immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: immobilien

  • Largest 3D-printed housing estate being built in Texas

    Largest 3D-printed housing estate being built in Texas

    In the Wolf Ranch community in Georgetown, Texas, 100 single-storey houses are being built using the Vulcan printer from ICON. This 3D printer builds the houses layer by layer from a special concrete mix that is robust and weather-resistant. The construction process saves time and labour while creating walls that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

    Resilience and modern challenges
    The solid concrete walls of the houses not only offer excellent protection against extreme weather conditions, but also provide excellent insulation. This construction proves particularly useful in hot summer months, as the interiors remain cool and the air conditioning systems are relieved. However, the thick walls also pose challenges: the signal strength of wireless networks is impaired, which is why many residents rely on meshed routers.

    Building revolution
    The Wolf Ranch homes, known as the “Genesis Collection”, are available for between 450,000 and 600,000 dollars, and a quarter of the units have already been sold. The project demonstrates the potential of 3D printing to change the construction industry for good. ICON already built its first 3D-printed house in Austin in 2018 and is even planning to use the technology on the moon as part of NASA’s Artemis programme in the future.

    3D printing on the upswing worldwide
    3D printing in the construction industry is also picking up speed in Germany. the first 3D-printed detached house was opened in Beckum in 2021, and further projects, such as the publicly subsidised apartment block in Lünen, are in the pipeline. These developments show that 3D printing is becoming increasingly important worldwide and will potentially shape the future of construction.

  • Public consultation on the Lucerne agglomeration programme

    Public consultation on the Lucerne agglomeration programme

    The fifth generation of the Lucerne agglomeration programme (AP LU 5G) includes the towns of Sursee and Sempach for the first time, as well as several new municipalities such as Meierskappel and Neuenkirch. This expansion of the perimeter emphasises the increasing importance of regional cooperation in the sustainable development of settlement and transport structures. The focus of AP LU 5G is on coordinating transport development with settlement planning in order to optimally meet the challenges of growth and mobility in the region.

    Key projects through station and bypass
    The key projects of the LU 5G AP are the Lucerne through station and the A2 Lucerne motorway bypass. These major projects financed by the federal government form the backbone of long-term transport planning in the Lucerne region. In addition, accompanying measures and projects are planned by the canton and municipalities, such as the expansion of parking facilities and the creation of continuous bus lanes, in order to further improve the efficiency and flexibility of the transport system.

    Investments in overall transport and walking and cycling
    The LU 5G AP plans extensive investments in transport and settlement development. Overall transport, including important transport hubs such as the expansion of Ebikon railway station, will receive CHF 216 million in funding up to 2031. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic, with measures to optimise the cantonal bicycle network and improve local recreation, will also be given high priority. Projects in this area will be supported with a total of CHF 129 million.

    Public participation and future steps
    Public participation offers municipalities, experts and interested members of the public the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the AP LU 5G. The comments and suggestions, which can be submitted until 1 October 2024, will be incorporated into the revision and finalisation of the programme. An information event will be held in Rothenburg on 2 September 2024 to explain the draft and the planned measures in detail. Registrations are possible until 28 August 2024.

    The programme will be reviewed and adjusted once the public consultation has been completed. Adoption by the government is planned for 2025, before the AP LU 5G is submitted to the federal government for review.

  • Vocational trainer meeting SVIT Zurich 2024

    Vocational trainer meeting SVIT Zurich 2024

    The reforms to basic commercial training are crucial to ensure that the training of young adults meets the changing demands of the labour market. The new provisions, which are based on a review every five years, have been in force since August 2023. The aim is to ensure that commercial apprenticeships always keep pace with the times. The current projects of Bildung Kaufleute Schweiz and the Interessengemeinschaft Kaufmännische Grundbildung ensure that commercial apprenticeships EFZ and EBA will continue to meet the changing needs of the labour market in the future. The focus here is on the development of competences to facilitate graduates’ direct entry into professional life.

    Experience reports and practical implementation
    This year’s SVIT Zurich vocational trainer meeting will focus on the reform. The organisation for basic commercial training in fiduciary services / real estate will report on its experiences in implementing the reforms. SVIT Zurich will also present ways in which apprentices can be supported throughout the three years of training in accordance with the new training regulations and optimally prepared for the final examination.

    Interactive participation and dialogue
    A key element of the meeting is the opportunity to ask questions directly to the OKGT. This gives participants the opportunity to get actively involved and benefit from the experience and knowledge of the experts.

    Event details
    The vocational trainer meeting will take place on Tuesday, 10 September 2024, from 10:30 to 13:00 on the premises of SVIT Zurich, Siewerdtstrasse 8, 8050 Zurich. Participation is free of charge for both SVIT Zurich members and non-members. As the number of places in the presence mode is limited, members of SVIT Zurich have priority when allocating places.

    This meeting offers a valuable platform for the exchange and networking of vocational trainers and experts in the property and location promotion sector. Participants will have the opportunity to find out about the latest developments in basic commercial training and actively participate in the discussion.

    Registration for the Vocational Trainer Meeting 2024

    Flyer for the Vocational TrainersMeeting2024Download
  • Resource-conserving use of demolition materials in road construction

    Resource-conserving use of demolition materials in road construction

    Strabag has been using crushing technology from the manufacturer Gipo to process mineral demolition materials since July. The mobile stone crushing plant Gipo-P100 GIGA produces high-quality aggregates from mineral demolition materials for road construction and concrete production at the Bürglen gravel plant, the construction company writes in a press release.

    The Bürglen gravel plant has a mixed gravel deposit consisting of processed gravel as well as primary and secondary gravel material. Storage and landfill require space. Recycling, on the other hand, means that excavation materials can be reused for future construction projects while conserving resources.

    An excavator fills the hopper of the 74-tonne crushing plant with unsorted demolition material. The material passes through several crushing stages on a conveyor belt, is screened and separated from construction waste until the end product has the required grain size. This is then supplied to the concrete plants, which use the recovered concrete for road construction.

