Category: Trends

The way is clear for Wil West

At the second attempt, the voters of St. Gallen say yes to Wil West. The decision is close, but clear enough to create planning security. The vote shows that the region wants to grow. Bundled, plannable and coordinated across cantonal borders.

With the sale of the land, St. Gallen is handing over a former estate of the Wil psychiatric clinic to the canton of Thurgau. In future, the economic area will be located entirely on Thurgau soil, but will remain within the immediate sphere of influence of the Will region. This creates a clearer starting position for investments, infrastructure and long-term settlement strategies.

Concentration instead of urban sprawl
Wil West stands for a model that keeps many regions busy, enabling economic growth without further urban sprawl. Instead of constantly scattering new commercial zones on the outskirts of towns, the location will in future concentrate companies, services and productive jobs in a location with good transport links.

The plan is not just any old industrial area, but a modern work location. The aim is to create high-quality businesses that generate added value and skilled jobs without taking up an excessive amount of space. The development potential of the region will thus be utilized. For spatial planning, the project is therefore also an instrument for channeling growth instead of leaving it to chance.

Infrastructure as a driver of development
Wil West has a particularly strong impact through its infrastructure. With the project, the federal government, cantons and region are linking the expansion of the highway, public transport and pedestrian and bicycle connections. The planned freeway link to the A1 and better rail and bus connections will make the area attractive for companies and at the same time relieve pressure on the existing town centers.

Sustainability as a location factor
The first version of Wil West failed due to concerns such as loss of cultural land, traffic and ecological impact. In the revised version, sustainability plays a much more visible role. More compact construction methods, more careful land use and more green and open spaces are intended to reduce the ecological footprint.
This is precisely what is becoming a location factor for companies looking to relocate. When choosing a location, more and more companies are looking at energy and land consumption, accessibility without a car and an attractive environment for employees.
Wil West has the opportunity to set a new standard for work zones if quality assurance, phasing and criteria for settlements are consistently implemented.

Seize opportunities, manage expectations
With the yes vote for the proposal, expectations are now also rising. Politics and administration must pick up the pace without falling into a hectic pace. The region needs clear guidelines: which sectors should come? What density is desired? How can development be managed over decades without having to change strategy every time the economy changes?

March 2026
Four axes that are reorganizing the real estate industry

Data & AI
Industry reports see data-driven decisions and AI-based analytics as one of the strongest drivers. From predictive analytics for rents, vacancy rates and capex to automated valuations and AI-supported due diligence and document processing.

Along the life cycle, this starts with land acquisition and project development (location scoring, risk and scenario models) and extends to operations and portfolio management (predictive maintenance, portfolio optimization, dynamic price and space management).

Decarbonization and ESG
Net-zero targets, taxonomy rules and ESG investing make green proptech a cluster in its own right. Smart building systems, IoT sensor technology and ESG data platforms measure emissions, energy and resources, automate reporting obligations and support refurbishment and investment decisions.

This has a social impact through stricter regulation and investor pressure, and an economic impact through the growing difference in value between stranded assets and climate-friendly stocks. From carbon screening when purchasing land to decarbonization roadmaps for ongoing operations.

User experience and flexibility
Digital tenant experience, hybrid working models and flexible residential and commercial spaces are considered a core trend. Mobile access, self-service portals, real-time communication and dynamically bookable, usage-based spaces are required.

Throughout the life cycle, this shifts the focus to user-centric concepts and mixed use right from the planning stage and requires platforms for booking, community building and personalized services during operation, which directly changes the value creation logic of properties.

Platform ecosystems
Many sources see a move away from isolated stand-alone solutions towards networked platforms in which data, processes and services from different players converge. Open interfaces and integrations are seen as the most important requirement on the part of developers and operators.

Economically, this creates new platform operators, while socially, transparency, power and role models are shifting. From land purchase CRM and development tools to operating and ESG platforms that digitally connect the entire lifecycle.

March 2026
First consultation on location promotion

For the first time, the dispatch on location promotion will be submitted to a consultation procedure, which will run until 1 June 2026. For the years 2028-2031, the Federal Council is requesting five financing decisions amounting to CHF 392.21 million, compared to CHF 428.83 million in the period 2024-2027. The instruments remain the same: SME policy, tourism policy, regional policy, export promotion and location promotion. The bottom line is that the budget, adjusted for special Covid payments and the 2027 relief package, will fall by around 5.2 percent.

Easing the digital burden on SMEs
One focus is on easing the administrative burden on SMEs by expanding digital government services. The core component is Easy-Gov.swiss, which is to be further developed into a marketplace for digital services from the federal government and cantons and positioned as a standard infrastructure for a “digital government” for companies. The aim is to simplify procedures, reduce duplication and ensure more efficient cooperation between the administration and business.

Access to international markets
Export promotion should provide SMEs with targeted support when entering new foreign markets and expanding existing ones. In an environment with increasing export hurdles and volatile framework conditions, there is a greater focus on information, advice, risk diversification and export risk insurance. At the same time, SMEs should be able to make better use of the opportunities offered by new and existing trade agreements.

Strengthening regions as economic and living spaces
The federal government wants to support economic development in all parts of the country with its location promotion. It promotes tourism destinations and economically oriented projects in rural and border regions. This enables them to remain attractive places to live and work. In this way, the Federal Council combines growth impulses for SMEs with balanced regional development.

March 2026
Tour Invictus new face for Fribourg

The Tour Invictus marks a turning point in Fribourg’s urban development. It increases the density of living space upwards instead of continuing to grow outwards. The project is a response to scarce land, changing household structures and an ageing population.

At the same time, the tower raises the question of identity. How much “high-rise” can a medium-sized Swiss city tolerate? The building will be visible from the city and from afar. It will thus become a symbol of a new phase of urban development that rebalances density, mobility and quality of life.

New forms of housing instead of classic perimeter blocks
The mix of uses is clearly geared towards housing, but is finely graduated internally. On the lower floors, there will be apartments suitable for the elderly with assisted living facilities. On the upper floors are privately financed condominiums with expansive views and a high quality of living.

