Potentials and challenges of repurposing

February 2025

Büroleerstandsquote per Ende 2023 in Prozent (REIDA, UBS)

The housing shortage in Switzerland continues to worsen, while office and industrial space is becoming increasingly vacant. The conversion of such buildings into residential space offers a sustainable solution for efficiently utilising existing structures and promoting internal densification. Despite economic incentives, however, investors and architects face technical, legal and political hurdles.

Technical and economic challenges
The conversion of commercial buildings into residential space requires considerable structural adjustments. Building depths, lighting conditions and infrastructure pose challenges that require high levels of investment. At the same time, conversion can be economically attractive if the rental potential for residential space is higher than that of office space. Creative concepts such as modular building elements or alternative living models such as co-living can facilitate realisation.

Legal hurdles and political factors
Building regulations, zoning plans and the NIMBY phenomenon (Not In My Back Yard) can delay or prevent projects. Early dialogue with authorities and residents can help to minimise resistance. In addition, politicians are increasingly willing to adapt the regulatory framework in order to facilitate conversions.

Innovative practical examples
Successful projects such as the conversion of the Rennbahnklinik in Muttenz or the pilot project on the former ZWHATT industrial site in Regensdorf show that sustainable living space can be created through flexible concepts, reduced construction costs and intelligent space solutions.

Future prospects
Conversions offer great potential for overcoming the housing shortage and for resource-saving urban development. Success requires innovative planning, political support and a co-operative approach between investors, authorities and the population.

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