    The technical manager of the Bürglen gravel plant, Franco Martinelli, quoted in the press release, describes the performance of the new crusher using the example of a construction site in Flawil SG. There was an urgent and short-term need for 3000 cubic metres of crushed, unbound 0/45 mixture. “With the crusher, we processed the required material within three days and transported it directly to the construction site. Without our Gipo-P100 GIGA, we would have had no chance of supplying our operatives,” they say.

    Strabag is also planning to use the crusher directly on construction sites for major demolition and dismantling work in the long term.

  • Real Estate Award 2024: The property event of the year is coming up!

    Real Estate Award 2024: The property event of the year is coming up!

    The event menu for the Real Estate Award ceremony on 24 October 2024 is set: In addition to a meat-based 4-course feast, guests can also look forward to a delicious vegan option. Just one of many innovations, as the Managing Director of Real Estate Award AG, Mara Schlumpf, explains: “Our guests can look forward to an unforgettable evening. In addition to a delicious culinary experience, encounters with well-known personalities from Swiss business and politics also have a fixed place in the exciting evening programme.” Whether on the red carpet, at a cosy aperitif or at an upscale gala dinner: there is hardly a better opportunity for networking in the real estate industry this year.

    On 24 October 2024, this year’s winners will be chosen in the categories Digital, Project Development and Innovation, Marketing and, for the first time, in the newly created Sustainability category. You can currently vote for your favourites at www.realestateaward.ch. The contenders for the coveted crystal glass trophies are

    Digital: Backbone, Novalytica, QAECY

    Project Development & Innovation: Cham Group, Redvolution, Topik

    Marketing: Emonitor, Fairmarkter, Properti

    Sustainability: Zurich Airport, Vaudoise&HRS, Zindel United

    In addition, the Real Estate Personality of the Year will be chosen by the renowned Real Estate Award jury. A good atmosphere is also guaranteed at the event: comedy and music round off the varied programme. “I’m already looking forward to the Real Estate Award ceremony in October,” says Mara Schlumpf. “The evening will set a new benchmark in the history of the award.”
    Tickets for the award ceremony and gala dinner are available at www.realestateaward.ch.

  • Energy-efficient refurbishments pay off

    Energy-efficient refurbishments pay off

    In a study,Wüest Partner has analysed the economic viability of energy-efficient renovations to the Swiss residential building stock. Two scenarios were analysed for all 931,000 residential buildings that are not yet sustainably heated, the service provider for the real estate industry explains in a press release on the study. In the first scenario, a comprehensive energy refurbishment was analysed, in the second scenario only the replacement of the heating systems.

    In terms of ecological sustainability, both scenarios fulfil the requirements of the Climate Act, explains Wüest Partner. The property service provider’s experts put the investment requirement up to 2050 at between CHF 52 billion and CHF 228 billion. This is offset by increases in value of between 81 billion francs in the case of pure heating replacement and 168 billion francs in the case of comprehensive energy-efficient refurbishment.

    Replacing heating systems alone is therefore economically attractive across the board. In the case of comprehensive energy-efficient refurbishments, investments and increases in the value of the building stock balance each other out overall. In the case of apartment blocks with rental properties, a good half of the refurbishments can cover the costs. In the case of owner-occupied housing, the financial benefit increases due to the considerable savings in heating costs.

    The falling heating costs also benefit tenants of refurbished properties, as they generally more than compensate for a possible increase in net rents, writes Wüest Partner. “Purely energy-efficient refurbishment of rental flats can therefore be socially acceptable, so that ecological sustainability does not have to stand in the way of social sustainability.”

  • New localisation solutions improve safety in civil engineering

    New localisation solutions improve safety in civil engineering

    Leica Geosystems, the precision equipment manufacturer based in the St.GallenBodenseeArea, has presented new localisation solutions for the civil engineering sector. According to a press release, employees of civil engineering companies will be able to use the new devices to better locate existing infrastructure supply lines and thus prevent accidents. This new solution from Leica Geosystems consists of the Leica DD300 CONNECT intelligent locating device and the Leica DA300 signalling device. The user-friendly solution enables professionals to carry out accurate, reliable and in-depth underground surveys and gain on-site insights into the underground network, according to the press release. The devices offer a frequency bandwidth for object detection in the spectrum from 33 to 131 kilohertz. The frequency of 83 kilohertz is particularly suitable for detecting objects at greater distances. The system can be integrated into the Leica DX Shield software.

    “Our product range extends from simple entry-level devices to sophisticated, fully equipped high-end locating devices,” said Federico Bertolucci, Product Manager for Locating Systems in the Geosystems division at Leica parent company Hexagon, in the press release. “The new Leica DD300 is characterised by unrivalled versatility, enabling a wide range of users to safely locate and bypass underground utilities. This adaptability significantly increases both productivity and safety at different levels of user expertise.”

  • Energy supplier invests in climate-friendly switchgear and earthquake safety

    Energy supplier invests in climate-friendly switchgear and earthquake safety

    According to a press release, the Basel-based energy supplier IWB is strengthening the most important hub of the Basel electricity grid in the Volta substation. One of the largest switchgears in a Swiss distribution grid is being replaced there, the press release continues. IWB will replace all electrical systems in the Volta substation by 2029 and also make the building earthquake-proof. The new switchgear will be operated with a climate-friendly insulating gas and the power grid will be reinforced with additional transformers. By investing in the renovation of the building and systems, IWB is making an important contribution to the high reliability of Basel’s electricity supply, the statement continues.

    The Volta substation is the largest of IWB’s seven substations and is almost 100 years old. It was put into operation in 1932. Around a fifth of Basel’s electricity flows through the substation every day, an average of 600,000 kilowatt hours.