This vertical mix replaces the classic perimeter block with separate buildings for different target groups. It brings people with different lifestyles together in the same building. For operators, owners and urban planners, this opens up new options for services, neighborhood connections and community building.

Creating quality of stay
A tower of this height always provokes the same question. Will density become a burden or a quality? The decisive factor is the design of the transitions. The street level, first floor and surroundings must maintain the scale for pedestrians. Green outdoor spaces, a clear address and legible entrances determine whether the tower is perceived as a foreign body or as a natural part of the neighborhood.

What counts inside is the sense of spaciousness. Daylight, room heights, private outdoor spaces and views are the counterbalance to the large number of units. Where open spaces are deliberately moved indoors, for example with communal rooms, roof terraces or usable arcades, identification is created instead of anonymity.

Opportunities for the city
For the city of Fribourg, the Tour Invictus is both an opportunity and a test case. It shows how investors, planners and authorities deal with densification targets. The handling of traffic, development, shading and the neighborhood will be closely monitored. If the project is successful, it will strengthen the acceptance of further vertical densification.

At the same time, the area of tension remains visible. A high-rise triggers discussions about the skyline, character and social mix. Managers in administration and the real estate industry are called upon to actively moderate this debate. Clear narratives are needed as to why density does not mean sacrifice, but rather enables new forms of urbanity.

March 2026
New white paper: ‘’Cooling buildings efficiently’

Although the impact of climatic changes differs depending on the location and use of the building, in future almost every residential and office building will require cooling. Anyone planning a new build is well advised to carry out an analysis of exterior and interior comfort levels, define summer heat insulation requirements and maximum acceptable interior temperatures, and request proof of thermal comfort. For existing buildings that don’t meet current or future requirements in summer, there are other viable measures that can be implemented.

With comfortable indoor temperatures increasingly considered a criterion for rentability, it makes sense for property owners to invest in climate control for their properties. Buildings with a high level of climate comfort are future-proof, their market value increases and they usually attract higher rental income.

The new white paper, ‘Cooling buildings efficiently’ (23 pages), shows how we can build or renovate properties today to ensure they continue to offer a high level of comfort in the climate of the future.

View Whitepaper

March 2026
Urban change on the Wellis site

One of the region’s most exciting transformation areas is located between the railroad station and the old town. Halls, warehouses and work yards are being transformed into an urban quarter with its own character. The area thus plays a key role as the gateway to Willisau.

The area is roughly the same size as the historic old town. The previously closed production site is being transformed into an open piece of town. Paths, squares and open spaces will connect the station, the old town and the district. The previous barrier will become an urban interface.

Mixture instead of monofunction
The development clearly focuses on a mixture of uses. Several hundred apartments of different sizes and typologies are planned, supplemented by areas for commerce, services and local amenities. Living, working, shopping and leisure are moving closer together.

It creates frequency throughout the day, increases the utilization of the infrastructure and reduces dependency on a single type of use. At the same time, it opens up scope for new forms of work, small-scale service providers and local suppliers.

Identity from the industrial past
The Wellisareal remains recognizable as a place. Parts of the existing building fabric will be preserved and used for new purposes. The industrial character not only provides history, but also identity. It clearly distinguishes the district from green meadow developments on the outskirts of the town.

New buildings complement the existing buildings without covering them up. A high point marks the area in the silhouette of Willisau. The decisive factor here is not the height alone, but the effect in the urban space. This creates an image that remains anchored in the perception of residents, visitors and investors.

Open space as a location factor
The project consistently combines density with open space. Generous green spaces, trees, squares and paths structure the quarter and ensure a quality of stay. Instead of the inner courtyard as a residual area, the open space is at the center of the concept.

For future users, this is more than just a matter of comfort. Shaded recreational areas, well thought-out outdoor spaces and differentiated microclimates are becoming hard location factors. They influence rentability, image and long-term value development. A robust open space concept also supports the adaptability of the neighborhood over its life cycle.

Rebalancing mobility
The location directly next to the train station and close to the old town allows for a low-traffic approach. Priority is given to pedestrians and cyclists, with public transport services within walking distance. The project deliberately reduces the number of parking spaces and focuses on alternative forms of mobility.

For local authorities and investors, this means less land consumption for cars, more space for value creation and quality of life. At the same time, there is increasing pressure to think of mobility as an integrated offer. From sharing solutions to logistics and neighborhood services.

March 2026
New president elected for regional energy supplier

According to a statement issued on 25 February, Limeco’s Board of Directors has been reconstituted for the term of office until 2027. It has elected Rolf Schaeren as its new Chairman. Schaeren will take up his post on 1 May. Schaeren was Chief Financial Officer of the City of Dietikon from 2006 to 2022.

He is a professor of accounting and financial management at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of Elektrizitätswerke des Kantons Zürich (EKZ) since 2014 and has chaired it since 2021.

Schaeren succeeds Stefano Kunz. The Schlieren building committee member served on the board of directors for twelve years.

“Limeco plays a central role in the region’s energy and waste disposal supply,” Schaeren is quoted as saying in the announcement. “I am very much looking forward to continuing Limeco’s successful development together with my colleagues on the Board of Directors and tackling future challenges in the interests of the supporting municipalities.”

March 2026
Solar project combines own electricity and regional investment

According to a press release, the Schloss Turbenthal Foundation is enabling private individuals and companies to participate in its new solar power plant. This plant is being built on the roofs of the village for the deaf. With 150 solar modules, it is expected to generate 66,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. Half of the electricity will be consumed by the foundation itself.

A large battery with a capacity of 100 kilowatts will allow electricity to be stored on days when there is plenty of sun and little demand. This electricity can then be accessed later by both the foundation and the grid company Swissgrid as balancing energy.

Private individuals and companies can participate in the plant via the solarify.ch platform. They receive quarterly payments on their investment. “With this project, we are making a concrete contribution to sustainability and enabling the participation of the population from the region,” Marc Basler, general manager of the Schloss Turbenthal Foundation, is quoted in the press release.

Solarify GmbH, based in Bern, is also responsible for project management, operation, insurance and maintenance of the plant, as well as electricity marketing.

