Geneva and the Housing Crisis: Acting for a Sustainable Future
The housing crisis in Geneva poses immense challenges, further aggravated by a tangle of regulations and administrative burdens. During the seminar “L’Essentiel de la finance”, organized by BCGE in partnership with Immoday, Diane Barbier-Mueller, board member at Pilet & Renaud and Member of Parliament at the Grand Council, highlighted the structural barriers hindering real estate development in the region.
Critical factors include a complex regulatory framework that slows down project timelines—making it nearly impossible to complete significant construction within less than a decade. This inertia severely limits the ability to respond to housing demand, which continues to rise, driven largely by immigration.
At the same time, Geneva faces a surge in small-scale housing projects that are poorly suited to optimal urban planning, while vacant commercial spaces remain underutilized due to strict conversion regulations.
Among her proposals, Diane Barbier-Mueller advocates the creation of a dedicated task force bringing together key industry players to overcome what she describes as the “Gulliver Syndrome” – a metaphor for the paralyzing bureaucratic complexity that stifles new initiatives. This working group would aim to streamline and accelerate processes, while supporting flexible housing models, such as modular and adaptable living spaces, better aligned with today’s and tomorrow’s needs.
In short, the equation is clear:
Demographic growth + housing shortage = an urgent need for reform.
Geneva must embrace bold, ambitious changes to secure a sustainable urban future—one that preserves both vital living spaces and the quality of life for its residents.
? To learn more, read the full article in the Journal de l’Immobilier.
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