
Lucerne blocks plans to phase out solar roofs
In the canton of Lucerne, the solar panel requirement for roof renovations is only due to come into force on 1 March 2025 and is already under fire again. The cantonal government is now standing its ground and does not intend to water down the requirement, despite criticism regarding costs, the

Residential neighborhood near the train station moves one step closer to becoming a reality
The Granador site near Hitzkirch and Ermensee is changing hands, giving new momentum to a development project that had been stalled for years. According to the design plan approved in March 2026, the new owner aims to submit a building application for approximately 275 apartments as early as

Lucerne Fights to Preserve Its Roofs
A renovated roof is more than just a new covering. It is a decision about energy, property, and the future value of a real estate asset. In the canton of Lucerne, this very issue has become a political flashpoint. No sooner had the solar mandate gone into effect than a motion was introduced calling

Werkmatt Uri takes the next step
In Altdorf, the Werkmatt Uri development has taken a decisive step forward. With the completion of the infrastructure works, all building plots are now ready for construction; at the same time, work is starting on Plot 11 with the Gotthard Business Park, the site’s largest building project to

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

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

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

The pressure from Hypozins is only briefly dampening the shopping frenzy
The cost of home ownership in Switzerland continues to rise in July 2026, but at a significantly slower pace. Flats are still up by 0.3 per cent month-on-month, whilst detached houses have risen by just 0.1 per cent. At the same time, fixed-rate mortgages rose noticeably up to 25 July, making

Zoning plan paves the way for site development at the station
Following the ‘yes’ vote at the ballot box, the development plan for the Metalli site in Zug has come through the public consultation period without any objections. This means that development of the site can now proceed. The next concrete step will be an architectural competition for the

Zug is first expanding the infrastructure in Gimenen
A concrete building project has been proposed for the Gimenen municipal site in Zug for the first time. Plans include widening Gimenenstrasse and constructing a new bus turning loop. However, there is still no legal basis under planning law for the affordable housing development that has been under

Seetalplatz Gets the Green Light for Metropool
At Seetalplatz in Emmenbrücke, the first phase of the Metropool project is set to begin after years of delays. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026; the first buildings are expected to be ready for occupancy in 2030 and will eventually bring together approximately 350 banking

Lucerne’s Right of First Refusal Goes to Court
In Lucerne, the new municipal right of first refusal for real estate is the subject of a legal dispute. Following the voters’ approval on June 14, 2026, an appeal has been filed with the cantonal court to determine whether the measure is permissible without a cantonal legal basis and whether the

Emmen Will Implement Rüüssegg Starting This Fall
After years of planning and multiple delays, things are finally taking shape. Construction of the Rüüssegg neighborhood—one of the largest residential development projects in northern Lucerne—will begin in the fall of 2026 at Seetalplatz in Emmen. By the end of 2029, 344 apartments and


Lucerne Invests Nine Million in Digital Permits
The canton of Lucerne plans to handle building permit applications entirely digitally and is investing approximately nine million francs over a period of ten years to do so. For building owners, planners, and municipalities, this will not only involve replacing the software but also overhauling the


Nidwalden Postpones Changes to Building Regulations
Three municipalities in Nidwalden are at risk of missing the deadline for amending their zoning plans and regulations by January 1, 2027. The cantonal government therefore intends to extend the transition period until early 2030 so that building permit applications can continue to be processed on a

The more space you have, the less you pay
Same apartment, same square meters, completely different price. A housing cooperative in Lucerne is turning the traditional rental system on its head and rewarding large households instead of those with small budgets. The idea sounds simple, but it strikes a chord that’s resonating throughout the

Emmen secures access to the Sonne site
By approving 1.36 million Swiss francs for Gersagstrasse, Emmen is directly linking transport infrastructure improvements with site development. The short section near Gersag railway station remains a bottleneck, yet it is also essential for providing access to the planned ‘Sonne’

New building marks the completion of the long-term site development
Zephyr West marks the start of the final major construction phase of the industrial transformation at the company’s main site in Zug. The new headquarters brings together development, training and administration, and signals the transition from the vertical factory to the next phase of the tech

Zug launches public transport hub with a residential development
Following years of planning, work is now getting underway on an infrastructure project at the An der Aa site in Zug. The new base for the ZVB, the emergency services and the administration will also provide space for around 160 flats from 2031, 40 per cent of which will be affordable

Red Cross strengthens its centre with the new Kanti
A cantonal school for around 880 pupils is to be built near Rotkreuz railway station by 2031. The winning design by Gigon Guyer links the 200-million-franc new building with the ongoing development of the town centre and increases the planning pressure on the surrounding

Buchrain is preparing a village centre for 2027
In Buchrain, the next stage in the implementation of this intergenerational project is drawing nearer. Following approval of the development plan at the end of November 2025 and cantonal authorisation in January 2026, the planning application for the first phase is now due to be put out for public

Lucerne is redefining the limits of growth
The canton of Lucerne is basing its structural plan on a population of 560,000 by 2050. As current building zones, according to available data, will only last until around 2040, greater emphasis is being placed on densification, city centres and new opportunities for

Lucerne is incorporating housing into the town hall
Seetalplatz in Emmenbrücke is not only the site of the new administrative headquarters for the Canton of Lucerne. The 192-million-franc development will also bring 17 rental flats onto the market. This demonstrates how new public buildings in the Lucerne North area are increasingly incorporating

Andermatt is significantly expanding its sports zone
A sports and recreation center with approximately 5,000 square meters of usable space is to be built in Andermatt. Although the project has been postponed until 2032/33, it will fill a key gap in amenities between the village center, Andermatt Reuss, and year-round


Bern is slowing down, Lucerne is building differently
Lucerne has made its decision—and it was a clear one. On June 14, 2026, the city’s residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of both housing proposals. A right of first refusal and a more active land policy are intended to increase the share of affordable housing more quickly. But policymakers
