
Federal government adjusts cost limits for housing subsidies
On 1 February 2025, the revised ordinance of the Federal Office for Housing (BWO) will come into force, setting new cost limits and loan amounts for rental and owner-occupied properties. This takes into account the increased land and construction costs and improves the funding opportunities for

Rising prices and a tight rental market
The Zurich property market remains on course for growth, but while owners are benefiting, the situation for tenants continues to worsen. Residential property prices rose by 3.3% in 2024, while the shortage of rental flats intensified. Particularly noteworthy: rents were increased not only for new

Growth trajectory for solar-powered greenhouses
Voltiris has received CHF 4.8 million in seed capital. The investment will support the commercialisation of the company's proprietary solar technology for greenhouses throughout Europe. The start-up aims to promote the integration of agricultural science and solar

New member of the Board of Directors strengthens growth of sustainable property platform
Alexander von Erdély has joined the Board of Directors of Optiml. The industry expert, who focuses on sustainability and innovation, will support Optiml in scaling its artificial intelligence-based B2B platform for the decarbonisation of the real estate

The Ypsomed Innovation Award 2025 was presented
Yuon Control AG has won the Ypsomed Innovation Award 2025. The spin-off from Bern University of Applied Sciences develops technologies for building automation. Two second place prizes went to Santella from the University of Bern and Xemperia from the University of

Vaud economy between recovery and uncertainty
After two years of weak growth, economic experts are forecasting an economic recovery for the canton of Vaud. The Vaud Economic Commission expects gross domestic product to grow by 1.8% in 2025 and to increase to 1.9% in the following year. Nevertheless, global uncertainties are clouding the

The increasing billion-euro burden for reinsurers
The economic consequences of natural disasters once again reached record levels in 2024. According to Munich Re, total global losses amounted to 320 billion dollars, 140 billion of which were insured. Hurricanes, floods and forest fires in particular caused immense costs. The losses are therefore

Collateral in the construction and property sector – What to look out for?
Property projects are complex and large sums of money are at stake. The interests and therefore the need for security of the various parties involved differ. Of the various means of security, the "guarantee on first demand" stands

Capital increase for healthcare properties and senior-friendly living
The Swiss Life Investment Foundation is opening its Real Estate Switzerland Old Age and Health ESG investment group. Around CHF 200 million in capital is to be raised by mid-March. The foundation intends to use this to acquire additional properties and reduce its debt

Meyer Burger divests measurement technology subsidiary Pasan
The solar cell manufacturer Meyer Burger is selling its subsidiary Pasan as part of its ongoing restructuring programme. The parties have agreed not to disclose the buyer or the financial details of the transaction. Pasan is recognised as a leader in high-precision measurement technology for the

Strengthening Europe’s innovation financing
The latest study by the European Patent Office (EPO) highlights structural challenges in innovation financing and introduces the Technology Investor Score (TIS), a new indicator for identifying suitable investors. Supplemented by an expanded Deep Tech Finder, the EPO wants to provide European

Canton of Zug strengthens its property portfolio
The Canton of Zug pursues a sustainable strategy for managing its property portfolio. The strategy emphasises maintenance, legal requirements and the careful use of resources. Future investments and strategic guidelines ensure the quality and stable value of the canton's property

Affordable living in Zug
There has been an acute shortage of housing in the canton of Zug for years. At 0.2%, the vacancy rate is the lowest in the country, which intensifies competition for rental flats and drives up rents. In view of the increasing unaffordability for the middle class, the question arises as to how

Cost rent and rising land prices
The cost rent is calculated from the total investment costs of a property. However, rising land prices and construction costs are causing the difference to the market rent to shrink. An analysis based on the example of Zurich Altstetten shows which factors influence affordability and how subsidies

Record sales of Swiss multinational speciality chemicals group
At CHF 11.76 billion, Sika exceeded its record sales of 2023 by 4.7 per cent in the 2024 financial year. All market regions, synergies from the integration of the construction chemicals group MBCC and regional acquisitions contributed to this

Life cycle assessment calculator supports sustainable building
The life cycle assessment calculator from Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz enables the environmental impact of concrete to be calculated in a comprehensible manner. The online tool provides a basis for optimising environmental product declarations (EPD) and supports sustainable construction methods in


Zurich’s economy faces major challenges
The canton of Zurich, like Switzerland as a whole, is facing profound demographic changes. The decline in the proportion of the working population and increasing ageing pose considerable challenges for the labour market and the economy. A new study shows that even a high level of immigration can


Wave of bankruptcies continues in 2024
The third consecutive wave of bankruptcies is shaking the Swiss economy. While more than 8,000 companies are likely to file for insolvency again in 2024, young companies and traditional firms are particularly affected. Geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties and rising commodity prices are


New CEO to take over management of the construction supplier from January 2025
Claudius Moor will become CEO of the Arbonia Group on 1 January. He will take the place of Alexander von Witzleben, who will focus on his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Moor has been CEO of the Doors Division at Arbonia since

Increasing value through global presence and technological innovation
Siemens Smart Infrastucture (SI) has exceeded its medium-term targets for 2021. The Zug-based business unit of Siemens is therefore increasing its targets for sales and profit margin. At the same time, investments are being made in global presence and talent


Standstill in the owner-occupied rental value debate
The abolition of the imputed rental value remains an unresolved ongoing issue. The National Council and the Council of States disagree on key points. While the Council of States insists on a compromise for primary residences, the National Council wants a complete change of system. A solution does