    A new switchgear is currently being installed. It is replacing the switchgear for the 145-kilovolt grid, which dates back to 1976. It will consist of eleven switch panels and will be 16 metres long when completed. IWB will then also replace the switchgear for the 12-kilovolt grid. It will consist of 78 switch panels and be around 60 metres long. According to IWB, these will be the largest switchgears ever installed in a Swiss supply network. Both switchgears will also be equipped with climate-friendly insulating gas.

    There are three transformers in the Volta substation that will be overhauled as part of the project. IWB will also install two additional transformers. The overall renovation of the substation will take place during ongoing operations.

  • Photovoltaic output increased tenfold in the last seven years

    Photovoltaic output increased tenfold in the last seven years

    Thurplus takes positive stock of PV expansion over the past seven years. Between 2016 and 2023, Frauenfeld’s municipal energy supplier was able to increase its output more than tenfold from 144 to around 1500 kilowatt peak. In 2023 alone, over 700 kilowatt peak were added, according to a press release.

    In total, these solar systems produce around 1.5 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This corresponds to the average consumption of around 330 households. Between 2016 and 2023, the number of shareholders in the PV citizen participation models also increased from 50 to 240, according to the press release.

    “By actively shaping and successfully implementing many sustainable PV projects, Thurplus has managed to achieve this”, says Fabrizio Hugentobler, City Councillor and Head of the Thurplus, Leisure and Sport Department. “Thurplus is well positioned with its solar power, SolarInvest, PV contracting and other solutions.”

    According to the municipal PV strategy for Thurplus, an additional 5 per cent of the total electricity consumption of around 150 gigawatt hours is to be added annually by 2027. This corresponds to a total installed PV capacity of 8 megawatt peak or an electricity production of around 7.5 gigawatt hours per year. Thurplus is looking for suitable roofs from companies and institutions. “Together, we want to make progress and do our bit to ensure that the PV expansion targets are achieved,” says Thurplus Managing Director Peter Wieland.

  • First station of India’s first urban cable car completed

    First station of India’s first urban cable car completed

    “Construction work on Varanasi’s first urban cable car is progressing rapidly,” announced Bartholet Maschinenbau AG in a press release. According to the company, the installation of the first station was recently completed. In addition, six supports have already been erected and further supports are under construction. The foundations for the third station have also been completed.

    The first urban cable car in India is being realised by Bartholet in collaboration with Vishwa Samudra Engineering on behalf of National Highways Logistics Management Ltd. It runs at a height of up to 40 metres from the main railway station to Godowalia Chowk station. It will connect five stations over a distance of around 3.7 kilometres. After completion, which is expected in 2025, it will be possible to transport up to 3,000 passengers per hour and direction. A total of 150 panoramic gondolas will be used for this purpose.

  • Holcim posts record high profitability

    Holcim posts record high profitability

    Holcim generated sales of 12.81 billion Swiss francs in the first half of 2024, the globally active Zug-based building materials group announced in a press release. This corresponds to a year-on-year decline of 1.9 percent. In local currencies, growth of 1.6 percent was achieved.

    The recurring operating result at EBIT level increased by 8.1 per cent year-on-year to CHF 2.21 billion. The corresponding margin increased from 15.6 to 17.2 per cent. A record-high margin of 23.2 per cent was even achieved for the second quarter of 2024.

    Group profit before impairments and disposals rose by 7.5 per cent to CHF 1.38 billion. By contrast, net profit fell by 3.4 percent to CHF 1.22 billion. In the half-year under review, Holcim made eleven acquisitions and sold four parts of the Group.

    Holcim can also point to successes in terms of sustainability. For example, CO2 emissions in relation to sales were 7 per cent lower in the reporting period than in the previous year. In addition, Holcim’s low-emission cement ECOPlanet already accounted for 26 percent of Group-wide cement sales. The share of low-emission concrete ECOPact reached 28 percent. At the end of 2023, the share of the two sustainable products was still 19 percent each. “Our leading sustainable construction solutions – from the low-CO2 concrete ECOPact to the energy-efficient Elevate roof systems – make us the partner of choice for major projects, such as in the infrastructure sector or in the construction of data centres,” Holcim CEO Miljan Gutovic is quoted as saying in the press release.

  • Hot months, hot heads: disputes between neighbours

    Hot months, hot heads: disputes between neighbours

    Between March and June, there are particularly many crackling noises in the neighbourhood. According to Alexandra Pestalozzi, legal expert at AXA-ARAG, complaints about neighbours increase in the warmer months when there are a lot of people outside. Construction projects, noisy animals and unkempt gardens are the most frequent triggers for conflicts.

    In 2023, AXA-ARAG received 0.7 percent fewer reports of neighbour disputes than in the previous year. A decrease of around four per cent was also recorded in the first six months of 2024. Despite this decrease, disputes over construction projects remain a central point of conflict, accounting for around one fifth of all reported cases.

    Consideration and communication are key
    The summer months bring many challenges: noise emissions from construction projects or noisy animals such as dogs and cockerels often lead to disputes. In such cases, Alexandra Pestalozzi recommends first seeking a discussion with the neighbour and, if necessary, involving the administration or a legal advisor.

    Watering plants can also lead to trouble. Excessive watering can lead to damage to the neighbour’s balcony or building. In such cases, the duty of care and consideration applies, both under tenancy law and under neighbouring law. Respectful behaviour and clear agreements can avoid many conflicts.

    Barbecuing on the balcony and in the garden
    Barbecuing on the balcony or in the garden is generally permitted, but can also lead to disagreements. Alexandra Pestalozzi points out that certain types of barbecues may be prescribed in rented flats and that the house rules and tenancy agreement should be checked in advance. A general ban on barbecuing by neighbours is not possible, but here too a discussion should be sought in the event of conflicts.

    Procedure in the event of a conflict
    In the case of planned construction or planting projects, it is advisable to talk to the neighbours in advance in order to avoid potential conflicts. Should disputes nevertheless arise, Pestalozzi advises discussing them over a coffee and looking for solutions together. If this is not enough, a neutral third party, the administration or mediation can be called in. In some cases, it may also be necessary to involve a legal adviser.

