There are hardly any established housing options that cater to changing needs in this phase of life. Helpful services such as digital exchange platforms, information events, or independent housing advice are also rare. For a house move to be successful in this phase of life, more commitment is needed from local authorities and businesses, for example, through pilot projects or municipal housing strategies,” says Hohgardt.

The younger generation is very willing to relocate and the desire to move into their own home is particularly common. However, rising real estate prices, a limited supply of affordable properties, and strict financing conditions often make such a move beyond the reach of many. “For families and young people, home ownership is usually out of the question,” admits ZHAW researcher Selina Lehner. 

However, there are alternatives such as installment plans, small-scale home ownership, temporary home ownership, and building leases. “These solutions could form a bridge to ownership, but today they remain limited or impossible for legal reasons,” continues Lehner.

Switzerland's housing system currently offers more incentives for stability than for change. Mortgage financing is aimed at long-term affordability, and tenancies are often associated with low existing rents. “At first glance, moving house rarely pays off nowadays – even if the desire for a new home is there,” says co-head of the study Lehner.

For this to change, we need impetus from politics and business – innovative housing solutions, low-threshold advice, and new financing models for all stages of life.