Home ownership more expensive: Single-family homes see price surge

Asking prices for residential property showed mixed trends in August: While single-family homes – contrary to the trend of recent months – were offered at higher prices across Switzerland, the increase for condominiums was moderate. This is shown by the latest figures from the ImmoScout24 Purchase Index.

Average asking prices for single-family homes in Switzerland rose by 1,0% in August compared to the previous month. Condominium prices, however, showed only a slight increase of 0,3%. The apartment segment thus continued its moderate upward trend, while price expectations in the single-family home market were noticeably more dynamic in August. This is shown by the analysis of real estate listings within the framework of the ImmoScout24 Purchase Index, which is compiled by ImmoScout24 in cooperation with the real estate consultancy IAZI.

Regional single-family home market: Higher asking prices almost everywhere
Providers of single-family homes have noticeably increased their price expectations in some regions: The increases are noticeable in Central Switzerland (up 3,7%), in Ticino (up 2,6%) and in the Swiss Plateau region (up 2,3%). Providers also expect a higher willingness to pay in the Greater Zurich region (up 1,1%), in Eastern Switzerland (up 0,8%) and in Northwestern Switzerland (up 0,3%). Only in the Lake Geneva region did the values decrease by 1,1%.

Regional condominium market: Eastern Switzerland’s listings show the strongest
Depending on the region, contrasting trends can be observed in asking prices for condominiums. A significant increase is evident in Eastern Switzerland (up 1,8%). While higher prices are also being set in the Swiss Plateau region (up 0,6%), prices in the Lake Geneva region remain unchanged compared to the previous month. There have been falls in four regions: In Central Switzerland and Ticino, both down by 0,4%, and in the Greater Zurich area and Northwestern Switzerland, both down by 0,2%.

Creating living space – but with a sense of proportion
As long as the housing supply does not grow at the same pace as the population, the number of households and the demand for living space, the pressure on housing and home prices will remain high.

Martin Waeber, Managing Director of Real Estate at SMG Swiss Marketplace Group, says: “However, the scope for creating additional housing in Switzerland is very limited: Built-up areas account for around 8% of the country’s land area, whilst purely residential areas make up less than 3% of the land area. The creation of new building land is associated with significant planning and building regulation hurdles, particularly in urban centres. This makes high-quality densification, adding storeys to existing buildings, replacement developments and the conversion of suitable sites – such as vacant office buildings – all the more important.”

At the same time, lengthy planning and approval processes are slowing down construction activity. However, the number of new apartments is not the only decisive factor. The growing demand depends not only on population growth but also on the trend towards more single-person households and the overall increase in the need for living space.

Waeber adds: “New housing must also be built where jobs, transport links, and demand exist. Sustainable easing of the housing shortage therefore requires construction activity that is geared towards long-term demand.”

Date 31 August 2026

Purchase offers for single-family homes throughout Switzerland (CHF/m²)

	01.08.2026	31.08.2026	Change	in %
Month	8023.3	8107.0	+83.7	+1.0%
	31.08.2025	31.08.2026	Change	in %
Year	7783.6	8107.0	+323.4	+4.2%

Purchase offers for condominiums throughout Switzerland (CHF/m²)

	01.08.2026	31.08.2026	Change	in %
Month	9551.0	9576.5	+25.5	+0.3%
	31.08.2025	31.08.2026	Change	in %
Year	9162.6	9576.5	+413.9	+4.5%

Values may have rounding differences.

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