The period of construction is a key indicator for the condition of the building and the flats therein.

Around half (48%) of the Swiss population lives in a building constructed between 1961 and 2000, and 35% live in a building constructed prior to 1961. This period of construction corresponds to 42% of all existing buildings. The Canton of Basel Stadt is noted for the fact that three quarters (75%) of its buildings were built prior to 1961. 58% of the Canton of Basel Stadt’s population lives in buildings in this category.

17% of the Swiss population lives in buildings constructed after the year 2000 (as at 2015). This category constitutes 14% of all residential housing. In the Cantons of Zug (27%), Schwyz (26%) and Fribourg (25%) the proportion of the population that lives in these buildings is especially high. The Canton of Fribourg has extraordinarily modern buildings: 22% of the buildings are dated from the 21st century. In contrast, the proportion of buildings erected during this period of construction is only 3% in the Canton of Basel Stadt, 7% in the Canton of Glarus and 8% in the Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden (see figure G7).

The difference between the average living space per person in single-family dwellings and that of flats in multi-family dwellings is smaller in newer buildings than in older ones. The average living space per person for single-family dwellings is 49m² in buildings constructed between 2001 and 2010, and 52m² in buildings constructed after 2010 (1981 to 1990: 58m²). In multi-family dwellings, the average is 43 m2 for buildings constructed between 1981 and 1990, 44m² for those constructed between 1991 and 2000, 47m² between 2001 and 2010 und 48m² between 2011 and 2015 (see figure G9).

The Buildings and Dwellings survey conducted as part of the Federal Population Census covers only those buildings that were used for accommodation and occupied at the time of the survey.

Text source: SFSO (2017): Construction and housing 2015

Text source: SFSO (2004): Building and Dwellings survey