March 2026
Society for affordable housing aims to create permanently affordable living space

The new real estate company GEW aims to raise private capital for permanently affordable housing for people with low to medium incomes in Switzerland. GEW was founded in December 2025 against the backdrop of an increasing shortage of affordable housing in Switzerland, according to a press release. It will develop, build, acquire and operate residential properties with rents in the affordable segment of the local market, which are to be below the 50th percentile in the respective municipality.

GEW aims to contribute to social stability in Switzerland through its work. Rising rents, a lack of building land reserves, restrictive regulations and high land and construction costs have meant that housing production can no longer keep pace with demand. “When housing becomes a concern, new answers are needed,” said Reto Brüesch, Managing Director of GEW, in the press release. “We are convinced that the private sector can and must take on part of the responsibility with entrepreneurial thinking and a clear focus on the common good.”

The GEW model is based on three pillars: efficient development and construction, cost-effective operation and low capital costs due to low risk. This creates an economically viable approach that combines affordable rents with entrepreneurially responsible investments. “Investing in GEW creates affordable housing in Switzerland while also generating a fair return and a positive social impact,” explains Daniel Kusio, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GEW. He is supported on the Board of Directors by real estate economist Donato Scognamiglio and Balz Halter, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Halter Group.

While municipalities can use GEW to create affordable housing without excessive financial burden, owners benefit from transparent models such as sale, building rights or contributions in kind. Investors, in turn, gain access to a long-term investment with a stable income structure.

March 2026
Property portfolio grows despite stable income

The real estate company PSP Swiss Property has announced its 2025 business results. Property income reached 349.2 million, down 0.2 per cent on the previous year’s result. On a like-for-like basis, however, growth of 1.3 per cent was achieved, mainly due to index adjustments. Profit excluding property gains amounted to 225.4 million, or 4.91 Swiss francs per share. Net profit rose by 8.9 per cent to CHF 408.5 million, mainly as a result of higher portfolio revaluations of CHF 231.1 million. Earnings per share increased to CHF 8.91 and the dividend per share to CHF 3.95.

The portfolio value rose to CHF 10.1 billion at the end of 2025, with 150 investment properties and ten development properties. The revaluation was mainly driven by successful lettings in high-street retail in Zurich and rising market tenant expectations in prime locations. The vacancy rate was 3.5 per cent. The average remaining term of leases (WAULT) was 4.9 years, and 5.3 years for the largest tenants.

Overall, the Swiss market for commercial properties remained stable, according to the report. In 2025, high-quality office space in central locations was in particular demand. In Geneva and Zurich, demand for city centre locations remained high, while the markets in Bern and Lausanne remained stable. In Basel, the oversupply of office space continued. The investment market picked up over the course of the year thanks to moderately falling interest rates and improved financing conditions.

PSP expects the market to continue to develop positively in 2026, with stable rental demand in its core business. According to the company, low interest rates are likely to support the transaction market, while high-quality properties remain in short supply. The company therefore intends to invest selectively, exploit opportunities with long-term value growth potential and continue its shareholder-friendly dividend policy.

March 2026
Thun North is developing into a new district

The future new district of Thun North is one of the four most important cantonal development priorities and the most important in the Bernese Oberland, according to a statement from the city of Thun. A future-oriented urban quarter and a business location with supra-regional appeal is to be created here on a 60-hectare site. The area will be accessed via a new S-Bahn station.

Half of the site belongs to Armasuisse Real Estateand half to RUAG Real Estate AG. In 2025, the city of Thun conducted a so-called workshop process with them and BLS for the core area around the planned railway station. Three interdisciplinary teams worked with experts and various stakeholders to develop proposals. From these, an advisory committee derived key parameters for further development.

The basic framework of the new district is to be formed by open spaces. This will be characterised by the Aare river, the roads, the railway area and the townscape. The existing shed roof hall will form the backbone of the complex. The two landowners want to concentrate their closed industrial sites on the area west of the Alpine Bridge and on the grounds of the textile centre. Mixed uses are planned outside these areas. The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (Empa) will also be one of the key players with its new campus.

The results of the workshop process will be on display at Thun Town Hall until 6 March.

March 2026
Transformation programme proves effective at access technology specialist

Dormakaba generated total sales of CHF 1.362 billion in the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, i.e. up to 31 December 2025, representing a decline of 4.1 per cent compared with the same period of the previous year. While volumes were down, “consistent price realisation” resulted in organic growth of 2.0 per cent, according to a statement. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) amounted to CHF 211.9 million, 1.9 per cent less than in the same period of the previous year. The EBITDA margin, on the other hand, increased from 15.2 to 15.6 per cent.

“In the first half of 2025/26, we continued to consistently implement our transformation and increased our adjusted EBITDA margin. We are on track with the implementation of our strategy and have realised the planned cost savings from our transformation programme ahead of schedule,” CEO Till Reuter is quoted as saying in the press release.

The company confirms its forecast for the full year 2025/26. Dormakaba expects organic net sales growth of between 3 and 5 per cent, an adjusted EBITDA margin of more than 16 per cent and an adjusted operating cash flow margin of between 11.5 per cent and 12.5 per cent. This margin was 4.5 per cent in the first half of the year, compared with 7.4 per cent in the same period last year.

March 2026
Communities on Lake Zurich strengthen economic networking

The Gold Coast location promotion agency has published its first annual programme. The association was founded in September 2025 by the eleven municipalities of the Meilen district and the Office for Economic Affairs of the Canton of Zurich.

According to a press release, members benefit from free participation in events, excursions and background discussions, direct access to decision-makers and increased visibility. The first general meeting will take place on 15 April in Stäfa, Zurich. Dr Moritz Lechner, co-founder and co-chairman of the board of directors of Sensirion, will speak as a guest speaker.

The press release also mentions a members’ lunch with a workshop visit to Micro Mobility Systems AG in Küsnacht and a members’ morning snack at the Zumikon municipal administration. This will be followed in August by an after-work excursion to Seepark Uetikon, where apartments for around 600 people are being built on the site of a former chemical factory. An excursion to the Zurich Cantonal Council is also planned.

