immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Wohnungsnot

  • Densification of housing stock is unpopular with the population

    Densification of housing stock is unpopular with the population

    Taller buildings in cities could alleviate the housing shortage, but they are unpopular with the general public. This is according to a survey conducted by the comparison portal Comparis. According to the survey, 50 per cent of those questioned by Comparis were against the construction of taller buildings with more than six storeys. In contrast, 45 per cent of the 1,039 adults surveyed across Switzerland in November 2025 were in favour.

    According to real estate expert Harry Büsser from Comparis, taller buildings in urban areas could be “a political path to more living space”. “Let’s get people in cities to take the lift instead of driving,” he is quoted as saying in a statement accompanying the study. It highlights a dilemma: rising rents affect everyone, but most people reject possible countermeasures. For example, 68 per cent of those surveyed are against densification with fewer green spaces and smaller distances between buildings. 66 per cent reject new building zones at the expense of agricultural or green spaces. Only the restriction of objections found a relative majority: 47 per cent are in favour, 43 per cent against.

    The study also shows that measures to create additional living space are assessed differently depending on gender and age. While 54 per cent of men are in favour of taller buildings, the proportion of women is 36 per cent. Denser development was approved by 33 per cent of men compared to 22 per cent of women. Thirty-nine per cent of the men surveyed said yes to new building zones, compared to 21 per cent of women. Büsser suspects that the reason for this lies in different roles and activities. Women often bear the brunt of family and neighbourhood responsibilities. Changes in the living environment would therefore “probably be perceived more strongly as a loss of quality of life”.

    The worsening housing shortage is particularly felt by 18- to 35-year-olds (65 per cent) and city dwellers (66 per cent). According to Comparis, this explains why the approach of building upwards met with the most approval among this group: 52 per cent of respondents in the young population group would agree to buildings exceeding six storeys. The survey also found that taller buildings are only accepted in the city centre (54 per cent). In the suburbs, only 39 per cent are in favour.

  • Switzerland needs faster approval procedures

    Switzerland needs faster approval procedures

    The housing shortage in Switzerland continues to worsen. Although construction activity has increased slightly compared to previous years, the pace is not sufficient to meet the rising demand. Forecasts show that only 42,000 new apartments will be built in 2025, around 20 percent less than would be necessary to ensure a stable supply. In view of strong immigration, growing domestic demand and low vacancy rates in urban regions, this will lead to noticeably rising rents and growing pressure on the housing market.

    BWO study reveals problems
    On July 1, 2025, the Federal Office for Housing published a comprehensive study on the causes of long planning and approval procedures and the increasing number of objections. The results clearly show that the procedures are often too complex, too lengthy and prone to delays due to objections, which are not always in the public interest. At the same time, the study also shows that there are ways to speed up procedures without undermining environmental or monument protection. It thus confirms what the SBC has been emphasizing for years: the bottlenecks in residential construction cannot be resolved without legal adjustments.

    SBCcalls for decisive action
    The SBC sees the results of the BWO study as a clear mandate for politicians. Now is the time to tackle reforms consistently and thus trigger investment. Developers and investors need planning and legal certainty in order to implement projects and bring urgently needed living space onto the market. “Time is of the essence. We must act now to stem the housing shortage,” says the association.

    Specifically, the SBC is advocating the following measures

    1. Faster planning and approval procedures
    Acceleration and streamlining of processes at cantonal and municipal level.
    Restriction of objections to vested interests worthy of protection.
    Curbing abusive objections, for example through procedural costs or liability for damages in the event of delays.

    2. Adapted spatial planning principles
    Increasing the utilization figures, for example by adding additional storeys.
    Reduction of boundary distances in order to use existing areas more efficiently.
    Creation of additional mixed zones for living and working in order to promote lively neighborhoods.

    3. Fair balancing of interests between residential construction and monument protection
    Balanced weighting of housing requirements and protection interests.
    Direct application of ISOS (inventory of Swiss sites worthy of protection) only in federal procedures directly related to the protection of the townscape.
    Early clarification of the trade-off between monument protection and densification in the structure plan and in building and zoning regulations.

