration,” said Amet Bekiri, Managing Director of Rivora Collective Foundation, in the press release. “It confirms our ongoing commitment to responsible action and sustainable quality – for the benefit of our policyholders.”

    Rivora is a long-standing partner of Auwiesen Immobilien AG. The property company based in Winterthur supports Rivora in the portfolio management of direct investments in real estate. “Being honoured twice with the prestigious IAZI award is an extraordinary confirmation of our many years of joint work,” said Christof Schmid, Managing Director of Auwiesen Immobilien AG. “Together with the Rivora Collective Foundation, we develop an investment strategy tailored to their needs and are responsible for its implementation.”

    As a pension fund without vested interests, Rivora offers companies and their employees customised pension solutions. Auwiesen Immobilien AG manages property portfolios worth over CHF 4.5 billion, primarily in German-speaking Switzerland.

  • Renewable energies remain on course for growth despite difficult market conditions

    Renewable energies remain on course for growth despite difficult market conditions

    Aventron has announced its key financial figures for the 2025 financial year. In total, the producer of electricity from renewable energies generated around 1.3 billion kilowatt hours of electricity – around 15 per cent less than in the previous year (2024: 1.498 billion kilowatt hours). Aventron cites historically weak weather conditions and high price volatility, including negative electricity prices, as the reasons for this.

    Despite the decline in production, the result remains “solid” according to a statement. Net revenue amounted to 120.5 million Swiss francs (2024: 134.9 million Swiss francs), while the EBIT margin (earnings before interest and taxes) was around 21 per cent. Net profit after taxes reached CHF 10.3 million.

    In 2025, aventron continued its diversification strategy with solar, wind and hydro technologies and further developed its portfolio. In Switzerland, construction began on the Sedrun Solar (Grisons) and APV Sidenplangg (Uri) alpine photovoltaic projects. In Italy, realisation of the 25-megawatt Lazio 01 solar power plant began, while two wind farms are under construction in France and Germany. The company invested a total of CHF 67 million. At the end of the year, the portfolio comprised a consolidated total output of 819 megawatts (previous year: 797 MW) in operation or under construction.

    In the medium term, aventron intends to focus increasingly on successful electricity marketing and the expansion of data management and monitoring systems. The aim remains to build up a portfolio with a total output of 1000 megawatts. The Münchenstein-based company operates and develops power plants in the areas of hydro, solar and wind energy in Switzerland and selected European countries.

  • Study shows high regional value creation by energy companies

    Study shows high regional value creation by energy companies

    Repower commissioned Hanser Consulting to analyse how much added value the Graubünden-based energy supplier generates compared to energy companies outside the canton. In its study, the consulting firm puts the additional added value of the Repower Group for the canton at around CHF 144 million for the year 2024. According to its press release, Repower presented the results to the Graubünden cantonal parliament at an information event on 23 April 2026.

    Hanser Consulting summarises the main findings as follows: Firstly, due to the Repower Group’s headquarters in Graubünden, more than twice the added value per kilowatt hour of electricity produced from Graubünden hydropower remains in Graubünden compared to companies outside the canton. Secondly, this would result in “many other advantages” for the Graubünden economy, particularly with regard to the diversity of the labour market, tax revenues for the canton and municipalities and the inclusion of local suppliers for headquarters activities.

    “Against the backdrop of the Graubünden hydropower strategy and the pending home cases in the coming years, the question of how the use of hydropower is organised in the long term and where the associated added value is generated is becoming increasingly important,” writes Repower. “The study aims to provide a factual basis for discussion.” As Repower emphasises, although the company paid for the study and provided the necessary basis, it had no influence on the methodology or results.

    Repower employs around 500 people in Graubünden and operates along the entire value chain, from production to the grid and supply to trading. The largest shareholders are Elektrizitätswerke des Kantons Zürich (38.49 per cent), the canton of Graubünden (27 per cent) and UBS’s Clean Energy Infrastructure Switzerland fund (23.04 per cent).

  • Lucerne knocks Zug off its throne

    Lucerne knocks Zug off its throne

    Lucerne is lowering its effective corporate tax rate from 11.91 to 11.66 per cent in 2026, overtaking Zug, which is now at 11.71 per cent. According to PwC, this makes Lucerne the canton with the lowest corporate tax rate in Switzerland for the first time.

    The difference is small, but the message is all the greater. In tax competition, it is not only the absolute amount that counts, but also the symbolic effect. Whoever is at the top sends a clear signal to mobile companies and investors.

    Switzerland keeps moving
    Eight cantons are lowering their corporate taxes slightly, while four are increasing them minimally. Overall, the 2026 tax comparison shows a country that remains active in international competition and does not simply manage its attractiveness.

    It is striking that the OECD minimum tax introduced in 2024 has hardly changed the cantonal tax rates so far. PwC speaks of a rather wait-and-see attitude towards the new global framework conditions. This is precisely why competition within Switzerland continues to gain in importance.

    Zurich and Bern are coming under pressure
    At the other end of the scale are Bern and Zurich. According to PwC, Berne has an effective rate of 20.54 per cent, while Zurich is still at 19.47 per cent despite a slight reduction. Both cantons therefore continue to be among the most expensive locations for companies in Switzerland in terms of taxes.

    This is tricky from a location perspective. After all, high economic quality, good accessibility and strong labour markets are not always enough if the fiscal difference is almost twice as high as in Lucerne. The tax factor remains a tough lever in the competition for new relocations and expansions.

    More than just a tax ranking
    According to PwC, Central Switzerland maintains its role as a particularly attractive business location. In an international comparison, Lucerne and Zug rank at the lower end of the tax burden; in the EU, only Hungary taxes companies more heavily than Lucerne.

