Article
The number of older people in Switzerland is growing, and thus continuously boosting demand for age-friendly buildings. The CS REF LivingPlus Fund has been investing in retirement and nursing homes as well as senior living facilities and multigenerational housing since 2007, and has continually expanded its portfolio.
January 28, 2022
Private and qualified investors
Demographic change in Switzerland is ongoing. Last year, the number of people in the country age 65 and older was 1.6 million,1 corresponding to more than 18% of the total population. By 2050, the number of people 65 and older will rise to 2.7 million.2
The CS REF LivingPlus Fund invests in properties that offer innovative forms of housing for seniors. The fund's holdings include not only retirement and nursing homes, but also mixed-age residential communities offering general and skilled care services that can be tailored to residents' individual needs.
The fund continually analyzes its holdings and invests in new construction projects in order to satisfy the demand for age-appropriate housing, an approach that also diversifies its portfolio. In each case, the fund pays special attention to both the respective operators and the long-term view regarding tenancies.
Five new buildings will be constructed in German-speaking Switzerland over the next few years, including DOMUM, a residential community in Bad Zurzach, and Senevita, a senior residence in Burgdorf.
Illustrations: The demand for age-appropriate living options continues to grow, while people's housing needs are also changing as they age. DOMUM (left) focuses on an innovative, multigenerational approach to housing. A total of 68 new apartments will be built in Bad Zurzach by 2023. The Senevita Burgdorf facility (right) now includes a three-story addition that comprises a new memory care facility that is directly connected to the existing retirement and nursing home.
What unites the residents – children and retirees alike – of the DOMUM cooperative housing association is not age, but the joy of being able to live in an attractive, multigenerational environment. Sixty-eight new apartments will be built in the Bad Zurzach residential community by 2023. Over and above standard amenities, the rent includes the use of common facilities, such as gyms, workshops, and multipurpose spaces, as well as group activities. In addition, residents can also opt for Spitex care services, laundry services, chaperoning and messenger services, catering services, and/or a 24-hour emergency call system.
The DOMUM cooperative housing association also provides for services whenever residents need intensified support in their daily routines. All of those who live here are given priority when searching for an assisted senior living facility or managed care in an OASE Senior Center. Since the people who run DOMUM are also behind the OASE Group, relocating is a simple and pleasant experience.
Senior living takes many forms. Senevita places great value on an age-appropriate environment that comprises not just housing but also functional and accessible surroundings. The 71 bright, spacious apartments in Burgdorf have good public transportation connections, with important services such as grocery stores, post offices, and banks close by. While the residents of Senevita Burgdorf live independently, they have the option of moving into single rooms for managed care whenever their need for skilled nursing increases.
In addition to age-appropriate housing, Burgdorf is also seeing greater demand for facilities geared to people with memory care needs. CS REF LivingPlus has responded to this need and succeeded in acquiring the site adjacent to Senevita to establish a memory care facility that is directly connected to the existing retirement and nursing home. The three-story addition opened in September 2021 and was handed over to Senevita, the operator. It comprises 36 skilled care and visitor rooms as well as spaces for social events and treatment facilities.
