Uster modernizes real estate strategy: New concept from June 2025!

Uster modernizes real estate strategy: New concept from June 2025!

The Uster City Council approved a revised real estate strategy on May 13, 2025, which will come into force on June 30, 2025. This strategy, in use since 2019, has been updated due to changing conditions and new societal needs. These include, among other things, mixed-age living, social urban development and climate and sustainability goals. The real estate industry is subject to constant change, and new legal requirements as well as current court rulings must be incorporated into the planning.

The consulting firm Federas AG was called in to support the revision process. New relevant goals and topics were identified as part of an internal administrative workshop. A key feature of the revision is the simplification of the documentation structure, which includes streamlining interfaces, organization and responsibilities. In addition, the degree of centralization in real estate management was increased in order to increase efficiency.

Focus on the needs of older people

In addition to this general real estate strategy, the city council adopted the “Uster Homes Supply and Real Estate Strategy” on September 5, 2023. This strategy aims to take into account the needs of the aging population and support the trend towards independent living. Metron has helped the city of Uster develop this strategy, particularly with the support of Pro Senectute Kanton Lucerne on issues relating to senior living.

The Uster homes offer various housing options and care for older people and people in moderate to severe need of care. A focus is on intermediate offers that enable residents to remain in their familiar surroundings, for example through day-night structures and assisted living. In addition, specialized inpatient offers are provided for higher care and support needs.

Modernization plans and timelines

The existing care centers Im Grund and Dietenrain are to be comprehensively modernized to ensure a high-quality and diverse range of services. A concrete spatial program will be developed in the near future in order to initiate a feasibility study and subsequent competitive procedures to select a project team. The electorate of Uster is expected to be able to vote on two implementation credits in 2030 and 2032.

Overall, the latest developments in Uster illustrate a clear direction in urban development: taking into account the different needs of citizens and especially the older population. With the revision of the real estate strategy and the specific focus on age issues, the city is demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusive and sustainable urban planning.

For more information on these developments, read nau.ch and metron.ch.