March 2026
Research develops climate-friendly alternative to cement

The production of cement as a binding agent for concrete accounts for 8 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Researchers from various European universities and institutes are working under the leadership of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany to develop alternatives to cement. According to a press release, the Zug-based building materials manufacturer Holcim is involved in this research work as part of the European C-SINK project.

The research focuses on magnesium-containing silicates, which react with CO₂ to form magnesium carbonate in a targeted, accelerated mineralisation process. This additive could be the new binder for concrete, replacing Portland cement clinker. The material is currently being tested in the KIT laboratories with the participation of all parties involved. This involves close integration of simulation, experimental research and large-scale, realistic testing at the Materials Testing Institute in Karlsruhe. “We can use simulations and machine learning to predict which concrete formulations will work,” says Frank Dehn, head of the Institute for Solid Construction and Building Materials Technology and the Karlsruhe Materials Testing and Research Institute at KIT, quoted in the press release. “We then use experiments in a targeted manner to verify these predictions. In this way, we want to develop reliable parameters that show that concrete with the new binder is climate-friendly and meets the requirements for load-bearing capacity, durability and safety.”

The project is funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) as part of the Pathfinder programme “Towards cement and concrete as a carbon sink”. In addition to KIT and the coordinating PAEBBL AB (Sweden), the Technical University of Delft (Netherlands), the Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium), the Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and PREFABRICADOS TECNYCONTA S.L. (both Spain) are also involved, with support from Holcim Technology. The project is funded with 4 million euros over a period of four years.

March 2026
New technology extends the service life of old bridges

The bridges, which were built in the 1980s, are showing increasing signs of fatigue and need to be repaired. Researchers and engineers from the Structural Engineering Department at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) in Dübendorf are working on new methods for renovating these bridges. For their experiments, they are using a bridge deck made of ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) reinforced with shape memory steel, according to a press release. This steel is an iron-based steel made from an alloy containing manganese, silicon and chromium, among other elements. The fibre-reinforced concrete is bonded to this steel. When heated, the steel contracts and closes any cracks that have appeared in the concrete.

The researchers led by Angela Sequeira Lemos and Christoph Czaderski carried out corresponding experiments in Empa’s construction hall. Five concrete slabs, each five metres long, simulate bridge elements. One of these remained unreinforced, while the others were reinforced with conventional reinforcing steel or shape memory steel. For the test, cracks were made in the slabs to simulate real-life wear conditions. The results showed that the combination of fibre-reinforced concrete and shape memory steel was more effective. It was able to close cracks and lift sagging bridge sections. “We were able to show that our system not only works, but can actually revive existing bridges,” Angela Sequeira Lemos is quoted as saying in the press release.

The research project was funded by Innosuisse and supported by OST– University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland, re-fer, a spin-off of Empa in Seewen, and the Swiss Cement Industry Association cemsuisse. A practical test on a real bridge could spark interest from industry. “And with increasing demand, material costs are also likely to fall – then this technology could bring about lasting change in bridge renovation,” Sequeira Lemos is convinced.

March 2026
Construction site for retirement home in Schlieren to be set up in March

From the beginning of March 2026, the construction site for the new Schlieren retirement home “Wohnen am Stadtpark”will be visible to the public. Preparatory work will then begin there. Two appeals had led to a one-year delay, but these were withdrawn in December 2025. The legal proceedings have now been concluded. According to a statement from the city of Schlieren, the construction site can now be set up and the initial construction and preparatory work can begin. The official ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for April 2026. Construction work is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

As construction begins, the playground on the western edge of the city park will also be dismantled starting in early March. According to the city, a new municipal playground is already being built at Stürmeierhuus. It is scheduled to be completed in April.

In the referendum on 12 March 2023, a loan of CHF 44.32 million for the construction of the new retirement home was clearly approved with 76.6 per cent voting in favour. As the city emphasises, it makes “an important contribution to ensuring modern, needs-based care and nursing for the elderly close to their homes”.

March 2026
Cooperation aims to secure landfill capacity in the long term

The cantons of St. Gallen, Thurgau and Schaffhausen are working together to plan new landfills for slag from waste incineration plants, according to a statement from the Department of Construction and Environmentof the Canton of St. Gallen. Over the next two years, the waste management authorities of the three cantons will develop a coordinated plan that identifies the need for landfill volume and landfill sites. The aim is to ensure secure waste disposal for the next 30 years and to exploit economic and ecological advantages.

The starting point for the collaboration is the foreseeable shortage of suitable landfill volume. The incineration of waste in waste incineration plants produces waste incineration plant slag that cannot be further recycled and must be stored in specially secured type D landfills. Such facilities are in short supply both in the participating cantons and throughout Switzerland. Without additional capacity, there is a risk of bottlenecks in waste disposal in the medium term.

Coordinated planning aims to optimise existing cantonal waste streams, exploit economic and ecological advantages and enable the rational use of individual sites. In this way, the three cantons want to offer long-term planning and disposal security for waste producers as well as waste incineration plants and landfills.

With this project, the cantons are fulfilling their legal mandate for waste planning. This includes determining future landfill requirements and identifying suitable locations. The jointly developed planning basis will then serve as the foundation for cantonal planning instruments such as structure plans and other procedures.

March 2026
Canton Zurich creates interface with innovation park

According to a statement, the canton of Zurich has created the Zurich Innovation Park specialist unit. This implements a decision by the cantonal government in April 2025 to transform the coordination unit, which was previously managed by an external mandate, into a regular organisation. The specialist unit is based in the Office for Economic Affairs and began operations at the start of the year.

The centre is responsible for ensuring the division of tasks between the Department of Economic Affairs, the Innovation Park Foundation, IPZ Property AG and IPZ Operations AG. It coordinates cantonal projects and involves various stakeholders in the local communities, the federal government, the business community and other partners.

In addition to the Innovation Park as the most important area development project in the canton, the specialist unit will also focus on the active development of commercial space as a key location factor. This involves space for the growth, transformation and establishment of companies, particularly in or around the Innovation Park, but also throughout the canton.

Benjamin Grimm is the first head of the specialist unit. The geographer has a Master’s degree in Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich and a Master of Advanced Studies in Real Estate from the University of Zurich. He has worked for the Federal Office for Spatial Development and the Office for Spatial Development of the Canton of Zurich, among others.

