immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Wohnfläche

  • How a Switzerland of 10 million can succeed

    How a Switzerland of 10 million can succeed

    Lardi emphasised the need for better framework conditions to counteract the housing shortage. He presented four key demands. Energy-efficient refurbishments and adding storeys can create additional floor space without taking up new space. It is not about skyscrapers, but about moderate increases in the height of existing buildings. Conversion of office space into residential space, as the strict separation between residential and work zones is outdated. Mixed zones could reduce traffic congestion and create living space. Misregulations in rental housing law and tax privileges lead to an unfair distribution of living space. Liberalisation could free up older living space and stabilise prices. Objections and lengthy authorisation procedures are the biggest obstacles. These would have to be streamlined in order to create new living space more quickly.

    Important referendum
    The construction of new living space also requires the continuous renewal of the transport infrastructure. The strategic development programme for motorways is of central importance here. This proposal, which includes six major projects to eliminate bottlenecks, will be put to the vote in November 2024. The Swiss Association of Master Builders is in favour of voting yes to the proposal and is calling for an efficient mobility offering that combines all modes of transport. Lardi also emphasised the importance of the new environmental protection law, which adapts noise protection criteria and enables the construction of flats that were previously blocked for noise protection reasons.

    Illustrious guest appearances
    One of the highlights of the event was the presentation by Bertrand Piccard, who emphasised the role of the construction industry in the fight against climate change. Economist Martin Neff explained how a growing population influences a country’s prosperity and how more living space can be created by reducing regulations. Civil engineer Pirmin Muff presented practical implementation approaches for the construction industry. Cantonal Councillor Martin Neukom delivered the welcoming address from the host Canton of Zurich.

    HGC anniversary and construction party
    The major event, moderated by Mascha Santschi, concluded with a networking aperitif, dinner and the legendary construction party. Musical entertainment was provided by 21-year-old singer Joya Marleen from St. Gallen, one of the rising stars of the Swiss music scene.

  • Residents of Eastern Switzerland would reduce living space

    Residents of Eastern Switzerland would reduce living space

    Nikola Vukovic and Raphael Dietrich have developed options for easing the housing market in Eastern Switzerland in their final thesis for the Master’s degree programme in Real Estate Management at OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule. “The Swiss population lives too generously,” Vukovic and Dietrich are quoted as saying in a corresponding OST press release. However, according to the findings of the two researchers, many residents of Eastern Switzerland would be prepared to reduce their living space.

    Specifically, 43 per cent of 379 participants in a survey as part of the master’s thesis stated that they could do without living space. A guest room or a hobby room were particularly frequently rated as unnecessary. However, alternatives are needed, “such as a central guest room that would be easy to rent in the flat block,” explains Vukovic.

    The Master’s students have also identified a high level of willingness among the population to move into a smaller flat. However, the problem here is that there are not enough small flats available, according to the press release. The price can also be an obstacle: “Nobody would give up a four-room flat for 1,000 francs for a smaller flat that costs the same or more,” says Vukovic.

    Urban centres could be eased by moving to more rural regions. In the survey, around 95 per cent of respondents indicated a willingness to do so. “However, the respondents would not move without conditions,” explains Dietrich. “Incentives would have to be created to encourage people to move away from urban centres.”