We all know property prices in Switzerland are high – and tenants are being forced to pay ever higher rent.
But there is one canton which is becoming cheaper – and local politicians say something needs to be done.
That’s Ticino.
Rent is nearly 6% less than then rest of the country and buying a house is much cheaper. On average property buyers will be paying CHF 7,000 per M2, compared to CHF 15,000 for the same space in Geneva.
Ticino is struggling with massive emigration, especially the young, who prefer to live and have a career in German speaking regions – so the resident population is stagnating.
Politicians realise wages are higher elsewhere. Former head of the Swiss People’s Party, Marco Chiesa, who is a Lugano councillor, says the canton needs to fight for wealthy people to live in the canton and persuade companies to base themselves there.
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