    This makes it clear what is really at stake. It’s not just about a difference in figures between two cantons, but about the strategic positioning of entire economic areas. Lucerne has taken a small step towards the top. This is precisely what can make the difference in the competition between locations.

  • Zurich sharpens its innovation profile

    Zurich sharpens its innovation profile

    The canton of Zurich is one of the strongest economic regions in Europe. However, even a top location comes under pressure when there is a shortage of skilled labour, development costs rise and global competition becomes tougher.

    This is precisely where the cantonal government comes in. It does not want to boost the innovation centre with individual actions, but rather strengthen it with reliable framework conditions. This Zurich approach is intended to bring research, entrepreneurship and application closer together.

    Five fields with a leverage effect
    The cantonal government has defined five key areas for the years 2027 to 2030. Semiconductors, space, environmental technologies, health and venture capital. The selection is no coincidence. All five areas combine technological dynamism with real growth opportunities.

    At the same time, they show where Zurich is heading. Not in short-term trends, but in fields in which industrial strength, research expertise and new markets overlap. This makes the strategy relevant in terms of economic policy.

    From the laboratory to the market
    The focus on implementation is particularly interesting. Innovation should be applied more quickly. This is precisely where many strong research centres are losing pace.

    For semiconductors, it is about access to chip design, clean rooms and technology transfer. In aerospace, Zurich wants to facilitate the development and scaling of new applications. In the healthcare sector, digital solutions are to be tested, validated and transferred to facilities more quickly. The ambition is clear. Not only invent, but also apply.

    Sustainability is becoming a location factor
    The focus on environmental technologies is also exciting. Sustainable mobility and recyclable construction are not only seen as an ecological task, but also as an economic opportunity.

    That is an important signal. Thinking about security of supply, climate targets and location quality together shifts sustainability from a niche to the centre of location policy. For Zurich in particular, this can create a new profile with international appeal.

    Capital is crucial
    Innovative companies need more than just good ideas. In the growth phase, they need capital that enables scaling. This is why the strategy also focuses on venture capital.

    For the first stage, the Government Council is applying for a framework credit of CHF 23 million. This is not a huge amount. But it marks a political decision of direction. Zurich not only wants to manage its innovative strength, but also translate it into added value and jobs.

  • 10 million and then

    10 million and then

    On 14 June 2026, Switzerland will vote on the “No 10 million Switzerland!” initiative. It aims to keep the permanent resident population below 10 million in the long term and provides for additional measures from 9.5 million. The political focus is on immigration. However, the spatial effect could be much broader.

    After all, labour markets cannot simply be stopped at the national border. If companies continue to need skilled labour, but fewer people can or should live in Switzerland, the pressure on living and commuting areas close to the border will increase. This doesn’t just change statistics. It changes entire regions.

    The housing market is shifting
    The pattern has long been visible. In the Lake Geneva region, the labour market is growing strongly, while living space remains chronically scarce on the Swiss side. The result is an ever-increasing expansion of the metropolitan area towards France.

    The price difference explains the dynamic. In the canton of Geneva, asking rents recently stood at CHF 384 per square metre per year, while in France, which is close to the border, they were only CHF 190 to 260, depending on the location. The gap is even greater for residential property. In Geneva, asking prices are around 13,500 francs per square metre, in nearby France around 3,500 to 6,000 francs.

    When relief creates new burdens
    What is supposed to act as a brake for Switzerland can additionally fuel border regions. More cross-border commuters mean more demand for housing outside Switzerland, higher prices in neighbouring communities and growing pressure on schools, transport and municipal services. Voices from Haute-Savoie are already warning of precisely this.

    In terms of infrastructure, this is not a minor issue either. New transport services such as the Léman Express have made cross-border commuting much easier and triggered new development dynamics around the stops. The area is not growing any less. It is just growing differently.

    What this means for locations
    This is a tricky truth for location policy. Growth does not disappear just because you want to put a political cap on it. It seeks new paths via commuter axes, residential locations and functional economic areas.

  • The silent ascent south of the Gotthard

    The silent ascent south of the Gotthard

    The EU’s Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2025 confirms Ticino’s “Innovation Leader” status. Only Zurich performs better in Switzerland. There are measurable drivers behind the ranking. The USI and SUPSI universities form the academic backbone, complemented by institutes such as the IDSIA for artificial intelligence and the national supercomputing center. At the same time, SMEs in the canton invest above average in research and development.

    Three competence centers, one park
    The Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino pools forces at three locations. The Swiss Drone Base Camp at Riviera Airport tests drone technology in real airspace. In Lugano, the Lifestyle Tech Competence Center is driving forward the digitalization of fashion, food and wellness. In Bellinzona, the Life Sciences Competence Center conducts research into biomedicine and oncology. From 2032, the park will move to the Nuovo Quartiere Officine, a 120,000 square meter urban development area in the heart of the cantonal capital.

    Lugano relies on digital infrastructure
    The city of Lugano has gone its own way in the area of crypto. Over 400 businesses already accept digital means of payment, and more than 100 fintech and blockchain companies have set up shop. Phase II was launched in March 2026 in collaboration with the company Tether. Five million Swiss francs will flow into digital resilience, AI ecosystems and decentralized urban infrastructure by 2030. Lugano is thus positioning itself as Switzerland’s third-largest financial center with technological ambitions.

    cHF 60 million and a clear signal
    The Grand Council sent a clear signal at the end of 2023. A credit line of CHF 60 million will secure the promotion of innovation, research cooperation and regional economic policy until 2027. CHF 25 million will flow directly into innovation and research synergies. Fondazione Agire, the canton’s innovation agency for over 10 years, supports 20 startup ideas every year via its Boldbrain accelerator and coaches SMEs on digitalization.

