Review - 63rd Swiss Real Estate Conference
"Stress test demographic change - How well prepared is the real estate industry?" - Speakers and numerous guests at the 63rd Swiss Real Estate Talk discussed a hot topic with a cool head at the Metropol restaurant in Zurich.
At the beginning of the 63rd Swiss Real Estate Talks, Dr. Joëlle Zimmerli from the Lucerne School of Business and owner of Zimraum Raum + Gesellschaft presented the most important results of the current study "Demography and the Housing Industry. Retirees in the housing market". For this purpose, more than 200 developers, owners, property managers and marketers were asked how well the Swiss housing market is prepared for the demand and needs of the retired target group. One conclusion: in many places, the offerings of residential landlords fail to meet the needs of the older generation. The "assisted living" segment in particular is only preferred by a fairly small percentage of the older population, Zimmerli said.
Mobimo then explained its experience in the development of the Aeschbach Quarter in Aarau. She confirmed another study finding that seniors are not per se willing to pay a flat rate for a so-called "retirement infrastructure". Alexandra Bay from the real estate service provider Wincasa then also pointed out that providers of senior residences, such as Tertianum AG, first broke new ground with their special concepts for retirees a good ten years ago and later had to make some changes. Seniors rather demanded a-la-carte offers instead of all-inclusive packages when living in old age, according to Bay.
The presentations were followed by a panel discussion led by Prof. Dr. Markus Schmidiger (Head CC Real Estate Management Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts). There, among other things, it was noted from the audience that the situation could become more acute in the coming years in view of the presumably declining pensions. In the area of housing for the elderly, the question of affordable housing would become increasingly important, one remarked. In this regard, Dr. Joëlle Zimmerli assured that the study "Demography and the Housing Industry" now presented would be continued as of May and that this topic would then be dealt with in greater depth there. (mr)
Impressions of the 63rd Real Estate Talks
