What is the "Transport '45" project and what impact does it have on construction?

"Trasporti '45" is the federal program to strengthen the Swiss rail and road network. The consultation closes on 9 October 2026. According to the SSIC, the civil genius is currently stalled waiting for political decisions on this project. Once approved by the Federal Parliament, it could unlock significant investment in national and cantonal infrastructure, creating new job opportunities.

How many new homes are expected in 2026 in Switzerland?

According to the SSIC, 48,000 new homes may be built in 2026. This volume reflects the strong national housing demand. However, the actual implementation depends on overcoming complex planning and building authorization procedures at the municipal and cantonal levels, as well as oppositions and appeals that can slow down construction sites.

Which construction sector is growing the most, and what effort?

Housing is booming: +8.1% in the first half of 2026, with a turnover of 4.1 billion francs. In contrast, civil engineering (railways, roads, bridges, public infrastructure) fell by 2.1% to 4.8 billion. The imbalance reflects insufficient public investment compared to private demand for houses and dwellings.

What are the main obstacles to the implementation of housing projects?

The SSIC cites "complex planning and building authorization procedures, as well as oppositions and appeals" as the main obstacles. In addition, there are shortages of personnel and financial resources for railway maintenance, and upward pressures on material costs (bitumen, steel, etc.) that affect construction budgets.

How does housing growth affect the cost of living in Switzerland?

More available listings could theoretically contain real estate prices and rents. However, increasing construction costs (more expensive materials) and complex permitting procedures can reduce the positive effect. The real availability of accessible housing also depends on cantonal and municipal housing policies, as well as public investments in the housing sector.

Construction: +3.1% growth in the first six months of 2026 (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 26 August 2026

Modern construction site in Switzerland with cranes and new residential buildings, symbolizing the boom in the construction sector and housing market.

In the first half of 2026, Swiss construction turnover reached CHF 11.2 billion, with a growth of 3.1%. But permits and appeals slow down construction sites.

Context

In brief

Construction revenue: CHF 11.2 billion, +3.1% in first half of 2026
Residential construction boom: +8.1%, civil engineering down -2.1%
In 2026, approximately 48,000 new homes will be built in Switzerland
Bureaucratic procedures and legal challenges slow down construction sites

Key facts

What: revenue growth in the Swiss construction sector
When: first half of 2026 vs first half of 2025
Where: Switzerland, communicated from Berne (SSIC)
Who: Swiss Association of Construction Entrepreneurs (SSIC)
Amount: CHF 11.2 billion
Revenue growth: +3.1% compared to the same period in 2025
New orders growth: +1.6% to CHF 12.2 billion

In the first half of 2026, the Swiss construction sector continues to show clear growth, with revenue of CHF 11.2 billion, up 3.1% compared to the same period in 2025. The Swiss Association of Construction Entrepreneurs (SSIC) announced today from Berne that demand for new homes continues to drive the sector strongly. In detail, new orders rose 1.6% to CHF 12.2 billion on an annual basis.

Sectoral analysis reveals, however, very different dynamics. Residential construction shows a marked +8.1%, reaching CHF 4.1 billion: this is where the sector is concentrating its drive, with residential projects responding to growing demand for new homes. On the contrary, civil engineering works (railways, roads, bridges, infrastructure) record a decline of 2.1%, settling at CHF 4.8 billion. On the public-private front, the private sector signals growth of 5.4% to CHF 7.0 billion, while the public sector falls 0.5% to CHF 4.2 billion.

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Operational details

Civil engineering: waiting for "Transport '45"

If the housing construction runs, the civil genius remains stationary. The SSIC points out that the sector is in a stalemate due to uncertainty over infrastructure investments. In particular, the consultation of the "Transport '45" project, that is, the federal program of the next major phases of strengthening the national rail and road network, will end on October 9. Until the political process progresses further in the Federal Parliament and cantonal procedures, business builders struggle to plan new construction sites for roads and railways.

The situation on railway maintenance is even more critical. According to the SSIC, much more maintenance and renovation would be needed on existing lines, but personnel and financial resources are too limited. This means that Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and cantonal railway operators do not have sufficient budgets and staff to properly maintain and modernise the network. A shortage that indirectly affects the quality of service and travel times for commuters who use public transport.

Roads: work in progress, prices under pressure

Work is progressing on national and cantonal roads, but price pressure remains high. Rising costs of building materials, such as bitumen for flooring, create significant challenges for

Useful planning tools

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Key points

How to Navigate the Construction Boom and Delayed Construction Sites

For Swiss businesses, municipalities, and citizens, SSIC data paints a two-speed scenario. On one hand, residential construction offers concrete opportunities: if you're looking for a job in the construction sector, the 48,000 apartments planned for 2026 entail significant demand for laborers, craftspeople, designers, surveyors, and specialists. Construction companies are hiring and seeking qualified labor. You can check the job listings in construction and engineering to explore available opportunities.

On the other hand, anyone planning to carry out a private residential project (single-family home, small residential complex) must prepare for lengthy authorization procedures at the municipal and cantonal levels. It is not uncommon for neighbors or environmental organizations to file appeals, extending timelines from several months to years. The solution is to inform yourself beforehand with your municipality about local procedures and average authorization timelines before starting the project.

For municipalities, the figure of 48,000 apartments represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. On one hand, more construction means higher tax revenue (property taxes, construction fees). On the other hand, municipalities must ensure adequate infrastructure (aqueducts, sewers, internal roads). Conscious territorial planning is essential to avoid congestion.

Practical Tools and Next Steps

At the federal level, the 'Transport '45' project remains the fundamental lever for unlocking investments in railways and roads. Political deadlines (end of consultation on October 9) will determine whether civil engineering will regain momentum in the coming years, with significant employment impacts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "Transport '45" project and what impact does it have on construction?: "Trasporti '45" is the federal program to strengthen the Swiss rail and road network. The consultation closes on 9 October 2026. According to the SSIC, the civil genius is currently stalled waiting for political decisions on this project. Once approved by the Federal Parliament, it could unlock significant investment in national and cantonal infrastructure, creating new job opportunities.
How many new homes are expected in 2026 in Switzerland?: According to the SSIC, 48,000 new homes may be built in 2026. This volume reflects the strong national housing demand. However, the actual implementation depends on overcoming complex planning and building authorization procedures at the municipal and cantonal levels, as well as oppositions and appeals that can slow down construction sites.
Which construction sector is growing the most, and what effort?: Housing is booming: +8.1% in the first half of 2026, with a turnover of 4.1 billion francs. In contrast, civil engineering (railways, roads, bridges, public infrastructure) fell by 2.1% to 4.8 billion. The imbalance reflects insufficient public investment compared to private demand for houses and dwellings.
What are the main obstacles to the implementation of housing projects?: The SSIC cites "complex planning and building authorization procedures, as well as oppositions and appeals" as the main obstacles. In addition, there are shortages of personnel and financial resources for railway maintenance, and upward pressures on material costs (bitumen, steel, etc.) that affect construction budgets.
How does housing growth affect the cost of living in Switzerland?: More available listings could theoretically contain real estate prices and rents. However, increasing construction costs (more expensive materials) and complex permitting procedures can reduce the positive effect. The real availability of accessible housing also depends on cantonal and municipal housing policies, as well as public investments in the housing sector.