    What the real estate sector needs to learn from this
    Location promotion only develops its full value when it grows beyond strategy papers. Ticino is faced with the task of developing land availability, process reliability and urban quality at the same pace as its innovation projects. For investors, this means a region on the move with high potential and a simultaneous need for patience. Anyone who has the south of Switzerland on their radar today will find a location that wants to deliver and has the means to do so.

  • Change of ownership to accelerate growth in the geothermal market

    Change of ownership to accelerate growth in the geothermal market

    The investment company Dundee AG has acquired Bohrfix Erdsonden AG, according to a press release. The company is one of the most established and successful independent providers of geothermal probe drilling in Switzerland, with around 240,000 meters drilled annually and 1150 boreholes worldwide.

    With the new owner, the drilling company will have a slightly different management structure. Effective immediately, Hans Rosenberger, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dundee AG, is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bohrfix Erdsonden AG. Sascha Jordi will continue to manage the company operationally. Jordi has been a drilling foreman since 1998 and has worked as a project manager at Bohrfix Erdsonden AG since June 2025. Vinzenz Schönenberger will remain Commercial Director and Delegate of the Board of Directors. Despite the change in management structure, all existing employees will be retained. Nothing will change operationally for customers and clients.

    “With the acquisition of Bohrfix Erdsonden AG, we are investing in a company with an excellent market position, an experienced team and great growth potential in the geothermal and renewable energy sector. We are looking forward to this exciting partnership,” Hans Rosenberger is quoted as saying.

    The background to the takeover is the decision by the previous owner Alban Berisha to concentrate fully on the further development of his investment and real estate portfolio. The new owner plans to further develop the market-leading position of Bohrfix Erdsonden AG and also to invest in growth, technology and personnel in the future.

  • Takeover strengthens position in the European energy market

    Takeover strengthens position in the European energy market

    In a press release, BKW announced the acquisition of the French energy company Volterres SAS. Volterres SAS operates a network of over 100 solar, wind and hydroelectric power plants and enables the tracking of electricity flows in real time. Volterres supplies more than 2 terawatt hours of electricity annually to companies and public organisations.

    The acquisition fits seamlessly into BKW’s existing strategy for France. The company had already previously expanded its activities in the country, including a contract to optimise 200 megawatts of battery capacity. BKW also markets numerous third-party wind, solar and battery projects in France and manages an annual renewable production of over 1 terawatt. With Volterres, BKW now covers the entire energy value chain.

    Strategically, the acquisition is an important step within Solutions 2030, according to the press release. With this focus, BKW is concentrating on the Energy Solutions, Power Grid and Infrastructure & Buildings business areas and positioning itself along the entire value chain of the energy transition. The aim is to achieve EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) of over CHF 1 billion by 2030. France plays a key role in this.

    “France is a strategically important market for us. With the integration of Volterres, we are strengthening our position not only there, but in the entire European market and are further developing our portfolio of flexible energy solutions,” said Stefan Sewckow, Executive Vice President Energy Markets.

    BKW, based in Bern, is an internationally active energy and infrastructure company. Its range of services extends from engineering and consulting to building technology and the construction and operation of energy and supply grids.

  • New branch strengthens presence in Central Asia

    New branch strengthens presence in Central Asia

    Sika is expanding its presence in Central Asia with a new subsidiary in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. According to a press release, the aim of the new branch is to increase customer proximity in the region and improve regional market access for the company.

    One of the reasons for the expansion into Kyrgyzstan is the positive economic outlook for the former Soviet republic. Forecasts predict annual growth in gross domestic product of up to 7 per cent until 2030, according to the press release. Growth drivers in the construction sector include large-scale industrial construction projects as well as infrastructure and energy investments, which further emphasise the strategic importance of Central Asia for Sika.

    “The local organisation in Kyrgyzstan complements our existing activities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and strengthens our regional network in Central Asia. This creates a basis for the targeted further development of our market position in the region and for further growth,” Christoph Ganz, Regional Head EMEA at Sika, is quoted as saying.

    The construction chemicals group Sika focuses on the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing and protecting in construction and industry. With the opening of the Kyrgyz site, the company is expanding its global network to 103 national subsidiaries. The company generated sales of CHF 11.20 billion in 2025.

  • Investments strengthen production capacities in the medical technology sector

    Investments strengthen production capacities in the medical technology sector

    The Burgdorf-based medtech company Ypsomed has invested 25 million Swiss francs in the remodelling and construction of a new machine tool park in Solothurn. In order to meet the growing global demand for injection systems and offer customers the highest quality, Ypsomed intends to significantly expand its position and capacity in the production of injection moulds, according to a press release. At the Solothurn site, the company intends to concentrate on the design and manufacture of plastic injection moulds for pens and autoinjectors.

    The commissioning of the mould construction facility marks the start of the implementation of a 200 million Swiss franc investment package to develop the site. Two new high-volume assembly systems with associated injection moulding systems for autoinjectors are to be opened in the coming months. The company has also announced plans to build a fully automated high-bay warehouse at the Solothurn site by the end of 2027. At the same time, a conference centre (Ypsomed Forum) is to be built there with space for around 300 guests. “The investment in the new toolmaking facility in Solothurn is a clear commitment to the development of our sites in Switzerland,” said Simon Michel, CEO of Ypsomed.

    The company also wants to continue to grow internationally in order to consolidate its position in the medical technology market and meet the increasing demand for injection systems for self-medication. in 2025, Ypsomed opened its first own plant in Changzhou, China, and started the expansion of its production site in Schwerin, Germany. A new site is currently under construction in Holly Springs in the US state of North Carolina.