    In conclusion, Alexandra Pestalozzi emphasises the importance of communication and consideration in order to ensure harmonious coexistence in the neighbourhood. Respectful interaction and adherence to common rules make a significant contribution to minimising conflicts and promoting a peaceful neighbourhood.

  • Multi-family houses on the upswing, office properties stagnating

    Multi-family houses on the upswing, office properties stagnating

    Rising prices for multi-family homes recorded in Q2 2024. The largest quarter-on-quarter increase was recorded in Eastern Switzerland (2.0%), followed by Basel and the Alpine region (1.7% each) and Jura (1.5%). Only in southern Switzerland did prices stagnate (-0.3%).

    Stagnation in office property prices
    In contrast, prices for office properties in Switzerland showed a minimal decline of 0.2% in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, indicating widespread stagnation. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, however, prices rose by 4.0 per cent.

    However, the price trend varies greatly from region to region: while prices in southern Switzerland (-4.9%), Zurich (-2.6%) and eastern Switzerland (-0.5%) have fallen compared to the previous quarter, areas such as Lake Geneva ( 4.3%), Basel ( 2.6%) and the Central Plateau ( 1.9%) are showing an upward trend.

    Regional trends and their significance
    The regional differences in property price trends reflect the specific economic and demographic conditions. Office properties are benefiting from higher demand, particularly in economically strong regions such as Lake Geneva and Basel. This indicates that these locations remain attractive for companies.

    The continuing rise in prices for apartment blocks, particularly in eastern Switzerland, Basel and the Alpine region, shows that demand for residential property in these areas remains strong. These trends are an indicator of a robust property industry in Switzerland, despite regional differences and temporary price stagnation in certain segments of the market.

  • New offices and meeting rooms completed in Bern

    New offices and meeting rooms completed in Bern

    The remodelling and renovation of the offices and meeting rooms at the Halter construction company’s Bern site have been completed. They were realised by Integral design-build AG, part of the Halter Group in Schlieren, within six months. The keys were handed over last week, according to Integral’s LinkedIn page. “By using recyclable materials such as wood, glass and metal, we have created a space that not only minimises our ecological footprint, but also reflects our values of sustainability and aesthetics,” it continues.

    The Halter site in Bern is growing and with it the “need for a larger and more inspiring working environment”, according to a Halter press release. Since the beginning of March this year, an additional 600 square metres of the former Denner site have been rented at the location in the House of Religions realised by Halter. The conversion phase, including dismantling, began in November 2023 and was successfully completed in July 2024. The expansion has increased capacity from 40 to 58 workstations. There are now also additional touchdown workstations and meeting rooms with modern equipment. The move has been successfully completed and the premises have already been filled with life.

    A particular highlight of the remodelling is the impressive staircase, which connects the two floors and creates an open and dynamic working atmosphere, according to the Halter press release.

    The Halter Group comprises a total of ten companies. The head office is in Schlieren, with further locations in Münchenstein BL, Bern, Kriens LU, Lausanne, St. Gallen and Geneva.

  • Further development of the district heating pipeline between Constance and Kreuzlingen

    Further development of the district heating pipeline between Constance and Kreuzlingen

    In summer 2022, Energie Kreuzlingen, KVA Thurgau and Stadtwerke Kon stanz announced their plans to build a cross-border district heating pipeline. The project is now entering the next phase, Stadtwerke Konstanz announced in a press release. The three partners have agreed to define the key points of the project and to draw up a preliminary project. The realisation decision will then be made on this basis.

    The planned district heating pipeline will run from the future waste incineration plant in Weinfelden to Kreuzlingen and on to Constance. In a memorandum of understanding, the partners have defined the roles and distribution of tasks in the planning process. KVA Thurgau will then take over the financing and realisation of the work required for the project planning. Energie Kreuzlingen and Stadtwerke Konstanz will contribute the technical and planning fundamentals.

    KVA Thurgau is to update the feasibility study already carried out on the basis of the specified technical and operational parameters and initiate the planning of the route. At the same time, the partners want to hold talks with potential partners for financing the project. In a second stage, the basis for obtaining a realisation credit is to be developed. According to current planning, the replacement waste incineration plant could supply its first heat by the end of 2031. The district heating pipeline should also be in place by this time if possible.

  • AI-supported analysis evaluates leading construction and property companies in Switzerland

    AI-supported analysis evaluates leading construction and property companies in Switzerland

    The Zurich-based swissreputation.group has teamed up with the Hamburg-based IMWF Institute to analyse the media reputation of the most important construction and real estate companies in Switzerland. For the benchmark study “Reputation of construction and real estate companies in Switzerland 2024”, all reputation-relevant statements about the selected companies from Swiss media and other online sources were analysed with the support of artificial intelligence (AI) in the period from June 2023 to May 2024.

    According to a press release, a total of 46 construction companies, property service providers, companies and owners were analysed, including 21 construction companies and property service providers and 25 property companies and owners. In total, over 26,000 statements in Swiss media were analysed using artificial intelligence.

    As in 2023, Implenia from Opfikon ZH took the top spot among construction companies and property service providers. The basis for this is the company’s outstanding visibility. According to the press release, none of the other construction companies come close to Implenia’s media presence. In second place is ERNE in Laufenburg AG, followed by SENN in St.Gallen and LosingerMarazziin Bern. They are followed by Frutiger AG in Thun BE, Eiffage in Glattbrugg, Strabag and Halter AG in Schlieren ZH, Anliker in Emmenbrücke LU and Marti in Lucerne.

    According to the press release, a highly developed, AI-supported text analysis was used to measure reputation. After pre-filtering all media articles from the selected companies, the specially trained algorithm semantically analyses the statements and assigns them to the thematic reputation dimensions of product & service, innovation, profitability, sustainability, management and employer.

