Invited Tuesday in La Matinale, Virginie Galland, general director of Naef Immobilier, explains that the housing shortage has worsened and spread throughout French-speaking Switzerland. Demand now far exceeds supply, leading to a regular increase in rents.
Switzerland is a land of tenants, an exception in Europe. This situation is due to several factors, particularly the high cost and attractiveness of the country, which attracts many people, including wealthy people.
“Many people come to settle in Switzerland, in particular to access property. It is mainly privileged people who have access to purchase, which explains why Switzerland remains mainly a land of tenants,” analyzes Virginie Galland.
In Switzerland, changing demographics, the aging of the population, as well as the breakdown of families are increasing the need for housing.
The shortage is spreading throughout French-speaking Switzerland
The housing shortage is currently being exacerbated by strong population growth, the aging of the population and the breakdown of families.
Virginie Galland underlines that the rate of vacant housing in French-speaking Switzerland is 1.08%, down for five years. Previously, large cities like Geneva and Lausanne were under pressure, today the whole of French-speaking Switzerland is affected.
The general director of Naef Immobilier cites the example of Fribourg, which was not in a shortage situation recently, but which is now facing this reality.
Additionally, all market segments are affected. “The most sought-after apartments are so-called family apartments, that is to say with two bedrooms and a living room. (…) But we also have a shortage of small accommodation, in particular studios, which are often in demand by the students,” she says.
Administrative delays are an obstacle to growth
According to the expert, the pace of construction cannot keep up with growing demand. This situation is particularly problematic in cities, where delays in obtaining building permits and procedures related to oppositions can delay projects by ten to fifteen years.
-We see that administration, especially in urban areas like in Geneva, occupies entire neighborhoods. In these areas, we have difficulty finding buyers
Due to administrative slowness, certain projects are not always in line with current needs. For example, within the framework of neighborhood plans, it is frequently necessary to construct both housing and administrative buildings. However, particularly in Geneva, where entire districts are dedicated to them, needs have changed and it is difficult to find buyers for these office areas.
Virginie Galland therefore recommends abandoning the construction of standard-type housing in favor of hybrid housing. This housing would better meet current needs, particularly those of seniors, who often occupy housing that is too large and unsuitable.
Energy transition and rising rents
The average rent in Switzerland increased from 820 francs in 1990 to 1412 francs in 2022. This increase is mainly due to the housing shortage. The principle of supply and demand plays a crucial role. According to Virginie Galland, tenancy law, in force since 1990, also contributes to this increase in rents.
The energy transition of buildings, although necessary, also risks increasing rents. This work will have an impact, but Virginie Galland emphasizes that differences are to be expected depending on the cantons, because the legislation and subsidies are different.
Comments collected by Pietro Bugnon
Adaptation web: Miroslav Mares