    The investment also serves to double the number of staff in this area. The current number of 35 employees plus trainees is set to grow to 100 employees and apprentices.

  • Award recognises strong performance in the mortgage business

    Award recognises strong performance in the mortgage business

    Swisschange Financial Services AG, a financial boutique regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), has won the Baloise Broker Award 2026. The prize, awarded by Baloise Bank AG from Solothurn, is based on the parameters of submitted applications, completion rate, financing volume and mortgage portfolio.

    Four out of five mortgage applications submitted by Swisschange lead to a successful conclusion. According to the press release, the mortgage broker achieves this high success rate through careful dossier preparation. Swisschange begins long before the first bank offer with a structured analysis of the financing situation and the selection of a suitable financing partner.

    “This award confirms what we have been practising for years: Genuine buyer representation pays off measurably – for our customers and in a market comparison,” Lester Steinger, CEO and founder of Swisschange, is quoted as saying.

    Swisschange sees itself as a pioneer of independent buyer representation in the Swiss property market. The company has been assisting private clients and entrepreneurs with property, financing and asset decisions since 2003.

  • People aged 55 and over moving house could ease pressure on the housing market

    People aged 55 and over moving house could ease pressure on the housing market

    The moving patterns of the ‘Best Ager’ generation – those aged between 55 and 74 – are becoming increasingly important for a functioning housing market in Switzerland, as shown by the new Helvetia Housing Report, according to a press release from Helvetia Baloise. The study was conducted by the insurer in collaboration with the Sotomo research institute in Zurich.

    When this age group moves house, they usually relocate to less central areas or, increasingly, abroad. This frees up larger, centrally located flats, which are subsequently occupied by families much more frequently. According to the study, this helps to distribute existing housing more efficiently across different stages of life.

    Furthermore, emigration abroad increased by almost 50 per cent between 2014 and 2024. At the same time, moves within one’s own municipality remain comparatively rare. It is only from the age of 75 that the trend reverses: older people then move more frequently back to well-connected, central locations.

    “Additional moves by this age group make an important contribution to better utilisation of living space,” says Michael Hermann, Managing Director of Sotomo. This dynamic is driven in particular by the moving behaviour of foreign ‘Best Agers’, whose likelihood of moving is 50 per cent higher than that of Swiss nationals. However, this trend is being held back by the so-called lock-in effect: homeowners move significantly less often – their likelihood of moving is over 60 per cent lower than that of tenants. According to the report, however, the often-discussed influence of affordable existing rents is significantly lower than assumed and is not the decisive factor behind the low mobility of older households.

  • Energy cooperative strengthens its brand and increases investment

    Energy cooperative strengthens its brand and increases investment

    The transition from EBM to Primeo Energie is now complete: at their annual general meeting on 15 April 2026, the delegates approved the change of name from EBM to Primeo Energie Genossenschaft. The company has been operating under the Primeo Energie brand since 2019. According to a press release, the name change is intended to ensure that the umbrella brand is also visible in the cooperative’s name in future and to avoid misunderstandings.

    Prior to this, the delegates had approved the annual accounts and the management report of the Primeo Energie Group. Operating profit (EBIT) rose to CHF 127 million in 2025. In the previous year, it had stood at CHF 124 million. Profit grew from CHF 91 million to CHF 109 million over the same period. In total, Primeo Energie invested CHF 187 million in energy infrastructure. This figure is set to rise to CHF 220 million in the current year.

    The contribution to the energy fund was doubled from CHF 2 million to CHF 4 million. CHF 3.1 million from the fund was allocated to grant applications, primarily for connections to district heating networks. Support is now also being provided for the conversion of photovoltaic systems with direct feed-in to self-consumption. The co-operatively organised company therefore expects an increase in applications. A further CHF 500,000 was made available for grants to charitable institutions.

    Gilbert Fuchs and Carmen Gerber-Balmelli were re-elected to the Board of Directors for a further term until 2030. Thomas Ernst was newly elected to the board. Long-standing Vice-President Urs Grütter stepped down.

  • Condominiums remain in demand even with record supply

    Condominiums remain in demand even with record supply

    The latest Online Home Market Analysis by ImmoScout24, in collaboration with the Swiss Homeowners Association and the Swiss Real Estate Institute, analyses the advertisements for condominiums in 2025. According to a press release, a new high has been reached with around 101,000 advertised properties – the highest since the survey began in 2016. At the same time, the growth in supply has slowed significantly. At the same time, the average advertising period has been reduced by eight days to 84 days, which indicates that demand for condominiums is increasing again compared to the previous year.

    The study cites the changed interest rate environment in particular as a reason for this: falling financing costs and easier mortgage lending in some cases are making home ownership more attractive than rental properties. In addition, the need for a secure long-term living situation is becoming more important again.

    “The fact that condominiums are selling more quickly again despite the large supply is a clear sign. Swiss people want to live within their own four walls. Fortunately, the dream of home ownership is still realisable for many people,” Markus Meier, Director of the Swiss Homeowners’ Association, is quoted as saying.

    There is also a uniform regional trend: In all major regions, the insertion period is shorter than in 2024, with condominiums continuing to sell particularly quickly in Central Switzerland (61 days), Zurich (64 days) and the Geneva region (65 days). A particularly dynamic development in demand can be seen in Ticino, where the time it takes to place an advertisement has been significantly reduced by 22 per cent despite a sharp increase in the number of listings (10 per cent).

    ImmoScout24 is an online property marketplace operated by the SMG Swiss Marketplace Group. SMG Swiss Marketplace Group AG combines the digital marketplaces of TX Group, Ringier and Mobiliar.

