Real estate professionals are seeing a renewed interest in chalets and other holiday apartments. The trend is benefiting smaller tourist destinations in particular. According to Wüest Partner, the price of second homes in Switzerland has risen by 3.6% over the past 12 months.
The demand for detached villas also increased this summer: 14% across the country and up to 25% in small and medium-sized towns such as Fribourg, Neuchâtel and Sion.
The fear of a second wave seems to play a role with some Swiss seeking to avoid being confined in an apartment in the city centre. According to geographer Pierre Dessemontet, there is also a need for more space for teleworking and a garden or patio for leisure activities.
Most over-65s in Switzerland regularly use the internet
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The digital divide is narrowing faster than expected in Switzerland. A study published on Wednesday reveals that nine out of ten over-65s use the internet.
Will Swiss president be forbidden from speaking English to counterparts?
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Switzerland's president, Karin Keller-Sutter, should use one of the country's four national languages when communicating with international organisations, and not English, according to a motion that passed on Wednesday.
Canton Valais gives CHF10 million to Blatten after devastating landslide
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Canton Valais is releasing CHF10 million ($12.1 million) in emergency funds for the mountain village of Blatten, which was wiped out by a devastating glacier collapse last week.
Elderly Swiss-Tunisian man held in prison in Tunisia
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An 81-year-old Swiss-Tunisian dual national is being held in a Tunisian prison. The former manager of the UN refugee agency UNHCR was arrested a year ago, according to Amnesty International.
Major traffic jams expected in Switzerland for Whitsun weekend
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Long traffic jams can be expected near the Gotthard Tunnel, the main north-south transalpine route in Switzerland, on Friday and Saturday afternoons due to the Whitsun holiday.
Swiss defence minister launches probe into alleged spy links with Russia
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Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister has launched an investigation into the alleged disclosure of sensitive information by the cyber division of the Federal Intelligence Service to Russia.
PFAS-contaminated meat still sold in eastern Switzerland
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Meat containing excessive levels of toxic PFAS "forever chemicals" produced by farms in canton St Gallen is still being sold.
Violations in Gaza by ‘both sides’ must be condemned, says Swiss minister
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Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has admitted that Israel is failing in its obligations by hindering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
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There are enough of them, but in the wrong places – this is the housing market in Switzerland. Photographer Sophie Stieger has documented the paradox.
For sale: Rustic cottage with lake view. Price: CHF1
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Nine stone cottages have gone on the market in Italian-speaking Switzerland at CHF1 ($1.01) each – on condition that the buyers do them up.
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