Foreclosure auctions in the Jura: Where land is still affordable
August 4, 2025
Why Jura is Currently Particularly Exciting
The canton of Jura (JU) is considered one of the last real "price-free spaces" in Switzerland. In a market dominated by high-price regions like Zurich (ZH), Geneva (GE), or Vaud (VD), Jura offers affordable entry points – and that with above-average auction activity per capita. In 2024, the forced auction rate was 17.8 per 100,000 inhabitants (behind Ticino (TI) and ahead of Valais (VS) and Solothurn (SO)), a reliable indicator of ongoing deal flow. Those who thoroughly inspect micro-locations like Delémont (JU), Porrentruy (JU), or Saignelégier (JU) will find opportunities with calculable risk.
Market Data 2021–2024: Rhythm, Volume, Classification
Nationwide, the auction market recorded 610 procedures in 2024 (2023: 644; 2022: 622; 2021: 854). Notably, the total volume rose to approximately 670.9 Mio. CHF in 2024 (2023: ≈560.7 Mio. CHF; 2022: ≈744.2 Mio. CHF; 2021: ≈904.3 Mio. CHF). The rhythm remains seasonal: Peaks in June and October (2024) as well as March/June (2023), with quieter summer months. For Jura, this means a planned window for counter-cyclical bidding.
| Year | CH: Number | CH: Volume | Peak Months | Jura: Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 610 | ≈ 670.9 Mio. CHF | June (75), October (62); July/August quiet | Per capita 17.8 – clearly above the Swiss average, deal flow present. |
| 2023 | 644 | ≈ 560.7 Mio. CHF | March (79), June (79) | Jura has very low average values for apartments/houses compared to other cantons. |
| 2022 | 622 | ≈ 744.2 Mio. CHF | May, Oct./Nov. | 12 forced auctions in Jura; clear seasonal signal. |
| 2021 | 854 | ≈ 904.3 Mio. CHF | May, June | Average house value in Jura ~318.5 Tsd. CHF – affordable basis. |
Price Anchor: Where "affordable" Becomes Measurable
In 2023, Jura was one of the cheapest cantons in Switzerland. For condominiums, the average was below that of many cantons; for residential houses, Jura had the lowest average market value in Switzerland at around 135 Tsd. CHF. Caution in interpretation: Small samples can distort average values – but they are still useful guidelines for bidding discipline.
In 2022, the favorable level was confirmed (average condominium Jura ≈ 279 Tsd. CHF; average house Jura ≈ 309 Tsd. CHF). Therefore, those calculating in Jura today can conservatively work with historically low anchors – and accurately price in the room for Capex.
Which Properties Dominate?
Switzerland will also be characterized by residential houses and condominiums in 2024 (together about 75 % of all forced auctions; 2023: ≈ 68 %). Here, the most opportunities arise in Jura: affordable condos in centers and simple single-/two-family houses in the surrounding area.
Micro-locations & Neighborhood: How Jura Generates Demand
- Canton seat & axes: Delémont (JU) benefits from administration, public transport hubs, and accessibility towards Bern (BE) / Solothurn (SO).
- Jura-North & border location: Porrentruy (JU) offers rental demand from commuting flows across the border; secondary markets towards Basel-Landschaft (BL) / Basel-Stadt (BS) support liquidity.
- Plateau & tourism: Saignelégier (JU) & Freiberge: demand from leisure & local recreation; smaller units with balcony/loggia and parking space are strong in rentals.
- Neighboring cantons as benchmarks: Comparing with Neuchâtel (NE) (condominiums often cheap) and Vaud (VD) (higher average values) helps to classify price ceilings in Jura.
“Affordable does not mean arbitrary: Those who have micro-location, building envelope, and management under control buy in Jura with a risk buffer – and sell with peace of mind.”
Practical Guide: From Idea to Bid
Due Diligence in 6 Steps
- Cluster appointments: Screening before peaks (early summer/autumn), strategically use the summer dip for less competition.
- Secure files: Land registry, easements, STWE regulations (in the case of condominiums), building lines, cadastre.
- Inspect the building: Roof, facade, windows, pipes; heating (oil → heat pump/pellet), moisture protection in sloped areas.
- Calculate yield: Market rent (peak/off-peak), ancillary costs, vacancy buffer; assess rental potential (public transport, parking, outdoor space).
- Plan Capex: 3–5-year roadmap (envelope/technology/interior construction) with reserves.
- Bidding discipline: Derive upper limit from yield value – not from market value.
// Yield value logic (simplified model)
Annual net rent = (Peak rent * Weeks peak) + (Off-peak rent * Weeks off) - Vacancy
Yield value = Annual net rent / Discount rate
Capex = Envelope + Technology + Interior construction + Ancillary costs
Safety discount = 10%–20% (micro-location, market liquidity)
MaxBid = min(Yield value, Market value) - Capex - Safety discount
Opportunity Profiles at a Glance
| Segment | Why in Jura? | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Condominium (2–3 rooms) | Cheap average values (2022/2023) – ideal for entry yields | Priority on floor plan economy, balcony/loggia, parking space |
| Single-/Two-family house | Very low average values (2023) – value-add through energetic renovation | Heating, windows, roof first; cost security via quotes |
| Properties | Large dispersion – from small plots to building land | Clarify usage/planning rights; factor in development costs |
Timing & Competition: Summer as a Bidding Window
Scheduling plays in favor of investors: 2024 was strong in June, while July/August was weak; in 2023, March and June stood out. In Jura, where per capita activity is high, summer dates can be used strategically – less competition, more calm in calculations.
Comparison & Benchmarking
- Activity: Per capita, Jura (JU) is in the upper field in 2024 (behind TI, ahead of VS and SO).
- Price level: Average condominium and average house clearly below Western Swiss hotspots like VD and GE; in 2023, the lowest average house value nationwide.
- Object mix: Nationwide in 2024 ~75 % condominiums/houses → high hit rate in key segments in Jura.
FAQ – Brief & Concise
Is there enough choice? Yes, very active per capita; regular screening provides a continuous pipeline.
Which months are suitable? June/October for broad screening; July/August for quiet bidding.
What drives yields? Affordable purchases (Jura average), disciplined Capex planning, micro-location (public transport, parking, outdoor space).
Conclusion: Affordable Substance, Plannable Deal Flow
Forced auctions in Jura (JU) combine low entry prices with above-average per capita activity and clear seasonality. Those who examine the micro-location, plan Capex disciplinedly, and use the bidding window in summer build a viable portfolio in the northwest of Switzerland – without paying the price frame of the centers in ZH, GE, or VD.