    In the ranking of property companies and owners, Swiss Prime Site from Zug is in first place, followed by Mobimo from Küsnacht ZH, PSP Swiss Property from Zug and Swiss Life Asset Managers from Zurich in fourth place, with SFP Swiss Finance & Property Group from Zurich, HIAG from Basel, Fortimo from St.Gallen and Intershop from Basel coming in between fifth and eighth place. The top 10 is completed by UBS Asset Management from Zurich and Investis from Zurich.

  • Construction investment increased slightly in 2023

    Construction investment increased slightly in 2023

    Construction investment in Switzerland rose by 0.2 per cent in nominal terms in 2023 compared to the previous year. According to a press release, investments in building construction fell by 0.3 per cent and those in civil engineering increased by 2.7 per cent. Compared to the previous year, 2.5 per cent less was invested in new construction projects and 4.4 per cent more in renovation projects. These are the provisional results of the construction statistics from the Federal Statistical Office(FSO).

    Total construction expenditure, i.e. construction investment plus public maintenance expenditure, increased by 0.3 per cent in 2023, although a price-adjusted decline of 2.5 per cent was recorded.

    Public clients – the federal government, cantons and municipalities – increased investment in civil engineering by 3.9% and in building construction by 8.5%. By contrast, private clients spent less on civil engineering (-2.3%) and building construction (-1.9%) in 2023.

    A decline of 2.5 per cent was recorded for investment in new construction. Private clients spent 4.8 per cent less on new construction projects. In contrast, investment in conversions increased by 4.4 per cent.

    In addition to private renovation activity, which increased by 3.9 per cent, the public sector also invested more in new buildings (6.9 per cent) and renovations (5.2 per cent) compared to the previous year, according to the FSO press release.

  • New charging stations for property funds

    New charging stations for property funds

    The Akara Swiss Diversity Property PK(ADPK) property fund managed by Swiss Prime Site Solutions from Zug invests in existing properties and development and construction projects throughout Switzerland. According to a press release, the fund’s apartment buildings are to be equipped with a new charging concept for electromobility. AEW Energie AG, based in Aarau, has assumed responsibility for the planning and operation of the new charging infrastructure under the contracting model. The on-site installations will be carried out by regional specialist partners, according to the press release. The charging stations will be customised to the various properties and local requirements. The first projects have already been launched.

    “We are proud to have a strong partner at our side in the ADPK fund management, which, like us, recognises and promotes the importance of sustainable mobility solutions,” said Arian Rohs, Head of Mobility Solutions at AEW Energie AG, in the press release. “This cooperation enables us to further expand our commitment to electromobility and make an important contribution to reducing CO2 emissions.”

  • Property fund raises 610 million francs

    Property fund raises 610 million francs

    Swiss Life Asset Managers has successfully completed a capital increase for its Swiss Life REF (CH) ESG Swiss Properties property fund. According to a statement from the asset manager of the Swiss Life Group, around CHF 610 million was raised in the largest capital increase of a listed Swiss real estate fund to date. This gives Swiss Life REF (CH) ESG Swiss Properties a market capitalisation of around CHF 2.5 billion and makes it one of the five largest listed real estate funds in Switzerland.

    Swiss Life Asset Managers intends to use the new funds to purchase a property portfolio worth around CHF 700 million. Another portion of the funds will be invested in the renovation and densification of existing residential buildings. The company also plans to reduce its debt ratio to around 23 per cent.

  • New partnership promotes regional networking in Eastern Switzerland

    New partnership promotes regional networking in Eastern Switzerland

    The St.Gallen-based association IT rockt! and collektiv AG will be working together in future. According to a press release, IT rockt! Will move into premises in the coworking space collektiv (st.gallen). This means that IT rockt! will be “at the centre of events”, which will also enable the Eastern Switzerland IT cluster to expand its offering for members and employees. From September, IT rockt! will also be more flexible than before when organising events at collektiv (st.gallen).

    According to the press release, the collaboration between the two organisations will promote local exchange. This will promote regional networking. “We are very much looking forward to working with collektiv (st.gallen)”, Eva De Salvatore, Managing Director of IT rockt!, is quoted as saying in the press release. “The stimulating atmosphere creates ideal conditions for our IT community, and the region will benefit from such an enriching programme.”

    “It’s great to have a partner like IT rockt! at our side,” adds Majid Parente, founder and CEO of collektiv AG.

  • Housing market loses liquidity

    Housing market loses liquidity

    The number of rental flats advertised on the most important property portals fell by 13 per cent year-on-year between April 2023 and March 2024 to 340,000 advertisements, according to the Swiss Real Estate Institute, SVIT Switzerland and the Swiss Homeowners Association(HEV) in their latest online flat index. “Tenants are staying in their flats because they cannot find new ones at comparable rents, which in turn reduces the supply,” they say. The property experts from the three organisations have identified a decline in the supply of small to medium-sized affordable flats in particular. In contrast, the supply of large flats has increased.

    In the reporting period, around 625,000 relocations were counted across Switzerland, which is 75,000 fewer than in the same period last year. According to property experts, this lock-in effect was reinforced by the fact that existing rents rose less sharply than asking rents during the reporting period. As a result, the housing market is losing liquidity.

    However, despite the reduced supply of properties, advertising times for rental flats have only shortened slightly. It has therefore not become more difficult to find a new flat, the property experts explain. However, interested parties would probably have to dig deeper into their pockets or reduce the amount of space they use.

    Rising rents are leading to a reduction in living space per capita, explains study director Peter Ilg from the Swiss Real Estate Institute. “This leads to less of a housing shortage in cities, and less living space consumption per capita achieves the universally desired internal densification.”

  • Marketplace for commercial property

    Marketplace for commercial property

    Maison (Schweiz) AG has raised a “substantial six-figure sum” in a financing round, the company specialising in the marketing of office and commercial space announced in a post on LinkedIn. The financing of the maison.work marketplace has thus been secured, it continues. The funds raised will be channelled into “technological advances, marketing initiatives and the expansion of the core team”.