    Political support available
    There are various initiatives in the national parliament that address precisely these points. They enjoy broad support across party lines. The SBC therefore calls for this work to be quickly translated into concrete legislative changes. This is the only way to simplify procedures, eliminate legal uncertainties and resolve blockages.

    Housing construction as a task for society as a whole
    The creation of sufficient living space is not just a task for the construction industry, but a challenge for society as a whole. Cities and municipalities need reliable instruments to meet demand without losing valuable time in lengthy procedures. At the same time, it is important to maintain a balance between high-density construction, ecological requirements and the protection of local landscapes.

    The BWO study gets to the heart of the matter. Switzerland needs structural reforms so that living space can be created more quickly again. The SBC welcomes the clear findings and calls for politicians and the administration to take responsibility now. Without reforms, the housing shortage threatens to increase further in the coming years, with all the negative consequences for tenants, families and the competitiveness of Switzerland as a business location.

  • A key to combating the housing shortage in the city of Zurich

    A key to combating the housing shortage in the city of Zurich

    The housing shortage in the city of Zurich is alarming. With a vacancy rate of just 0.06%, there is a massive need for new living space. This is precisely where a non-partisan initiative comes in, calling for the building regulations to be amended so that existing buildings can be extended across the board. This measure could help to quickly create additional living space and counteract the enormous pressure on the Zurich housing market.

    Timber construction as an ideal solution for adding storeys
    Timber construction is particularly suitable for adding storeys due to its low dead weight. Compared to solid building materials, timber allows existing buildings to be extended without putting a significant strain on the structures below. This means that even multi-storey extensions can be realised without the need for extensive structural reinforcements. Wood also scores highly thanks to its outstanding energy properties, which leads to significant savings in heating costs.

    Synergy of space gain and energy efficiency
    Storey extensions not only offer additional living space, but also the opportunity to renovate the entire building envelope and optimise its energy efficiency. This improves the energy efficiency of the entire building, which leads to lower operating costs in the long term. The newly created space, which is generally of high quality and therefore easy to let, helps to amortise the investment in the extension and energy-efficient refurbishment.

    Initiative meets with broad support
    The initiative “More living space by adding storeys – neighbourhood-friendly and sustainable” has already met with broad support. More than 4,000 signatures were submitted before the collection deadline, which emphasises the great interest of the population in this solution. The implementation of this initiative could be an important step towards effectively counteracting the housing shortage in Zurich and at the same time promoting sustainable building practices.

  • More incentives for compact and ecological construction

    More incentives for compact and ecological construction

    At a time when the fight against global warming and the housing shortage is becoming increasingly urgent, everyone working in the construction sector is more challenged than ever. The building stock is responsible for a significant proportion of CO2 emissions and the need for new housing is growing faster than ever before. It is therefore essential to act quickly.

    Despite numerous initiatives and political initiatives, progress in solving these problems still seems to be too slow and the fronts are becoming increasingly hardened. Bernhard Lanzendörfer argues in favour of a joint search for quick, innovative, affordable and social solutions instead of getting lost in ideological standpoints.

    One example of an ideological standpoint is the petition by the Countdown 2030 association, which vehemently opposes the demolition of buildings. Bernhard Lanzendörfer argues that rigid ideas such as these will not solve the problems and calls for a differentiated view from a structural, ecological and social perspective.

    In view of the housing shortage, a substantial densification of living space is often only possible through the construction of replacement buildings. The building-within-existing-buildings approach quickly reaches its limits here, especially when it comes to modernising and adding storeys to existing buildings.

    In order to promote ecological and social construction, Lanzendörfer suggests that politicians should create concrete incentives. This could be done, for example, through rewards for the ecological upgrading of buildings or a higher utilisation rate for ecological flagship projects.

