The EXPO REAL Trend Index 2025 signals a spirit of optimism. After years of uncertainty, the real estate industry is once again looking to the future with confidence. Despite high interest rates, regulatory burdens and economic weakness, many market players see signs of stabilization. Housing in

Switzerland has abolished the imputed rental value. A historic turning point in real estate taxation. While private homeowners will benefit directly, the impact on real estate funds will only become apparent at second glance. The market could shift noticeably, with consequences for prices, yields

The Real Estate Award 2025 took place on October 2 at the stylish Trafo Baden and brought together around 250 guests from the Swiss real estate, construction and finance world. The event provided an exclusive platform for discussing current trends, innovations and sustainable developments in the

While the vacancy rate for traditional apartments in Switzerland is falling to historic lows, many small storage spaces remain unused. Inefficient administrative processes and high costs are blocking their letting. A digital solution could unlock this

More and more pilot projects and research initiatives are showing that the construction industry can significantly reduce its climate impact by increasing the use of natural, locally available building materials. At the same time, there are design, economic and health benefits. Switzerland is at

Swissbau 2026 offers the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects the opportunity to analyze developments in procurement since 2024. The focus is on successes, new opportunities and existing challenges. These include project alliances, quality discussions, market observation and the integration of

Switzerland urgently needs housing and progress in the energy transition. To ensure that approval procedures are no longer slowed down by restrictive regulations for the protection of the townscape, new federal measures are providing more planning freedom and relief for the cantons and

The danger posed by PFAS, so-called "perpetual chemicals", has arrived in the Swiss construction industry. New studies confirm the spread of these pollutants in demolition materials and groundwater. The federal government and the industry are looking for solutions, but the road to a pollutant-free

Switzerland has set the course for a fundamental change in dealing with imputed rental value. Property owners, but also taxpayers without real estate, face new challenges and opportunities. What impact will the reform have on taxes, market values and individual financial

Cargo sour terrain (CST) is abandoning its goal of realizing a Swiss freight metro in the near future. CST justifies this by stating that the federal government, cantons and cities must first create suitable framework conditions. The focus is now on consulting. Ten jobs are being

With Andrea González, the ZHAW has gained an internationally recognized expert to head the new Smart Building Management competence group. From September 2025, she and her team will be working on making buildings and infrastructures smarter, more sustainable and more resilient. This will be based

Anna Maria Blengino, CIO of Sunrise, has won the Confare Swiss CIOAWARD 2025. She was honored for the successful digital modernization of the company. Three other IT executives received the "Top CIO of the Year"

Households in Switzerland will pay an average of almost 4% less for electricity in the basic supply in 2026. The reduction is due to lower energy prices. At the same time, new tariff elements will be introduced and dynamic grid models will be enshrined in law in order to utilize the grids more

With the new NEST unit "Beyond.Zero", Empa, Eawag and Omya are sending a strong signal for climate-friendly construction. From August 2025, a real test environment for CO₂-reduced and CO₂-negative materials that are intended to make the entire life cycle of buildings more sustainable will be

The Swiss Life Group further expanded its insurance and fee business in the first half of 2025. The insurance group is thus successfully launching its Swiss Life 2027 programme. The aim here is to realise a return on equity of 17 to 19

A research project by Empa, Bern University of Applied Sciences and ETH Zurich is closing a gap in the structural analysis of timber constructions. New models and large-scale tests should make window walls usable as load-bearing elements in the future and make timber construction more economical

Energy-efficient refurbishment is often an attractive investment at the moment. If you take a smart approach to modernizing your heating system, you can save on operating costs, improve your carbon footprint and increase the resale value of your

Modern buildings are far more than just static shells. The new white paper from Drees & Sommer and Siemens Switzerland shows how intelligent building automation optimizes the life cycle of properties, meets legal and ESG requirements and meets the highest standards of comfort, efficiency and

The Swiss export industry generates more than a quarter of total value added, but serious tariffs and global uncertainties are calling the tried-and-tested model into question. It is time for a clear national industrial strategy that focuses on resilience, competitiveness and

A development on and above railroad tracks could create urgently needed space for new apartments in Swiss cities without disrupting the flow of public transport. Josef Dittli's proposal opens up a forward-looking

The increase in heavy rainfall poses new challenges for Switzerland. Surface runoff already causes the majority of flood damage today. The Mobiliar Lab for Natural Risks advocates an active role for the construction industry in order to make flood protection fit for the future with property

The Swiss Marketplace Group (SMG), operator of platforms such as Homegate, ImmoScout24 and Ricardo, is preparing the largest IPO in Switzerland in recent years. The joint venture between TX Group, Ringier, Mobiliar and General Atlantic is currently valued at around CHF 4.5 billion and wants to take

Switzerland's energy supply should be climate-neutral and nuclear-free by 2050. A new research report shows that photovoltaics and wind power must be massively expanded. At the same time, access to the European electricity market remains crucial in order to guarantee security of supply and

The Federal Council wants to secure Switzerland's competitiveness in the long term. In view of global uncertainties, it is focusing on regulatory relief, lower production costs and new international sales markets. The first steps have already been taken with free trade

The shortage of skilled workers remains the biggest challenge for Swiss SMEs. In addition to competition from large companies and the state, the increased bargaining power of employees is increasing the pressure. More flexible working models are becoming key in the competition for

In Switzerland, "simple building" is not failing because of the law, but because of uncertainty, overregulation and a lack of trust. SIA legal advisor and National Councillor Beat Flach calls for more pragmatism, less bureaucracy and a strengthening of existing

Researchers at Empa have achieved a breakthrough. They have coupled porphyrin molecules to graphene nanoribbons with atomic precision. The result is a hybrid system that combines electronic, magnetic and optical properties, with potential for sensor technology, electronics and quantum

Energy-efficient renovations are crucial to achieving Switzerland's climate and energy targets. However, the current proposal on the imputed rental value threatens to slow down investment and weaken the construction industry. A new study shows how much untapped potential there is in the building

Untapped potential lies dormant between buildings. Urban green spaces can make a decisive contribution to climate adaptation and biodiversity. Landscape architecture must be more than just a specialist discipline. It should take the lead in systemic urban

The Swiss economy noticeably lost momentum in the second quarter of 2025. According to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs' flash estimate, gross domestic product only grew by 0.1%. While industry was under pressure, the service sector prevented