    Maison (Schweiz) AG, based in Zurich, has been active in the marketing of office and commercial space for five years . The maison.work marketplace was launched in August last year. Commercial properties ranging from offices, coworking spaces and shared offices to production facilities, warehouses and retail space are offered here.

  • Halter realises BirsTower high-rise project in Muttenz

    Halter realises BirsTower high-rise project in Muttenz

    Schlieren-based property developer Halter AG is to build a high-rise building on the former Hagnau West commercial site in Muttenz, according to a press release. The BirsTower will offer a combination of residential and commercial space and will also include condominiums.

    The conclusion of the building lease agreement marks a further step in the development of the new Hagnau West neighbourhood, according to the press release. Rietpark Immobilien AG in Kriens LU, as investor and developer, will realise the 73-metre-high BirsTower with a gross floor area of 16,150 square metres on the 4446 square metre site with Halter AG as realisation partner.

    The Kunsthaus Baselland Foundation, as the owner of the site, looked for a suitable buyer through an investor tender and decided in favour of Rietpark Immobilien AG. According to the press release, the Kunsthaus Baselland has found a new location after 25 years at its site in Muttenz.

    The property in Muttenz is located directly on the cantonal border with Basel-Stadt. The neighbourhood is very well connected thanks to its proximity to the motorway and public transport links. The proximity to the Birs and the connection to the nearby Schänzli green and exercise area offer additional added value, according to the press release.

    The Swiss Sustainable Building Standard (SNBS) with the Gold label or an equivalent standard for sustainable construction with the approval of the municipal council will be used for all buildings in the neighbourhood. The project will be realised according to the design-build model of partnership-based construction in order to achieve the sustainability goal.

  • Answers to the challenges of the urban future

    Answers to the challenges of the urban future

    Around 56% of the world’s population currently lives in cities, a figure that is set to rise to 70% by 2050. This urbanisation brings with it numerous challenges, including increasing demands on space and land use as well as conflicting objectives between different sectors. Forward-looking planning is essential in order to make cities, rural areas and the areas in between fit for the future. BAU 2025 will show what answers already exist and where new approaches need to be developed.

    Blurring boundaries between urban and rural areas
    Traditionally, urban and rural areas were defined by clear geographical and functional boundaries: cities as centres of population, industry and services and the countryside as an agricultural area. However, these boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred and the challenges facing urban and rural areas and the space in between are becoming more and more similar. Issues such as demographic change, necessary infrastructure, mobility and sustainable spatial planning and settlement development affect all regions equally.

    Spatial planning and spatial development
    The tasks of spatial planning and spatial development are central to the sustainable design of our living spaces. These range from sustainable land use and the avoidance of land sealing to the promotion of social integration and quality of life. The “New Leipzig Charter” serves as a policy document of the National Urban Development Policy and offers guidelines for innovative and sustainable solutions in urban planning and neighbourhood development. The digital transformation and changing demands on consumption and mobility require a new mix of production, work and living in favour of vibrant neighbourhoods.

    Transformation of existing buildings
    The adaptation and upgrading of existing buildings is a key future task for the construction industry. Intelligent concepts for the flexible conversion and continued use of existing buildings help to preserve cultural identity and minimise emissions. Examples of this include the conversion of former industrial sites into vibrant urban districts and inner development in rural areas, which revitalises and uses existing buildings. Innovative projects combine public infrastructure and social services, promote the sustainable use of resources and revitalise town centres.

    Ecological transformation as an investment in the future
    The ecological transformation of our cities and rural areas is a genuine investment in the future. It leads to climate-friendly living conditions and offers economic added value for everyone involved. Architects, interior and landscape architects and urban planners combine ecological, social, economic, functional and design aspects and support the harmonisation of individual interests with the common good. Prof. Lydia Haack, President of the Bavarian Chamber of Architects, emphasises the importance of “ClimateCultureCompetence” and the responsibility of members to drive forward the ecological transformation in planning and construction.

    Affordable housing
    Affordable housing is crucial for stabilising local communities and the economy. The creation of 400,000 homes per year, as agreed in the coalition agreement, contrasts with the decline in residential building permits. New strategies for repurposing existing buildings, such as office buildings or hospitals, as well as innovative forms of housing that focus on community and openness, are approaches to creating affordable housing and promoting social interaction.

    New formats and processes
    Sustainable development in urban, spatial and regional planning requires new processes, methods and tools in order to be able to react quickly to current challenges. The rapid digitalisation and technological progress of the last 20 years require dynamic processes that need to be continuously adapted. Scenario development and innovative participation formats promote new ways of co-design and acceptance. Best practices and scalable impulses will be presented at BAU 2025, as will the necessary product and system innovations.

  • Manor moves into the Jelmoli building

    Manor moves into the Jelmoli building

    In February 2023, Swiss Prime Site decided to remodel and sustainably develop the Jelmoli building. The aim is to adapt the retail space to current market requirements and make the building fit for the future. In Manor, Swiss Prime Site has now found a long-term tenant that will ensure the long-term attractiveness of the building and the lower Bahnhofstrasse.

    An inspiring shopping experience in the heart of Zurich
    Manor will rent around 13,000 square metres of space and is expected to take over the ground floor, basement and first floor in 2027. Manor will open a flagship store here, which will be directly accessible from Sihlstrasse and Seidengasse. Roland Armbruster, CEO of Manor, promises an inspiring shopping experience with a varied and curated product range in the areas of fashion, beauty, home and living. A diverse range of restaurants will round off the shopping experience.

    New office space and restaurants
    Following the renovation, the upper floors of the Jelmoli building will offer around 20,000 m² of office space, providing a new top address in Zurich city centre. This office space will be complemented by a wide range of catering and leisure facilities. The newly designed roof terrace will provide additional space for catering outlets.

