A study by the ZHAW School of Management and Law in collaboration with the Federal Office for Housing, the Fédération Romande Immobilière, the Swiss Homeowners Association and the Swiss banking group Raiffeisen shows that the fundamental motives for buying a home are not financial. In fact, nine out of ten people who are currently looking for residential property cite the desire for a long-term home as the main reason. In contrast, less than 20% of those surveyed want to invest in residential property in order to resell it at a profit later on. The dream of homeownership also depends on your phase of life. Currently, 46% of people between 30 and 49 years old are actively looking for a home of their own, whereas three-fifths of those aged 50 to 69 would like to remain permanent tenants. 

Prices are considered too high – greater support is required 

While financial criteria certainly play a role, they are usually a hindrance. Around 80% of people in Switzerland who are currently looking to buy a home or would like to do so in the future believe that the prices are too high. A majority furthermore states that they have not yet saved up enough wealth or found property that they can afford. Accordingly, three-quarters of those surveyed would like home ownership to be made accessible to a larger proportion of the population. However, possible solutions also need to focus on the commitment of those seeking property. For example, less than a third of the people who are actively looking for home ownership have set up a search subscription on a real estate portal. 

Study (in German): “Homeownership in Switzerland: Why Owning a Home is a Dream of Potential Homeowners”