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Key facts:
- Switzerland’s population will grow to around 10 million by 2045.
- Migration is the main driver, with growth concentrated in urban and peri-urban areas.
- Owners benefit in the long term from increased demand, regional opportunities and adaptation to new housing requirements.
Switzerland’s resident population is growing – and with it the pressure on living space. By 2045, the permanent resident population will rise to around 10.2 million people. Population growth in Switzerland is therefore becoming a key issue for property owners. If you are aware of the regional differences and new housing requirements, you can make the right decisions for your own property at an early stage.
Population growth until 2045: growth with consequences
Population growth in Switzerland is strongly influenced by immigration. According to current scenarios from the Federal Statistical Office, Switzerland’s permanent resident population will grow to around 10.2 million people by 2045 – an increase of 14% or 1.25 million compared to today. Net migration will remain the dominant growth driver, while natural population development – i.e. births minus deaths – will hardly play a role in the next two decades.
At the same time, the ageing population is advancing significantly. The number of people over the age of 65 will increase significantly, which will change the demand for specific forms of housing in the long term. Barrier-free apartments, assisted living and communal living concepts in particular are coming more into focus. Switzerland is therefore facing a double challenge: more people, more diversity – and a real estate market that has to adapt to these demands.
Growth is uneven – regional differences are increasing
Population growth in Switzerland is primarily taking place in urban and peri-urban areas. The economically and infrastructurally well-connected cantons around Zurich and Geneva as well as Aargau, Lucerne, St. Gallen and Thurgau are experiencing particularly strong growth. An above-average increase in the number of inhabitants is expected in these areas up to 2045 – with corresponding pressure on the housing markets.
In contrast, growth in rural and peripheral areas such as Jura, Schaffhausen and Appenzell Ausserrhoden remains limited. For owners, this means that the value of a property will in future be determined even more by its location and regional dynamics – and should be factored into planning and marketing accordingly.
Significance for real estate owners
Three key issues play a decisive role for owners – particularly in the context of population growth, housing and the choice of location in Switzerland.
1. demand increases – housing markets remain tight
The continuing influx into metropolitan areas is leading to a constantly high demand for living space. Well-connected locations with urban infrastructure are in particularly high demand. Owners in these regions benefit from stable rental income and above-average increases in value – especially if the property offers potential for adding storeys, conversion or densification.
2. ageing population creates new demand
As the proportion of older people in the population is increasing significantly, the need for barrier-free and age-appropriate living space is also growing. Owners should check at an early stage whether their property can be adapted for an older target group or their own needs – for example by installing a lift, modernizing bathrooms or creating communal areas. New forms of housing such as multi-generation houses or assisted living are also gaining in importance.
3. regional allocation – location determines value
In dynamic regions such as Zurich, Geneva and Lucerne, demand and price trends remain at a high level. Anyone who owns or acquires property in these markets today will secure good long-term opportunities for value appreciation. In less growing areas, on the other hand, close market observation is required in order to realize potential uses in a targeted manner.
Scenario conclusions and owner checklist
What does this mean in concrete terms for owners? Anyone who understands the trends in population growth in Switzerland can derive specific actions from them:
| Influencing factor | Implication for owners |
| Migration as the main driver | Locations with good accessibility and economic dynamism remain in particularly high demand. |
| Ageing population | Demand for barrier-free and age-appropriate living space continues to increase. |
| Regional differences | Investments in growth regions offer better prospects for returns and development. |
| Use of digital tools | Valuation tools such as the real estate price portal or properti’s online real estate valuation support the decision-making process. |
Conclusion: plan ahead now
Population growth in Switzerland is permanently changing the housing market. Migration, ageing and regional differences are shifting supply and demand – with direct consequences for owners. Those who take location, target group and future trends into account at an early stage create the best conditions for stable returns, value retention or targeted further development of their own property.
FAQ Population growth – significance for owners
How much will Switzerland’s population grow by 2045?
According to the scenarios of the Federal Statistical Office, the permanent resident population will increase to around 10.2 million people by 2045 – an increase of around 14% compared to today.
What impact is population growth having on the real estate market?
Population growth is leading to rising demand for housing – particularly in urban and well-connected regions. As a result, prices are rising there, while in peripheral areas they are likely to remain stable or fall.
How can owners respond to population growth?
Owners should review the location, target group and use of their property. In growth regions, investments in densification or conversion are worthwhile – in less dynamic regions, targeted positioning is important.
Is age-appropriate housing becoming more important due to population growth?
Yes, because the proportion of older people is rising sharply in parallel with quantitative growth. The need for barrier-free, flexible and communal forms of living is growing noticeably, even in urban centers. Read more in the blog “Age-appropriate living”