Real estate in Switzerland: the 3 golden rules for buying or investing in 2024

The Swiss real estate market is constantly changing. Between fluctuating mortgage rates, evolving lifestyles, and the urgency of climate challenges, buying a property—whether to live in or as an investment—is often an uphill battle. How can you make an informed decision in such a complex environment?

The latest academic research and analyses from industry experts point not to one, but three major trends that are redefining the very notion of a property's value. To remember them and make them the pillars of your strategy, keep this simple and powerful rule in mind: the 3 "A"s – Adaptability, Antifragility, and Algorithmic.

A for adaptability : the Chameleon Home

The observation: the pandemic has permanently changed our relationship with our homes. Hybrid remote work has become the norm for a large part of the workforce, and family needs are evolving faster than ever. An apartment or house designed as a series of rooms with fixed functions (a bedroom, a living room, a dining room) is now seen as rigid, even obsolete.

The rule: prioritize properties offering modular and versatile spaces. Look for features such as:

• A living room spacious enough to be partitioned into a discreet office nook.

• Movable partitions or modular spaces (convertible attics, double living rooms).

• An extra room that can serve as an office, guest room, fitness room, or nursery without requiring major renovations.

• Outdoor spaces (balcony, terrace, garden) that become an extension of the living area.

Why it's crucial in Switzerland: living space is a costly commodity. Maximizing the utility of every square meter is therefore an economic imperative. An adaptable property will retain its value and appeal much longer than a "static" home because it will meet the changing needs of future buyers or tenants. It's a direct response to the shortage of flexible housing in urban centers.

A for Antifragility: robustness in the Face of Storms

A concept popularized by essayist Nassim Nicholas Taleb, antifragility describes a system's ability to not only withstand shocks (to be robust) but to benefit from them and grow stronger. Applied to real estate, this means choosing a property that will be preserved, or even increase in value, in the event of a crisis.

The observation: crises are multiple: financial, health-related, but above all, climatic. Switzerland, with its Alps, lakes, and plains, is not spared. Floods, landslides, droughts affecting soil stability (clay shrinkage-swelling phenomenon), or heatwaves are becoming concrete risks to integrate into any purchase decision.

The rule: scrupulously check the property's exposure to risks. This involves:

• Studying natural hazard maps (available from the cantons), which are now an essential reflex.

• Analyzing the property's orientation and insulation to cope with heatwaves (sun protection, natural ventilation).

• Evaluating the strength of the local market: the region's economic diversity, rental demand, and demographics. An investment in a dynamic city with a diversified economy (like Zurich, Lausanne, or Geneva) is structurally more "antifragile" than an investment in a mono-industrial region.

Why it's crucial in Switzerland: Switzerland's reputation for stability is a major asset. An "antifragile" investment in Swiss real estate is long-term insurance. It protects your capital against the unpredictable and ensures your property remains a valuable safe haven, no matter what turbulence lies ahead.

A for Algorithmic: Data-Driven Intelligence

The observation: real estate has always been a sector where emotion and "love at first sight" prevailed. Today, these elements must be counterbalanced by a cold, rational analysis of data. Information is power, and it is now accessible to everyone.

The rule: don't just buy with your heart. Use digital tools to objectify your choice:

• Consult the historical price per m² in the neighborhood on major real estate platforms (Homegate, ImmoScout24, Comparis) to detect trends and avoid overpaying.

• Use maps of local amenities to analyze the property's environment: proximity to public transport (a key criterion in Switzerland), schools, shops, parks, and medical practices.

• Identify future urban planning projects (new transport lines, eco-districts, development zones) that could boost the property's value in the medium term.

Why it's crucial in Switzerland: the market is transparent and well-documented. Not using these tools is to deprive yourself of a decisive advantage. It allows you to detect the hidden value of an up-and-coming neighborhood or, conversely, to identify unjustified overpricing. It is the ultimate weapon for negotiating a fair price.