Like many lifestyle factors, the way we live is subject to certain trends and patterns. Thus, not only the type and size of the houses and apartments we inhabit, but also our living environments tend to change, which is reflected in observable market developments and the statistics derived from them. In this article, you will learn what the future of living in Switzerland looks like according to our real estate brokers at Engel & Völkers Schweiz and what trends are already obvious.
After a large part of the Swiss families abandoned the life in the cities to semi-natural, sparsely populated environments in the 1980s and 1990s , this trend has seen a certain reversal in the last 20 years. Flats and houses in Swiss cities are experiencing stronger demand thanks to their quick accessibility, better career opportunities and a wide range of entertainment options. This is especially true for one-person and two-person households as well as childless families of all ages: this population group has a strong influx into the cities. To speak of a societal trend of urbanization in Switzerland, however, would be too far-reaching: couples with children are still looking for an environment that combines a quiet atmosphere and nature with a certain centrality. This way, apartments and houses in suburbs or small towns are also increasingly attracting attention, so that experts here are talking about the trend of re-urbanization or sub-urbanization, i.e. the social influx into small towns and suburbs.
Globalized Labor Markets, Temporary Employment, Short-lived Social Relationships: The unpredictability and volatility that characterize the reality of the 21st century has favored the emergence of alternative forms of housing in Switzerland. Even if one's own family home remains the long-term goal of many Swiss residents, dynamic living concepts are rapidly gaining in importance. These include, for example, student apartments, old people's apartment sharing or cluster living. Centrally located second homes for commuters fall into this category.
In contrast to the conventional habitation of a house or apartment, these forms of living, depending on their specific characteristics, are characterized by a more flexible contract period, lower costs or even a social level by living together with other tenants. The size of the property - often a decisive criterion in the decision for or against them - can quickly become secondary to the prospect of an alternative living concept.
Also with regard to certain equipment and service variants, specialized residential formats have developed. Senior housing can be equipped with supportive installations such as handrails, emergency buttons or even digital health monitoring systems. In addition, InHouse care services are offered to ensure comfort even in old age. Real estate developers and investors are already targeting senior citizens with such properties, creating a completely new real estate category.
Regardless of the type of property, Engel & Völkers Switzerland determines that the interests of buyers and tenants have changed with respect to their homes. Today, more emphasis is placed on the sustainable use of resources: building materials should be ecologically sound and healthy, the energy supply should be economical and efficient. For this purpose, more and more alternative energy sources such as photovoltaic systems are being put into operation.
In addition, real estate is increasingly being adapted to the needs of its residents. Flexible usage is the credo of the moment: Classic real estate concepts with clear functions of individual rooms are broken up, such as kitchen and living room or work and bedroom merge with each other. Even concepts whose entire living space is located within a large room without doors and barriers are a the trend. In the future, an increasingly heterogeneous layout structure will be observed in the Swiss real estate landscape.
The future of the Swiss real estate industry is characterized by a high degree of dynamism, individuality and technological progress. Engel & Völkers Switzerland helps your real estate project to a modern, efficient implementation. We are happy to advise you in detail on current trends and future forecasts so that your plans become a long-term success. Contact us via email or phone - our real estate agents are looking forward to a non-binding initial consultation with you!
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