    Partnership between Swiss Prime Site and Manor
    The long-term rental agreement between Swiss Prime Site and Manor is a significant step for both companies. Manor will also contribute to the investments for the remodelling in order to create attractive retail space. Existing tenancy agreements, in particular with the Holmes Place fitness club, will remain in place during and after the renovation. Holmes Place will continue to offer its services to customers during the renovation phase. With Manor and Holmes Place, around half of the space has therefore already been let before the start of construction.

    A unique meeting place for Zurich
    René Zahnd, CEO of Swiss Prime Site, emphasises: “Our primary goal was to preserve the Jelmoli building as a unique destination and open meeting place. With the arrival of the Manor department stores’ group and its long-standing tradition, the Jelmoli building will be filled with new life for Zurich and the Zurich population and will shine beyond the city limits.”

    The largest department stores’ group in Switzerland
    Manor, the largest department stores’ group in Switzerland, is represented in all parts of the country and employs around 7,500 people. The Manor Group comprises 59 Manor department stores, 27 Manor Food supermarkets and 23 Manora restaurants. The company pursues an omnichannel strategy that combines online shops and services. Manor is sustainably profitable and is part of Maus Frères Holding, which also owns leading lifestyle brands such as Lacoste.

    The repositioning of the Jelmoli building with the arrival of Manor marks an important step for the future of Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse and emphasises the importance of Swiss Prime Site in sustainable urban development.

  • Start of construction for the extension and renovation of Hofwil High School

    Start of construction for the extension and renovation of Hofwil High School

    Hofwil High School is being expanded with the construction of a new school building and a triple sports hall to accommodate the increasing number of pupils. Originally designed for ten classes and 200 pupils, the school currently accommodates 21 classes with around 460 pupils. Temporary buildings that were erected in 2013 and 2017 are to be replaced by the new buildings. The new school building will include classrooms and practical rooms, including two chemistry laboratories. An outdoor cafeteria extension is also planned. The new triple sports hall will be equipped with cloakrooms, sanitary facilities, a workroom for teachers and a theory room.

    Move into the new buildings expected in summer 2026
    Completion of the new school building and the triple sports hall is planned for summer 2026. After completion, the focus will be on the structural refurbishment of the existing listed buildings, which should be completed by autumn 2027. These renovations include necessary room changes and maintenance measures in order to meet current educational standards. At the same time, the existing temporary school rooms are to be demolished and used for other purposes.

    Sustainable construction and energy concept
    Both new buildings will be constructed in accordance with the Minergie-P-ECO standard and equipped with photovoltaic systems to ensure sustainable and energy-efficient operation. This commitment to sustainability emphasises the future-oriented focus of Hofwil High School and sends out a strong signal of ecological responsibility in the education sector.

    Financing and total costs
    The total costs for the extension and refurbishment of Hofwil High School amount to CHF 65.63 million. This investment will not only cover current space requirements, but will also provide future generations with a modern and well-equipped learning environment. The financing of these extensive building measures is a sign of the canton’s commitment to education and infrastructural development in Münchenbuchsee.

    Historical significance and future prospects
    Hofwil High School, last renovated in the early 1980s, is an important part of the educational landscape in the region. The planned extensions and refurbishments are not only a response to current space requirements, but also an investment in the future. With the new infrastructure, the school will be able to cope with increasing pupil numbers and at the same time fulfil modern educational requirements.

    The remodelling and extension plans for Hofwil High School are an important step towards ensuring high-quality education in the region. With modern teaching and sports facilities, the school will be optimally prepared to meet the needs of the pupils and offer them a comprehensive, contemporary education.

  • Four eastern Swiss cantons strengthen cooperation for a networked future

    Four eastern Swiss cantons strengthen cooperation for a networked future

    On July 4, 2024, the governments of the cantons of St.Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden and Thurgau signed a declaration on closer strategic cooperation. This step marks the start of an intensive cooperation process aimed at strengthening and networking Eastern Switzerland. The joint declaration underlines the commitment of the four cantons to work together to find and implement solutions to common challenges.

    Joint commitment to the Lake Constance region
    The four cantons had previously announced that they would work together to establish the international Lake Constance region at a national level as part of the Swiss Spatial Concept. This project was positively received by the economy and the public and highlighted the potential of closer cooperation to strengthen Eastern Switzerland as a whole.

    Strategic fields of action and annual discussions
    The declaration raises cooperation to a strategic level. The governments of the four cantons will discuss fields of action for cooperation on an annual basis and evaluate the potential for cooperation. Employees of the administrations are invited to submit proposals and participate in the selection of areas for action.

    Possible strategic fields of action include spatial development, transport, education and culture, innovation and digitalization, natural hazard prevention, crisis management and security. The cantons hope that strategic cooperation will lead to more efficient and effective solutions in these areas.

    Flexible cooperation models
    Cooperation can take different forms depending on the needs and situation. Solutions can either be implemented jointly by all four cantons or by two or three cantons. Other cantons, particularly from Eastern Switzerland, can also participate in projects. Each canton decides individually whether a joint solution makes sense for it and offers added value.

    Institutionalization of cooperation
    A central concern of the governments is to start the process of strategic cooperation and then institutionalize it. By taking this step, the four cantons are sending out a strong signal for closer cooperation and a networked future for Eastern Switzerland.

    The signing of the declaration on closer cooperation marks an important milestone on the way to a stronger and more efficient Eastern Switzerland. Together, the cantons want to overcome challenges and develop the region sustainably.

  • Industrial site in Serrières becomes Neuchâtel Innovation Park

    Industrial site in Serrières becomes Neuchâtel Innovation Park

    In collaboration with the Caisse cantonale d’assurance populaire and the Etablissement cantonal d’assurance et de prévention, the State and the City of Neuchâtel have acquired an industrial complex on Rue des Usines in Serrières. The aim is to develop and operate a new innovation centre there. To this end, the public limited company Usinnove SA was founded, in which the state holds a 40% stake and the City of Neuchâtel 20%. The remaining shares are held by CCAP and ECAP. The industrial complex covers an area of 7,000 m² and can create almost 400 new jobs.