March 2026
Research project focuses on seasonal energy storage

According to a LinkedIn post, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HEIG-VD) and the engineering firmPlanairhave launched the BIG4HEAT project. BIG4HEAT will run for two years and is supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). Services Industriels de Genève (SIG), Groupe EausGranges-Paccot FR and Cadcime, based in Eclépens VD, are also industrial partners in the project.

The main objective of the project is to develop an underground seasonal heat storage facility (Chemical Thermal Energy Storage, CTES). The heat energy is to be stored in summer and then used in winter. HEIG-VD and Planair want to use old cisterns for this purpose, which will be converted into heat storage facilities in line with the principles of the circular economy and retrofitting, i.e. the conversion of older facilities. According to HEIG-VD, “seasonal storage could reduce the electricity deficit in winter by almost 20 per cent”. With this project, HEIG-VD and Planair aim to reduce CO2 emissions and create space in urban areas from 2030 onwards by using underground storage facilities.

Founded in 1956 and based in Yverdon, HEIG-VD conducts research in collaboration with companies, local authorities and national and international partners in various fields such as energy and sustainable development. Planair, based in La Sagne NE, is active in the fields of energy transition and renewable energies.

March 2026
New cooperation improves precision in surveying and construction

Fixposition announced a collaboration with Topcon Positioning Systems at the Geo Week 2026 trade fair. The fair is taking place in Denver, Colorado, until 18 February 2026. According to a press release, the Schlieren-based specialist in real-time kinematic (RTK) and visually assisted positioning will provide its solutions to the Californian company. The technologies developed by the spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, founded in 2017, are to be integrated into the high-precision satellite-based positioning systems of the Californian company Topcon.

Topcon offers high-precision GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning technologies for geomatics, construction and agricultural applications worldwide, according to Ron Oberlander, head of Topcon’s Geomatics platform. The integration of Fixposition’s visual positioning technologies will help his company create added value for its customers.

“Fixposition has developed technology that improves satellite positioning and benefits users even when working inside buildings and transitioning between indoor and outdoor areas, without disrupting the workflow, by combining RTK-GNSS with artificial intelligence to ensure positioning accuracy. We see this AI-powered technology as an innovative integration into our next-generation GNSS solutions.”

Zhenzhong Su, CEO and co-founder of Fixposition, says he is “proud to deliver Fixposition’s xFusion, Vision and multimodal fusion positioning technology to support Topcon’s next-generation GNSS solutions. We look forward to bringing this new solution to market and helping surveying professionals in geomatics, construction and agriculture achieve faster results and do more without compromising on quality, even in environments where GNSS connections are difficult.”

March 2026
Relocation marks new stage of development

HKGhas decided to relocate within Baden-Dättwil. According to a press release, the engineering and consulting firm will be located at Täfernstrasse 14A in Baden-Dättwil from 1 March 2026. The new location offers more space than the previous address at Im Langacker 20.

For HKG, this marks “a new chapter in the further development of the location,” according to the company. The relocation will create space for further growth and the future of the electrical engineering, building technology and energy consulting provider, which was founded in 1978 according to its own information.

The additional space will create a better working environment “for creative ideas, efficient collaboration and future-oriented work”. Employees will be able to develop their full potential in a “modern home” and implement projects even more successfully.

March 2026
Valais municipalities launch online.vs.ch

In four pilot municipalities in Valais, the confirmation of residence is available as a digital service, simply, regardless of location and around the clock. The service is provided via the online.vs.ch portal, which has been set up since January 2025 as a joint access point for digital services from the canton, municipalities and semi-public institutions. By the end of the year, all 122 municipalities in Valais should offer this online service, taking their residents’ services a further step towards end-to-end digital processes.

A portal for modern government services
By launching this service, the canton and municipalities are responding to the growing expectations of the population and businesses for simple, accessible contact with the authorities at any time. As the project organiser, the canton of Valais is responsible for financing the project and is working closely with the pilot municipalities to design and introduce the services. The aim is to consistently simplify administrative procedures, avoid media disruptions and make digital interaction the preferred option for contact with the administration.

Electronic identification increases security
Until now, many online applications have been based on web forms with subsequent manual identity checks. Identification is now carried out electronically via online.vs.ch, which simplifies the completion of forms, speeds up processing and increases data security. Users can choose between two types of connection, including the AGOV public authority login provided by the federal government, which does not require a password and is based on modern authentication technologies. This provides better protection for personal information and at the same time makes access to digital administrative services more convenient.

Expansion of the offering
Since going live at the beginning of 2025, over 40 cantonal administration services have already been integrated. Further services from the canton, municipalities and semi-public organisations will follow step by step. In the long term, the portal should become the central access point for all digital services of the Valais authorities and thus bring the cantonal digitalisation strategy to life.

March 2026
Startup accelerates engineering simulations with AI

Hardware development and material testing today rely heavily on physics-based simulations for design, validation and production. These calculations often take hours or days and incur high costs, which delays projects and pushes back production launches. Engineers therefore often reduce model complexity to shorten calculation times, at the expense of accuracy and proximity to real operating conditions.

Physics-aware AI for faster workflows
Fainite is developing a physics-aware AI platform that speeds up and simplifies existing simulation workflows. The engine learns from physics-based simulations and can derive accurate predictions without relying on large historical data sets. Engineers set up new workflows in minutes, run simulations much faster and can intelligently reuse previous results, even with limited amounts of data. An integrated AI agent guides them through complex steps, suggests settings and makes advanced analyses usable for broader teams.

cHF 150,000 for scaling and market entry
The CHF 150,000 from the Venture Kick programme will be used to expand the technology to additional engineering disciplines and use cases and to build a scalable platform with next-generation functionalities. At the same time, the funds will strengthen the team structure and go-to-market activities in order to accelerate deployment at industrial companies. The company is thus addressing around 9 million hardware engineers worldwide whose work is currently slowed down by slow, complex simulation processes.

