Switzerland: housing

Are house prices rising in Switzerland?

Swiss residential property prices rose 0.7% in the second quarter of 2026 and were 3.5% higher than a year earlier, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) residential property price index. The index stood at 127.7 (fourth quarter 2019 = 100). Condominium prices rose 1.6% on the quarter, while single-family house prices fell 0.4%.

The index measures price changes for owner-occupied homes of comparable quality, based on mortgage transactions. The biggest quarterly rise, 1.8%, was in small urban municipalities or those outside an agglomeration, while rural prices were stable. The FSO publishes the third quarter of 2026 on 27 October 2026.

Official sources: Federal Statistical Office (FSO) residential property price index

How many empty homes are there in Switzerland?

On 1 June 2026, 45,493 dwellings in Switzerland were vacant, 0.93% of the housing stock, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) empty dwellings census. That was 2,962 fewer than a year earlier (-6.1%), continuing a fall that began in 2021.

The vacancy rate counts dwellings, including single-family houses, that are empty on the reference day and offered for rent or sale. A low rate means fewer homes are on the market. Rates differ widely between cantons and cities, and the FSO publishes them by canton and municipality.

Official sources: Federal Statistical Office (FSO) empty dwellings census

What is Switzerland's urbanisation rate?

The UN Population Division puts the share of people living in urban areas in Switzerland at 85.7% in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 11th highest of 52 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 69.6%. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 30th highest.

How many people in Switzerland live in slums?

UN-Habitat puts the share of city dwellers living in slums in Switzerland at 0.0% in 2022. It has not changed since 2006. It is 33rd highest of 43 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 0.3%. Worldwide: 155th of 170.

How many people in Switzerland have electricity?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2024, is 100.0%. The figure has been the same every year since 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 100.0%, and Switzerland placed 1st highest of 52. Worldwide: 1st of 193.

How many people in Switzerland have clean water?

96.7%: that is the share of people using safely managed drinking water in Switzerland for 2024, according to WHO and UNICEF. Since 2005 it has ranged from 96.7% (2021) to 96.7% (2012). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 96.7%, and Switzerland placed 26th highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 38th of 134.

What share of people in Switzerland have safe sanitation?

WHO and UNICEF puts the share of people using safely managed sanitation in Switzerland at 99.7% in 2024. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 3rd highest of 45 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 90.2%. Of 134 countries with 2024 data, 7th highest.

How many people in Switzerland cook with wood or charcoal?

100.0%: that is the share of people using clean cooking fuels in Switzerland for 2024, according to the WHO. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 99.0%, and Switzerland placed 1st highest of 51. Worldwide: 1st of 192.