    Central role of Microcity SA
    The new site will be managed and operated by Microcity SA. A centre of excellence for diagnostics and related technologies is to be set up, serving as a hub for companies in the fields of diagnostics and automation. Part of the complex will be converted into a business centre equipped with laboratory infrastructure and offering a collaborative project environment for large companies, SMEs and start-ups.

    Strengthening the Neuchâtel innovation cluster
    The acquired industrial complex is intended to further strengthen Neuchâtel’s position in the Swiss Innovation Park. The Serrières site offers potential for the expansion of Neuchâtel’s innovation cluster and will secure an industrial location in the long term. Neuchâtel will thus expand its offering and consolidate its position as an innovation centre.

    Strategic use of old buildings
    The purchase of the industrial complex is part of the state’s strategy to utilise old buildings for light industrial activities. This policy aims to bring start-ups, SMEs, large companies and research centres together on one site in order to meet the economic challenges facing the canton. Similar projects have already been realised at the sites Rue Jaquet-Droz 7 in Neuchâtel and Hôtel-de-Ville 7 in Le Locle, which are also home to cutting-edge applied research activities.

    An important step for Neuchâtel
    The acquisition of the industrial complex in Serrières and the planned transformation into an innovation centre are an important step for the economic development of Neuchâtel. The close cooperation between the state, the city and institutional partners will strengthen the region and create the basis for future innovations.

  • Housing affordability in Switzerland

    Housing affordability in Switzerland

    The average rent burden of all households in Switzerland is between 17% and 27.8%, depending on the definition of the ratio approach. The analysis shows that the assessments of the unaffordability of housing vary considerably depending on the measurement approach chosen: The proportion of households for whom housing is unaffordable ranges from 6.7% to 26%. These differences emphasise the need for a differentiated view of the housing cost burden.

    Influence of income class and household type
    The differentiation of households by income class and household type has a considerable influence on the rent burden. Households in the lowest income quintile spend up to 51% of their disposable income on gross rent, while households in the top quintile pay a maximum of 17.2%. Single households over 65 in the lowest income quintile are particularly badly affected, with a rent burden of up to 64%.

    Ratio approach as the preferred method
    The ratio approach, which measures the housing cost burden as a proportion of income, is considered more practicable than the theoretically optimal residual income approach. The differentiated ratio approach, which varies by income class and household type, allows a more accurate assessment of housing affordability and is more applicable than pure rental cost benchmarks. Granular data on population, income and housing support this differentiated analysis.

    Need for a clear definition and further research
    The concept and objectives of affordable housing planning must be clearly defined. Owners and developers can only create targeted offers if precise thresholds for different household types and income brackets are available. Future research should focus on determining appropriate thresholds and clarifying which specific components of housing costs and income should be considered in the affordability analysis.

    Optimising pricing to encourage investment
    Differentiated pricing based on actual incomes can reduce vacancy and letting risks and encourage investment in new housing. The application of a differentiated ratio approach provides a solid basis for assessing housing affordability in Switzerland and contributes to the creation of sustainable and affordable housing.

  • City Council approves CHF 300 million for CoolCity

    City Council approves CHF 300 million for CoolCity

    On 10 July 2024, the Zurich City Council approved expenditure of CHF 303.7 million from the “Thermal grids” framework credit for the realisation of the CoolCity energy network. This will heat and cool Zurich’s city centre with renewable energy from Lake Zurich and thus represents a significant step towards reducing the city’s CO2 emissions to net zero by 2040.

    Expansion of thermal grids
    The expansion of thermal grids is one of the greatest levers that the city of Zurich has to reduce CO2 emissions. Fossil-fuelled heating systems can be replaced by connecting to district heating and the local gas distribution network can be replaced in stages. The CoolCity energy network, which runs on 100 per cent renewable energy, should make a major contribution to this.

    Network area and utilisation of lake water
    The network area extends from the main railway station to Bürkliplatz, bordered by the Limmat, Sihl and Schanzengraben rivers. It includes the City, Fraumünster Energy Network and Old Town perimeters. In future, the properties there are to be heated and cooled with Zurich lake water, which will enable the greenhouse gas emissions of the connected properties to be reduced to net zero.

    Lake water and energy centres at the heart of the network
    The construction of a lake water and energy centre is necessary to realise the network. Lake water will be collected at a depth of 28 metres at the Zürichhorn and transported to the lake water centre in the Kurt Guggenheim complex via a two-kilometre-long pipeline. There, energy is extracted from the lake water using heat exchangers, which is then channelled to the ewz Selnau substation. The cooled lake water is then returned to the Limmat.

    The heart of the energy network will be the energy centre in the former ewz Selnau substation. Here, the heat and cold obtained from the lake water will be brought to the required temperature using heat pumps and chillers. Following extensive investigations, the ewz Selnau substation has proven to be the ideal location to fulfil the technical and economic requirements.

    Staged construction between 2025 and 2039
    The energy network will be realised in stages between 2025 and 2039 and will be implemented in coordination with the civil engineering department’s road and utility projects. The first energy supply is planned for 2031, whereby the continuous expansion will have largely covered the supply area (excluding the perimeter of the old town) by 2035. The connection of the old town is planned for 2035 to 2039.

    The city council already approved CHF 8.5 million for preliminary investments from the framework credit in 2023. Ewz has started the initial construction work and is building a connecting structure between the CoolCity and Fraumünster energy networks, which will be completed in spring 2025.

    An important step towards climate neutrality
    The CoolCity energy network is a key building block on the path to climate neutrality in the city of Zurich. By using 100 per cent renewable energy from Lake Zurich, the city centre is supplied with sustainable and environmentally friendly heating and cooling, making a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.