Founding team with physics and AI expertise
The start-up was founded by researchers and engineers from Caltech, ETH Zurich, the University of Cambridge and Google, including CEO Alex Donzelli, Chief Scientist Prof Burigede Liu and ML Lead Matthias Bonvin. The team is complemented by former executives from established simulation software manufacturers, bringing together in-depth expertise in deep learning, computational physics and industrial simulation platforms. According to Alex Donzelli, Venture Kick’s funding, feedback and network have been instrumental in moving quickly from technical validation to the first industrial applications.

March 2026
Thun North forms a new urban neighbourhood

The cantonal development centre Thun North is considered the most important business location in the Bernese Oberland and is one of the four premium locations in the canton of Bern. The area between Selve and Lerchenfeld, which is still heavily characterised by military use, is to be gradually opened up for new uses. This will create space for working, living and mobility, linked by a new public access route.

Workshop process as a milestone
In 2025, the city of Thun conducted a workshop process together with Armasuisse Immobilien, Ruag Real Estate AG and BLS. It marked an important milestone in the transformation of the area. The task was to identify ways in which the site could develop into a modern, networked urban district. In addition to the future Thun Nord S-Bahn station, the creation of a lively urban environment is at the centre of the project.

Open spaces as a basic framework
The planning considerations focus on open spaces as a connecting element between the closed military areas to the south of the site. The three interdisciplinary teams developed several approaches in dialogue with experts, owners and interest groups. Despite different concepts, a common core emerged. The open space, Aare, Alpenbrücke and Allmendstrasse form the supporting framework to which future neighbourhood structures will connect. The new railway station also makes reference to the existing buildings. The striking shed roof hall will serve as the backbone and identity carrier.

From idea to realisation
The next phase is now starting. In a so-called synthesis, the city, owners and project partners are working on further refining the open space and neighbourhood structure. This forms the basis for the next, harmonised plans, such as infrastructure projects or the necessary planning instruments. Thun North is thus taking shape as a forward-looking neighbourhood that combines economic strength and spatial quality.

March 2026
Orientation in a tight property market

Bilanz reminds us that the Swiss property market is still “bubbling”. The gap between supply and demand remains wide, and construction activity in many places is not sufficient to meet the demand for residential property. According to real estate surveys, experts expect prices to continue to rise in 2026, particularly for single-family homes and condominiums, while land prices in centres such as Zurich will reach new highs. At the same time, market indicators such as the UBS Swiss Real Estate Bubble Index are warning of increasing overvaluation risks, even though experts currently categorise the risk of an acute bubble as moderate.

Why Bilanz has chosen the “Top Property Experts 2026”
Local market knowledge and professional support are becoming increasingly important in this environment. Bilanz and the market research institute Statista have therefore once again identified the “Top property experts in Switzerland 2026”. The award was given to 125 companies that were recommended with above-average frequency in areas such as buying and selling, letting, property management, property valuation, client representation, financing and proptech. The best list is intended to help owners and buyers find suitable partners, from marketing a home to financing a new purchase.

Recommendations from professionals and customers
For the ranking, Statista surveyed industry experts and customers who have used property services in recent years. Based on over 2,000 participants, the 125 most recommended companies were identified and included in the list in alphabetical order. Additional key figures such as company size were also taken into account. Bilanz emphasises that the ranking does not replace a complete market overview, but offers a sound guide in a complex market.

March 2026
New investor for Werkmatt Uri

On 25 February 2026, Director of Economic Affairs Urban Camenzind and Risa Immobilien SA signed the purchase agreement for construction site 11 on Werkmatt Uri. This is based on a purchase rights agreement concluded in 2024 between the Canton of Uri and IG Innovationspark Gotthard. In recent years, the IG has developed the project idea for a functional, sustainably built and architecturally impressive commercial and service building. In October 2025, the municipality of Altdorf granted planning permission for a four-storey building with around 4,000 square metres of floor space and room for around 140 workplaces.

Marcus Weber backs the Uri location
Risa Immobilien SA is backed by Marcus Weber, an investor with a high profile in Switzerland in the property, tourism and Alpine infrastructure sectors. He has been involved in Sedrun/Disentis for many years and, as Chairman of the Board of Directors and main shareholder of Bergbahnen Disentis AG, is involved in the expansion of the tourism offering there. Weber is also already present in the canton of Uri, for example with investments in the ski lift, mountain restaurant and accompanying infrastructure on the Brüsti in Attinghausen. By investing in Werkmatt Uri, he is expanding his involvement with another forward-looking project in the Alpine region.

Project enters the implementation phase
The planned office and commercial building is being built on the northern edge of Werkmatt Uri, within walking distance of the Altdorf cantonal railway station and close to the future A2 motorway junction. Construction is scheduled to start in autumn 2026, with occupation scheduled for 2028, and the investor wants to push ahead with the implementation quickly. This will create attractive, flexible space in a central location for companies that want to utilise Uri’s locational advantages.

Werkmatt Uri offers further potential
At around twelve hectares, Werkmatt Uri is the last large land reserve in the Uri valley floor and has excellent access between the cantonal railway station and the A2 motorway. The site is intended to provide over 1,000 jobs in the long term and be developed specifically for industrial, commercial and service companies. In addition to construction site 11, around eight hectares are still available for sale or the granting of building rights, handled by the canton of Uri. Companies interested in sites can find further information online on the Werkmatt Uri platform.

March 2026
Multiple use of private car parks efficiently utilised

Many private car parks remain unused for hours at a time, during the day in residential neighbourhoods and at night at work or shopping locations. With multiple use, owners make their car parks available when they do not need them themselves. This reduces the pressure on public car parks, while cities gain space for more greenery, cycle connections and quality of life. The basis for this is a management concept commissioned by the Department of Construction and Transport, which aims to make more efficient use of private parking facilities.

Four pilot projects demonstrate the potential
Since the beginning of this year, four projects have been running in which owners are working together with the car park brokers ShareP and Parcandi. PSP Swiss Property is providing around fifty underground car park spaces for multiple use at Hochstrasse 16. Lonza AG opens its company car park on the Lindenhof site to residents at night and at weekends. There are further offers in the St. Alban suburb at the Goldener Löwen and at Dornacherstrasse 8/10, with solutions for residents and commuters alike. The projects will be monitored and analysed for two years and form the basis for further implementation.

