The Local Switzerland

Apartment vacancy rates highlight Switzerland’s rental divide

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 10:04:19 +0100

While low vacancy rates in Switzerland’s largest cities push rents higher, in smaller cities and towns more and more apartments are going unrented.

Explained: the referendum that aims to save the Swiss countryside

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 10:54:51 +0100

On February 10th Swiss voters will be voting in a referendum on whether Switzerland should put a freeze on the amount of land designated as building zones, or land set aside for construction. Here is what you need to know.

Why are strikes so rare in Switzerland?

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 17:50:06 +0200

Industrial action by Swiss workers is relatively uncommon compared to other countries.

Construction platform fished from river Rhine

Thu, 14 Aug 2014 13:54:00 +0200

A 40-tonne construction platform that broke free of its moorings and drifted down the river Rhine on Wednesday is back on dry land.

Q4 home construction permits rise sharply

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:51:00 +0200

The number of new homes under construction in Switzerland rose to 75,600 units in the fourth quarter of 2012, up 12.5 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Ice build-up freezes Swiss construction

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:30:40 +0100

The freezing weather has brought a halt to construction all over Switzerland.

Cement giant Holcim sees profits drop on strong franc

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:19:00 +0200

Swiss cement giant Holcim said on Thursday its 2011 first half net profit fell by 4.2 percent to 586 million francs ($735.3 million), due to the franc's strength.