
May shows minimal increase in rents
Rental prices remained largely stable in May. The canton of Graubünden and the two cantons of Appenzell recorded above-average increases. This is shown by the latest Homegate rental index. A year-on-year comparison across Switzerland shows a price increase of 1.7 per

Zurich convinces as a business location
The majority of Zurich companies are satisfied with the business location. A recent survey shows that transport links, quality of life and a qualified workforce are clear plus points. However, high costs and taxes remain key challenges, with real effects on location

Parliament approves new IOM headquarters in Geneva
Despite the announced job cuts, the Swiss parliament is supporting the demolition and new construction of the IOM headquarters in Geneva with an interest-free loan of CHF 44.7 million. The aim is to strengthen Geneva as an international location in the long term and to make the infrastructure for

Condominiums are more expensive than single-family homes
Condominiums were 0.8 per cent more expensive across Switzerland in May than in April. At the same time, prices for single-family homes rose by 0.3 per cent. However, there are different developments within the regions. This is shown by the latest ImmoScout24 purchase

Holiday apartment market in the Alpine region shows stable demand despite price decline
Swiss destinations lead the price ranking for Alpine holiday flats according to the UBS Alpine Property Focus 2025. Engadin/St. Moritz remains the leader in the Alpine region with a minimum of CHF 22,300 per square metre. Overall, prices for Alpine holiday flats rose by 2.3 per cent last year amid

AI-based weather forecasts for energy and agriculture
The start-up Jua.ai has secured around 9 million Swiss francs (11 million dollars) in a Series A financing round. Jua wants to use this to accelerate the market launch of its Earth Intelligence Platform, which is designed to enable energy traders to make faster and more reliable

Investment plans weaken in 2025, record high in 2026
Swiss companies' investment plans for 2025 are positive overall despite the subdued outlook. However, geopolitical tensions, in particular the US tariff announcement, have contributed noticeably to the slowdown. For 2026, companies are more optimistic than ever

New findings from 45,000 building permits
With its new white paper, the Center for Risk Management at HEC Lausanne (CRML) provides precise insights into the Swiss real estate industry's progress towards climate neutrality. By evaluating over 45,000 building permits in 2024, it becomes clear where the industry is already making progress and


New study emphasises the importance of new replacement construction for relieving housing pressure
On average, four new flats are created for every flat that is demolished. These are the findings of a study by Raiffeisen Switzerland. According to the study, there is often no alternative to replacement construction to combat the housing shortage, despite

IPO launched for North American business
Holcim has received the green light for the spin-off of its North American business. Under the name Amrize, the building materials group will float the new company on the stock exchange simultaneously in New York and Zurich on 23 June. The background to this is the US government's investment

Protect property more effectively against squatters
In Switzerland, property owners will be able to take faster and more effective action against squatters in future. Following the National Council, the Council of States has also approved an amendment to the Civil Code. This should make evictions easier and quicker, even if there are still minor

Insight into building permits and renovation dynamics
The new white paper from the Center for Risk Management at HEC Lausanne reveals the hidden trends in the Swiss real estate sector. With more than 45,000 building permits from 2024, the analysis provides valuable insights into the pace, cost and type of renovations and shows how much still needs to


Federal Supreme Court confirms responsibility of price control for municipal waste
The price supervisor can continue to assess acceptance prices for municipal waste. The Federal Supreme Court has not accepted an appeal by Limeco. The Limmat Valley waste recycler wanted to have it reviewed whether the price watchdog is responsible for these prices at

Protectionism as a location risk
Swiss companies are sounding the alarm. The global trend towards protectionism is jeopardizing supply chains, increasing costs and weakening Switzerland as a business location. A large majority of export-oriented companies are calling for a clear response from Swiss politicians. Be it through new

Glarus – truly fabulous
"If you don't move with the times, you move with the times." This quote, which has long been a guiding principle in business, sums up what has always characterized the canton of Glarus: The courage to change. Whether with the Factory Act, the first AHV or the reform of municipal structures - Glarus

MFO-West becomes an urban neighbourhood
With the acquisition and strategic reorientation of the MFO West site in Neu-Oerlikon, the city of Zurich is transforming a former industrial site into a forward-looking neighbourhood. The plans include 220 flats, open spaces, cultural and commercial uses. The project is an example of how cities

Occupational pension provision with high interest rates
After a strong investment year in 2024, the pension funds are more financially robust than ever. With an average performance of 7.4% and an increase in the coverage ratio to 114.7%, insured persons are also benefiting directly: The interest rate on their retirement assets was higher than it has

Swiss conveyor technology manufacturer increases earnings
Schindler increased revenue and profits in local currencies in the first quarter of 2025. The margin on operating profit also increased year-on-year. For the year as a whole, the global elevator manufacturer is aiming for single-digit revenue growth in local



Sustainable products drive earnings stability in the building materials industry
Holcim kept its sales stable year-on-year at around CHF 5.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025. Recurring operating profit increased by 1.7 percent in local currencies. The Zug-based building materials group is sticking to its targets for