    In view of rising population figures and increasing urban sprawl, it is essential to build upwards. Although this may meet with resistance, according to Lanzendörfer it is the simplest solution for making better use of every square metre.

    It is important not to hinder innovative concepts with ideological barriers. The construction industry has already made great progress in the development of climate-friendly products, and politicians are also supporting the use of environmentally friendly building materials through new regulations in environmental protection legislation.

  • Building projects in cities under the microscope

    Building projects in cities under the microscope

    The Federal Office’s statistics point to a decline in the vacancy rate, which is attributable to declining construction activity and growing population density. This leads to a significant supply gap of around 10,000 flats per year. This shortage is becoming increasingly noticeable in urban areas in particular, which emphasises the urgency of swift measures to prevent the housing shortage from worsening.

    The demand for urban densification in accordance with spatial planning laws poses major challenges for property developers. Stricter regulations and an excess of bureaucratic hurdles make the construction process more complex and lead to rising costs. Appeals and lengthy legal procedures delay construction projects and increase rents.

    Various measures are needed to facilitate residential construction in urban areas: Structure and utilisation plans must be revised and obstacles to densification removed. By abolishing or adapting utilisation ratios and boundary distances, more living space can be created and green spaces preserved.

    Furthermore, building regulations for high-density development should be simplified. Outdated noise protection regulations, regulations on shadow impact and aesthetic regulations must be modernised or abolished. A reduction in objections and an acceleration of legal procedures are necessary in order to realise construction projects more efficiently and relieve the housing market.

    One promising solution could be to simplify urban construction planning and at the same time optimise public participation in order to improve the realisation and acceptance of projects. This would not only shorten construction times, but also reduce costs and ultimately create affordable housing.

    A balanced combination of economic efficiency and social responsibility is the key to the healthy development of the property market. By focussing on innovative building concepts, sustainable development practices and forward-thinking urban planning, cities can continue to grow and flourish without compromising quality of life.

  • Skyscrapers like those in Manhattan are inconceivable for Switzerland

    Skyscrapers like those in Manhattan are inconceivable for Switzerland

    Switzerland is experiencing a remarkable dynamic in its housing market. According to a comprehensive analysis by Dani Steffen and his team at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, specific regions such as Zurich, Geneva and central tourist areas are experiencing a striking housing shortage. This contrasts with more relaxed markets such as the Jura or Ticino, where there is an oversupply of rental flats. These regional disparities are illustrated by a nationwide vacancy rate of 1.15 per cent, which shows a worrying decline since 2020.

    Steffen emphasises that the lack of housing is not just a local phenomenon, but a nationwide one, despite regional differences. With the constantly growing population and the trend towards single households, the demand for living space remains constantly high, while residential construction activity is stagnating. This discrepancy between supply and demand is exacerbated by a combination of regulatory hurdles, geographical restrictions and economic factors such as inflation and interest rate rises.

    The study also highlights the rental burden, which on average accounts for around 20 per cent of the household budget, with lower income groups being significantly more burdened. Steffen points out that despite high rents in cities such as Zurich and Geneva, rental costs remain relatively stable in relation to income. This indicates a certain regional balance, although accessibility for lower income groups remains a challenge.

    In the future, the need for age-appropriate housing will increase in order to cater for the ageing population. Steffen emphasises the need to motivate older people to downsize their homes in order to create more space for families and relieve pressure on the housing market. However, this process requires sensitive approaches, as housing is a very emotional issue.

    Overall, the study shows that Switzerland is facing significant challenges in the area of housing construction, which require careful consideration of both the regional characteristics and the different needs of the population groups.

  • Manifesto against housing shortage

    Manifesto against housing shortage

    URBANISTICA’s Manifesto for Urban Planning aims to raise awareness and conviction among the population and politicians that urban planning must once again be practised seriously and competently in this country in order to meet the current challenges as well as the needs of future generations.