  • Cross-border heat supply moves closer to reality

    Cross-border heat supply moves closer to reality

    The Basel-based utility company IWB and Stadtwerke Weil am Rhein are examining the options for a joint, cross-border heat supply. A feasibility study has already demonstrated the technical feasibility of supplying the city in the German state of Baden-Württemberg with heat from Basel from mid-2028, according to a press release.

    The feasibility study has been running since May 2025 and the companies have been sounding out potential consumers for their interest in such a heating network since March 2026. The heat required in the area between the Rhine and the A5 motorway would be supplied by IWB, which should already be 80 percent CO2-neutral by the time of delivery. Once the results are available by the middle of the year, a decision will be made on realisation and possible investment plans, according to the press release.

  • Investment secures funding for a major wind energy project

    Investment secures funding for a major wind energy project

    aventron AG has acquired a significant stake in the Sur Grati wind farm in the canton of Vaud, according to a press release. The wind farm is operated by the project company VOé éole SA. In addition to aventron, the energy supplier SIE SA, based in Crissier (VD), and the Vaud municipalities of Premier, Vallorbe and Vaulion also hold stakes in the company.

    Aventron’s entry finalised the shareholder structure and the financing of the project company. This followed a positive ruling by the Federal Supreme Court in May 2025 regarding the wind farm’s building permits; the wind farm is scheduled to come online at the end of 2027.

    VOé, which has been developing the project for several years, is a regionally based energy supplier and is contributing its local networks. Aventron brings experience in the construction and operation of wind farms in several European countries. “Together, we are realising one of the largest wind energy projects in Switzerland. In doing so, we are supporting the federal government’s energy strategy and strengthening security of supply, particularly in winter,” said Eric Wagner, CEO of Aventron.

    The wind farm is located on the Jura mountain range in northern Vaud and is currently under construction. Six wind turbines with a total capacity of 25.2 megawatts are planned. The facility is expected to produce around 45 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, which corresponds to the demand of approximately 11,000 households. Once completed, Sur Grati is set to be the second-largest wind farm in Switzerland.

  • The Federal Council plans to tighten the rules on property purchases by foreign buyers

    The Federal Council plans to tighten the rules on property purchases by foreign buyers

    On 15 April, the Federal Council launched a consultation on the revision of the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad (BewG). According to a press release, the consultation will run until 15 July. The aim is to further restrict access to the Swiss property market.

    The Federal Council justifies the tightening of the so-called Lex Koller, among other things, with the strained situation on the housing market. Consequently, third-country nationals – that is, nationals of countries outside the EU and EFTA – will in future require authorisation to purchase primary residences in Switzerland. If they move away, they will be required to sell their property within two years.

    Stricter rules are also planned for the purchase of commercial property. Whilst purchases for personal use will still be possible without a permit, purely financial investments – such as for letting or leasing – will no longer be permitted.

    In addition, the Federal Council intends to further restrict the purchase of holiday homes and residential units in aparthotels by persons abroad. To this end, the cantonal authorisation quotas are to be reduced and, in future, all such transactions will count towards these quotas.

    It is also proposed that persons abroad should no longer be permitted to acquire listed shares in residential property companies or regularly traded shares in property funds and property SICAVs.

  • Ticino economic area between energy, housing and investment

    Ticino economic area between energy, housing and investment

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    At the 108th immoTable Ticino in Savosa, representatives from the real estate industry, energy, planning and investment discussed the future of the Ticino economic region. The focus was not only on individual projects, but also on the fundamental question of how Ticino can continue to develop as a modern business and real estate location.

    The discussion made it clear that Ticino today is much more than just a vacation and second-home region. A high quality of life, strategic location and exciting development potential meet challenges in terms of processes, living space, mobility and regional cooperation.

    Roberto Fantoni from Volta RE showed how much the energy market has changed. While the feed-in tariff for photovoltaic electricity has fallen massively in recent years, new models for property owners, municipalities and site developments are emerging in the form of energy communities, virtual associations and local electricity communities. The new CLE models from 2026 in particular could have a lasting impact on the real estate market. At the same time, it became clear that owners and administrations are increasingly looking for solutions that reduce energy costs, improve the energy efficiency of buildings and simplify investments.

    Monique Bosco-von Allmen from CASSI focused on the issue of housing. She made it clear that Ticino is lagging far behind the rest of Switzerland in terms of non-profit housing construction and that the discussion about affordable housing, demographic change and sustainable forms of housing is becoming increasingly important. The topics discussed included gentrification, rising rental costs, the low proportion of non-profit housing and the question of how politicians, municipalities and private stakeholders can work together to promote new housing models. At the same time, it was emphasized that housing is much more than just a roof over one’s head, but is closely linked to social balance, intergenerational dialogue and quality of life.

    Manuel Gamper from Leading Investors presented Ticino from the perspective of national and international investors. Ticino remains attractive, but finds itself in a more demanding market environment that requires significantly more professionalism, data competence and strategic thinking. Particularly important are predictability, speed, larger volumes and a professional ecosystem along the entire real estate value chain. At the same time, it became clear that Ticino, despite its limited market size, has interesting returns and considerable development potential if projects are of high quality, flexible and long-term.

    The future of the Ticino economic region will not be decided by individual construction projects or investments alone, but by cooperation, quality, innovation and the ability to think about economic development, energy, mobility and housing together.

    The next immoTable will take place on June 18, 2026 at the StartUp Space in Schlieren.