Flexible offers for different needs
The new parking models are aimed at different user groups. Commuters can book fixed or recurring parking spaces during the week. Residents benefit from secure parking spaces at night and at weekends. Season tickets are available for regular users, while short-term offers are available for spontaneous journeys. The result is a parking system that adapts to people’s everyday lives instead of creating additional space requirements.

Advice for owners and supplementary neighbourhood parking
Owners of parking facilities can now obtain advice free of charge. The initial consultation shows how car parks can be managed more efficiently without a great deal of effort. Multiple-use models can also be used without advice and without authorisation procedures. At the same time, the canton is promoting additional neighbourhood car parks. By taking over the Horburg multi-storey car park, it will create over 300 rentable parking spaces for residents from April 2026, thus strengthening the overall offer in the neighbourhood.

March 2026
Timber construction as an investment

Timber and hybrid buildings have established themselves as a serious alternative to energy-efficient solid construction. Studies conducted by Wüest Partner and Durable on behalf of Lignum and FOEN show that timber buildings can compete with solid construction in terms of construction costs and performance, although they are slightly more expensive on average. For investors, timber construction thus becomes a building block for achieving sustainability goals without sacrificing economic solidity.

Costs, life cycle and risk profile
In a cost comparison, the median construction costs of timber buildings are around 10 per cent higher than those of solid construction. In the lower price segment, however, the values are very similar. Energy standards such as Minergie-P have a greater influence on costs than the choice of load-bearing structure. In the short to medium term, timber buildings benefit from high cost security, lower operating and maintenance costs and a better deconstruction and reuse profile. Over very long periods of 80 years, the greater durability of mineral construction methods has a positive impact on costs, meaning that their life cycle costs are lower.

Ecological advantage and Green Premium
Ecological evaluations show that timber constructions reduce grey greenhouse gas emissions by an average of around 20 percent compared to a mineral twin, and significantly more for individual components. The effect is particularly large in the case of extensions, where timber construction enables significant CO₂ savings compared to replacement new builds and creates additional space at the same time. International meta-studies on certified green buildings also point to price and rental premiums as well as lower capitalisation rates, an indication that the market rewards sustainability as a risk buffer.

Time as a yield driver
The green premium in timber construction is primarily created by process advantages. A high degree of prefabrication, modular systems and digital planning significantly shorten the construction time. For investors, this means earlier returns and a reduction in construction and project costs due to the time factor. Model calculations estimate savings of around CHF 200 per square metre for a six-month time saving. At the same time, scheduling, coordination and weather risks are reduced, resulting in more stable budgets and more predictable cash flows.

Strategic role in the portfolio
Institutional investors such as specialised sustainability funds see the main added value of timber and hybrid construction less in rents than in ecological benefits, the reduction of stranded asset risks and robust ESG positioning. In existing buildings, timber construction scores particularly well in the case of extensions and redensification, where its lightness and prefabrication lead to superior overall economics. For yield-oriented investors, timber construction is therefore particularly worthwhile where process advantages, ESG strategy and location quality interact.

March 2026
Why the real estate industry is tackling digitalisation

Mr Caspar, pom is regarded as one of the leading consulting companies in the areas of digitalisation, transformation and sustainable property development. How would you describe your role within this ecosystem?
At pom, we see ourselves as an intermediary between research, development and practice in the property industry. Our role is to recognise new topics at an early stage, classify trends and develop an understanding of what will move the industry in the future. We translate this knowledge into concrete use cases, recommendations and a basis for decision-making for our clients. In doing so, we help companies to separate the important from the unimportant and to focus specifically on those methods, technologies and data that actually create added value for their role in the property industry.

Which topics are your customers currently most concerned with: data, processes, organisation or technology?
There is no simple answer to this question. In recent years, the focus has been very much on technology. Many companies have introduced new systems and launched numerous digitalisation projects. This has certainly brought progress, but has also led to a certain amount of disillusionment. Projects were more time-consuming, more expensive and more complex than expected. This was often due to the fact that data and processes were underestimated. We are currently observing a clear shift away from purely technology-driven projects towards more data- and process-orientated approaches. The current AI hype is further reinforcing this development.

pom emphasises that data is the foundation of modern property management. Where do Swiss companies stand today in terms of data readiness?
Basically, Swiss property companies are not in a bad position. Most of them have sufficient data readiness to operate their core processes reliably and answer relevant stakeholder questions, but we see a need for development in automation in particular. This requires data to be structured, consistent and available company-wide. Data-intensive topics such as ESG show where the limits lie. Another important point is collaboration across company boundaries. The property industry has always been highly networked. Greater data readiness is crucial to making this collaboration more efficient, digital and automated in the future.

What are the most common misconceptions about the digitalisation of property portfolios?
The effort and complexity are often underestimated. In particular, the provision and preparation of the required data is estimated too optimistically. Although data is available, it is often not of the necessary quality or structure. This leads to delays, additional costs and extra work for the specialist departments that should actually be doing their core business. Another misconception is that digitalisation projects can be implemented “on the side”. Professional project structures and the corresponding expertise are often lacking. This has a negative impact on motivation, acceptance and ultimately the success of the project.

Which technological developments will change the property sector the most in the next 5-10 years?
Basically, we distinguish between two levels: the digitalisation of the property itself and the digitalisation of the companies that operate these properties. At building level, we are seeing major advances in the cloud, IoT and digital models. The digital mapping of properties, often referred to as the digital twin, is increasingly becoming the standard and enables new forms of automation, while at company level, development will be strongly characterised by AI and process digitalisation. A small number of core applications, combined with flexible low-code platforms, will make it possible to automate processes efficiently and across companies.

Many companies are experimenting with AI. Where do you see realistic fields of application in the next 24 months?
In the short term, there is great potential in analysing and evaluating documents and unstructured data. Content can be summarised, evaluated and created more quickly. Another important step is the integration of AI tools into everyday working life, for example as assistance solutions. The next step will be to increasingly link these systems with company-specific data. Reporting and analyses will also change: instead of fixed reports, information will be compiled according to the situation and needs.

