| Ramzi Chamat
Switzerland, known for its economic vibrancy and enviable standard of living, is at a crossroads, facing a growing challenge: the housing crisis. To better understand the situation, it is essential to grasp the deep-rooted causes of this shortage and consider appropriate solutions.
Switzerland's unprecedented demographic growth is primarily driven by a significant net immigration of labor. This year, the country expects to welcome 148,000 new residents, equivalent to the population of the city of Bern. A large portion of these newcomers are immigrant workers lured by the professional opportunities the country offers.
Even though the demand for housing is skyrocketing, supply struggles to keep up. To achieve a balance, one would have to consider the construction of 90,000 to 100,000 new homes. However, current projections fall well short of this target, with only 42,000 units anticipated. This situation is partly due to rising interest rates, which discourage investment in real estate. Furthermore, regulations, such as the Spatial Planning Act and the second homes initiative, although beneficial for preserving Swiss heritage, hinder construction initiatives.
The housing crisis does not affect all cantons equally. Some, like Fribourg and Vaud, experience more pronounced demographic growth, intensified by internal migrations. This dynamic puts added pressure on their real estate market.
In the face of this challenge, it is vital to strike a balance between preserving the Swiss landscape and construction needs. It is about promoting enhanced collaboration among various stakeholders: government, investors, and urban planners. Only a well-thought-out strategy will effectively meet the growing demand while safeguarding the country's identity and environment.
Switzerland, despite its fame and dynamism, cannot overlook this housing crisis. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial to establish lasting measures that meet the expectations of its diverse population. Collaboration and a long-term vision will be the cornerstones of a balanced and tailored response to this issue.
