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For many years, choosing a home was based primarily on a few well-known criteria: location, price, living space, number of rooms and proximity to public transport. Today, however, a new factor is becoming increasingly important in the real estate market: climate change.

More frequent heatwaves, heavy rainfall and natural hazards are encouraging many buyers and tenants to look at properties from a different perspective. Beyond appearance or location, one question is becoming increasingly important: will this home still be comfortable to live in ten, twenty or even thirty years from now?


A comfortable home, even during the summer

Only a few years ago, a top-floor apartment or large south-facing windows were almost always considered attractive features.

These characteristics are still appreciated today, but they also raise new questions. Will the property become too hot during heatwaves? Can the bedrooms be properly ventilated at night? Are the external blinds or shading systems effective enough?

Summer comfort has become a genuine quality criterion. A well-designed home can maintain a pleasant indoor temperature without relying constantly on air conditioning.


Green spaces are becoming increasingly valuable

Green spaces have always been attractive to prospective homeowners. Today, however, they represent much more than a simple aesthetic feature.

Trees provide shade, reduce urban heat islands and make outdoor spaces far more enjoyable during the summer months. Likewise, a neighbourhood with abundant vegetation generally offers a more comfortable microclimate than one dominated by concrete and asphalt.

For many buyers, living near a park or having a private garden has therefore become a real advantage in everyday life.


Orientation is no longer just about natural light

In the past, a south-facing property was almost automatically considered the best option. Today, buyers are increasingly looking for a balance between natural light and thermal comfort.

The property's orientation, effective solar protection, the possibility of cross-ventilation and natural shading all have a direct impact on everyday comfort during periods of extreme heat.


Natural hazards are becoming part of the decision-making process

When purchasing a property, many buyers now also consider the natural hazards to which it may be exposed.

Is the property located in an area prone to heavy rainfall? Is there a risk of surface water runoff, flooding or landslides? Are the basement and other vulnerable areas adequately protected against severe weather?

These questions are gradually becoming just as important as proximity to schools or local amenities.


Energy performance is becoming even more valuable

A well-insulated home naturally helps reduce energy bills. It also provides greater comfort throughout the year.

Today's buyers pay particular attention to the heating system, the quality of the insulation, the windows, photovoltaic panels and any energy-efficiency renovations that have already been completed.

These features not only help lower running costs but also contribute to preserving the property's value over the long term.


Buying with the future in mind

Buying a property is often a decision that will last for decades. It is therefore only natural that purchasing criteria evolve alongside changing climate conditions.

Without replacing traditional considerations such as price or location, climate change encourages buyers to ask a few additional questions.

  • Will the property remain comfortable during increasingly hot summers?
  • Is the neighbourhood sufficiently green?
  • Is the building well maintained and adapted to future climate challenges?
  • Have natural hazards been properly taken into account?

Considering these aspects helps buyers make a more informed decision and invest in a home that will continue to offer a high quality of life, both today and in the future.


Find the property that truly matches your expectations

On dreamo.ch, you can filter property listings using numerous criteria, including location, budget, number of rooms, living area, features, garden, balcony, garage and much more.

By saving your searches and activating email alerts, you will be notified automatically whenever a new property matching your criteria is published.

It is a simple and effective way to avoid missing any opportunity and to find a home that meets both your current needs and tomorrow's challenges.


Sources 

24heures.ch - Article 

leprogrammebatiments.ch - Article 

immobilier.ch - Article 

romande-energie.ch - Article 

suisse-2050.ch - Article 

allnews.ch - Article 

laliberte.ch - Article 

swissbanking.ch - Article 

plus-group.ch - Article 

ewz.ch - Article