What risks do you see in the use of AI in the property industry?
We see the biggest challenges less in the regulatory area and more at a cultural and technological level. Many companies do not yet have the necessary skills and structures in place to deal with data and technology. In addition, the Swiss market is highly fragmented and heterogeneous, which makes it difficult to introduce standardised solutions. The property industry is project-orientated and has little serial logic. This further slows down the introduction of new technologies.

Rate of adoption instead of technology: what are the biggest cultural hurdles?
A key hurdle is that digitalisation is not yet anchored as a strategic topic in many companies. A lack of expertise, unclear responsibilities and the expectation of implementing digitalisation “on the side” are slowing down implementation. In addition, there is often a lack of willingness to consistently scrutinise and change existing ways of working.

How is digitalisation changing roles in real estate companies?
Digital skills will be part of the basic qualification of many roles in the future. The focus will be less on a deep understanding of technology and more on secure user knowledge. At the same time, new roles are emerging, for example for the management of digitalisation projects and digital platforms. These functions ensure that systems are used, developed and operated sensibly.
This allows asset, property and facility managers to continue to focus on their core business.

What makes a digitally mature company?
A digitally mature company anchors digitalisation, technology and data at the highest management level. There is a clear strategic stance, defined goals and responsibilities. Digitalisation is not delegated to IT, but is seen as an entrepreneurial task.
Such a company also has the necessary roles, processes and expertise to continuously develop digital solutions and adapt them to changing conditions.

ESG and PropTech are growing together. Which technologies are already creating real impact?
ESG is a strongly data-driven topic. There are now functioning solutions along the entire data chain, from measurement to key figures. Smart meters, automated analyses of energy bills and the consolidation of data across several buildings are technically feasible. The challenge lies less in individual components and more in end-to-end integration and automation within companies. We do not yet see a comprehensive all-in-one solution.

Where do you see the biggest gaps between requirements and reality on the market?
The biggest gaps arise where requirements are only implemented selectively without considering the entire value chain. Data-driven topics in particular show that technical possibilities are available, but organisational and structural requirements are often lacking.

How do you assess the maturity of the Swiss PropTech market in an international comparison?
Switzerland has a very lively and innovative PropTech scene. Many solutions are internationally successful. The biggest challenge lies in scalability due to the size of the market and the federal structures. Overall, however, the level of maturity is high and competitive.

Which PropTech areas are underdeveloped and which are overheated?
The ESG sector is currently very overheated. There are a large number of solutions, which leads to a certain disillusionment. In international comparison, the consistent use of BIM across the entire property life cycle is particularly underdeveloped. Other countries are further ahead here, especially when it comes to institutional investors.

Where do you see potential for partnerships between established companies and start-ups?
Partnerships offer great potential, but are challenging. Established companies think long-term, start-ups are dynamic and innovation-driven. Cooperations are successful where there is mutual understanding and clear expectations are defined, be it in projects, partnerships or targeted funding models.

Which developments currently surprise you in particular, both positive and negative?
The AI hype is both positive and challenging. Positive because it promotes innovation, efficiency and new ways of thinking. Negative because expectations are often overestimated in the short term. Sustainable success requires an in-depth examination of data, processes and governance.

If you could change one thing in the industry immediately, what would it be?
I would like to see more consistency across the entire property life cycle.
The project-based, highly individualised way of working makes it difficult to use scalable digital solutions. Approaches such as prefabrication and standardised construction methods could help to enable technological leaps without losing quality and design freedom.

What drives you personally to drive forward the transformation of the industry?
I am motivated by change, new projects and the opportunity to develop things further.
Property is a particularly exciting field because it shapes our daily lives, from living to working. I find shaping digitalisation and transformation in this context to be meaningful and highly relevant.

March 2026
PropTech Switzerland 2025

Around 430 PropTech companies are currently active in Switzerland, many of them with roots at ETH or EPFL. This is an indication of the strong focus on deep tech and research. A large proportion of the companies are still in the early stages of development, with around half generating less than CHF 0.5 million in annual revenue. Nevertheless, the majority of companies expect increasing revenues, which characterises the mix of young start-ups, growing scale-ups and established technology companies.

Funding, segments and sustainability pressure
Due to the high number of completed financing rounds in 2024 and according to estimates, several hundred million francs have flowed into Swiss PropTechs in recent years. Solutions for smart buildings, energy efficiency, digital transactions, data analysis and AI-based services are particularly in demand. Around a fifth of companies are active in digital brokerage, followed by smart building solutions and data and AI products. The area of sustainability and lifecycle management is becoming increasingly important, driven by ESG requirements and net zero strategies. A significant proportion of PropTechs now integrate environmental sustainability as a core function of their offerings.

Internationalisation and visibility in the start-up ecosystem
Between 30 and 40 Swiss PropTech companies are already active in European or global markets, exporting their technologies or testing them in international pilot projects. At the same time, PropTechs regularly appear in rankings of the most promising Swiss start-ups, where they are among the fastest-growing young companies. The picture is thus shifting from a niche to a visible growth segment in the national innovation ecosystem.

Slow adoption meets increasing digitalisation pressure
Despite scalable products, customer acquisition remains challenging. Decision-making and procurement processes in the property industry often take one to one and a half years, which delays market entry and stretches out roll-outs. At the same time, there is increasing pressure to digitalise processes, make better use of data and operate buildings more sustainably. From regulatory requirements to rising energy prices. For PropTechs, this creates a field of tension between long cycles on the customer side and the fast pace of technology and capital requirements.

Europe as a growth lever and opportunity for Switzerland
The European PropTech market is growing dynamically and is expected to expand its volume significantly by the end of the decade, driven by investments in AI, smart buildings and sustainable refurbishment technologies. Europe currently holds a substantial share of the global PropTech market, from which Switzerland can benefit disproportionately with its high level of innovation, strong university landscape and exportable solutions. Overall, the scene is small but highly innovative. It is in the process of professionalising itself, becoming internationally oriented and changing the real estate industry in the long term.

Facts & Figures PropTech Switzerland 2025

March 2026

Category: Trends

Facts & Figures PropTech Switzerland 2025