

Bern Requires Residential Buildings to Have Charging Stations
The federal government is taking direct action regarding apartment buildings. A proposal released on June 19, 2026, aims to require landlords and condominium owners to install the basic infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations when necessary. This is precisely what is sparking massive

Zurich Battles Over 40 Meters and the Cost of Densification
On September 27, 2026, Zurich will vote on two new high-rise regulations. The real sticking point isn’t the very tall towers, but rather the 40-meter zones in the outlying neighborhoods. There, the logic of densification, project flexibility, and fears of displacement clash

Apartment Sales Drive Basel to Another Jump in Profits
Just under 85 million Swiss francs in net income over six months, 60.8 million Swiss francs from residential sales, and a nearly sold-out project in Cham. The Basel-based real estate group’s half-year financial report shows just how strongly development gains are currently driving earnings, while

Valais Blocks Housing Cooperatives Despite Shortage
In Valais, the vacancy rate is falling, but cooperative housing construction remains at a standstill. While a project for ten families in Saillon is stuck in the approval process, the canton still lacks a clear legal framework that actively safeguards and facilitates such


Building more flats does little to reduce commuting
Zurich and Basel are grappling with the imbalance between jobs and housing. Yet this much-cited indicator, of all things, is losing its significance. A recent analysis shows that longer commutes are only weakly correlated with the ratio of workers to

Herisau is revamping the Casinopark
A controversial redevelopment plan is currently under consideration in the centre of Herisau. The proposal for Casinopark would see the construction of flats, a public underground car park with 56 spaces, a private car park with 52 spaces and a new park. However, it is only following a public

Uri is building its future
Southwest of the Altdorf cantonal train station, a reserve area is gradually being transformed into a new business hub. All the building lots at Werkmatt Uri are now developed. At the same time, the Gotthard Business Park—the largest building construction project on the site to date—is getting

The imputed rental value is gone, but the dispute remains
The imputed rental value is being phased out. But in Zurich, this is just the beginning of the next conflict. At the heart of the matter are heat pumps, solar roofs, and insulated facades. The canton must decide whether to continue offering tax incentives for climate-friendly renovations or to

Frauenfeld’s development plan sparks opposition
In Frauenfeld, the dispute over the new municipal development plan is entering a critical phase. Business associations and a town centre association are rallying against the provisions on traffic, parking and procedures. They fear more restrictions, reduced accessibility and greater interference

Basel’s Building Inspectorate loses its head
Basel-Stadt is pulling the plug on the Building and Hospitality Inspectorate. Following criticism of lengthy procedures and the management, the head of the inspectorate is taking early retirement at the start of 2027. For building owners, the main concern now is whether the change in leadership

Ticino is capitalising on profits from land sales
In Ticino, the property gains tax is no longer to go solely to the canton. A parliamentary initiative calls for 40 per cent of the revenue to be channelled to the municipalities in which the sold property is situated. According to a simulation, this would have amounted to around 31.6 million Swiss

Scorching summer puts the Minergie pledge to the test
Over 60,000 certified buildings are synonymous with efficiency and comfort. Yet it is precisely during heatwaves that Minergie homes are coming under increasing pressure. The association is responding with stricter requirements for summer heat protection and is placing greater emphasis on cooling,

Zurich Residential Buildings Are Facing a Yield Crisis
An apartment building on Döltschiweg in Zurich, with a clear need for renovation, is on the market for 7.8 million Swiss francs. This case illustrates how the low-interest-rate environment and investment pressure are driving even weak residential properties to price levels that leave virtually no

Seetalplatz is stepping up its efforts and building 344 flats
The next major step for Lucerne North is set to begin at Seetalplatz in Emmen. From September 2026, construction will begin on the Rüüssegg site to create 344 flats, commercial premises and new open spaces along the Kleine Emme. The neighbourhood is due to be completed by the end of

Rental market stagnates, cantons slip into the red
In Switzerland, asking rents remained virtually unchanged in July 2026, although they fell in 15 cantons. The national index remained at 134 points. This reflects a noticeable summer lull, whilst the year-on-year comparison, at plus 2.4 per cent, still does not indicate any easing of price

Charging regulations are putting pressure on residential buildings
Bern is taking action regarding garages and multi-storey car parks. The Federal Council wants to oblige owners of residential properties to install the basic infrastructure for charging electric cars upon request. This is precisely what has now sparked a dispute over costs, responsibilities and

Early demolition is causing the pile of building rubble to grow even higher
Niederweningen highlights a growing problem. Residential buildings dating from the 1980s are set to be demolished, even though experts often see significant potential for renovation in precisely these properties. The environmental cost is high, as, according to the ZHAW, new buildings only recoup

Basel is lowering a ramp into the water
Construction has begun at the Dreispitz, transforming disused railway infrastructure into a 170-metre-long natural swimming pool. The ‘Gleispool’ is costing 8.8 million Swiss francs, is due to open in summer 2027 and marks a significant step in the redevelopment of the approximately 50-hectare

Healthcare property shares are proving almost impossible to sell
Just under half of the over-allotment option was exercised following the healthcare property specialist’s stock market debut. Whilst this increases the free float to 28.8 per cent and the placement volume to 238.3 million Swiss francs, it does little to alter the dominant position of the anchor

Frauenfeld is turning the town centre upside down
Six sections of road in Frauenfeld town centre are to be put out for public consultation. The framework grant of 11.3 million Swiss francs, approved in 2022, remains in place, but the redevelopment will be carried out in phases until at least 2030 and will have a significant impact on transport,

Grenchen is doing away with paper-based procedures for planning applications
Grenchen will switch to the eBauSO system for planning applications from 1 September 2026. For developers and planners, submissions will therefore only be accepted digitally from then on, whilst objections and appeals in the canton of Solothurn will, for the time being, continue to be submitted on

Residential construction drives up fund profits
Higher rental income, lower vacancy rates and 80 million Swiss francs of fresh capital. The Immo Helvetic property fund posted an operational improvement in the first half of 2026, despite no new acquisitions being made during the reporting period. The boost stems from ongoing residential

Bern’s housing market remains extremely tight
Even 351 vacant flats in Bern are still not enough to provide even a minimal buffer. As at 1 June 2026, the vacancy rate remained at 0.44 per cent, even though the housing stock had risen to 79,797 units by the end of 2025 and new builds had already been fully

Baden Puts 20 Apartments on Hold Due to a Late Application for Protection
On the Demuth site in Baden’s Oberstadt district, a housing project by the municipal housing foundation has suddenly been put on hold. The city council has applied to the canton to have the old metalworking shop designated as a protected historic building, thereby blocking a project involving 20

Bern Cuts Electricity Costs and Tests New Load Management Measures
For households on BKW’s basic service plan, electricity will become even more affordable in 2027. According to the company, for an annual consumption of 4,500 kilowatt-hours, the bill will decrease by about 95 francs per year. At the same time, a voluntary grid tariff will be introduced, offering

High up or closer to the action
Zurich is debating building regulations. The discussion centers on housing, open spaces, the character of neighborhoods, and the question of what a growing city should look like. On September 27, 2026, voters will choose between two proposals for new high-rise building

From a Transportation Hub to a Riverfront Neighborhood
For a long time, Rüüssegg was little more than a promise on paper. Now, construction is getting underway at Seetalplatz. By the end of 2029, a neighborhood featuring 344 apartments, jobs, and new open spaces will have taken shape along the Kleine Emme. This marks a decisive step forward in the
