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Residential real estate prices and mortgage lending have risen strongly in Switzerland in recent years, a by-product of ultra-low interest rates set by the Swiss central bank to lessen the appeal of the safe-haven franc and prevent a recession. As this growth in mortgage loans and prices is posing a considerable risk for the economy, the Swiss government is raising the level of capital banks must hold against their mortgage book to 2% from 1% to rein in the sector. GDP growth in Switzerland has been healthy at around 2.0% in 2013 and is expected to remain robust. Despite consumer confidence still in negative territory, consumer spending continued to rise over the past year and annual retail sales have posted strong growth of 4.2% in November 2013.
Source : Cushman & Wakefield