  • Ticino at a glance – opportunities, pressure and dynamics

    Ticino at a glance – opportunities, pressure and dynamics

    The canton, with around 360,000 inhabitants, 100 municipalities and an area of 2,812 square kilometres, has positioned itself as a research and innovation-oriented region. In the EU’s Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2025, Ticino ranks 6th out of 241 European regions, just behind Zurich in Switzerland. According to BAK Economics, the cantonal GDP grew by 0.6 per cent in 2024. An increase of around 1.1 per cent is expected for 2025. The unemployment rate as at January 2026 was 3.3 per cent, slightly above the Swiss average of 3.2 per cent.

    This development is important for the property industry because innovation alone does not guarantee a location’s attractiveness. The decisive factor is whether research, entrepreneurship and urban quality come together spatially. With USI, SUPSI, the Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino and the Boldbrain accelerator, the canton has a solid innovation infrastructure. At the same time, the construction industry and market development are under pressure. Construction output fell by 0.2 per cent across Switzerland in December 2025, with an above-average decline in Ticino. Rising construction costs, political uncertainties and complex authorisation procedures are exacerbating the pressure on supply and project calculations in the medium term.

    The property market presents a varied picture. The vacancy rate in Ticino fell from 2.08 per cent in 2024 to 1.92 per cent in June 2025, the sharpest decline of all the major regions, but still almost twice as high as the Swiss average of 1.0 per cent. At the same time, asking rents fell by 5.6 per cent in 2024/2025 according to ReMPA. The only region in Switzerland to see a decline, while the national average rose by 2.4 per cent.

    The spatial structure remains a challenge. Lugano with 63,600 inhabitants, Bellinzona with 45,300, Locarno with 16,400 and Mendrisio with 15,100 form different sub-regions with their own profiles. Topography, scarce space and demographic pressure also play a role. The FSO forecasts a decline in the labour force of 45,000 people by 2050. The approximately 78,800 cross-border commuters support the labour market, but their number has fallen slightly for the first time. Against the national trend of 411,000 cross-border commuters throughout Switzerland. If you want to invest in Ticino, you won’t get far by simply analysing from afar from Zurich or Basel. You need local partners, market knowledge and an understanding of the specific sub-regions.

    At the same time, this mixed situation offers potential. The proximity to northern Italy, the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the role as the southern portal of the Gotthard corridor and the high quality of life. At 85.2 years, Ticino has the second-highest life expectancy in Europe, creating conditions that are rarely found elsewhere. If innovation strategy, land policy, mobility and project development can be coordinated more closely, Ticino can significantly strengthen its position as an economic and property region. It is not whether the potential is there, but how consistently it is translated into reality.

  • Zurich reinvents itself

    Zurich reinvents itself

    Government Councillor Carmen Walker Späh openly stated that many good ideas never make it to the market. It is not a lack of creativity, but a lack of the right support at the right time. The canton of Zurich has therefore taken the step this year of joining the international “MIT REAP” program. The aim is to channel funding in a more targeted manner, network players more closely and systematically promote scaling. Zurich has already established itself as a hotspot in the fields of AI, robotics, life sciences and the new space economy. The task now is to secure this lead.

    Nothing works without people
    Markus Müller, Co-Head of Location Promotion, put it in a nutshell with a quote from medtech entrepreneur Andy Rihs: “Nothing works without people.” Capital alone does not build a future. What makes Zurich strong is the ability to bring together new ideas with the right know-how and the right capacities. Zurich should take on a leading role in the new space economy. According to Müller, innovation is what turns “good” into “leading” in the long term.

    You can’t think about the future alone
    Futurologist Martina Kühne gave the guests three ideas to take away with them. Think beyond tomorrow, develop visions of the future in the majority and shape the future together. Every vision of the future is like a piece of gymnastics equipment on which you can let your mind run wild. Anyone who does this can develop ideas for a possible and desirable future. Because, according to Kühne, the future doesn’t just happen.

    Collaboration as a catalyst
    The ETH spin-off Sevensense shows how this theory translates into practice. in 2021, the young start-up impressed ABB with its 3D vision technology for autonomous robots. Today, around 80 percent of the autonomous robots sold by ABB come from Sevensense. Proof of how effective the combination of established capital and fresh inventive spirit can be.

    Organs in space, muscles in the lab
    Prometheus Life Technologies is even more daring. The start-up uses weightlessness in space to grow organs in three dimensions. This was made possible by a parabolic flight program at the Innovation Park, in close collaboration with the Center for Space and Aviation at the University of Zurich. No less ambitious is Muvon, which is working with the ZHAW on an automated method for muscle regeneration using the body’s own cells. If it can be scaled up, it could be used to treat stress incontinence, which affects a significant proportion of women over 40 in Europe.

    A platform that innovates itself
    Samuel Mösle, Co-Head of Location Promotion, drew a clear line in the final discussion. The three start-ups presented are at the limits of the imaginable future. The innovation platform will become more interactive and networked in future with the support of artificial intelligence. After five years, the initiative has reached the end of its own start-up phase. Samuel Mösle sums it up precisely: “It doesn’t just say innovation on it, it also has innovation in it.”

  • Investment foundation raises fresh capital for residential property

    Investment foundation raises fresh capital for residential property

    According to a press release dated 4 May, the Vertina Real Estate Investment Foundation is raising fresh capital until 6 July 2026. The target volume is set at between 60 and 80 million Swiss francs. This may be increased if there is sufficient demand. The funds are earmarked for additional property investments as well as for ongoing and planned developments.

    The capital raising is taking place after the foundation has fully and sustainably invested the funds entrusted to it as part of its seventh capital issue. Following the completion of four transactions in the first quarter of 2026, the portfolio currently comprises 13 properties, including four near-new existing properties, a new-build that is almost complete, and eight project developments. Upon completion of all ongoing projects, a market value of around CHF 350 million is expected. As at 31 March 2026, the residential share stands at 99 per cent.

