The Swiss property market in the year 2100

In early May 2026, the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) published the report ‘Socio-economic Scenarios for Switzerland’ (Shared Socio-economic Pathways, SSP). The report outlines five scenarios (SSPs-CH) for how Switzerland might develop socially, politically and economically, and analyses the interplay between society, politics, energy, mobility, migration, consumption, technology and spatial structure.

JLL Switzerland has used the scenarios developed by WSL as a basis for identifying potential impacts on the Swiss property market.

The resulting hypotheses and insights can assist in decision-making regarding long-term investments and may be valuable to various stakeholders, such as project developers, investors, pension funds, non-profit property cooperatives, mortgage lenders, as well as cities and municipalities.

In certain scenarios, the described trajectories of development seem unlikely and difficult to envisage at present. Nevertheless, to assess the long-term resilience of various property assets, it may be beneficial to examine them to realign existing investment strategies before a structural break occurs.

The future cannot be projected in a linear fashion
The scenarios range from a growing and efficient Switzerland to a shrinking and conflict-ridden one. Extrapolating the status quo could prove to be a risky strategy.

The quality of a location is being redefined
Depending on the scenario, urban centres, regional hubs or locations with self-sufficient energy supplies are gaining in importance.

Flexibility and convertibility
Properties that allow for repurposing are more valuable and resilient in almost all scenarios.

Sustainability and energy efficiency
Advantageous and retaining their value in all scenarios, particularly in the face of increased political regulation, shifting social values, resource scarcity and high energy prices.

Residential properties and data centres demonstrate the highest resilience

Residential properties remain a structural winner in most scenarios. Data centres benefit from the overarching trend towards digitalisation. Traditional office and retail spaces – particularly outside prime locations – are most at risk from disruptive changes.

The greater the levels of social stability, technological innovation and international connectivity, the more attractive capital-intensive and urban property segments become.

The more conflicts, inequality or population decline dominate, the more threatening regulatory risks, weak demand and location fragmentation become.