    With the advent of individual mobility in the middle of the last century, urban planning in Switzerland fell into oblivion. The primacy was given to transport planning and land use segregation, which led to urban sprawl in Switzerland. With the adoption of the revision of the Spatial Planning Act in 2013, the Swiss people decided that no further building land should be zoned and that future population growth should be accommodated by means of inner settlement development.

    The following manifesto is intended to initiate the necessary discourse on urban planning and urban development. Urbanistica is a website, platform and movement at the same time, which sets impulses and promotes public dialogue with the aim of ensuring that high-quality, sustainable and needs-oriented urban planning and good urban development is once again practised in many cantons, municipalities and cities in Switzerland. In the interest of sustainable spatial development in Switzerland, the initiators ask you to consider and sign the manifesto. Every voice is important! Manifesto against housing shortage. www.urbanistica.ch

  • New housing construction lags behind population growth

    New housing construction lags behind population growth

    Across Switzerland, around a quarter less new residential space is being built than a few years ago. In view of the rising population, there is a threat of an undersupply of urgently needed new residential construction, according to a media release from Zürcher Kantonalbank(ZKB) on the new study of its real estate research.

    The study cites a declining number of building applications as reasons for the slowdown in construction activity. On average, it takes 140 days from planning application to approval in the country, which corresponds to an increase of 67 percent compared to 2010. Those who want to build wait the longest in densely populated regions. The time span for the canton of Zurich, for example, is given as almost 200 days, which corresponds to an increase of 136 percent compared to the year of comparison and a waiting time of almost one year. The negative front-runner is the canton of Geneva, where 500 days pass before a housing project is approved.

    Furthermore, high construction requirements make it difficult to create new housing quickly. Appeals also contribute to the slowdown in the new construction sector. The real estate research is based on a study of actually realised new housing projects, according to which every tenth approved housing project was not realised in 2010 and the rental housing market is lacking 4000 flats per year.

    In the latest issue of Immobilien aktuell, the Zürcher Kantonalbank provides data-based facts and analyses on the topic of housing shortage. In a further article, new housing construction is compared to a hurdle race.

  • Housing shortage: Federal Council waits

    Housing shortage: Federal Council waits

    For Wohnbaugenossenschaften Schweiz, it is incomprehensible that the Federal Council simply wants to wait and see in the face of the housing shortage. In an interpellation, Manuela Weichelt, National Councillor (Greens) and member of the board of Wohnbaugenossenschaften Schweiz, wanted to know what the Federal Council intends to do about the housing shortage. The Federal Council replied that it was aware that an insufficient supply of housing could hamper economic development and lead to socio-political tensions. However, it sees the responsibility for housing supply primarily with the real estate industry. Although non-profit housing construction plays an important role in the provision of affordable housing, it is already being promoted with the Fonds de Roulement and guarantees. If necessary, the Federal Council is prepared to evaluate further measures, as called for in a postulate by Damian Müller (FDP), member of the Council of States.

    Immediate measures are needed
    The housing shortage is driving rents ever higher. “The shortage of affordable housing is acute and measures need to be taken quickly,” stresses Manuela Weichelt. “We call on the Federal Council to act now. Recipes against the housing shortage are well known: More non-profit and affordable housing is needed.” The current situation shows that the real estate industry is not ensuring a sufficient supply of affordable housing. “The Federal Council recognises that the non-profit housing developers make an important contribution here. It is therefore all the more incomprehensible that it does not want to promote them more strongly. The current housing subsidies are not sufficient to rapidly increase the share of non-profit housing,” explains Eva Herzog, Member of the Council of States for Basel-Stadt (SP) and President of Wohnbaugenossenschaften Schweiz. In order to be able to build more, non-profit housing developers are particularly dependent on suitable building land. This requires active control, for example with defined shares or zones for non-profit housing. The federal government would have the power to secure land for non-profit building projects: For example, by making land that is no longer needed by the federal government and businesses close to the federal government available for this purpose. Or by giving municipalities the possibility to buy land for non-profit housing with a right of first refusal. The federal government could also support municipalities in the purchase of land, for example with a land acquisition fund.