Spatial planning moderates real estate market

Bern - Eine zu strikte Raumplanung trägt langfristig zu steigenden Wohnkosten bei. Innenraumentwicklung und Aufzonungen wirken hingegen preisdämpfend. Dies zeigt eine Studie im Auftrag des Bundesamts für Wohnungswesen und der Kantonsplanung des Metropolitanraums Zürich.

The Federal Office of Housing(BWO) and the cantonal planners of the Zurich metropolitan area commissioned the Center for Regional Economic Development of the University of Bern, in cooperation with IAZI, to investigate the contribution of spatial planning to rising housing costs. According to the results of the study, spatial planning plays a moderating role in the real estate market. It has an impact on construction activity and thus influences housing costs, writes the BWO in a statement on the study.

By limiting the availability of building land and zoning capacities, spatial planning controls how flexibly the supply can adapt to the development of demand for housing. Too strict spatial planning can lead to higher housing costs in the long term, the authors of the study state. At the same time, however, spatial planning also has the task of protecting the landscape and limiting urban sprawl.

The study identifies inner development as a solution to this dilemma. It offers an instrument “that makes it possible both to protect the landscape and to increase the supply of living space”. Another instrument proposed by the study is rezoning, i.e. the expansion of possible uses in a building zone. In addition, “lengthy approval and appeal procedures are described as driving up housing costs”.

From 3 to 7 November, the Swiss Housing Days 2023 will take place in Biel BE. On 6 November, the programme will include a discussion by experts on the question of internal development that leads to more affordable housing.