    Launched in May 2022, the Vertina Investment Foundation invests directly in near-new residential properties in Switzerland that meet high sustainability standards. To this end, the foundation cooperates with the Markstein Group, a property services provider covering portfolio management, construction management, transaction management and marketing. The foundation focuses on providing marketable housing with the lowest possible environmental impact. With a consistent value creation approach, the investment strategy aims to generate stable and reliable long-term returns for investors.

  • Acquisition makes interior fit-out projects more efficient and regionally focused

    Acquisition makes interior fit-out projects more efficient and regionally focused

    Obrist interior AG, based in Lucerne, has announced in a press release that it has acquired the American company Display Craft Manufacturing Co. of Baltimore, Maryland. The acquisition will increase production capacity for the North American market.

    Local manufacturing will make project execution more sustainable and efficient, according to the company, which specialises in high-end shopfitting and interior design. This means fewer transport and freight routes, simpler logistics and packaging, and shorter project lead times. The expansion of market activity in the US is a response to the high demand from luxury and premium brands, which have a strong presence there, for short delivery times, rapid response times and close collaboration with local production partners.

    Corrado Tona, CEO of Obrist Interior America Inc., will take charge of operational management: “We are gaining a strong local team, expanding our manufacturing expertise and getting even closer to our customers. This strengthens our competitiveness and enables us to serve the US market, which we have actively developed in recent years, in an even more targeted manner,” he is quoted as saying. According to owner Stefan Slamanig, the existing presence in the US will be deepened and the Obrist brand strengthened across the entire value chain.

    Display Craft Manufacturing Co. has been a supplier of retail displays and solutions for shopfitting and interior design for more than 75 years. The manufacturing company has 40 employees, who will be integrated “into the values and quality standards of Obrist interior”.

    The acquisition is accompanied by an expansion of capacity, combined with reduced reliance on external suppliers, greater flexibility, cost optimisation and increased strategic resilience. Solutions for customers and projects can be implemented in a more economically and environmentally efficient manner. The new production site also offers opportunities for employees at the Swiss locations.

  • Strong franc weighs on quarterly results despite gains in market share

    Strong franc weighs on quarterly results despite gains in market share

    The construction chemicals group Sika has announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2026 in a press release. The group recorded sales of CHF 2.49 billion in the first quarter, representing sales growth of 0.9 per cent in local currencies and a decline of 7 per cent in Swiss francs. The decline in Swiss francs is attributable to the strength of the Swiss franc against Asian currencies and the US dollar, according to the company.

    The main drivers of growth in local currencies were market share gains across all regions, despite a subdued global construction market. In the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Sika recorded a 3.6 per cent increase in revenue in local currencies in the first quarter (previous year: 0.7 per cent) In the Americas region, Sika recorded a slight decline in sales of 0.8 per cent in local currencies. Whilst economic uncertainties weighed on construction activity in the US, demand in the data centre sector grew at double-digit rates, Sika reports. Canada performed well and Latin America also continued the recovery in construction markets. In the Asia/Pacific region, sales in local currencies fell by 2.2 per cent. The continued weakness of the Chinese construction sector, with double-digit declines, had a particularly negative impact. Positive contributions came primarily from India, South-East Asia and the Automotive & Industry segment.

    The completed acquisition of mortar manufacturer Finja (Sweden) and the announcement of the acquisition of adhesives manufacturer Akkim (Turkey) contributed to the increase in market share in the first quarter. Sika is also strengthening its production capacities with new plants in the USA, Tanzania, Argentina, Colombia and Bangladesh.

    Sika confirmed its strategic direction and expects revenue growth of 1 to 4 per cent in local currencies for the full year 2026, as well as an EBITDA margin of 19.5 to 20 per cent.

  • Building Services Group boosts profits and continues to grow

    Building Services Group boosts profits and continues to grow

    According to a press release, the Burkhalter Group has closed the 2025 financial year with “excellent results”. All relevant key performance indicators have once again improved compared with the previous year. The building services provider recorded revenue growth of 1.8 per cent to CHF 1.2 billion, as well as a 6 per cent increase in EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) to CHF 73.8 million and a consolidated profit of CHF 61.3 million (previous year: CHF 57.2 million, up 7.3 per cent). Earnings per share rose to CHF 5.78, representing an increase of 7.2 per cent on the previous year. As a result of this positive performance, the Board of Directors is proposing an increased dividend of CHF 5.20 per share to the Annual General Meeting.

    The drivers of growth are sustained high demand for building services engineering and efficiency gains from optimised and digitalised processes. Targeted acquisitions also contributed to the positive performance. In 2025, the Group acquired Mathieu Ingenieure AG in Visp (VS) and Gattiker Elektro GmbH in Uster (ZH). Four further acquisitions followed at the start of 2026: BZ-Dépannage Sàrl in Lonay, Vaud; Enplan AG in Herisau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden; Elektro Gasser AG in Lalden, Valais; and Caotec SA in Brusio, Graubünden. According to the company, this strengthens the Burkhalter Group’s regional presence, expands its expertise and increases its market share. The acquisition strategy remains a central component of growth.

    The company is confident about the 2026 financial year. Driven by government support programmes and continued high levels of construction activity, demand for energy-efficient building services solutions remains strong. The Group expects to be able to achieve a moderate increase in earnings per share for the 2026 financial year as well.

  • PropTech start-up is driving the digitalisation of property management

    PropTech start-up is driving the digitalisation of property management

    According to a press release, Bewy has received 150,000 Swiss francs in funding from Venture Kick. The Zurich-based proptech start-up is developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered software solution for property management that streamlines processes and offers a better service to both landlords and tenants.

