Auctions per 100,000 inhabitants: These are the most active regions in Switzerland

Why Per-Capita Consideration Is Crucial

The sheer number of foreclosures indicates where a lot is happening. However, for those who really want to know where the most active regions are, it’s important to measure the events per 100,000 residents. This metric excludes size effects of larger cantons and highlights opportunities in smaller markets. In 2024, for example, TI clearly ranks first – not only absolutely but particularly per capita.

Switzerland 2024 at a Glance

In 2024, 610 foreclosures were registered nationwide (volume ≈ 670 million CHF). Seasonal peaks: June (75) and October (62); lows: July (19) and August (29). Residential houses (256) and condominiums (204) accounted for about 75% of all procedures.

Top Regions 2024 per 100,000 Residents

The ranking of the most active cantons per capita clarifies where the pipeline and hit rate for buyers are particularly high:

Rank	Canton	Foreclosures per 100,000 residents	Comment
1	TI	≈ 32.6	Leads in 2024 both absolutely (114) and relatively; broad object mix.
2	JU	≈ 17.8	Small market with high density – ideal for opportunistic bids.
3	VS	≈ 15.9	Steady deal flow, often related to leisure and second homes.
4	SO	≈ 15.6	Above-average activity, solid comparable cases.
5	GL	≈ 12.2	Small but dynamic – often less bidding competition.
6	VD	≈ 9.3	High absolute numbers (77), good benchmarks for condos/single-family homes.

At the lower end are urban cantons like ZH (≈ 1.9) and GE (≈ 3.2); in SH and AI, no auctions were published in 2024.

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Trend Image 2021–2024: Stability in the South, Shifts in Detail

• 2024: TI leads (≈ 32.6), followed by JU, VS, SO, and GL.
• 2023: Peak: TI (≈ 38.2) ahead of VS (≈ 24.1); GL also ranks high.
• 2022: TI (≈ 41.3) clearly ahead of GL (≈ 27.2) and VS.
• 2021: Southwest (especially VD, TI, VS) very active; the ranking per 100,000 residents significantly deviates from the absolute numbers.

The pattern is robust: per capita rankings consistently lead smaller but active cantons – opportunities for buyers seeking away from the centers and deciding quickly.

Which Objects Drive Activity

In 2024, approximately 75% of procedures concerned residential houses (256) and condominiums (204). Additionally: properties/land (52), commercial (26), multi-family homes (16), villas (16), as well as smaller shares of other types. Therefore, residential uses are particularly significant for regional per capita intensity.

“Activity Tiers”: Where Search Profiles Should Focus

• Tier A – very active per capita: TI, JU, VS, SO, GL. Focus: pipeline across multiple lots, quick due diligence.
• Tier B – active with high deal flow: VD, BE, FR, NE, AG, SG, TG. Focus: utilize comparable cases, derive maximum bid in a disciplined manner.
• Tier C – rare but valuable: ZH, GE, ZG, SZ, LU. Focus: selective, premium locations with higher entry barriers.

Quick Check 2024: Top & Laggards (per 100,000 residents)

Category	Cantons (A–Z)	Note
Top Density	GL, JU, SO, TI, VD, VS	High hit rate with ongoing monitoring.
Low Density	GE, ZH	Low per capita, but high ticket sizes in core locations.
No Cases in 2024	AI, SH	No published foreclosures.

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Method in 30 Seconds

// Metric: Foreclosures per 100,000 residents
Rate = (Number of foreclosures in the canton / Population of the canton) * 100,000
// Goal: Comparability of small/large cantons and identification of true activity hotspots

Practice: How to Utilize Per-Capita Insights

1. Start pipeline where density is high: TI, JU, VS, SO, GL.
2. Utilize seasonality: Finalize dossiers by spring; June/October are consistently peak months.
3. Consider object mix: Residential uses dominate activity – ideal for owner-occupied and rental strategies.
4. Comparison with previous years: Stability in high rates in the south confirms robust deal flow clusters (2022/2023/2024).

FAQ: Per-Capita Ranking Briefly Answered

• Why do ZH/GE rank relatively low? High population numbers depress the rate per 100,000 residents – despite relevant absolute case numbers.
• How stable are the rankings? The frontrunners hardly change: TI has led for years, regularly followed by VS, JU, SO, and GL.
• What types of properties are suitable for beginners? Condominiums and residential houses – they constitute the majority of the market and offer the best comparable values.

“Measured per capita, small cantons show great dynamism. Those who consistently observe there increase their probability of success – and buy closer to true market value.”