BERN - Housing permits in the large urban cantons remained below what population growth would suggest, according to May figures discussed by industry groups. Developers said zoning fights still matter, but the immediate brake is financing. Ten-year money is not cheap, and buyers know it.
Public housing agencies moved a little faster than private ones, helped by cantonal guarantees. That is not enough volume to change a national vacancy rate heading under one percent.
Toward a denser Zurich
Zurich's later density decision in September was already in committee. Permits in 2026 will mostly reflect old rules, not new ones.