    The background to this is widespread inefficiency in property management across the DACH region, as stated in the press release. Poor communication, neglected maintenance, unexpected costs and inadequate tenant services frequently lead to dissatisfaction among owners and tenants. Bewy addresses this through automated internal processes, improved communication and real-time transparency. This is expected to reduce management costs by up to 30 per cent and significantly improve the user experience. The fresh funding is intended to drive the further development of the platform and its scaling within Switzerland. In its expansion, Bewy is pursuing an M&A (Merger & Acquisition) strategy aimed at acquiring small and medium-sized property management firms without a succession plan.

    “As Switzerland’s leading start-up programme, Venture Kick is a significant accelerator for Bewy. The funding process is streamlined and efficient, yet simultaneously opens up access to a valuable network and boosts credibility,” co-founder Luca Serratore is quoted as saying in the press release.

    Bowy currently operates in Zug, Zurich, Aargau and Lucerne and serves a double-digit number of clients, including private individuals, single-family offices and property companies such as Swiss Prime Site. The founding team comprising Luca Serratore, Marcandrea Hunkeler, Gilles Baumann and Katrin Leuppi brings together experience from the fields of start-ups, consultancy and the property sector. The start-up accelerator Venture Kick is an initiative of the Kick Foundation for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and is supported by a private-sector consortium.

  • Energy provider reports declining results alongside rising investments

    Energy provider reports declining results alongside rising investments

    According to a press release,Repower achieved a total operating performance of CHF 1986 million in 2025. This was 20 per cent less than in the previous year. The operating result before interest and taxes fell by 24 per cent to CHF 133 million, while Group profit fell by 27 per cent to CHF 101 million. According to the press release, the international energy trading business made the largest contribution to earnings. At the same time, the Graubünden-based energy supplier increased its investments by 80 per cent to 142 million. The equity ratio rose from 53 to 59 per cent.

    The low rainfall in spring 2025 in particular had a negative impact on Repower’s result. The wind farms in Italy and Germany also recorded a slight decline. The Teverola gas-fired combined-cycle power plant was out of operation for an extended period. Only solar production increased significantly in 2025. According to the press release, Repower produced a total of 2147 gigawatt hours of electricity in 2025. In the previous year, this figure was 2639 gigawatt hours.

    Repower achieved a very strong result of CHF 371 million and a profit of CHF 300 million in 2023. However, the company also reported a very good annual result for 2025. This was above the long-term average. The company also expects a good result for 2026.

  • The acquisition is specifically designed to expand our presence in the construction industry

    The acquisition is specifically designed to expand our presence in the construction industry

    The SFS Group, based in Heerbrugg, has acquired Harald Zahn GmbH, headquartered in Wiesloch. According to a press release, by acquiring this specialist in flat roof fastenings from northern Baden-Württemberg, SFS aims to strengthen its market position in the German and Austrian construction industries.

    Founded in 1981, Harald Zahn GmbH develops and manufactures high-quality fastening elements for flat roofs. In 2025, the company generated turnover of €8 million with 45 employees. It will be integrated into SFS’s Fastening Systems segment at its Wiesloch site.

    The SFS Group has a presence in 35 countries across Asia, Europe and North America, with 150 sales and production sites. According to its own figures, it generated turnover of over 3 billion Swiss francs in 2025.

  • Energy supplier boosts profits despite lower turnover

    Energy supplier boosts profits despite lower turnover

    The AEW Group has had a successful financial year in 2025. According to a press release, the Aargau-based energy supplier achieved total revenue of 833.1 million Swiss francs. This is 4.2 per cent less than in the previous year. At the same time, operating profit before interest and taxes increased by 24.4 million to 131.4 million Swiss francs. The adjusted net profit stands at 159.7 million Swiss francs. The canton can expect a dividend of 53.0 million Swiss francs.

    The company attributes this growth to one-off effects. These included not only the efficient management of the energy business but also the early sale of own-generated electricity on the power exchange, as well as the strong performance of the Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant (KKL) decommissioning and disposal fund, the Axpo dividend and a write-down in the power plant portfolio. AEW holds a 5.4 per cent stake in KKL.

    Investments stood at 94.3 million, slightly above the previous year’s figure (93.0 million).

    “Operationally, 2025 was a very good year for AEW,” CEO Marc Ritter is quoted as saying in the statement. “Our organisation has picked up pace and, at the same time, demonstrated that it can perform effectively even in a very challenging and dynamic market environment.”

  • Investment supports expansion of decentralised energy infrastructure

    Investment supports expansion of decentralised energy infrastructure

    Youdera Group SA has secured a strategic investment from Amundi Energy Transition. According to a statement, the funds will support the company’s next phase of growth and an implementation plan of around 150 million euros for decentralised energy infrastructure in the European commercial and industrial sector.

    Youdera offers companies energy management, which involves the planning and development, financing, construction and operation of energy systems. The aim is to reduce dependence on the electricity grid, make energy costs more predictable and drive electrification. The offering includes photovoltaic systems, battery storage, building envelope refurbishments, heat pumps and other measures to increase energy efficiency.

    The investment by Amundi Energy Transition, a subsidiary of French asset manager Amundi S.A., offers the opportunity to scale the model across Europe, says Pedro Miranda, CEO and co-founder of Youdera. “In a more volatile world, European companies need to act decisively to remain competitive.”

    Youdera was founded in 2015, is based in Ecublens and has its main site in the EPFL Innovation Park in Lausanne. Its core markets are Switzerland, Spain and Portugal, but the company sees further growth potential in Europe. “As commercial and industrial customers are looking for more resilient and cost-efficient energy solutions, we are convinced that Youdera is ideally positioned to meet this growing market demand,” says Claire Chabrier, Head of Direct Investments – Private Markets at Amundi.