May 28, 2025
Switzerland’s Housing System: Too few options for downsizing in later life
In Switzerland, many older people live in homes that have become too large – often alone or as couples in spaces once shared with an entire family. A recent study by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), in collaboration with the Federal Office for Housing (BWO), confirms: around 30% of respondents aged 45 to 79 would be open to downsizing – but suitable options are often lacking.
Children moving out, retirement, rising maintenance costs, or the desire for a quieter and more accessible location are typical reasons to consider a change. Yet despite this willingness, many seniors remain in their homes – not out of convenience, but because there are too few alternatives.
“Switzerland’s housing system encourages stability over change,” the study’s authors note. And indeed: while homeownership remains a political goal, there are few initiatives to support home swapping, intergenerational living, or flexible relocation models.
Lage A understands the need – and takes action
At Lage A Immobilien, we see this reality every day. Many homeowners in the second half of life are seeking more compact, barrier-free apartments with better accessibility – but the transition is often accompanied by uncertainty.
That’s why we create tailored marketing and conversion strategies, assist in property valuation, support the entire sales process of the existing home, and provide customized housing solutions for new phases of life.
“It takes more than a broker – it takes a personal advisor during a transformative life stage,” says Richard Lüdi, founder of Lage A.
Our mission: Creating space – Preserving quality of life
We see social change as an opportunity. With innovative ideas, market expertise, and a broad professional network, we help people transition:
—from large family homes to modern city apartments
—from ownership to high-quality rental living
—from hesitation to decisive action.
—from large family homes to modern city apartments
—from ownership to high-quality rental living
—from hesitation to decisive action.
👉 Are you personally affected or do you know someone who is?
Then we invite you to talk to us. Let us guide you – discreetly, individually, and with one clear goal:
actively shaping your future living situation.
Then we invite you to talk to us. Let us guide you – discreetly, individually, and with one clear goal:
actively shaping your future living situation.
📞 Contact us at www.lagea.ch or by phone at +41 41 727 62 60.
