Households are getting smaller and smaller: This is what lies behind the housing shortage in Graubinden

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Almost three-quarters of households in Graubinden are one- or two-person households, the Cantonal Ministry of Economic and Social Affairs announced on Wednesday, when the study was published. Only 16 percent of households consist of four or more people.

According to the study, their numbers have increased faster than the resident population in recent years due to decreasing household size. Housing construction activity was also too low to meet demand for first homes, staff flats and holiday flats, especially from 2019.

The research confirms the housing shortage in Graubinden, which has been discussed many times in recent years. Therefore, the vacancy rate for apartments is only around one percent. “However, for a functioning rental housing market, this rate should be around 1.5 percent,” the ministry wrote. If the quota is too low, it will cause rents to increase and search costs to be high.

“Market tension may have reached its peak”

At least construction activities have gained momentum again and there are sideways movements in rent and asking price, supply volume and vacancies. “Market tension may have reached its peak,” the statement said. However, the construction pipeline is still not full enough to provide a clear relief in the short and medium term in the housing market.

Due to these developments, it is recommended not only to rely on economic recovery, but also to be active in the field of land and housing policy. Some tourist communities are currently taking appropriate precautions.

As the Ministry of Economic and Social Affairs also writes, the canton is currently working on the basis of expanding housing subsidies. Consultations on the revision of the social housing law and improving living conditions in the mountainous region have been announced for the second half of the year. (SDA)

Source :Blick