November 9, 2025

Winterthur, the second-largest city in the canton of Zürich (ZH), has been the focus of investors and buyers for years, looking for more affordable alternatives to the city of Zürich. With its combination of urban flair, industrial tradition, and modern innovation, Winterthur has become a sought-after residential and economic location.
While real estate prices in Zürich and its surroundings continue to rise, foreclosures in Winterthur and the Zürich agglomeration offer a rare opportunity to acquire properties below market value. In a region with a stable economy, a growing population, and high demand for housing, real opportunities open up for private buyers as well as professional investors.
Winterthur is among the most significant industrial locations in Switzerland. Historically shaped by machine engineering, insurance, and the Sulzer dynasty, the city has developed into an innovation center for technology, education, and sustainability in the past two decades.
Today, the city houses numerous companies from the cleantech, medtech, and education sectors. The Zürich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) ensures a steady influx of students and professionals. This mix of knowledge, economy, and quality of life has made the city's real estate market one of the most in-demand in the canton.
With a population of around 115,000 inhabitants and steady growth, Winterthur is among the most dynamic cities in Switzerland. Particularly sought after are condominiums and multi-family houses that promise a combination of stable demand and attractive returns.
The canton of Zürich is the leader in Switzerland in terms of the number of real estate auctions. Approximately 250 to 300 properties are auctioned off each year - including houses, apartments, and commercial properties. In Winterthur itself, the number is about a dozen, but the quality of these properties is high.
Typical auction properties include:
Foreclosures in this region usually arise in connection with private debt or business restructurings - rarely due to structural issues with the properties themselves. This means: buyers can acquire high-quality properties for a fraction of the market price.
While real estate prices in the city of Zürich have now reached a level that is hardly affordable for many buyers, Winterthur's prices are about 20 to 30% lower. Nevertheless, significant price increases have also been observed here in recent years. Condominiums cost an average of between 8,000 and 11,000 CHF per square meter, and single-family homes between 1.2 and 2.5 million francs - depending on location and condition.
In comparison, foreclosures provide entry opportunities at significantly more favorable conditions. Depending on the property and competitive situation, buyers can bid up to 25% below the market value - a difference that is of considerable significance in a strained market like Zürich's.
| Neighborhood / Municipality | Average Property Price/m² | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Seen | 8,000-9,500 CHF | Popular residential area with urban tranquility |
| Töss | 7,500-9,000 CHF | Affordable entry, good transport links |
| Wülflingen | 8,500-10,500 CHF | Quiet family neighborhood with potential |
| Elsau / Wiesendangen | 7,000-8,500 CHF | Agglomeration with good return prospects |
Winterthur benefits from its proximity to Zürich and at the same time from its independence as an economic location. This makes the city particularly attractive for long-term investors who are relying on stable rental income and value appreciation.
In addition, the city impresses with:
„Winterthur is the perfect example of sustainable growth - economically strong, culturally vibrant, and full of opportunities in real estate.” - LocalAuction.ch
The foreclosure auction follows a clear legal process that ensures transparency and security for all parties involved:
The procedure is legally secure for buyers, transparent, and usually without broker fees. This means: maximum cost efficiency and clear decision-making bases.
LocalAuction.ch consolidates all official real estate auctions in Switzerland on a central platform - including those in Winterthur and its surroundings. Users can filter by location, property type, price, and auction date and receive notifications as soon as new properties become available.
This makes the market for properties below market value transparent, efficient, and easily accessible for the first time - a significant advantage for investors and buyers.
Foreclosures in Winterthur are more than just an alternative to Zürich - they are an investment in a city with substance, growth, and quality of life. The mix of economic strength, high demand, and more moderate prices makes the region one of the most interesting real estate markets in Switzerland.
„Those who buy in Winterthur through a foreclosure are not just investing in a property - but in a city with a future.” - LocalAuction.ch
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